Transformers #12 can be summarized as the culmination of solid pacing and character writing as the second arc of Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers series comes to a climactic close. Optimus Prime & the rest of the Autobots enact a plan to take the fight to Shockwave while also rescuing Jazz and Cliff. We also keep up with Spike & Beachcomber in the side story. Artist Jorge Corona  and colorist Mike Spicer continue to provide the perfect visuals, along with impeccable lettering by Rus Wooton.

The majority of the issue focuses on a battle between the Autobots and Shockwave’s army. The script’s choreography allows the reader to easily follow along with so much action and robotic body parts flying around the pages. Even with so many characters in the mix, DWJ is still able to include character moments for quite a few of the main cast. After building up over the past few issues, tension amongst the Autobots (and Carly) comes to head and where this team of heroes finds itself in the next arc is a huge question mark. Decisions are made that leave the previous status quo in tatters, leaving the next arc to pick up the pieces of a fractured team. 

Corona’s work in this issue, and this entire arc, has been so lively and precise, without forgetting the is a comic book about fighting robots. He flexes his chops yet again with an expertly choreographed brawl that keeps the reader drawn in. His presence on the book has picked up seamlessly from where DWJ left off and the unknowing eye might not even realize there was a change in artist. Spicer’s colors bring Corona’s art to life with bursts of energy and depth. On the page with one of the heaviest emotional beats of the issue, I applaud his restraint from using bold colors and stick to an emphatic use of white space. 

My only complaint for this issue is that I wish we would have seen more of Ultra Magnus after his PTSD episode in the previous issue. It was setup as a pivotal moment that impacted the flow of battle and I was shocked it was touched upon again in this issue. Hopefully this wasn’t just a plot point to introduce a sense of chaos and despair, but I trust DWJ to revisit this situation with care and grace.

Through what is now two full arcs, DWJ has brought a depth to the Transformers Universe that I didn’t expect to encounter in my first comic book experience with the IP. With each review, I feel like I’m running out of new ways to say that this is a can’t miss series but the entire creative keeps pumping out brilliant work that requires me to do so.

Rating: 9/10