Autobots… roll out and read this comic!
Another week, another Energon title from Image Comics, and Transformers Volume 1 has quickly become my favorite so far! Daniel Warren Johnson pulls double duty here as both writer and artist, and it’s clear that this story is a labor of love.
Volume One collects the first six issues in a beautifully crafted trade paperback. The cover art is phenomenal, drawing you in immediately with its colors and detail. Inside, we follow the intertwined journeys of two humans and a small group of stranded Autobots and Decepticons. This story feels intimate and grounded, taking place in a quiet corner of America.
I should mention that my history with Transformers is pretty limited—I’ve only seen the first couple of Michael Bay movies, and that was over a decade ago. But despite my little knowledge, this story does an excellent job of introducing the characters in a way that feels fresh and accessible. Johnson masterfully conveys their personalities, making it easy to forget these are literal talking robots. The writing humanizes them in a way that makes their experiences feel both believable and deeply moving.
Minor Spoiler Ahead
One of the top moments for me was a scene where Optimus Prime accidentally crushes a deer. Having only ever walked on metal, he’s unprepared for the fragile life around him, and his reaction to the animal’s death is heart-wrenching. The sorrow and shame he feels in that moment are felt in the reader, and it’s one of many instances where the comic explores the Autobots’ vulnerability in this alien world. These moments of humility and introspection add layers to characters who are often depicted as purely heroic or villainous.
The story’s emotional depth surprised me, and I found myself rereading it three times over the week, savoring the nuances of Johnson’s writing and artwork. Each read-through revealed new details that deepened my appreciation for the world he was building. From the beautiful art to the quiet, reflective moments between battles, this comic is crafted with respect for both longtime fans and newcomers.
If you’re looking for a Transformers story that goes beyond explosions and battles, this one is worth picking up. Johnson has created something truly special here, blending action with emotion in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. I’m genuinely excited to see where he takes this story next.
Check out my other Energon comic reviews!
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