Transformers (2023) issue 30: Difference between revisions

	; Nice argument, Elita, but unfortunately for you I've already depicted myself as the unflappable Autobot commander and you as the seething usurper.
Publisher	Image Comics; Skybound Entertainment
First published	March 11, 2026
Cover date	March 2026
Written by	Robert Kirkman
Art by	Dan Mora
Colors by	Mike Spicer
Letters by	Rus Wooton
Editor	Ben Abernathy
Continuity	Energon Universe

Latest revision as of 06:46, 10 April 2026

Optimus and Elita clash, and the fate of all Autobotkind will be decided!

Synopsis

Funnily enough, this is not the first time an Elita has named a Prime

Optimus Prime warns Elita One that they do not have time to rehash their debate as the Decepticons are getting away. However, he is interrupted by Cliffjumper's horrified reaction to seeing Trailbreaker's corpse. Elita still can't understand why Optimus continues to put the Earth before Cybertron, even as it continues to take the lives of their fellow Autobots. She believes he's abandoned their war, while Optimus views Megatron's presence on Earth to be the fault of the Autobots and their responsibility to protect the world from the devastation he will wreak. Elita coldly tells him that he is no longer fit to lead them and punches Prime. Prime refuses to fight her and orders the rest of the Autobots to not interfere. However, Cliffjumper jumps in anyway, forcing Optimus to retaliate in his defense. Elita then proceeds to pound on Optimus' chest, demanding he "give it to her". At that moment, Carly and Spike appear, only able to look on in horror as Elita attempts to rip Prime's chest open.

Optimus grabs Elita's hand and stops her. He tells her he understands: their people are dying and she believes him distracted, and he admits she might be right. She might be the better leader for the Autobots at this time. But such a role cannot be taken. One must be chosen. He then opens his chest, revealing the Matrix of Leadership, and allowing the artifact to choose who will lead the Autobots...

And the Matrix chooses Elita, bestowing upon her a new Prime form, as Optimus reverts to a smaller state.

Optimus acquiesces to the choice, and defers leadership to Elita Prime. Elita orders all Autobots to return to Cybertron so that they might continue their efforts to defeat the Decepticons and save their world; anyone who decides to stay behind with Optimus will no longer be Autobots. She also warns that they do not know if they will be able to activate the space bridge on Cybertron again.

As the sun begins to set, Elita's Autobots depart, taking with them the wounded and inoperable Autobots left on the Ark, hoping to restore them on their home planet. Those remaining behind now have their Autobrands crossed out. Optimus and Elita bid each other farewell, as those who remain behind — Wheeljack, Arcee Magnus, Cliffjumper, Shredhead, Beachcomber, Thundercracker, and the Aerialbots — ask what they do now. Optimus simply says that they complete their mission. Somehow...

Featured characters

Characters in italic text appear only in flashbacks.
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots	Humans
Optimus Prime/Optimus (1) Trailbreaker (2) Cliffjumper (3) Elita One/Elita Prime (4) Bulkhead (5) Mirage (6) Brawn (7) Wheeljack (8) Shredhead (9) Ultra Magnus (10) Arcee Magnus (11) Jetfire (12) Jazz (13) Thundercracker (14) Skydive (17) Silverbolt (18) Fireflight (19) Air Raid (20) Beachcomber (21) Sideswipe (22) Blaster (23) Bumblebee (24) Ratchet (25)	Carly (15) Spike Witwicky (16)

Quotes

"For millennia we fought together against the Decepticons. I am strongest... with you by my side."
"Elita, please. I fear that is but a distant memory. No matter how much I desire it, as well..."

— Elita One and Optimus Prime

"Prime? Are you--"
"No, Brawn... Not Prime. Only Optimus, now."

— Brawn and Optimus

Ultra Magnus: "I'm sorry, Optimus. I just feel I'm needed--"
Optimus: "Don't. I understand. I hope to join you soon, my friend."
Elita Prime: "By Primus, let that be true. 'Til all are one."
Optimus: "'Til all are one."

Notes

Continuity notes

This issue finally brings the conflict that has been brewing between Optimus and Elita since issue #12 to its boiling point.
Optimus tells Elita that challenging for leadership is not the Autobot way, in stark contrast to the Decepticon way seen back in issue #13 when Soundwave challenged Starscream.
Upon losing the Matrix, Optimus reverts to a smaller form, though he still calls himself “Optimus”. Notably, he does not revert to the Orion Pax that we saw in a flashback in Void Rivals #17.
There are a few Autobots that are not shown staying on Earth or leaving for Cybertron, likely to give the writers some wiggle-room to change their minds between issues. This includes Blaster, Sideswipe, Mirage, and notably even Jazz. While there are silhouettes of seemingly 2 (maybe 3?) characters leaving with Elita, their shapes are far too vague to make-out any meaningful details and they do not clearly resemble any known Autobots on Earth (see errors down below).

Transformers references

When Optimus opens his chest to reveal the Matrix, the design of the "cover" to the Matrix is taken from its appearance in The Transformers: The Movie.
Elita's Prime form appears to have a jet alternate mode akin to her Power of the Primes toy. Her new lower legs resemble those of her One counterpart.
Optimus' post-Prime form has the chest of his Cyberworld counterpart.

Errors

Cliffjumper's feet are colored black throughout the entire issue.
Ultra Magnus's antennas are back to being blue again, despite finally fixing it last issue (!).
In the very first panel, the two stripes above the arrow on Optimus Prime's forearm are colored red instead of yellow.
On page 6, Jetfire's blue forehead-stripe is incorrectly colored white.
On page 8, Cliffjumper has a red stripe on his forearms in every panel. His windows are also colored red when Elita slams him to the ground.
On page 9, the white stripe on Optimus's abdomen is colored red.
Similarly on page 14, the colors of the white and red sections of Optimus's abdomen are swapped.
On page 15, Optimus's Autobot symbols aren't filled in white, left as barely-visible dark red outlines.
On page 17, the blue and red stripe on Jazz's back is colored white. Cliffjumper is also missing the spare tire on his back when he kneels.
On page 19, Mirage is missing the panel on his right shoulder.
When the other bots are seen leaving with Elita Prime, the head shape of the bot between her legs looks like... Cyclonus? The head design doesn't match any of the current characters shown to be with the Autobots.

Other notes

Due to an error with Google Books, this issue accidentally leaked almost a month in advance, leading to many of its shocking plot points being posted on social media, usually without context.
Kirkman name-drops Delta Magnus in the letters pages as an example of "Magnus" being a rank that can be passed on to different bots.
Energon Experience: Presented by Skybound Executive Editor Ben Abernathy.
- Character Spotlight: Optimus (not Prime)
- 'Til All Are None!!: Reflects on Optimus and his outcast Autobots.
- Creator Spotlight: Ben asks Dan Mora who his favorite Transformer was to draw. Mora enjoyed drawing Wheeljack most, though he also highlights Rumble and Elita One.

Covers

Cover A: Elita One, by David Nakayama.
Cover B: Optimus vs Elita, by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer.
Cover C: Connecting variant, by Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer.
Cover D: The Decepticons, by Taurin Clarke.
Cover E: Design for Megatron, by Dan Mora & Andres Juarez.
Cover F: Invincible crossover variant featuring Invincible and Robot fighting Soundwave and Rumble, by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr..
davidnakayama.com MegaCon Orlando 2026 Cover: Foil virgin variant of Cover A.
Big Time Collectibles MegaCon Orlando 2026 Cover: by Redcode. Limited to 500 copies.
Avenida Cómic MegaCon Costa Rica 2026 Cover: by Serg Acuña. Limited to 500 copies.
Big Time Collectibles / Cerberus Comics MegaCon Orlando 2026 Cover: by Björn Barends. Limited to 750 copies.

Reprints

Transformers Volume 5: Generation One (April 29, 2026) ISBN 153433355X / ISBN 978-1534333550
- Collects Transformers issues #25–30.
- Trade paperback format.
- Variant cover:
  - Direct Market Exclusive: by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. ISBN 978-1534335653

Volume 5: Generation One – cover art by David Nakayama
Direct Market Exclusive – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Comicstory
 |seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' #30
+|seriesissue2=Optimus' story
 |prev=Transformers (2023) issue 29
 |next=Transformers (2023) issue 31
+|next2=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 20
 |image=Transformers 2023 30 Cover B.jpg
-|caption=
+|caption=Nice argument, Elita, but unfortunately for you I've already depicted myself as the unflappable Autobot commander and you as the seething usurper.
-|title=
 |publisher=[[Image Comics]]<br>[[Skybound Entertainment]]
 |date=[[March 11]], [[2026]]
-|coverdate= March 2026
+|coverdate=March 2026
 |written by=[[Robert Kirkman]]
 |art by=[[Dan Mora]]
 |colors by=[[Mike Spicer]]
 |letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
 |editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
 |publication design=[[Andres Juarez]]
-|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
+|production=[[Abigail Lee]]
 |continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
 |chronology=
@@ Line 23: / Line 24: @@
 ==Synopsis==
+[[File:Elita-Prime.jpeg|thumb|left|Funnily enough, this is [[Transformers One (film)|not the first time]] [[Elita-1 (One)|an Elita]] has named [[Optimus Prime (One)|a Prime]]]]
 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] warns [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] that they do not have time to rehash their debate as the [[Decepticon]]s are getting away. However, he is interrupted by [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'s horrified reaction to seeing [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s corpse. Elita still can't understand why Optimus continues to put the [[Earth]] before [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], even as it continues to take the lives of their fellow [[Autobot]]s. She believes he's abandoned their war, while Optimus views [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s presence on Earth to be the fault of the Autobots and their responsibility to protect the world from the devastation he will wreak. Elita coldly tells him that he is no longer fit to lead them and punches Prime. Prime refuses to fight her and orders the rest of the Autobots to not interfere. However, Cliffjumper jumps in anyway, forcing Optimus to retaliate in his defense. Elita then proceeds to pound on Optimus' chest, demanding he "give it to her". At that moment, [[Carly (G1)|Carly]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] appear, only able to look on in horror as Elita attempts to rip Prime's chest open.
 Optimus grabs Elita's hand and stops her. He tells her he understands: their people are dying and she believes him distracted, and he admits she might be right. She might be the better leader for the Autobots at this time. But such a role cannot be taken. One must be chosen. He then opens his chest, revealing the [[Matrix of Leadership]], and allowing the artifact to choose who will lead the Autobots...
-And the Matrix chooses Elita, bestowing upon her a new [[Prime (rank)|Prime form]], as Optimus reverts to a diminutive state.
+And the Matrix chooses Elita, bestowing upon her a new [[Prime (rank)|Prime form]], as Optimus reverts to a smaller state.
 Optimus acquiesces to the choice, and defers leadership to Elita Prime. Elita orders all Autobots to return to Cybertron so that they might continue their efforts to defeat the Decepticons and save their world; anyone who decides to stay behind with Optimus will no longer be Autobots. She also warns that they do not know if they will be able to activate the [[space bridge]] on Cybertron again.
-As the sun begins to set, Elita's Autobots depart, taking with them the wounded and inoperable Autobots left on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', hoping to restore them on their home planet. Those remaining behind now have their [[Insignia|Autobrand]]s x-ed out. Optimus and Elita bid each other farewell, as those who remain behind - [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee Magnus]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Shredhead]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] - ask what they do now. Optimus simply says that they complete their mission. Somehow...
+As the sun begins to set, Elita's Autobots depart, taking with them the wounded and inoperable Autobots left on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', hoping to restore them on their home planet. Those remaining behind now have their [[Insignia|Autobrand]]s crossed out. Optimus and Elita bid each other farewell, as those who remain behind — [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee Magnus]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Shredhead]], [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] — ask what they do now. Optimus simply says that they complete their mission. Somehow...
 ==Featured characters==
@@ Line 37: / Line 40: @@
 {{Featuredcharacters
 |c1=
+{{collist|2|
 * [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime/Optimus]] (1)
 * [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (2)
@@ Line 59: / Line 63: @@
 * [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (23)
 * [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (24)
+* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (25)}}
 |c3=
@@ Line 66: / Line 71: @@
 ==Quotes==
-"For millennia we fought together against the Decepticons. I am strongest... with you by my side."<br/>
+"For '''millennia''' we fought together against the Decepticons. I am strongest... '''with you by my side.'''"<br/>
-"Elita. Please. I fear that is but a distant memory. No matter how much I desire it as well..."
+"Elita, '''please.''' I fear that is but a distant memory. <small>No matter how much I desire it, as well..."</small>
 :— '''Elita One''' and '''Optimus Prime'''
 "Prime? Are you--"<br/>
-"No, Brawn... Not Prime. Only Optimus now."
+"No, Brawn... Not Prime. Only '''Optimus,''' now."
 :— '''Brawn''' and '''Optimus'''
 '''Ultra Magnus:''' "I'm sorry, Optimus. I just feel I'm needed--"<br/>
 '''Optimus:''' "Don't. I understand. I hope to join you soon, my friend."<br/>
-'''Elita Prime:''' "By [[Primus]] let that be true. [['Til all are one]]."<br/>'
+'''Elita Prime:''' "By [[Primus]], let that be true. [['Til all are one]]."<br/>
 '''Optimus:''' "'Til all are one."
@@ Line 84: / Line 91: @@
 * Optimus tells Elita that challenging for leadership is not the Autobot way, in stark contrast to the Decepticon way seen back in [[Transformers (2023) issue 13|issue #13]] when [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] challenged [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]].
 * Upon losing the Matrix, Optimus reverts to a smaller form, though he still calls himself “Optimus”. Notably, he does not revert to the Orion Pax that we saw in a flashback in ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 17|#17]].
+* There are a few Autobots that are not shown staying on Earth or leaving for Cybertron, likely to give the writers some wiggle-room to change their minds between issues. This includes Blaster, Sideswipe, Mirage, and notably even Jazz. While there ''are'' silhouettes of seemingly 2 (maybe 3?) characters leaving with Elita, their shapes are ''far'' too vague to make-out any meaningful details and they do not clearly resemble any known Autobots on Earth (see ''[[Transformers (2023) issue 30#Errors|errors]]'' down below).
 ===''Transformers'' references===
-* When Optimus opens his chest to reveal the Matrix, the design of the “cover” to the Matrix is taken from its appearance in [[The Transformers: The Movie]].
+* When Optimus opens his chest to reveal the Matrix, the design of the "cover" to the Matrix is taken from its appearance in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
-* Elita's Prime form appears to have a jet [[alternate mode]] akin to her [[Elita One (G1)#Power of the Primes|Power of the Primes toy]].
+* Elita's Prime form appears to have a jet [[alternate mode]] akin to her [[Elita One (G1)#Power of the Primes|''Power of the Primes'' toy]]. Her new lower legs resemble those of her [[Elita-1 (One)|''One'' counterpart]].
+* Optimus' post-Prime form has the chest of his [[Optimus Prime (Cyberworld)|''Cyberworld'' counterpart]].
+===Errors===
+* Cliffjumper's feet are colored black throughout the entire issue.
+* Ultra Magnus's antennas are back to being blue again, despite ''finally'' fixing it last issue (!).
+* In the ''very first'' panel, the two stripes above the arrow on Optimus Prime's forearm are colored red instead of yellow.
+* On page 6, Jetfire's blue forehead-stripe is incorrectly colored white.
+* On page 8, Cliffjumper has a red stripe on his forearms in every panel. His windows are also colored red when Elita slams him to the ground.
+* On page 9, the white stripe on Optimus's abdomen is colored red.
+* Similarly on page 14, the colors of the white and red sections of Optimus's abdomen are ''swapped''.
+* On page 15, Optimus's Autobot symbols aren't filled in white, left as ''barely''-visible dark red outlines.
+* On page 17, the blue and red stripe on Jazz's back is colored white. Cliffjumper is also missing the spare tire on his back when he kneels.
+* On page 19, Mirage is missing the panel on his right shoulder.
+* When the other bots are seen leaving with Elita Prime, the head shape of the bot between her legs looks like... Cyclonus? The head design doesn't match any of the current characters shown to be with the Autobots.
 ===Other notes===
 * Due to an error with Google Books, this issue accidentally leaked almost a month in advance, leading to many of its shocking plot points being posted on social media, usually without context.
+* Kirkman name-drops [[Delta Magnus]] in the letters pages as an example of "[[Magnus (rank)|Magnus]]" being a rank that can be passed on to [[Arcee (G1)#Energon Universe|different bots]].
 * Energon Experience: Presented by Skybound Executive Editor Ben Abernathy.
 ** '''Character Spotlight:''' Optimus (not Prime)
@@ Line 97: / Line 120: @@
 ===Covers===
-* '''Cover A:''' Elita One, by [[David Nakayama]]
+* '''Cover A:''' Elita One, by [[David Nakayama]].
-* '''Cover B:''' Optimus vs Elita, by [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] and Mike Spicer.
+* '''Cover B:''' Optimus vs Elita, by [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] & Mike Spicer.
-* '''Cover C:''' Connecting cover, by [[Jorge Corona]] and Mike Spicer.
+* '''Cover C:''' Connecting variant, by [[Jorge Corona]] & Mike Spicer.
 * '''Cover D:''' The Decepticons, by [[Taurin Clarke]].
-* '''Cover E:''' Design for Megatron, by Dan Mora and [[Andres Juarez]].
+* '''Cover E:''' Design for Megatron, by Dan Mora & [[Andres Juarez]].
-* '''Cover F:''' Invincible crossover cover featuring Invincible and Robot fighting [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and Rumble, by [[Joshua Cassara]] and [[Romulo Fajardo, Jr.]].
+* '''Cover F:''' Invincible crossover variant featuring Invincible and Robot fighting [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and Rumble, by [[Joshua Cassara]] & [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]].
+* '''davidnakayama.com MegaCon Orlando 2026 Cover:''' Foil virgin variant of Cover A.
+* '''Big Time Collectibles MegaCon Orlando 2026 Cover:''' by [[Redcode]]. Limited to 500 copies.
+* '''Avenida Cómic MegaCon Costa Rica 2026 Cover:''' by [[Serg Acuña]]. Limited to 500 copies.
+* '''Big Time Collectibles / Cerberus Comics MegaCon Orlando 2026 Cover:''' by [[Björn Barends]]. Limited to 750 copies.
 <gallery>
-File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover A.jpg|
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover A.jpg
-File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover B.jpg|
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover B.jpg
-File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover C.jpg|
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover C.jpg
-File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover D.jpg|
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover D.jpg
-File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover E.jpg|
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover E.jpg
-File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover F.jpg|
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Cover F.jpg
+File:Transformers 2023 30 David Nakayama Cover.jpg
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Redcode Cover.jpg
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Serg Acuña Cover.jpg
+File:Transformers 2023 30 Björn Barends Cover.jpg
 </gallery>
 ===Advertisement===
-* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 20|#20]], ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 28|#28]], and Transformers #31.
+* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 20|#20]], ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 28|#28]], and ''Transformers'' #31.
-* Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #7
+* ''Invincible Universe: Battle Beast'' #7
 * ''[[G.I. Joe (comic)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'' Kickstarter Exclusive Hardcover Compendiums
 * ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: Silent Missions'' returns!
 ===Reprints===
-* '''''Transformers Volume 5: Generation One''''' <small>([[June 2]], [[2026]]) ISBN  153433355X / ISBN 978-1534333550</small>
+* '''''Transformers Volume 5: Generation One''''' <small> ([[April 29]], [[2026]]) ISBN 153433355X / ISBN 978-1534333550 </small>
-** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #25–30
+** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #25–30.
 ** Trade paperback format.
+** Variant cover:
+*** '''Direct Market Exclusive:''' by [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] & Mike Spicer. <small> ISBN 978-1534335653 </small>
 <gallery>
 File:Transformers 2023 V5.jpg|'''''Volume 5: Generation One''''' – cover art by [[David Nakayama]]
+File:Transformers 2023 V5 DM Cover.jpg|'''Direct Market Exclusive''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
 </gallery>
-==External links==
-==References==
-{{reflist}}
 [[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

Transformers (2023) issue 30: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:46, 10 April 2026

Contents

Synopsis

Featured characters

Quotes

Notes

Continuity notes

Transformers references

Errors

Other notes

Covers

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