Transformers (2023) issue 4: Difference between revisions

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==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
With the smoke from the battle in [[Farmingham]] still fresh, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] arrives to confront the severely-damaged [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] about the whereabouts of the [[Autobots]]. Skywarp directs Starscream east, after which the [[Decepticon]] leader departs, promising to return for Skywarp.
With the smoke from the battle in [[Farmingham]] still fresh, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] arrives to confront the severely-damaged [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] about the whereabouts of the [[Autobot]]s. Skywarp directs Starscream east, after which the [[Decepticon]] leader departs, promising to return for Skywarp.


At the quarry, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] is working on [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] when he receives a call for aid from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], who is driving [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and the mortally-wounded [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] through the woods with Starscream hot on his tail. A blast from Starscream damages Optimus and cuts off the transmission, and Ratchet bemoans that his buddy's gonna have to wait... the Autobots need firepower. Back with the chase, Starscream lands in front of Optimus, only for [[Carly]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] to emerge from hiding and knock the Decepticon off his feet, allowing Optimus to run over Starscream and escape with Cliff. Enraged, Starscream calls [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] for backup.
[[File:TF2023 no. 4 – Prime Runs Over Starscream.jpg|left|thumb]]
At the quarry, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] is working on [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] when he receives a call for aid from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], who is driving [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparky]] and the mortally-wounded [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] through the woods with Starscream hot on his tail. A blast from Starscream damages Optimus and cuts off the transmission, and Ratchet bemoans that his buddy's gonna have to wait... the Autobots need firepower. Back with the chase, Starscream lands in front of Optimus, only for [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] to emerge from hiding and knock the Decepticon off his feet, allowing Optimus to run over Starscream and escape with Cliff. Enraged, Starscream calls [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] for backup.


Our heroes soon arrive at the Farmingham Hospital, only for [[Laserbeak (G1)| Laserbeak]] to swoop in and barrage the group. Optimus and Cliff cover Sparkplug, Carly, and the medical staff as they rush Spike inside, but the Autobots are quickly caught off-guard by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and Soundwave. The latter prepares to execute Optimus, only for the arriving Starscream to tell him to wait — he's just realized, to his amusement, that this place is where the "squishy ones" go to get fixed, and has decided to make Optimus' death even more painful by blasting his precious humans' only hope of survival to smithereens. Inside, the doctors barely get Spike intubated before Starscream's assault begins, knocking the power offline. As Starscream relishes in the destruction he's causing, Soundwave alerts him to the impending approach of Ratchet and the "firepower" he's managed to bring back online — [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]! The Decepticons focus their firepower on the new arrival as he drifts into action, but Jazz proves too slippery for them, and he quickly takes them down. Now outnumbered, Starscream orders Soundwave and the cassettes to retreat. Carly returns as the battle concludes, and Optimus asks her about Spike...
Our heroes soon arrive at the Farmingham Hospital, only for [[Laserbeak (G1)| Laserbeak]] to swoop in and barrage the group. Optimus and Cliff cover Sparky, Carly, and the medical staff as they rush Spike inside, but the Autobots are quickly caught off-guard by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and Soundwave. The latter prepares to execute Optimus, only for the arriving Starscream to tell him to wait — he's just realized, to his amusement, that this place is where the "squishy ones" go to get fixed, and has decided to make Optimus' death even more painful by blasting his precious humans' only hope of survival to smithereens. Inside, the doctors barely get Spike intubated before Starscream's assault begins, knocking the power offline. As Starscream relishes in the destruction he's causing, Soundwave alerts him to the impending approach of Ratchet and the "firepower" he's managed to bring back online — [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]! The Decepticons focus their firepower on the new arrival as he drifts into action, but Jazz proves too slippery for them, and he quickly takes them down. Now outnumbered, Starscream orders Soundwave and the cassettes to retreat. Carly returns as the battle concludes, and Optimus asks her about Spike…


The Autobots look on through a hole in the hospital as the doctors inform Sparkplug that although Spike has been stabilized, the hospital's backup generator was evidently a casualty of the battle, and without power, Spike — along with the hospital's other life support patients — are all but guaranteed to die. Just as Sparkplug begins to mourn the loss of another son, however, a bright blue glow begins emanating from Optimus' opened chest compartment. Ratchet attempts to dissuade Optimus, but he won't have any of it — he's determined to prevent more deaths at any cost, removing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] from his chest and opening it up, the energy within re-powering the hospital. Relieved and in awe, the doctors hurry to get Spike to the I.C.U..
[[File:TF2023 4 – Prime Uses the Matrix.jpg|right|thumb]]
The Autobots look on through a hole in the hospital as the doctors inform Sparky that although Spike has been stabilized, the hospital's backup generator was evidently a casualty of the battle, and without power, Spike — along with the hospital's other life support patients — are all but guaranteed to die. Just as Sparky begins to mourn the loss of another son, however, a bright blue glow begins emanating from Optimus' opened chest compartment. Ratchet attempts to dissuade Optimus, but he won't have any of it — he's determined to prevent more deaths at any cost, removing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] from his chest and opening it up, the energy within re-powering the hospital. Relieved and in awe, the doctors hurry to get Spike to the I.C.U..


Meanwhile, the Decepticons, including Skywarp, return to the ''Ark''. Soundwave berates Starscream for another failure, criticizing his shortsightedness and lust for destruction, and Starscream swiftly snaps back, upset that Soundwave hasn't been able to repair [[Teletraan One]] so they can finally bring their brothers back online and facilitate repairs. Soundwave reiterates that they don't have the materials they need to do so, as they only exist in Cybertronian technology. As he says this, the two turn to Skywarp... and then, despite his protests, begin tearing him apart.
Meanwhile, the Decepticons, including Skywarp, return to the ''Ark''. Soundwave berates Starscream for another failure, criticizing his shortsightedness and lust for destruction, and Starscream swiftly snaps back, upset that Soundwave hasn't been able to repair [[Teletraan I|Teletraan One]] so they can finally bring their brothers back online and facilitate repairs. Soundwave reiterates that they don't have the materials they need to do so, as they only exist in Cybertronian technology. As he says this, the two turn to Skywarp... and then, despite his protests, begin tearing him apart.


Back at the hospital, Sparkplug talks to the comatose Spike about his desire to restart the family's lives and protect Spike from a world that he's lost the ability to see the good in. His attention soon turns outside to Optimus, who's obliging a young patient's interest in his ability to transform. Sparkplug then talks with Optimus about the Matrix: it was a gift Optimus had recieved many years ago, and he had used every last bit of its energy to re-power the hospital, leaving Spike's fate in the hands of the Great Spark. Sparkplug is confused at the idea of Optimus having a "god", since Optimus seems to fit the bill himself, a notion that amuses Optimus — Sparkplug is underestimating his own might.
Back at the hospital, Sparky talks to the comatose Spike about his desire to restart the family's lives and protect Spike from a world that he's lost the ability to see the good in. His attention soon turns outside to Optimus, who's obliging a young patient's interest in his ability to transform. Sparky then talks with Optimus about the Matrix: it was a gift Optimus had received many years ago, and he had used every last bit of its energy to re-power the hospital, leaving Spike's fate in the hands of the Great Spark. Sparky is confused at the idea of Optimus having a "god", since Optimus seems to fit the bill himself, a notion that amuses Optimus — Sparky is underestimating his own might.


In the generator room, Optimus reunites with Jazz and Ratchet, who's finished fixing the hospital's generators. Ratchet berates his leader for his dangerous use of the Matrix, suggesting that he should've instead used it to fix himself — an idea Optimus finds abhorrent, given that the alternative would be letting the innocent humans die. Ratchet fires back that the humans aren't innocent; they're prone to anger and destruction... which, as Optimus muses, makes them just like Cybertronians. Just then, Jazz collapses — Ratchet had used up all the [[energon]] from the rest of their Autobot comrades' bodies to bring Jazz back online, but it was only ''just'' enough. Ratchet tells Optimus that they need to start thinking about themselves, as without a way to get more energon, the Autobots may as well be on death's door. However, Ratchet has something stashed in Optimus' trailer that might help the Autobots regain the initiative... which Optimus finds too disgusting to consider using. As Ratchet claims that they don't have much of a choice, Sparkplug interrupts them: he might have an idea regarding their energy problem...
[[File:TF2023 no. 4 – Ratchet and Prime go over their options.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5]]
In the generator room, Optimus reunites with Jazz and Ratchet, who's finished fixing the hospital's generators. Ratchet berates his leader for his dangerous use of the Matrix, suggesting that he should've instead used it to fix himself — an idea Optimus finds abhorrent, given that the alternative would be letting the innocent humans die. Ratchet fires back that the humans aren't innocent; they're prone to anger and destruction... which, as Optimus muses, makes them just like Cybertronians. Just then, Jazz collapses — Ratchet had used up all the [[energon]] from the rest of their Autobot comrades' bodies to bring Jazz back online, but it was only ''just'' enough. Ratchet tells Optimus that they need to start thinking about themselves, as without a way to get more energon, the Autobots may as well be on death's door. However, Ratchet has something stashed in Optimus' trailer that might help the Autobots regain the initiative... which Optimus finds too disgusting to consider using. As Ratchet claims that they don't have much of a choice, Sparky interrupts them: he might have an idea regarding their energy problem...


Meanwhile, in a wrecked hospital room, Cliffjumper attempts to comfort the grief-stricken Carly, as he can relate to how she's feeling: long before the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth, Starscream killed his entire clan (i.e. "family"), and he joined the war the very next day. Optimus then approaches, now equipped with a new arm that has a [[fusion cannon|large cannon]] mounted on the side, and asks Cliff if he's interested in going on the offensive. At the ''Ark'', Starscream's work of salvaging the still-living Skywarp for materials continues, as he triumphantly proclaims that he will forever be Decepticon leader... while in an Arctic region, an offline [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], badly damaged and conspicuously missing his right arm, remains partially embedded in ice.
Meanwhile, in a wrecked hospital room, Cliffjumper attempts to comfort the grief-stricken Carly, as he can relate to how she's feeling: long before the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth, Starscream killed his entire clan (i.e. "family"), and he joined the war the very next day. Optimus then approaches, now equipped with a new arm that has a [[fusion cannon|large cannon]] mounted on the side, and asks Cliff if he's interested in going on the offensive. At the ''Ark'', Starscream's work of salvaging the still-living Skywarp for materials continues, as he triumphantly proclaims that he will forever be Decepticon leader... while in an Arctic region, an offline [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], badly damaged and conspicuously missing his right arm, remains partially embedded in ice.
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{{--}}
{{--}}


==Featured Characters==
==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.<br>
{{Featuredcharacters
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c1=
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|c3=
|c3=
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (3)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky|"Sparky" Witwicky]] (3)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (3)
* [[Carly]] (4)
* [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] (4)
* [[Lio|Doctor]] (6)
* Hospital staff (6)
* Hospital staff (6)
* Bed-ridden patient (7)
* Bed-ridden patient (7)
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:-'''Soundwave''' insults the Autobot leader as he kicks him in the face.
:-'''Soundwave''' insults the Autobot leader as he kicks him in the face.


"This... this is where they... '''fix''' the squishy ones. Is that right? You're so pathetic I can't even '''believe it!''' You bring these ants to a place to get '''repaired?'''
 
"This... this is where they... '''fix''' the squishy ones. Is that right? You're so pathetic I can't even '''believe it!''' You bring these ants to a place to get '''repaired?'''"
:-'''Starscream''' has a sudden realization.
:-'''Starscream''' has a sudden realization.
"What happens now... Is up to the Great Spark."<br>
"You mean... gods? Don't '''you''' fall into that category?"<br>
"Ha! Because of my size? I could say the same of you, human."<br>
"What, me? I'm nothing like--come on, look at me, compared to you!"<br>
"True. Small. But still mighty."
:-'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Sparky''' discuss the notion of humans vs Transformers.


==Notes==
==Notes==
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* Though we got a ''very'' brief look at him in cassette form in issue 2, we finally get to see Rumble's full robot mode in action this issue, equipped with cartoon-style piledrivers.
* Though we got a ''very'' brief look at him in cassette form in issue 2, we finally get to see Rumble's full robot mode in action this issue, equipped with cartoon-style piledrivers.
* DWJ continues to place importance on Prime's trailer: it was left behind at the quarry when Optimus left to combat the Decepticons in issue 2, so Ratchet has to tow it to the hospital in this issue.
* DWJ continues to place importance on Prime's trailer: it was left behind at the quarry when Optimus left to combat the Decepticons in issue 2, so Ratchet has to tow it to the hospital in this issue.
* After a couple teases in issues 1 and 2, Optimus uses the Matrix of Leadership for the first time this issue. Ratchet's berating of Optimus later on reiterates what we already know: that the Matrix is directly connected to Optimus' lifeforce, and that using it could risk him killing himself.
* After a couple teases in issues 1 and 2, Optimus uses the Matrix of Leadership for the first time this issue. Ratchet's berating of Optimus later on reiterates what we already know: that the Matrix is directly connected to Optimus' lifeforce, and that using it could risk him killing himself. It's currently unclear whether the Matrix being "empty" means it can never be used again, or if further use requires an amount of Optimus' energy that makes it too risky.
* Optimus mentions some sort of God-like entity referred to as the "Great Spark". It's ''possible'' he's talking about [[Primus]], with "Great Spark" essentially being a title, but it's unclear at this point if Primus as either a concept or an actual, physical entity exists in the Energon Universe continuity or not.
* Optimus mentions some sort of God-like entity referred to as the "Great Spark". It's ''possible'' he's talking about [[Primus]], with "Great Spark" essentially being a title, but it's unclear at this point if Primus as either a concept or an actual, physical entity exists in the Energon Universe continuity or not.
* The theme of families pops up again this issue, as Cliffjumper equates his now-deceased "clan" to humans' concept of "family".
* The theme of families pops up again this issue, as Cliffjumper equates his now-deceased "clan" to humans' concept of "family".
* Megatron's current status is finally revealed: he's offline somewhere in an Arctic-esque region, partially trapped in ice and missing his fusion cannon arm... because the Autobots have it and have grafted it to Optimus, replacing the one he tore off last issue. While we don't know ''how'' he got there, it's worth noting that the preview pages for ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]'' seem to indicate it takes place in an area with lots of snow. ''Hmm...''
* Megatron's current status is finally revealed: he's offline somewhere in an Arctic-esque region, partially trapped in ice and missing his fusion cannon arm... because the Autobots have it and have grafted it to Optimus, replacing the one he tore off last issue. This implies that Megatron and his arm were separated sometime before Megatron departed the Ark. While we don't know ''how'' he got there, it's worth noting that the preview pages for ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]'' seem to indicate it takes place in an area with lots of snow. ''Hmm...''
*It's not clear whether Skywarp is properly dead, or merely deactivated until his salvaged parts can be replaced. Either way, it's not made clear why they used him instead of one of the stasis-locked Decepticons aboard the Ark.


===Transformers references===
===Transformers references===
* Rumble's iconic piledrivers, shared with his brother [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], first debuted in the premiere episode of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Rumble's iconic piledrivers first debuted in the premiere episode of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
* Soundwave insults Optimus with the line "'''Optimus: inferior.'''" He may not have said "Soundwave: superior," but we all know what [[The Transformers: The Movie|he's quoting]].
* Soundwave insults Optimus with the line "'''Optimus: inferior.'''" He may not have said "Soundwave: superior," but we all know what [[The Transformers: The Movie|he's quoting]].
* Prior versions of Optimus that have either taken/used Megatron's fusion cannon for themselves or wielded a non-specific fusion cannon have included:
* Optimus previously wielded Megatron’s fusion cannon in [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|issue #6]] of the [[Devil's Due Press]] ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers]]'' series.
** [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)#G.I._Joe_vs._the_Transformers|The one]] from [[Devil's Due]]'s ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers continuity|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers]]'' series, who stole the cannon and used it to destroy the [[SPS Satellite]] in [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|issue 6]] of the [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers|first miniseries]]
** [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/2005_IDW_continuity|The one]] from the [[2005 IDW continuity]], who ripped Megatron's fusion cannon off him and smashed his head in with it in [[All Hail Megatron issue 12|issue 12]] of ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]''
** [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|The one]] from the [[Live-action film series]], who turned [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s fusion cannon against him in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'', then used the handheld shotgun-like version wielded by Megatron in ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' to kill [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]
** [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|The one]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]], who could wield a fusion cannon in the multiplayer mode of the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC versions of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]''
** [[Optimus_Prime_(SG)|The one]] from [[Fun Publications]]' ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' universe, who obtained a Quantum Fusion Cannon upon being upgraded into Nova Prime
** And finally, [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)#Transformers:_Devastation|the one]] from ''[[Transformers: Devastation]]'', where two different variations of Megatron's fusion cannon were unlockable weapons, both of which its version of Optimus could wield. ''Phew!''
* Megatron being stuck offline and trapped in ice recalls the [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action movie version]], who was similarly frozen in ice before the events of the [[Transformers (film)|first live-action movie]].
* Megatron being stuck offline and trapped in ice recalls the [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action movie version]], who was similarly frozen in ice before the events of the [[Transformers (film)|first live-action movie]].


===Real-world references===
===Real-world references===
 
* During Jazz's attack on the Decepticons, he shouts "Two! Five! One!", which is a reference to the {{w|ii–V–I progression|2-5-1 chord progression}}, appropriately common in jazz music.
===Storytelling notes===
* As the Decepticons retreat from battle, Cliffjumper is drawn giving them "{{w|The finger|the finger}}."


===Errors===
===Errors===
* On page 18, Ratchet's right hand unlocking the trailer is miscolored blue as Optimus' hand instead of red. If it was Optimus opening it, then it would have been a left hand since he's missing an arm.


===Other trivia===
===Other trivia===
* This issue contains the same four-page preview for ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]'' [[Cobra Commander issue 1|#1]] that was printed last issue.
* This issue contains the same four-page preview for ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]'' [[Cobra Commander issue 1|#1]] that was printed last issue.
* At the end of the letters section, Daniel Warren Johnson officially plugs the "director's commentary" livestreams he's been doing on his YouTube channel.
* At the end of the letters section, Daniel Warren Johnson officially plugs the "director's commentary" livestreams he's been doing on his YouTube channel.
* The idea to have Optimus Prime lose his arm and be replaced with another Transformer's initially came from [[Robert Kirkman]], as revealed in the letters page for [[Transformers (2023) issue 25|issue #25]]. It appears that it was Johnson's idea to specifically have him take Megatron's.


===Covers===
===Covers (11)===
* '''Cover A:''' Optimus, Cliffjumper, and Wheeljack stand ready for battle, by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover A:''' Optimus, Cliffjumper, and Wheeljack stand ready for battle, by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover B:''' Optimus leaps out of the frying pan and into the fire, by [[Jonboy Meyers]].
* '''Cover B:''' Optimus leaps out of the frying pan and into the fire, by [[Jonboy Meyers]].
* '''Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover by [[Orlando Aroecena]].
* '''Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover by [[Orlando Arocena]].
* '''Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Soundwave fires on a group of airborne Autobots, by [[Sanford Greene]].
* '''Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Soundwave fires on a group of airborne Autobots, by [[Sanford Greene]].
* '''Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Megatron's damaged, deactivated body partially trapped in ice, by [[Andrea Milana]] and [[Annalisa Leoni]].
* '''Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Megatron's damaged, deactivated body partially trapped in ice, by [[Andrea Milana]] & [[Annalisa Leoni]].
* '''Second Printing Cover A:''' Megatron by [[Jason Howard]].
* '''Second Printing Cover B:''' Jazz by Jason Howard.
* '''Third Printing Cover:''' Soundwave, Ravage, and Laserbeak fight Wheeljack by [[Gerald Parel]] & [[Frédéric Pham Chuong]].
* '''Fourth Printing Cover:''' by [[Riley Rossmo]] & [[Ivan Plascencia]].
* '''Jonboymeyers.com San Diego Comic-Con Second Printing Cover:''' by Jonboy Meyers.
* '''Jonboymeyers.com Third Printing Cover:''' by Jonboy Meyers.


<gallery>
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File:Transformers04A Cover.jpg
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File:Transformers 2023 4 Cover B.jpg
File:Transformers04C Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 4 Cover C.jpg
File:Transformers04D Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 4 Cover D.jpg
File:Transformers04E Cover.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 4 Cover E.jpg
File:Transformers 2023 4 2nd Ptg Cover A.jpg
File:Transformers 2023 4 2nd Ptg Cover B.jpg
File:Transformers 2023 4 3rd Ptg Cover.jpg
File:Transformers 2023 4 4th Ptg Cover.jpg
File:Jonboysdcc4.jpg
File:Transformers 2023 4 Jonboy Meyers Cover B.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


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===Reprints===
===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 1''''' <small>([[May 8]], [[2024]]) ISBN 1534398171 / ISBN 978-1534398177 </small>
* '''''Transformers Volume 1: Robots in Disguise''''' <small>([[May 8]], [[2024]]) ISBN 1534398171 / ISBN 978-1534398177</small>
** Collects issues #1–6.
** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #1–6.
** Trade paperback format.
** Trade paperback format.
** Variant covers:
*** '''Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse Exclusive:''' by [[Matthew Allison]]. Limited to 300 copies. <small>ISBN 978-1534327818</small>
*** '''Comics Etc. Exclusive:''' by [[Stewart McKenny]] & [[John Law]]. Limited to 300 copies.
*** '''Direct Market Exclusive:''' by [[Jonboy Meyers]]. Exclusively sold through the comic book direct market. <small>ISBN 978-1534327726</small>
*** '''Gotham City Limit Exclusive:''' by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Limited to 300 copies. <small>ISBN 978-1534327771</small>
*** '''Jonathan Comics Exclusive:''' by [[Jason Howard]]. Limited to 300 copies.
*** '''Things From Another World Exclusive:''' by [[Frédéric Pham Chuong]]. Limited to 400 copies. <small>ISBN 978-1534327887</small>
*** '''TopShelfComic Fan Expo Dallas Exclusive:''' by [[Pasquale Ferrara]]. Limited to 300 copies.
* '''''Transformers Deluxe Edition Book 1''''' <small>([[April 30]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534328238 / ISBN 978-1534328235</small>
** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #1–12.
** Hardcover format.
** Variant covers:
*** '''Bookdelivery Exclusive:''' by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Limited to 200 copies. <small>ISBN 978-1534328679</small>
*** '''Direct Market Exclusive:''' by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Exclusively sold through the comic book direct market. <small>ISBN 978-1534329607</small>
*** '''[[Hasbro Pulse]] Exclusive:''' by [[Tom Whalen]]. <small>ISBN 978-1534398414</small>
*** '''TopShelfComic Exclusive:''' by [[Marcelo Matere]]. Limited to 200 copies.


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V1.jpg|'''''Volume 1''''' – cover art by [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] and [[Mike Spicer]]
File:Transformers 2023 V1.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
File:Transformers 2023 V1 Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Matthew Allison]]
File:Transformers 2023 V1 Comics Etc. Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' Comics Etc. Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Stewart McKenny]] & [[John Law]]
File:Transformers 2023 V1 DM Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' Direct Market Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Jonboy Meyers]]
File:Transformers 2023 V1 Gotham City Limit Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' Gotham City Limit Exclusive''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
File:Transformers 2023 V1 Jonathan Comics Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' Jonathan Comics Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Jason Howard]]
File:Transformers 2023 V1 Things From Another World Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' Things From Another World Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Frédéric Pham Chuong]]
File:Transformers 2023 V1 Pasquale Ferrara Cover.jpg|'''''Volume 1: Robots in Disguise'' TopShelfComic Fan Expo Dallas Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Pasquale Ferrara]]
File:Transformers 2023 B1.jpg|'''''Deluxe Edition Book 1''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
File:Transformers 2023 B1 Bookdelivery Cover.jpg|'''''Deluxe Edition Book 1'' Bookdelivery Exclusive''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
File:Transformers 2023 B1 DM Cover.jpg|'''''Deluxe Edition Book 1'' Direct Market Exclusive''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
File:Transformers 2023 B1 Hasbro Pulse Cover.jpg|'''''Deluxe Edition Book 1'' [[Hasbro Pulse]] Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Tom Whalen]]
File:Transformers 2023 B1 TopShelfComic Cover.jpg|'''''Deluxe Edition Book 1'' TopShelfComic Exclusive''' – cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


==External links==
*
==References==
{{reflist|2}}


[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]
[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

Latest revision as of 08:26, 8 April 2026

« Transformers #4 »
Publisher Image Comics
Skybound Entertainment
First published January 10, 2024
Cover date January 2024
Written by Daniel Warren Johnson
Art by Daniel Warren Johnson
Colors by Mike Spicer
Letters by Rus Wooton
Editors Sean Mackiewicz & Jonathan Manning
Continuity Energon Universe

The Autobots put everything on the line to fend off a Decepticon onslaught and save Spike.

Synopsis

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With the smoke from the battle in Farmingham still fresh, Starscream arrives to confront the severely-damaged Skywarp about the whereabouts of the Autobots. Skywarp directs Starscream east, after which the Decepticon leader departs, promising to return for Skywarp.

File:TF2023 no. 4 – Prime Runs Over Starscream.jpg

At the quarry, Ratchet is working on Wheeljack when he receives a call for aid from Optimus Prime, who is driving Sparky and the mortally-wounded Spike through the woods with Starscream hot on his tail. A blast from Starscream damages Optimus and cuts off the transmission, and Ratchet bemoans that his buddy's gonna have to wait... the Autobots need firepower. Back with the chase, Starscream lands in front of Optimus, only for Carly and Cliffjumper to emerge from hiding and knock the Decepticon off his feet, allowing Optimus to run over Starscream and escape with Cliff. Enraged, Starscream calls Soundwave for backup.

Our heroes soon arrive at the Farmingham Hospital, only for Laserbeak to swoop in and barrage the group. Optimus and Cliff cover Sparky, Carly, and the medical staff as they rush Spike inside, but the Autobots are quickly caught off-guard by Rumble and Soundwave. The latter prepares to execute Optimus, only for the arriving Starscream to tell him to wait — he's just realized, to his amusement, that this place is where the "squishy ones" go to get fixed, and has decided to make Optimus' death even more painful by blasting his precious humans' only hope of survival to smithereens. Inside, the doctors barely get Spike intubated before Starscream's assault begins, knocking the power offline. As Starscream relishes in the destruction he's causing, Soundwave alerts him to the impending approach of Ratchet and the "firepower" he's managed to bring back online — Jazz! The Decepticons focus their firepower on the new arrival as he drifts into action, but Jazz proves too slippery for them, and he quickly takes them down. Now outnumbered, Starscream orders Soundwave and the cassettes to retreat. Carly returns as the battle concludes, and Optimus asks her about Spike…

File:TF2023 4 – Prime Uses the Matrix.jpg

The Autobots look on through a hole in the hospital as the doctors inform Sparky that although Spike has been stabilized, the hospital's backup generator was evidently a casualty of the battle, and without power, Spike — along with the hospital's other life support patients — are all but guaranteed to die. Just as Sparky begins to mourn the loss of another son, however, a bright blue glow begins emanating from Optimus' opened chest compartment. Ratchet attempts to dissuade Optimus, but he won't have any of it — he's determined to prevent more deaths at any cost, removing the Matrix of Leadership from his chest and opening it up, the energy within re-powering the hospital. Relieved and in awe, the doctors hurry to get Spike to the I.C.U..

Meanwhile, the Decepticons, including Skywarp, return to the Ark. Soundwave berates Starscream for another failure, criticizing his shortsightedness and lust for destruction, and Starscream swiftly snaps back, upset that Soundwave hasn't been able to repair Teletraan One so they can finally bring their brothers back online and facilitate repairs. Soundwave reiterates that they don't have the materials they need to do so, as they only exist in Cybertronian technology. As he says this, the two turn to Skywarp... and then, despite his protests, begin tearing him apart.

Back at the hospital, Sparky talks to the comatose Spike about his desire to restart the family's lives and protect Spike from a world that he's lost the ability to see the good in. His attention soon turns outside to Optimus, who's obliging a young patient's interest in his ability to transform. Sparky then talks with Optimus about the Matrix: it was a gift Optimus had received many years ago, and he had used every last bit of its energy to re-power the hospital, leaving Spike's fate in the hands of the Great Spark. Sparky is confused at the idea of Optimus having a "god", since Optimus seems to fit the bill himself, a notion that amuses Optimus — Sparky is underestimating his own might.

File:TF2023 no. 4 – Ratchet and Prime go over their options.jpg

In the generator room, Optimus reunites with Jazz and Ratchet, who's finished fixing the hospital's generators. Ratchet berates his leader for his dangerous use of the Matrix, suggesting that he should've instead used it to fix himself — an idea Optimus finds abhorrent, given that the alternative would be letting the innocent humans die. Ratchet fires back that the humans aren't innocent; they're prone to anger and destruction... which, as Optimus muses, makes them just like Cybertronians. Just then, Jazz collapses — Ratchet had used up all the energon from the rest of their Autobot comrades' bodies to bring Jazz back online, but it was only just enough. Ratchet tells Optimus that they need to start thinking about themselves, as without a way to get more energon, the Autobots may as well be on death's door. However, Ratchet has something stashed in Optimus' trailer that might help the Autobots regain the initiative... which Optimus finds too disgusting to consider using. As Ratchet claims that they don't have much of a choice, Sparky interrupts them: he might have an idea regarding their energy problem...

Meanwhile, in a wrecked hospital room, Cliffjumper attempts to comfort the grief-stricken Carly, as he can relate to how she's feeling: long before the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth, Starscream killed his entire clan (i.e. "family"), and he joined the war the very next day. Optimus then approaches, now equipped with a new arm that has a large cannon mounted on the side, and asks Cliff if he's interested in going on the offensive. At the Ark, Starscream's work of salvaging the still-living Skywarp for materials continues, as he triumphantly proclaims that he will forever be Decepticon leader... while in an Arctic region, an offline Megatron, badly damaged and conspicuously missing his right arm, remains partially embedded in ice.

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(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Humans

Quotes

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"Optimus: inferior."

-Soundwave insults the Autobot leader as he kicks him in the face.


"This... this is where they... fix the squishy ones. Is that right? You're so pathetic I can't even believe it! You bring these ants to a place to get repaired?"

-Starscream has a sudden realization.


"What happens now... Is up to the Great Spark."
"You mean... gods? Don't you fall into that category?"
"Ha! Because of my size? I could say the same of you, human."
"What, me? I'm nothing like--come on, look at me, compared to you!"
"True. Small. But still mighty."

-Optimus Prime and Sparky discuss the notion of humans vs Transformers.

Notes

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Continuity notes

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  • Both Wheeljack and Jazz were revealed to be among the Autobots brought to Earth back in issue 1. Likewise, Reflector was nearly brought back online before Optimus destroyed Teletraan One in the same issue... and it seems that Starscream and Soundwave were able to finish what Teletraan started, if the end of this issue is any indication.
  • Though we got a very brief look at him in cassette form in issue 2, we finally get to see Rumble's full robot mode in action this issue, equipped with cartoon-style piledrivers.
  • DWJ continues to place importance on Prime's trailer: it was left behind at the quarry when Optimus left to combat the Decepticons in issue 2, so Ratchet has to tow it to the hospital in this issue.
  • After a couple teases in issues 1 and 2, Optimus uses the Matrix of Leadership for the first time this issue. Ratchet's berating of Optimus later on reiterates what we already know: that the Matrix is directly connected to Optimus' lifeforce, and that using it could risk him killing himself. It's currently unclear whether the Matrix being "empty" means it can never be used again, or if further use requires an amount of Optimus' energy that makes it too risky.
  • Optimus mentions some sort of God-like entity referred to as the "Great Spark". It's possible he's talking about Primus, with "Great Spark" essentially being a title, but it's unclear at this point if Primus as either a concept or an actual, physical entity exists in the Energon Universe continuity or not.
  • The theme of families pops up again this issue, as Cliffjumper equates his now-deceased "clan" to humans' concept of "family".
  • Megatron's current status is finally revealed: he's offline somewhere in an Arctic-esque region, partially trapped in ice and missing his fusion cannon arm... because the Autobots have it and have grafted it to Optimus, replacing the one he tore off last issue. This implies that Megatron and his arm were separated sometime before Megatron departed the Ark. While we don't know how he got there, it's worth noting that the preview pages for Cobra Commander seem to indicate it takes place in an area with lots of snow. Hmm...
  • It's not clear whether Skywarp is properly dead, or merely deactivated until his salvaged parts can be replaced. Either way, it's not made clear why they used him instead of one of the stasis-locked Decepticons aboard the Ark.

Transformers references

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Real-world references

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  • During Jazz's attack on the Decepticons, he shouts "Two! Five! One!", which is a reference to the 2-5-1 chord progression, appropriately common in jazz music.
  • As the Decepticons retreat from battle, Cliffjumper is drawn giving them "the finger."

Errors

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  • On page 18, Ratchet's right hand unlocking the trailer is miscolored blue as Optimus' hand instead of red. If it was Optimus opening it, then it would have been a left hand since he's missing an arm.

Other trivia

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  • This issue contains the same four-page preview for Cobra Commander #1 that was printed last issue.
  • At the end of the letters section, Daniel Warren Johnson officially plugs the "director's commentary" livestreams he's been doing on his YouTube channel.
  • The idea to have Optimus Prime lose his arm and be replaced with another Transformer's initially came from Robert Kirkman, as revealed in the letters page for issue #25. It appears that it was Johnson's idea to specifically have him take Megatron's.

Covers (11)

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  • Cover A: Optimus, Cliffjumper, and Wheeljack stand ready for battle, by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer.
  • Cover B: Optimus leaps out of the frying pan and into the fire, by Jonboy Meyers.
  • Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive): Connecting cover by Orlando Arocena.
  • Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive): Soundwave fires on a group of airborne Autobots, by Sanford Greene.
  • Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive): Megatron's damaged, deactivated body partially trapped in ice, by Andrea Milana & Annalisa Leoni.
  • Second Printing Cover A: Megatron by Jason Howard.
  • Second Printing Cover B: Jazz by Jason Howard.
  • Third Printing Cover: Soundwave, Ravage, and Laserbeak fight Wheeljack by Gerald Parel & Frédéric Pham Chuong.
  • Fourth Printing Cover: by Riley Rossmo & Ivan Plascencia.
  • Jonboymeyers.com San Diego Comic-Con Second Printing Cover: by Jonboy Meyers.
  • Jonboymeyers.com Third Printing Cover: by Jonboy Meyers.

Advertisements

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  • The Cobra threat begins in Cobra Commander #1!

Reprints

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  • Transformers Volume 1: Robots in Disguise (May 8, 2024) ISBN 1534398171 / ISBN 978-1534398177
    • Collects Transformers issues #1–6.
    • Trade paperback format.
    • Variant covers:
      • Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse Exclusive: by Matthew Allison. Limited to 300 copies. ISBN 978-1534327818
      • Comics Etc. Exclusive: by Stewart McKenny & John Law. Limited to 300 copies.
      • Direct Market Exclusive: by Jonboy Meyers. Exclusively sold through the comic book direct market. ISBN 978-1534327726
      • Gotham City Limit Exclusive: by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Limited to 300 copies. ISBN 978-1534327771
      • Jonathan Comics Exclusive: by Jason Howard. Limited to 300 copies.
      • Things From Another World Exclusive: by Frédéric Pham Chuong. Limited to 400 copies. ISBN 978-1534327887
      • TopShelfComic Fan Expo Dallas Exclusive: by Pasquale Ferrara. Limited to 300 copies.
  • Transformers Deluxe Edition Book 1 (April 30, 2025) ISBN 1534328238 / ISBN 978-1534328235
    • Collects Transformers issues #1–12.
    • Hardcover format.
    • Variant covers:
      • Bookdelivery Exclusive: by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Limited to 200 copies. ISBN 978-1534328679
      • Direct Market Exclusive: by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Exclusively sold through the comic book direct market. ISBN 978-1534329607
      • Hasbro Pulse Exclusive: by Tom Whalen. ISBN 978-1534398414
      • TopShelfComic Exclusive: by Marcelo Matere. Limited to 200 copies.
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse Exclusive – cover art by Matthew Allison
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse Exclusive – cover art by Matthew Allison
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Comics Etc. Exclusive – cover art by Stewart McKenny & John Law
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Comics Etc. Exclusive – cover art by Stewart McKenny & John Law
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Direct Market Exclusive – cover art by Jonboy Meyers
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Direct Market Exclusive – cover art by Jonboy Meyers
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Gotham City Limit Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Gotham City Limit Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Jonathan Comics Exclusive – cover art by Jason Howard
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Jonathan Comics Exclusive – cover art by Jason Howard
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Things From Another World Exclusive – cover art by Frédéric Pham Chuong
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise Things From Another World Exclusive – cover art by Frédéric Pham Chuong
  • Volume 1: Robots in Disguise TopShelfComic Fan Expo Dallas Exclusive – cover art by Pasquale Ferrara
    Volume 1: Robots in Disguise TopShelfComic Fan Expo Dallas Exclusive – cover art by Pasquale Ferrara
  • Deluxe Edition Book 1 – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
    Deluxe Edition Book 1 – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
  • Deluxe Edition Book 1 Bookdelivery Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
    Deluxe Edition Book 1 Bookdelivery Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
  • Deluxe Edition Book 1 Direct Market Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
    Deluxe Edition Book 1 Direct Market Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
  • Deluxe Edition Book 1 Hasbro Pulse Exclusive – cover art by Tom Whalen
    Deluxe Edition Book 1 Hasbro Pulse Exclusive – cover art by Tom Whalen
  • Deluxe Edition Book 1 TopShelfComic Exclusive – cover art by Marcelo Matere
    Deluxe Edition Book 1 TopShelfComic Exclusive – cover art by Marcelo Matere
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