Image Comics reviews 5/14/25 – Battle Beast 1, Geiger 14

Transformers 20

The moment many Transformers fans have been awaiting since his shocking debut in the Energon Universe. Megatron is back with the Decepticons. When the EU kicked off, Megatron was in Cobra La as Cobra Commander found ways to harness his Energon. Now free from his captivity, Megatron has slowly made his way to reuniting with his Decepticons.

First, he’s got to deal with the revenge-seeking Astrotrain, who’s long harnessed a hatred for the Decepticons leader. Writer Daniel Warren Johnson and artist Jorge Corona quickly show why Megatron is the preeminent threat in the Decepticons even without his arm cannon…or his eyes. That doesn’t bode well for Astrotrain or Starscream, who’s hopes of ruling the Decepticons have come to a dramatic end. Corona does a fantastic job showing how formidable Astrotrain is in combat and then unveils the menace of Megatron in even more devastating fashion.

Elsewhere, Optimus Prime attempts to work through his nightmarish visions and gets a much-needed pep talk from Spike. With so many Decepticons running around, Johnson decided it was time to give the Autobots some reinforcements beyond the slow trickle of one or two more revived characters. This made for a really touching scene — one that Transformers doesn’t have that often. Johnson has done an excellent job of conveying a sense that the Autobots are heavily traumatized from the war with the Decepticons making these tender moments all the more meaningful. Having said that, hopefully Johnson won’t wipe them all out next issue.

Corona also gets to spend a bit more time drawing another key human although he’s more acclaimed for his important role with G.I. Joe than Transformers. There’s been interaction with Cobra and Decepticons and now in Transformers 20 and GI Joe, we’re starting to see more beneficial engagement with the Joes and Autobots. That will be necessary for both factions as a clash between all four seems inevitable and battlelines need to be established.

Mike Spicer’s colors are electric with vibrant hues that lean in heavy to the mood whether darker colors for the Decepticon scenes and brighter lighting as Prime and the Autobots experience a moment of sunrise. As always, letterer Rus Wooton delivers the best sound effects for the Transformers battles and intense dialogue exchanges.

A lot happened in this issue setting the stage for some dramatic moments over the next few issues. The series only has Johnson writing for a bit longer so it’s best to just sit back and enjoy what’s been one of the best Transformers runs ever.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics