Daniel Warren Johnson’s two-year run on Transformers has been a spectacular ride, full of larger-than-life action, fresh perspectives, and an emotional depth rarely seen between machines. Now, with issue #24, Johnson, along with artists Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer, brings his run to a triumphant, explosive, and truly unforgettable end. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Optimus Prime vs. Megatron, a brutal, no-holds-barred clash that decides the fate of the world.
From the first page, the art team leaves it all on the table. A full-page spread of Optimus and Megatron locked in a furious embrace sets the tone, and the energy never lets up. Every panel is chaotic, with kinetic lines and vibrant colors capturing every punch, every slam, and even a mid-blow transformation. The art in this series has always been incredible, but here, it’s simply ridiculous how good it looks.
The battle itself lives up to every bit of the hype. Yes, there’s a physical fight, but there’s also the clash of ideologies. We see how Optimus’s compassion, both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness, is used against him. Megatron, in his diabolical thirst for power, is happy to cross any line, even killing innocent humans just to get a rise out of Prime. Johnson perfectly plays on these heel tactics, throwing in challenges that turn the tide of the fight and leading to moments that will have any long-time Transformers fan yelling with excitement. One particularly standout moment is Optimus declaring that just because he cares for the innocent, it doesn’t mean he can’t beat Megatron into submission, before doing a WWE-style flying dive. It’s just downright awesome.
Throughout the run, we’ve seen Optimus suffer immense tragedy and loss, yet he always holds on. He fights not just for himself, but for his friends and for the new world he finds himself in. He can see beyond the violence to find something beautiful worth protecting. Megatron, on the other hand, is a force of pure evil, his actions in this issue proving him to be the ultimate villain. The surprises in this issue, especially one shocking moment that drives home Megatron’s brutality, make the Autobots’ eventual turnaround feel even more earned and thrilling.
This finale isn’t just about the main event. Johnson and the team also pay off several long-running subplots. Shredhead, the newest Transformer, delivers an incredible feat, taking on an entire squad of Decepticons by himself. His potential is immense, and I’m excited to see what the next creative team will do with him. Even the surprising defection of Starscream is a fantastic callback to an earlier issue, and the reveal that he survived Megatron blowing off half his face is gnarly yet awesome, leaving us eager to see his journey to reclaim his identity.
Transformers #24 is a fitting farewell to a truly exceptional creative run. It wraps up the current story in a deeply satisfying way while also setting the stage for what’s to come from the new team of Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora. Johnson, Corona, and Spicer have crafted a comic that is a genuine work of art; a story that will make you smile and maybe even cry a little. It’s a testament to their love for the characters and honoring the legacy that came before it.
‘Transformers’ #24 Review: The Showdown Fans Have Been Waiting For
Johnson, Corona, and Spicer have crafted a comic that is a genuine work of art; a story that will make you smile and maybe even cry a little. It’s a testament to their love for the characters and honoring the legacy that came before it.
