Image Comics reviews 8/12/26 – Transformers 35, GI Joe RAH 331

Blood and Thunder 16

Akeldama is closing in on her ultimate goal after getting imprisoned — retrieving Thunder. To do so, she’s going to have to perform a daring break-in at an IPPF-outsourced weapons facility.

Thunder isn’t alone though as it’s slated for destruction along with other outdated Fulminator 1.0 guns. Writer Benito Cereno kicks off the issue breaking down the history of the Fulminators while artist E.J. Su crafts this opening sequence like a happy Disney animated movie before things get bleak. It’s a clever Fulminator origin and further helps to explain the bond Akeldama has with Thunder.

Akeldama’s break-in is pretty fun as she’s trying to navigate her way through the facility with her less helpful Fulminator 2.0. This gives Su a chance to flex as Akeldama squeezes, hurdles and otherwise makes her way to Thunder and its new allies. The site has a lone guard and the payoff to that fight is the issue’s biggest misstep as it came off needlessly gratuitous.

Msassyk’s color choices continue to impress with a steady mix of bright hues mixing in well with muted, darker tones. Letterer Rus Wooton always gets more to tackle with this series thanks to Thunder’s unique text setup.

The issue wraps what’s been a pretty fun arc setting the stage for a number of wild possibilities now that Blood and Thunder have a bit more company to join them on their mission.

Rating: 8 out of 10