Discovering an old ship at the bottom of the ocean, Decepticon leader Soundwave makes contact with Shockwave to form a connective bridge between Earth and Cybertron. Optimus Prime may have met his match and face defeat as one of the deadliest threats to Autobots arrives on the planet. Also, an unexpected ally arrives, and Astrotrain takes Spike to the Decepticons. A tough decision for the Autobots and the Earth to survive tests Optimus Prime’s leadership qualities in Transformers #9 by Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona.

Johnson highlights how much of a danger Soundwave stands towards Autobots and Earth, especially with Shockwave arriving on the planet and bringing reinforcements. Aside from the physical threat, his tactical and ferocious leadership of the Decepticons contrasts with Optimus’s leadership style, forcing him to abandon Cliffjumper and Ratchet. Along with having Astrotrain capture Spike, Johnson showcases Soundwave’s cunning as he and Shockwave have more significant plans for Earth outside of simply conquering it. As a result, Optimus and the crew need to think bigger and plan for the long term, as the Decepticons are ahead of them by ten steps. Considering how Shockwave plans to experiment with Ratchet and Cliffjumper, it might not end well for them. The Autobots may have won the previous battle against Starscream, but they will need to win the war by increasing their numbers and thinking about the long term.

Although Optimus had to leave his comrades, the arrival of Elita and Beachcomber deepens the character roster of the series as Johnson demonstrates a deep love and appreciation for the Transformers franchise. After showing Elita fighting on a present-day Cybertron and eventually arriving on Earth as the Autobots and the Decepticons still fight, it presents how long the fight between the two factions has been going on and how it cannot truly end. Similarly, Johnson teased Beachcomber’s appearance in the previous issue before having him join the fray in Transformers #9 by rescuing Spike. Considering how, in Generation 1, he has a strong distaste for fighting, I am interested to see how Johnson will approach this aspect and his viewpoint as the war reaches another level of conflict and when someone will repair Elita’s friend.

Corona’s incredible interior art is dazzling as he delivers another gorgeously rendered issue. He expertly conveys the darker narrative and shows the efficient brutality of the Decepticons. With colorist Mike Spicer and letterer Rus Wooton, Transformers #9 demonstrates that Transformers is still one of the most visually exhilarating and exciting comic book series. 

Optimus Prime and his remaining allies must form a new strategy to battle the Decepticons’ overarching plan as the Autobots suffer significant losses. Johnson and Corona increasingly raise the stakes where only one side can live at the war’s end. As the war for Cybertron and Earth hangs in the balance, Optimus must learn to make the hard choices to ensure the safety of all Autobots and humans. The battle between Autobots and Decepticons not only challenges the lives hanging in the balance but also Optimus’s strong leadership. 

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Jorge Corona
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.7 Art: 9.7 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle