The new war between Autobots and Decepticons has finally reached its climax, with the death of Optimus Prime uniting the heroes like never before… and setting up the best hand-to-hand fight between Transformers icons in years.
In the new Transformers series, the odds have been stacked against the heroic Autobots from the very beginning. Putting up a noble fight regardless of the growing Decepticon numbers or the innocent human lives at risk, the return of Megatron proved too much. The most devastating blow was dealt when, in Transformers #22, the damage to Optimus Prime made his death inevitable.
The travels of Optimus Prime’s soul beyond life are unknown to his allies, but as his friends accept the loss of their greatest leader, Transformers #23 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, and Mike Spicer sees the mourning heroes turn their grief into rage. Led by a newly resolved Ultra Magnus, the Autobots launch a furious assault as tribute to Optimus Prime.
The Death of Optimus Transforms The Autobots Into A Brutal Army
The Battle For Earth Begins in Transformers #23
Writer Daniel Warren Johnson has cited the 1986 Transformers: The Movie as a major inspiration, seen by him (and most modern fans) as a pinnacle of the cinematic action and drama the property can deliver. That is on full display in this issue, as the Autobots not only attack the Decepticons in a breathtaking double-page spread, but charge into the battle with such force and confidence, many of their enemies stand stunned.
It’s a well-earned and faithful depiction, considering how the friendly, peace-seeking, and typically virtuous these Transformers conduct themselves against the cruel, confident, and battle-hungry villains under Megatron. But galvanized by seeing Optimus Prime fall in their defense, the Autobots remind everyone that “heroic” doesn’t have to mean hesitant.
The series has delivered several unforgettable action moments and rallying cries to this point (Optimus ripping off his arm to use it as a weapon chief among them). But it’s likely that Ultra Magnus leading the Autobots by explaining that “I know how to die. I can die for his dream of a better world for all of us” earns its place in the Transformers hall of fame. And, as is revealed, sets up the actual title fight of the war.
Optimus Prime is Resurrected, Just in Time To Face Megatron
Optimus Communes With The Matrix, For A Possible Power-Up
With his body broken and the energy within his Matrix of Leadership utterly failing, Optimus is completely beyond all healing. In a moment not yet fully explained, Optimus travels into the powers of the Matrix itself, where he receives guidance and help from Sparky Witwicky, who previously sacrificed himself to keep Optimus alive. Enough help, it seems, to cleanse the mystical realm and restore his physical form.
With a new arm freshly constructed, and a newfound devotion to protecting the humans in danger, Optimus rises from the grave to once again stand between Megatron and the innocent. And just when the Decepticon leader thought he might actually have avoided a fight with Optimus at full strength, too.
The two icons prepare to collide in the direct fight all fans have been waiting for, and which briefly seemed impossible with Optimus Prime vanquished. The full battle is set to unfold in the coming issue, promising a whole new era of Transfomers and “the most shocking ending to ANY comic book this year!”
But if the loss of their leader was all the Autobots needed to fight like the dead, the return of a restored Optimus is bound to unlock a whole new level of resolve. Will this shocking ending be good news, or bad?
Transformers #23 is available now.
