The great battle of Autobots against Decepticons occurs after landing on Earth. Optimus Prime, Sparky Witwicky, and the other Autobots have to fight not only Starscream and his forces but also the giant Devastator. With their odds stacked against them, the Autobots have to succeed in their battle or watch the Decepticons destroy all of humanity. Daniel Warren Johnson masterfully ends his first arc in Transformers #6 as he delivers a fight that will test not only the Autobots but Earth’s inhabitants as well.
Johnson has masterfully tackled action-heavy narratives with a strong emotional and sentimental core throughout his past works. Although he already writes and draws some of the best action in current comics, it would only be meaningful with the heart he instills into the stories, and Transformers #6 is the same. Devastator is already a great villain, but after making us emotionally invested in Optimus, Sparky, Carly, Cliffjumper, and others, the threat becomes more personal while having the reader care about what happens to them. While Johnson pushes the spectacle further with his fantastic visuals, he provides the natural emotional architecture to justify it. He never hides the heart on his sleeve, which makes his work so resonant and honest. This is not the first Daniel Warren Johnson comic book to make me tear up and hit my heartstrings, but it always makes it feel earned. In what could have been an easily cynical book being prosperous from the brand name alone, Johnson showcases the beauty, wonder, and emotionality of what draws us to Transformers and its character and world.
Throughout the arc, Johnson threaded the narrative of the effects of war, trauma, and sacrifice on people across generations. Specifically, Optimus and Sparky, who have experienced similar tragedies despite coming from two different worlds, find commonalities in each other. Both have placed themselves before others regarding dangerous matters while doing what they need to protect their families and homes. Carly and Cliffjumper have also experienced similar familiar losses and find strength by relating and bonding over them. Johnson tackles these delicate themes with a mature and honest hand through these characters. He never sugarcoats it for the reader but explores it openly, where he never shaves off the rough edges.
Several times while reading the issue, Johnson’s artwork left my mouth agape, specifically with a specific double-page spread that would look perfect on my apartment wall due to its kinetic action and attention to detail. Every page and panel is a work of art that you easily marvel at for hours. Considering Johnson will be handing off art duties to Jorge Corona starting the next issue, he left on a genuine high note where he pushed beyond his previously incredible set boundaries. Mike Spicer’s retro and bright colors replicate that classic Generation 1 vibe and 1980s sci-fi aesthetic. His coloring makes Johnson’s work pop exceptionally well. Lastly, Rus Wooton’s lettering perfectly matches Johnson’s art and Spicer’s colors by replicating that vintage robotic aesthetic for Transformers.
Daniel Warren Johnson delivers another emotionally resonant and action-packed issue while finishing his first arc in Transformers #6. You need to pick it up immediately. I can guarantee you can’t finish it with a dry eye. Johnson has proven again to be one of the best Transformers creatives in recent memory and all time.
Story/Art Daniel Warren Johnson
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.8 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Read
Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
