When the Decepticons attack the Autobots at their weakest moment, an unlikely new hero joins the battle! With human and Transformer robots lives at stake, can Optimus Prime unlock the true power behind the Matrix of Leadership to save them both? Transformers #4 is a hell of an issue that continues the series’ march to be unique with a new take on the classic characters.

Spike has been shot and Optimus is injured but Optimus is focused on getting Spike to a hospital to treat him. There’s a question as to how Optimus knows about hospitals or where to go, but we’ll ignore that. And, with Optimus wounded, Starscream sees an opportunity to attack the Autobot leader to gain the upper hand.

Written by Daniel Warren Johnson, Transformers #4 is a fantastic issue, the best of the series so far. There feels like real drama, it lays out the difficult position both sides are in, is packed with action, and then there’s the holy shit moment of the ending. It’s Johnson’s focus on motivations and emotions of the Autobots that are truly interesting. Optimus, while skeptical at first, sees a world and people he needs to protect. Other Autobots are not so sure. Decepticons are clear in their dislike of humans (but how does Starscream know about ants?). The Autobot mission being not so clear and evolving in a way humanizes the characters more and in the end, makes a hell of a lot more sense than the all-in aspect of the classic cartoon.

The art by Johnson, with color by Mike Spicer and lettering by Rus Wooton continues to be interesting. There’s Johnson’s very distinct style with a mix of a take on the Transformers that’s a bit more rough in the mechanics. You see pistons and internal transformation points during the process and even in vehicle mode when damaged. There’s a bit more of a “rough” aspect to all of that that makes the Transformers a bit more mechanical in some ways and less “organic” in others. It adds to their alien aspect. And, the action continues to be brutal. This is a series where limbs are destroyed, bodies desecrated, death happens.

I was a bit iffy on the series when it launched, but I’m all in after Transformers #4. The series keeps improving with each issue and really creating a unique voice for itself.

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Daniel Warren Johnson
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle