MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

File:Transformers 2023 17 Harrison's Comics Cover.jpg

2025-02-17T20:42:59Z

Ulchtars Poison:

{{SkyboundEU
|description=
{{art|art=[[Jackie Mar]]}}
|series=transformers
|cover=Harrison's Comics Cover
|excerpt=
|issueno=17
|storylink=
|storytitle=
|year=25}}

[[Category:Images by Jackie Mar]]

File:Transformers 2023 17 Harrison's Comics Cover.jpg

2025-02-17T20:39:34Z

Ulchtars Poison: Transformers 17 Harrison's Comics Exclusive Cover Cover art by Jackie Mar

Transformers 17 Harrison's Comics Exclusive Cover
Cover art by Jackie Mar

Transformers (2023) issue 17

2025-02-17T20:24:15Z

Ulchtars Poison: /* Other trivia */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' #17
|prev=Transformers (2023) issue 16
|next=Transformers (2023) issue 18
|image=Transformers 2023 17 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[February 12]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=February 2025
|written by=[[Daniel Warren Johnson]]
|art by=[[Jorge Corona]]
|colors by=[[Mike Spicer]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|production design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''As the chaos of the Decepticons' civil war spills out into a major human city, two teams of Autobots look to recruit some allies: one seeks out a friend in need, while the other aims to build a brand-new one.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] makes his way to the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', where he reunites with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], still merged with [[Teletraan I|Teletraan One]]. Thundercracker attempts to separate the two, but Skywarp tells him to stop, as removing him means death. Understanding Skywarp's situation, Thundercracker resolves to find a way to remove his brother from his "prison"...

In the middle of the San Juan Islands, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s team manages to narrow down [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]' trail, having found his tracks and gotten a stronger lock on his energon readings. Arcee thanks [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] for helping her, and he replies that he's just happy to be useful in a way that doesn't involve violence; when Arcee asks what made him decide to abandon the fight in the first place, Beachcomber recalls the day the [[Decepticon]]s attacked the ''Ark'' — in the midst of the battle, he got a glimpse of the vast wonders of space through a crack in the hull... a sight that made the war seem so meaningless by comparison. As Arcee questions if he really has a choice in the matter, [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] alerts the group to incoming fire, which sends the group tumbling into the water. The blasts are being fired by a rattled Ultra Magnus, who stops when he realizes he's shooting at Arcee — he couldn't recognize his friends through the dark of the woods, and had lost himself in the midst of building a massive fortress to keep himself safe...

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], final preparations are underway for [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'s assault on the [[Well of All Sparks|Well of Sparks]]. The weary Elita envies the hope in Cliffjumper's eyes, having been stuck drudging through the never-ending back-and-forth of the war on Cybertron for centuries... which, Cliffjumper remarks, is why [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] had to leave, intending to find a way forward elsewhere and then return home to save everyone. As Elita begins ranting again about how they're stuck on their own, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] cuts her short — in the brief moment Optimus returned to Cybertron, he managed to remove [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from the picture, leaving the Decepticons on Cybertron effectively leaderless and giving the [[Autobot]]s, who've ''all'' been suffering as much as she has, an opportunity to turn things around, especially now that they have the means to create reinforcements. Elita agrees, and the team sets off.

[[File:TF2023 no. 17 - AutobotsInSeattle.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

As Optimus' team overlook the aftermath of the broken dam, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] informs Optimus that [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] is moving into a large human population by the name of "[[Seattle]]". Despite Wheeljack's objections regarding his mysterious spurts of violence, Optimus rallies his team forward, intent on saving what human lives he can.

At the Hall of Sparks, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] is complaining to [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] about how he'd rather be battling in Autobot territory than be stuck guarding a place that hasn't seen action in years... right as [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] whizzes by, and he, Bluestreak, and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] blow open a path for Elita and Cliffjumper to make their way inside. Elita incapacitates the two Decepticons and catches up with Cliff at the Well, which mysteriously activates on its own. At the Well's prompting, Cliff inserts his clan's [[spark canister]], and after it confirms the contained [[spark]]s are enough to proceed, Cliff prepares to begin the creation event...

In Seattle, the battle between [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s team and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s team continues, leaving devastation in its wake. Steeling himself, Optimus orders the Autobots to save as many of the humans as they can. Back at the Well of Sparks, Elita informs Cliff that its program is asking for a [[alternate mode|secondary mode]] to model the new Autobot after. On cue, Cliff has [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] deposit Carly's wrecked van, which the Well scans. The new Autobot then emerges, the combination of his clan's sparks causing them to remember Cliff from ages past. When Cliff asks what his new friend calls themselves, they respond: their name is '''[[Shredhead]]!'''

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (5)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (6)
* ''[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'' (8)
* ''[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'' (9)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (12)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (13)
* [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (14)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (15)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (16)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (19)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (20)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (21)
* [[Shredhead]] (29)

|c2=
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (1)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (7)
* ''[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (10)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (22)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (23)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (24)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (25)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (26)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (27)

||c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (4)
* [[Seattle]] citizens (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"You think you have what it takes to defeat us, Soundwave?" 
"Actually... yes." 
"'''GET REAL.''' You always were, and always will be, a '''BI--!'''"
:—'''Starscream''' talks smack to '''Soundwave''' and gets a fistful of Devastator for his trouble.

"Quickly, get in!" 
"Who the heck are you?" 
"The name is '''Optimus Prime'''. We are here to rescue you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' introduces himself to a group of humans.

"Cliffjumper... we recognize... no... ''I'' recognize you from ages past." 
"My... new friend. Tell me. What do the combined sparks of my clan... call themselves? What is your name?" 
"My name... is '''''Shredhead'''''."
:—'''Shredhead''' declares their name to '''Cliffjumper'''.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Skywarp's been stuck acting as a part of Teletraan One since the very end of [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|issue #4]], and Thundercracker's known about this since his revival in [[Transformers (2023) issue 5|issue #5]], though he didn't learn that it was Starscream and Soundwave's fault until just last issue.
* As revealed in [[Transformers (2023) issue 7|issue #7]], Ultra Magnus was defeated and taken captive by Shockwave, who stripped him down to the bone (bare metal?) and tortured him for what was implied to be centuries. He was rescued by Elita that same issue, but after being repaired with the intent of rejoining the fight, his trauma caused him to flee in fear upon re-encountering Shockwave in [[Transformers (2023) issue 11|issue #11]], and Arcee and co. have been busy searching for him for the past two issues.
* The spark canister Cliffjumper used to create Shredhead was recovered [[Transformers (2023) issue 16|last issue]] from where his clan died. He told Carly about how Starscream bombed them in [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|issue #4]].
* Hey, it's Blades! No idea where the rest of the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s are, though, and considering the [[combiner]] team Daniel Warren Johnson appears to be teasing in the letters pages of this issue, the answer to that question's likely a while off yet. Blades also mentions that he airlifted [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] at some point in the past, indirectly confirming that the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] exist in the Energon Universe continuity.
* Warpath notably has a skeletal right arm and a rather bare-looking chest cannon, the result of Elita's team's attempt to repair him after his brush with death in [[Transformers (2023) issue 7|issue #7]].
* Thrust's position as a guard for the Hall of Sparks was actually teased last issue, as he can be seen flying around it in Elita's flashback.
* Carly's van was wrecked after she drove it into the middle of the Autobots and Decepticons' battle in [[Transformers (2023) issue 12|issue #12]]. It wound up on Cybertron when Devastator kicked both it and Cliffjumper into the [[space bridge]] connecting the planet to [[Earth]].

===''Transformers'' references===
* Unlike the more cartoon-based, animalistic [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], Ratbat takes after his intelligent counterpart from [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]'s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comic]].

===Other trivia===
* We've got some more teases and notes from Daniel Warren Johnson in the letters pages this issue:
** [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s, and other established organic/Transformer hybrids won't be explored during Johnson's run, though he does note they are one of his favorite parts of the franchise. Similarly, the likes of [[Flamewar]], [[Slipstream]], and [[Airachnid]] won't be showing up, as Johnson doesn't know who they are (he says they sound cool, though!).
** When asked if we'll be seeing an Autobot combiner at some point, Johnson provides a vintage photo of him as a kid with the captain of the Thunderbirds (likely referring to the {{w|45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (United States)|45th Infantry Combat Brigade Team}}) and leaves it at that. We're not saying we know for sure who this is meant to tease, ''[[Aerialbot (G1)|but]]...''
**When asked if [[Shockwave (G1)#Energon Universe|Shockwave]] was really dead following his battle with Optimus Prime in [[Transformers (2023) issue 12|issue 12]], Johnson replied "DEAD dead or MOSTLY dead?", seemingly teasing Shockwave assuming his usual emotionless persona.
** The [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s also get deconfirmed, but this time by way of DWJ remarking at how ''amazing'' they sound based on the description the reader's provided and heading to [[TFWiki.Net|TFWiki]] to read up on them, confirming that he does research stuff here. ...Okay, technically we already knew Skybound were getting ''some'' of their information from here thanks to them basically copy-pasting our description of "[[Size changing|mass conversion]]" ''twice'', but at least this time we've actually been acknowledged by name.
* Welcome to the Energon Universe, Shredhead! On the letters page, editor [[Ben Abernathy]] states Shredhead had been in the pipeline for some time before their debut in this issue.
* Also in the letters page of this issue, both Ben and [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] refer to Shredhead with they/them pronouns, possibly making them [[:Category:Nonbinary characters|nonbinary]], or a plural being of multiple sparks in one body.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Thundercracker bemoans Skywarp's fate, by Daniel Warren Johnson and [[Mike Spicer]].
* '''Cover B:''' Ultra Magnus panics in his wooden fortress, by Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[Karl Kerschl]].
* '''Cover D:''' Ultra Magnus, Carly, and Spike charge into battle, by [[Jay Anacleto]] and [[ Romulo Fajardo Jr.]].
* '''Cover E:''' Optimus, Cliffjumper, and Wheeljack amidst some rubble, by [[Homare]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover A:''' Optimus poses in front of a very synthwave-y background, by [[Raymond Gay]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover B:''' Virgin foil variant of Raymond Gay's cover.
* '''The 616 Comics Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[Tiago Da Silva]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover D:''' The other half of Tiago Da Silva's connecting cover.
* '''Acme Superstore Cover:''' Ultra Magnus, by [[Ryan Miller]].
* '''Big Time Collectibles Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus, by [[John Giang]].
* '''Big Time Collectibles Cover B:''' Magnus and Arcee, by [[Mike Choi]].
* '''Carnivore Comics Cover:''' Ultra Magnus in the middle of battle, by [[Björn Barends]].
* '''Harrison's Comics Cover:''' Starscream, by [[Jackie Mar]].
* '''One Stop Comics Shop Cover A:''' Optimus vs. Soundwave, by [[Jeffrey Edwards]]. Exclusively made available to attendees of Planet Comicon Kansas City 2025.
* '''One Stop Comics Shop Cover B:''' Optimus vs. Soundwave with a very 80s backdrop, by Jeffrey Edwards. Virgin foil variant, also exclusive to Planet Comicon Kansas City 2025.
* '''Unknown Comics Cover A:''' Optimus Prime, by [[Tyler Kirkham]].
* '''Unknown Comics Cover B:''' Negative bleed variant of Tyler Kirkham's cover.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover E.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Acme Superstore Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Big Time Collectibles Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Big Time Collectibles Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Carnivore Comics Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Harrisons Comics Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 One Stop Comic Shop Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 One Stop Comic Shop Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Unknown Comics Cover A.jpg|
[[File:File:Transformers 2023 17 Unknown Comics Cover B.jpg|
]]</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 4|#4]], ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 17|#17]], and Transformers #18.
* Five-page preview for ''{{w|Universal Monsters}}: {{w|The Mummy (1932 film)|The Mummy}}''

===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 3: Combiner Chaos''''' ([[May 28]], [[2025]]) ISBN 153432559X / ISBN 978-1534325593 
** Collects issues #13–18 and the [[Transformers Energon Universe Special story|''Transformers'' story]] from ''[[Energon Universe 2024 Special]]''.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V3.jpg|'''''Volume 3: Combiner Chaos''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

Transformers (2023) issue 17

2025-02-17T20:23:14Z

Ulchtars Poison: /* Covers */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' #17
|prev=Transformers (2023) issue 16
|next=Transformers (2023) issue 18
|image=Transformers 2023 17 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[February 12]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=February 2025
|written by=[[Daniel Warren Johnson]]
|art by=[[Jorge Corona]]
|colors by=[[Mike Spicer]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|production design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''As the chaos of the Decepticons' civil war spills out into a major human city, two teams of Autobots look to recruit some allies: one seeks out a friend in need, while the other aims to build a brand-new one.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] makes his way to the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', where he reunites with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], still merged with [[Teletraan I|Teletraan One]]. Thundercracker attempts to separate the two, but Skywarp tells him to stop, as removing him means death. Understanding Skywarp's situation, Thundercracker resolves to find a way to remove his brother from his "prison"...

In the middle of the San Juan Islands, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s team manages to narrow down [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]' trail, having found his tracks and gotten a stronger lock on his energon readings. Arcee thanks [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] for helping her, and he replies that he's just happy to be useful in a way that doesn't involve violence; when Arcee asks what made him decide to abandon the fight in the first place, Beachcomber recalls the day the [[Decepticon]]s attacked the ''Ark'' — in the midst of the battle, he got a glimpse of the vast wonders of space through a crack in the hull... a sight that made the war seem so meaningless by comparison. As Arcee questions if he really has a choice in the matter, [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] alerts the group to incoming fire, which sends the group tumbling into the water. The blasts are being fired by a rattled Ultra Magnus, who stops when he realizes he's shooting at Arcee — he couldn't recognize his friends through the dark of the woods, and had lost himself in the midst of building a massive fortress to keep himself safe...

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], final preparations are underway for [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'s assault on the [[Well of All Sparks|Well of Sparks]]. The weary Elita envies the hope in Cliffjumper's eyes, having been stuck drudging through the never-ending back-and-forth of the war on Cybertron for centuries... which, Cliffjumper remarks, is why [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] had to leave, intending to find a way forward elsewhere and then return home to save everyone. As Elita begins ranting again about how they're stuck on their own, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] cuts her short — in the brief moment Optimus returned to Cybertron, he managed to remove [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from the picture, leaving the Decepticons on Cybertron effectively leaderless and giving the [[Autobot]]s, who've ''all'' been suffering as much as she has, an opportunity to turn things around, especially now that they have the means to create reinforcements. Elita agrees, and the team sets off.

[[File:TF2023 no. 17 - AutobotsInSeattle.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

As Optimus' team overlook the aftermath of the broken dam, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] informs Optimus that [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] is moving into a large human population by the name of "[[Seattle]]". Despite Wheeljack's objections regarding his mysterious spurts of violence, Optimus rallies his team forward, intent on saving what human lives he can.

At the Hall of Sparks, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] is complaining to [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] about how he'd rather be battling in Autobot territory than be stuck guarding a place that hasn't seen action in years... right as [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] whizzes by, and he, Bluestreak, and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] blow open a path for Elita and Cliffjumper to make their way inside. Elita incapacitates the two Decepticons and catches up with Cliff at the Well, which mysteriously activates on its own. At the Well's prompting, Cliff inserts his clan's [[spark canister]], and after it confirms the contained [[spark]]s are enough to proceed, Cliff prepares to begin the creation event...

In Seattle, the battle between [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s team and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s team continues, leaving devastation in its wake. Steeling himself, Optimus orders the Autobots to save as many of the humans as they can. Back at the Well of Sparks, Elita informs Cliff that its program is asking for a [[alternate mode|secondary mode]] to model the new Autobot after. On cue, Cliff has [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] deposit Carly's wrecked van, which the Well scans. The new Autobot then emerges, the combination of his clan's sparks causing them to remember Cliff from ages past. When Cliff asks what his new friend calls themselves, they respond: their name is '''[[Shredhead]]!'''

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (5)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (6)
* ''[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'' (8)
* ''[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'' (9)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (12)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (13)
* [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (14)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (15)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (16)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (19)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (20)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (21)
* [[Shredhead]] (29)

|c2=
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (1)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (2)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (7)
* ''[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (10)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (22)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (23)
* [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (24)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (25)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (26)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (27)

||c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (4)
* [[Seattle]] citizens (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"You think you have what it takes to defeat us, Soundwave?" 
"Actually... yes." 
"'''GET REAL.''' You always were, and always will be, a '''BI--!'''"
:—'''Starscream''' talks smack to '''Soundwave''' and gets a fistful of Devastator for his trouble.

"Quickly, get in!" 
"Who the heck are you?" 
"The name is '''Optimus Prime'''. We are here to rescue you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' introduces himself to a group of humans.

"Cliffjumper... we recognize... no... ''I'' recognize you from ages past." 
"My... new friend. Tell me. What do the combined sparks of my clan... call themselves? What is your name?" 
"My name... is '''''Shredhead'''''."
:—'''Shredhead''' declares their name to '''Cliffjumper'''.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Skywarp's been stuck acting as a part of Teletraan One since the very end of [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|issue #4]], and Thundercracker's known about this since his revival in [[Transformers (2023) issue 5|issue #5]], though he didn't learn that it was Starscream and Soundwave's fault until just last issue.
* As revealed in [[Transformers (2023) issue 7|issue #7]], Ultra Magnus was defeated and taken captive by Shockwave, who stripped him down to the bone (bare metal?) and tortured him for what was implied to be centuries. He was rescued by Elita that same issue, but after being repaired with the intent of rejoining the fight, his trauma caused him to flee in fear upon re-encountering Shockwave in [[Transformers (2023) issue 11|issue #11]], and Arcee and co. have been busy searching for him for the past two issues.
* The spark canister Cliffjumper used to create Shredhead was recovered [[Transformers (2023) issue 16|last issue]] from where his clan died. He told Carly about how Starscream bombed them in [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|issue #4]].
* Hey, it's Blades! No idea where the rest of the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s are, though, and considering the [[combiner]] team Daniel Warren Johnson appears to be teasing in the letters pages of this issue, the answer to that question's likely a while off yet. Blades also mentions that he airlifted [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] at some point in the past, indirectly confirming that the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] exist in the Energon Universe continuity.
* Warpath notably has a skeletal right arm and a rather bare-looking chest cannon, the result of Elita's team's attempt to repair him after his brush with death in [[Transformers (2023) issue 7|issue #7]].
* Thrust's position as a guard for the Hall of Sparks was actually teased last issue, as he can be seen flying around it in Elita's flashback.
* Carly's van was wrecked after she drove it into the middle of the Autobots and Decepticons' battle in [[Transformers (2023) issue 12|issue #12]]. It wound up on Cybertron when Devastator kicked both it and Cliffjumper into the [[space bridge]] connecting the planet to [[Earth]].

===''Transformers'' references===
* Unlike the more cartoon-based, animalistic [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], Ratbat takes after his intelligent counterpart from [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]'s [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comic]].

===Other trivia===
* We've got some more teases and notes from Daniel Warren Johnson in the letters pages this issue:
** [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s, [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s, and other established organic/Transformer hybrids won't be explored during Johnson's run, though he does note they are one of his favorite parts of the franchise. Similarly, the likes of [[Flamewar]], [[Slipstream]], and [[Airachnid]] won't be showing up, as Johnson doesn't know who they are (he says they sound cool, though!).
** When asked if we'll be seeing an Autobot combiner at some point, Johnson provides a vintage photo of him as a kid with the captain of the Thunderbirds (likely referring to the {{w|45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (United States)|45th Infantry Combat Brigade Team}}) and leaves it at that. We're not saying we know for sure who this is meant to tease, ''[[Aerialbot (G1)|but]]...''
**When asked if [[Shockwave (G1)#Energon Universe|Shockwave]] was really dead following his battle with Optimus Prime in [[Transformers (2023) issue 12|issue 12]], Johnson replied "DEAD dead or MOSTLY dead?", seemingly teasing Shockwave assuming his usual emotionless persona.
** The [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s also get deconfirmed, but this time by way of DWJ remarking at how ''amazing'' they sound based on the description the reader's provided and heading to [[TFWiki.Net|TFWiki]] to read up on them, confirming that he does research stuff here. ...Okay, technically we already knew Skybound were getting ''some'' of their information from here thanks to them basically copy-pasting our description of "[[Size changing|mass conversion]]" ''twice'', but at least this time we've actually been acknowledged by name.
* Welcome to the Energon Universe, Shredhead! On the letters page, editor [[Ben Abernathy]] states Shredhead had been in the pipeline for some time before their debut in this issue.
* Also in the letters page of this issue, both Ben and [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] refer to Shredhead with they/them pronouns, possibly making them [[:Category:Nonbinary characters|nonbinary]], or a plural being of multiple sparks in one body.

[[File:Example.jpg]]===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Thundercracker bemoans Skywarp's fate, by Daniel Warren Johnson and [[Mike Spicer]].
* '''Cover B:''' Ultra Magnus panics in his wooden fortress, by Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[Karl Kerschl]].
* '''Cover D:''' Ultra Magnus, Carly, and Spike charge into battle, by [[Jay Anacleto]] and [[ Romulo Fajardo Jr.]].
* '''Cover E:''' Optimus, Cliffjumper, and Wheeljack amidst some rubble, by [[Homare]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover A:''' Optimus poses in front of a very synthwave-y background, by [[Raymond Gay]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover B:''' Virgin foil variant of Raymond Gay's cover.
* '''The 616 Comics Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[Tiago Da Silva]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover D:''' The other half of Tiago Da Silva's connecting cover.
* '''Acme Superstore Cover:''' Ultra Magnus, by [[Ryan Miller]].
* '''Big Time Collectibles Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus, by [[John Giang]].
* '''Big Time Collectibles Cover B:''' Magnus and Arcee, by [[Mike Choi]].
* '''Carnivore Comics Cover:''' Ultra Magnus in the middle of battle, by [[Björn Barends]].
* '''Harrison's Comics Cover:''' Starscream, by [[Jackie Mar]].
* '''One Stop Comics Shop Cover A:''' Optimus vs. Soundwave, by [[Jeffrey Edwards]]. Exclusively made available to attendees of Planet Comicon Kansas City 2025.
* '''One Stop Comics Shop Cover B:''' Optimus vs. Soundwave with a very 80s backdrop, by Jeffrey Edwards. Virgin foil variant, also exclusive to Planet Comicon Kansas City 2025.
* '''Unknown Comics Cover A:''' Optimus Prime, by [[Tyler Kirkham]].
* '''Unknown Comics Cover B:''' Negative bleed variant of Tyler Kirkham's cover.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Cover E.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 The 616 Comics Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Acme Superstore Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Big Time Collectibles Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Big Time Collectibles Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Carnivore Comics Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Harrisons Comics Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 One Stop Comic Shop Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 One Stop Comic Shop Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 17 Unknown Comics Cover A.jpg|
[[File:File:Transformers 2023 17 Unknown Comics Cover B.jpg|
]]</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 4|#4]], ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 17|#17]], and Transformers #18.
* Five-page preview for ''{{w|Universal Monsters}}: {{w|The Mummy (1932 film)|The Mummy}}''

===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 3: Combiner Chaos''''' ([[May 28]], [[2025]]) ISBN 153432559X / ISBN 978-1534325593 
** Collects issues #13–18 and the [[Transformers Energon Universe Special story|''Transformers'' story]] from ''[[Energon Universe 2024 Special]]''.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V3.jpg|'''''Volume 3: Combiner Chaos''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]