Summary
WARNING! Spoilers ahead forTransformers#9Optimus Prime and his Autobots have suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Decepticons, as theEnergon Universeera ofTransformerskicks into an even higher gear than readers have become accustomed to. While thesmall band Cybertronians stranded on Earthhave been trading blows since awakening inTransformers#1, a game-changing element introduced in the latest issue may have tipped the scales in the Decepticons’ favor.
Transformers#9 – written by Daniel Warren Johnson, with art by Jorge Corona – opens with the Decepticons establishing a bridge between Cybertron and Earth. Shockwave arrives through the new portal, and the powerful Decepticon manages to gain the upper hand on the Autobots.
Shockwave enters the sceneby transforming into his alt-mode as a laser pistol. Soundwave then uses him to take aim at a helpless Cliffjumper, butRatchet jumps in front of him at the last minute, sacrificing himself to save the younger Autobot.
In the Energon Universe continuity, Shockwave was left in control of Cybertron after Megatron chased Optimus Prime to search the universe for more Energon.
Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals: 10 Moments That Defined the Energon Universe in 2023
2023 was the year of the Energon Universe, as Skybound debuted its shared continuity, launchin all-new Transformers and G.I. Joe series.
Ratchet’s Sacrifice Comes As The Autobots Reach A Brutal Low Point
Transformers#9 – Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer & Rus Wooton
With Ratchet seemingly dead, the Autobots struggle to regroup against the Decepticons. Optimus then faces off against Shockwave, teasing that the two had tangled millennia ago on Cybertron. “Shall I make you cry for a second time?” taunts Optimus Prime, but he soon finds himself overwhelmed by all the Decepticons, which Shockwave uses to his advantage by putting Prime in a piledriver – keeping thepro-wrestling connection alive and well in the newTransformers. Shockwave takes the time to gloat over Prime’s comatose form, but he’s stopped from delivering the killing blow by Elita-1 arriving through the portal.
Although Elita-1 provides a last-minute save, the tide of the battle has already turned. Overrun by the Decepticons,Elita-1 takes charge and convincesPrime to “transform and roll out,” sadlyleaving the wounded Jazz and Cliffjumper behind to be captured by Shockwave.It’s a shocking turn of events, and something that Prime will more than likely wrestle with in future issues. It may not be traditionally “heroic,” but Prime is a leader, and thus has to make tough decisions for the good of all.
This is why Daniel Warren Johnson’s cover forTransformers#9 works so well, as Optimus Prime is quite literally carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The Autobots Losses Are Severe In The Energon Universe’s Latst Battle
Ratchet Killed; Jazz & Cliffjumper Captured
This is why Daniel Warren Johnson’s cover forTransformers#9 works so well, as Optimus Prime is quite literally carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Even though Prime was able to defeat Starscream during his brief tenure as leader of the Decepticons, the combined might of Soundwave and Shockwave proved too much for the Autobot leader. Now thatMegatron has gained his freedomfrom Cobra-La, he’ll almost certainly be looking for a rematch, as well. With so manyTransformersenemies running rampant in the Energon Universe,it’s not a great time in the Energon Universe to be one of Optimus Prime’s Autobots.
Transformers
Transformers is a multimedia franchise consisting of movies, TV Shows, video games, and comics. The franchise centers on a race of humanoid robots called the autobots who must protect Earth from the Decepticons. Some of the most popular characters include Megatron, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee. In 2007, the first live-action movie in the franchise was released starring Shia Labeouf.
