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Transformers (2023) (Single Issues)
Transformers #34
WHO IS DOCTOR HENRI ARKEVILLE? Optimus's team must help General Flagg with a new mission that brings them face to face with the man who may have discovered a way for humanity to fight back against Autobot and Decepticon alike.
- GenresComics
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2026
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,791 books7,199 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 4, 2026
Shredhead and Cliffjumper versus Bruticus! I think one of them bought the farm after that encounter.
This was the cover I picked to read this story:
This was the cover I picked to read this story:
July 11, 2026
I continue to find this book challenging. Even when we finally get consecutive issues based on Earth, Kirkman finds a way to make it feel incredibly disjointed. It's like he has 4+ ideas that would probably make nice 1-3 issue storylines and simply chops them up and sticks them together arbitrarily. The whole battle with cliff jumper - did I miss the set up for that 8 months ago or did it just happen? The aerobots 1 page tease that could take months to develop or be touched upon. Maybe Kirkman should look at how Williamson juggles multiple threads usually by dedicating an issue or arc to each thread and team rather than trying to do everything every issue?
It's a shame as I thought the main story was fun - Flagg is a great character and I loved how he's essentially a mouthpiece for online discussion and complainers. He even discusses Optimus' mouthpiece! The intro of the mad villain was a case of me not being sure if this is a kids cartoon character, a back to the future crossover, or a not so original new character. Maybe an online guide telling us which franchise characters are from would make be a useful reference ?
The art here is exceptional Transformers art and really saves the issue. Jason Howard has done issues previously but here he's clearly hitting his groove as it manages to capture the blockiness of the robots while remaining fluid. The scenes with Flagg are so expressive and add to the comedy, while the fight scene involving cliff jumper and the combaticons is epic. They seem to have the full range at their disposal. Kirkman needs to keep this artist tied down as if he can find the writing to match (and he is more than capable) then this could be an amazing book.
The pacing and jarring plot transitions are killing this book for me and if it wasn't for the stellar artwork and possibility this book could be amazing, I'd be dropping the book. I'm not sure how long I can read a sub-par book in the hope for it to be excellent though. I think Kirkman is trying to work out the best approach as he works out the best way to juggle all his ideas. My tip would be focus on telling a story on a single team. Unless he's rushing out of fear of losing the transformers license there's no need to have so much going on. Also, consider the possibility of additional titles and miniseries for these other ideas/teams, because it's currently too busy.
Overall impression = 3/5
Writing = 2/5
Art = 5/5
Will I read the next issue? not sure.
Wait for the trade collection? it might make it easier to follow the threads in a condensed format.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? not really, but it may help if you know all the ongoing characters/plots.
Will I read previous issues not beyond the first trade and I'm not fussed about reading from the start of Kirkman's run.
It's a shame as I thought the main story was fun - Flagg is a great character and I loved how he's essentially a mouthpiece for online discussion and complainers. He even discusses Optimus' mouthpiece! The intro of the mad villain was a case of me not being sure if this is a kids cartoon character, a back to the future crossover, or a not so original new character. Maybe an online guide telling us which franchise characters are from would make be a useful reference ?
The art here is exceptional Transformers art and really saves the issue. Jason Howard has done issues previously but here he's clearly hitting his groove as it manages to capture the blockiness of the robots while remaining fluid. The scenes with Flagg are so expressive and add to the comedy, while the fight scene involving cliff jumper and the combaticons is epic. They seem to have the full range at their disposal. Kirkman needs to keep this artist tied down as if he can find the writing to match (and he is more than capable) then this could be an amazing book.
The pacing and jarring plot transitions are killing this book for me and if it wasn't for the stellar artwork and possibility this book could be amazing, I'd be dropping the book. I'm not sure how long I can read a sub-par book in the hope for it to be excellent though. I think Kirkman is trying to work out the best approach as he works out the best way to juggle all his ideas. My tip would be focus on telling a story on a single team. Unless he's rushing out of fear of losing the transformers license there's no need to have so much going on. Also, consider the possibility of additional titles and miniseries for these other ideas/teams, because it's currently too busy.
Overall impression = 3/5
Writing = 2/5
Art = 5/5
Will I read the next issue? not sure.
Wait for the trade collection? it might make it easier to follow the threads in a condensed format.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? not really, but it may help if you know all the ongoing characters/plots.
Will I read previous issues not beyond the first trade and I'm not fussed about reading from the start of Kirkman's run.
July 22, 2026
Some really great action moments in this issue with great art. I wish the story was a little more cohesive. There are so many threads and it feels like we get only a couple pages of each. Like an appetizer sampler. It is tasty but not complete.
October 18, 2026
BRRRRRRUTICUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHH!!!
August 2, 2026
Did we jump into a random new story just to get rid of a character that wasn't fitting quite right?
I had long forgotten who Arkeville was. Hawk's banter with Optimus is fun, but rest of the writing still feels awkward and lame.
I had long forgotten who Arkeville was. Hawk's banter with Optimus is fun, but rest of the writing still feels awkward and lame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2026
Feels like we've got some momentum again.
August 24, 2026
Another solid issue, I think Kirkman has finally found his footing with this series. Great intrigue for the Autobot/Millitary plot and one of the best action scenes in a while.
July 8, 2026
Art is TOP NOTCH
Again, Art is TOP NOTCH!!!
Why am I not surprised that Government officials back stab each other too 🤔💭
Is Shreadhead okay? Is he dead too now?
Again, Art is TOP NOTCH!!!
Why am I not surprised that Government officials back stab each other too 🤔💭
Is Shreadhead okay? Is he dead too now?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews