Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora continue to shake up the Energon Universe in Transformers #26, delivering another thrilling installment that pushes the story to new heights. The Autobots face a crisis as they attempt to save Skywarp, a Decepticon, which tests loyalties and challenges the very idea of unity among Cybertronians. Building on the momentum left by Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona, Kirkman and Mora deepen the consequences of the Autobots’ and Decepticons’ last clash, creating foundational questions that reverberate through the Energon Universe.
The issue opens with the Autobots investigating the mysteriously returned Ark, only to be confronted by the Decepticon stowaway Thundercracker, whose fury stems from Skywarp being trapped in the Ark’s systems earlier to help rebuild Decepticon forces. Determined to save his friend, Thundercracker attacks Jazz, ignoring warnings that moving Skywarp could be fatal, until Optimus Prime intervenes, rescuing Jazz and explaining the truth. Realizing his anger was misdirected and that his own faction bears responsibility, Thundercracker forms an uneasy alliance with the Autobots. Wheeljack gets Teletraan-1 operational, allowing Skywarp to be restored and reinforcing the fragile trust between the two sides.
This turning point highlights the difference between the Autobots’ commitment to forge a new path on Earth and that of Megatron and the Decepticons, who remain consumed by hatred rather than a purpose. Thundercracker’s rampage serves as a stark reminder that the line between Autobots and Decepticons is increasingly blurred, and his actions set the tone for the moral and strategic conflicts that continue to shape this series.
Alongside the chaos, the story continues to explore Optimus Prime’s evolving partnership with humans, while Spike and Carly deal with the fallout from the climactic events of Transformers #24. Meanwhile, Elita-1 and Cliffjumper weigh the future of the Cybertronian Autobot forces and reflect on Optimus’s choices on Earth. Even as new developments take center stage, the ongoing narratives of both the Cybertronians and their human allies remain compelling, giving the issue a layered, interconnected feel.
Kirkman demonstrates a careful balance between escalating the Earthbound storylines and acknowledging the larger Cybertronian plot threads left over from Daniel Warren Johnson’s run. The decisions of Optimus Prime and Megatron carry significant weight, influencing how all other characters navigate their roles in the conflict. By connecting the events on Earth to the larger Cybertronian consequences, Kirkman ensures that both locales feel integral to the story’s momentum.
Dan Mora’s art is nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly elevating the series with his dynamic and expressive style. Unlike Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona, whose work leaned heavily into stylized intensity, Mora brings the kinetic energy of an animated episode to every panel. His characters move with fluidity, and the emotion conveyed through their faces gives each moment weight and significance, making the drama feel immediate and compelling. The Transformers themselves are rendered with a balance of realism and cartoon charm, making it easy to imagine these robotic characters existing in the real world without losing their iconic designs.
Mora also brings a remarkable level of detail and care to Earth environments and human characters. Complemented by Mike Spicer’s carefully chosen color palette, the artwork is immersive, vibrant, and cinematic. Mora’s work doesn’t just maintain the series’ established visual identity—it expands it, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the industry’s top artists today and making this issue a true visual standout.
All in all, Transformers #26 raises the stakes and delivers one of the most thrilling installments in comics today, combining explosive action with compelling character drama. While the plot unfolds with relentless energy, the heart of this issue lies in Thundercracker’s internal conflict, which takes center stage, lending emotional depth to the chaos.
Kirkman proves he is more than capable of stepping out of the shadow of his predecessors, handling the characters and world with skill and care, crafting moments that feel deliberate and impactful. Paired with Dan Mora, whose artwork captures the fluidity, power, and emotion of every scene, the issue is both visually stunning and narratively satisfying. The fallout from the latest Autobot versus Decepticon clash continues to reverberate, blurring lines between allies and enemies and creating tension that keeps readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
‘Transformers’ #26 Review: Thundercracker’s Crisis Blurs the Line Between Autobot & Decepticon
While the plot unfolds with relentless energy, the heart of this issue lies in Thundercracker’s internal conflict, which takes center stage, lending emotional depth to the chaos.
