TRANSFORMERS (2023) #1 - low-effort review

SO. unfortunately i wrote out a MASSIVE review for this book, and the page crashed... i lost everything ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ and haven't the time nor the willpower to rewrite it all. 

That said, I LOVED this first issue and find it extremely promising. I am so so excited to sink my teeth into #2 in a few days!! The action is exciting and visceral, pulling more from pro wrestling than the typical transformers gunfights, the characterization is immediate and charming, the lead bots especially. Starscream oozes her visciousness and generally being a total nightmare and Optimus Prime himself conveys such a gentle, quiet strength to him even in the face of palpable fear and grief. The human leads are both already fun to watch and bursting with potential, ESPECIALLY Carly (that sick van(⁠☆⁠▽⁠☆⁠)(⁠☆⁠▽⁠☆⁠)!!!  praying she gets to airbrush some bots). The crossover aspects aren't egregious or disteacting (yet...) and the art is absolutely stunning, especially in print !!!!!!

Also, I wanted to show you guys the INCREDIBLE cover i got my hands on

one of the absolutely stunning 2nd printing covers by Greg Tocchini, i just absolutely had to get it. the detail, the richness of the colors and the delicate forms... Is it a bit fucked for me to be so excited by my favourite little robot's horrific death? Perhaps.

I'm sure he'll make a comeback at somepoint. I mean, it's Bumblebee. He always does.

Anyways, is anyone else reading the skybound books, or are we waiting to see if it turns out first? What are yall's thoughts on it so far? Also, does anyone actually care about G.I. JOE?