With Shockwave and other Decepticons arriving on Earth after making contact with Cybertron, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots were forced to retreat, leaving Ratchet and Cliffjumper behind. But Elita One and a mysterious other wounded Autobot traveled to Earth through the portal and made contact with Optimus. Simultaneously, pacifist Autobot Beachcomber rescues Spike from Astrotrain and reveals his reasons for not fighting in the war. Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona showcase Shockwave’s depraved hunger and willingness to do whatever it takes to save Cybertron in Transformers #10, even sacrificing all life on Earth for it.

An important distinction between the Decepticons and the Autobots that Johnson has made clear is their response and viewpoint towards the inhabitants on Earth. With the inclusion of Beachcomber, he serves as another lens through which to view the conflict between the two factions and their impact on Earth. The Autobot choosing to let his fellow Transformers stay in hibernation instead of waking them up due to his fears of them disrupting the planet adds complexity and how, even among the Autobots, they do not all share a common viewpoint. Conversely, Shoc,kwave willingly sacrifices organic life to transform it into energy to bring Cybertron to Earth. He can recognize the fragility but approaches it like a mad scientist who shares more of an interest in the experiment than fully acknowledging the living aspect of his subjects. He can only see the value of what can be harvested and consumed on Earth to bring Cybertron back to its forgotten glory.

In addition, I also appreciate Johnson’s focus on the destructive nature and horrors that have arisen from the war for Cybertron. Beachcomber’s pacifist nature resulted from seeing and experiencing the war firsthand. Or how Soundwave brushes away Thundercracker’s questioning of Shockwave torturing Ratchet and Cliffjumper despite being prisoners of war. Most of all, it lies in the wounded and unrecognizable Autobot who suffered firsthand from Shockwave’s torturous methods. Even though the Transformers are robots, Johnson still demonstrates what war can do to people and how much of a negative impact it entails. 

I cannot give enough praise for Corona’s art, which perfectly fits Johnson’s emotional and action-packed script. With Mike Spicer’s colors and Rus Wooten’s lettering, Transformers #10 remains one of the strongest titles within the Energon Universe. Every visual aspect of it sings and makes it a true delight to read.

Johnson and Corona further complicate the war between Autobots and Decepticons as Cybertron arrives within Earth’s orbit. As Shockwave primes the planet for consumption, Optimus Prime and his fellow Autobots will need a miracle to defeat the Decepticons’ plans. Transformers #10 ends on an explosive note that will significantly impact the future of the Energon universe.

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Jorge Corona
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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