TRANSFORMERS #34 (SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT/IMAGE COMICS)

Optimus continues his life after being the Prime and has to tell General Flagg about how he is no longer Prime or an Autobot. Meanwhile, the rest of the Bots that were left on Earth are adapting to their new life. But the Decepticons know when they have an opportunity to strike their enemies when they are down.

Transformers #34 - Written By Robert Kirkman - Art By Jason Howard - Colors By Mike Spicer – Letters By Rus Wooten - Edited By Ben Abernathy - Published By Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

Optimus meets with General Flagg and explains how he is no longer the Prime and how the Autobots are no more on Earth as well. Flagg explains to him how important he is to the U.S and the people of Earth and it doesn’t matter what he is called. Thundercracker is trying to prove himself to Optimus to thank him for allowing him to join him. Along with the other Aerialbots, they go in search of the Ark that Skywarp teleported somewhere on Earth. Cliffjumper and Shredhead run into some Combaticons who are destroying a town and engage them in battle. Well this is all taking place, General Flagg takes Optimus with him to pay a visit to Doctor Henri Arkeville. But they don’t get the reception they thought they would get.

WRITING:

This issue gives readers a much-needed look at what the Bots left on Earth have been doing since Elita Prime returned to Cybertron with the rest of the Autobots. Robert Kirkman uses this issue to slow things down just enough to show how much the status quo has shifted. Optimus is no longer carrying the title of Prime, the Autobots as an organized force are no longer operating on Earth in the same way, and everyone who remains is being forced to figure out what their purpose is now. That makes Optimus’ conversation with General Flagg one of the strongest parts of the issue. Flagg does not treat Optimus’ loss of title as a loss of value. Instead, he reminds him that the people of Earth still see him as a symbol of hope, leadership, and protection, regardless of what he calls himself. That perspective gives Optimus a renewed sense of purpose and reinforces that his mission on Earth still matters.

Kirkman also introduces Doctor Henri Arkeville in a way that immediately makes him feel important beyond this single issue. His presence adds another layer of mystery to the Earth side of the story, and it feels like he could become a major player not only in Transformers, but also in the larger Energon Universe. The issue does a strong job of planting seeds without overexplaining them, especially with the search for the Ark. Seeing Thundercracker try to prove himself to Optimus is another interesting thread because it continues to explore whether he can truly find a new path after everything he has done. Pairing him with the Aerialbots gives that subplot a lot of potential, and the tease of where their mission may lead creates a strong sense that the Earth based story is about to become much bigger.

Where the writing is a little shakier is with the Cliffjumper, Shredhead, and Combaticons sequence. The action itself is entertaining, and it does give the issue a needed burst of energy after several pages of quieter character work and setup. However, the scene arrives very suddenly and does not feel as naturally connected to the rest of the issue as the Optimus, Flagg, Thundercracker, and Arkeville material. Because of that, it comes across less like an essential story beat and more like a moment added to make sure the issue still had a fight scene. It is not a bad sequence by any means but compared to the stronger emotional and world-building material around it, the action feels slightly disconnected. Even with that issue, Kirkman continues to do a good job balancing the larger direction of the series with smaller character moments, making this issue feel like an important setup issue for what is coming next.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue continues to lean into an old school Transformers feel while still having enough modern energy to keep it from looking like simple nostalgia. Jason Howard gives the characters a style that feels reminiscent of the 1980s movie and animated series, especially in the way the Bots carry themselves and how clearly their silhouettes stand out on the page. That connection to the classic era brings an air of familiarity to the issue, which should appeal strongly to longtime fans, but Howard also makes sure the visuals have their own identity. The Transformers do not look like stiff machines placed into the story. They feel expressive, heavy, and present in every scene, which helps sell both the quieter character moments and the larger action beats.

Howard’s attention to detail in the designs of the Transformers is one of the best parts of the issue. Each character has enough personal style and customization to stand apart, whether it is through their body language, facial expressions, armor shapes, or the way they move through a scene. Optimus has a worn but still commanding presence that fits where he is emotionally at this point in the story, while characters like Thundercracker and the Aerialbots bring a different kind of energy to the pages. The action involving Cliffjumper, Shredhead, and the Combaticons also benefits from Howard’s ability to keep the layouts clear. Even when there is destruction, movement, and multiple characters in the same sequence, the reader can still follow who is where and what is happening.

Mike Spicer’s color palette compliments the artwork by giving the issue a strong sense of atmosphere and depth. The colors bring out the details in the characters and backgrounds without making the pages feel too busy. The metallic surfaces, explosions, and outdoor settings all have enough contrast to make the scenes pop, while the quieter moments still feel grounded. Spicer’s work helps separate the different tones of the issue, from the more serious conversations with Optimus and General Flagg to the bigger, more explosive sequences involving the Combaticons. Together, Howard and Spicer give the issue a visual style that respects the classic Transformers look while still making the world feel active, cinematic, and full of personality.

Check out MY review of transformers #33

Final Thoughts:

Transformers #34 does a good job of setting up where we are going with the Bots left on Earth. The different threads of the story look like they will be the roots of what will happen over the next issues. This issue is a little slower than what we’ve become accustomed to, but that’s not a bad thing as it does a great job of laying groundwork for the future. Transformers continues to be one of the best and most consistent titles on the shelf every month and should definitely not be overlooked.

FINAL GRADE: 8/10

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