The first 24 issues of Transformers from Image Comics/Skybound were groundbreaking. Writer (and sometimes artist in the series) Daniel Warren Johnson, artist Jorge Corona, and colorist Mike Spicer kept some things that fans loved from the original story. But they also altered parts to adjust for older fans who are now adults and a new audience. It was a brilliant move that led to a series that is easily one of the best ongoing comic books available.
In issue No. 25, Mike Spicer remained, but writer Robert Kirkman and artist Dan Mora became part of the new creative team. And while change isn’t easy, this was a move that continues to elevate the series. If there’s any doubt, you don’t have to look any further than what happened in issue No. 30.
At the end of issue No. 29, Elita shows up on Earth right when the Autobots seemed to be preparing to take out the Decepticons. In the following issue, she challenges Optimus Prime for leadership of the Autobots. Prime refused to fight her but understood Elita’s point that Cybertron needs the Autobots. Rather than attack her, he made the peaceful choice of letting the Matrix decide, which chose Elita, making her Prime.
Elita ordered the Autobots to follow her to Cybertron. If they didn’t, they were no longer Autobots. A handful of them stayed, believing that it was their job to remove the Decepticons from Earth. Unfortunately, it may not be enough, because a war is coming that the remaining heroes aren’t aware of.
In Joshua Williamson’s G.I. Joe, both Cobra and the Joes are aware that there are giant, sentient robots on Earth and that their involvement could tip the scales in either side’s favor. The Joes have one on their side (Hound), but Duke doesn’t trust him despite Hound helping in their time of need and being vouched for by his closest friend, Clutch. It’s too bad Duke won’t have a choice soon. There's too much going on that he doesn't know about. Among them is the fact that Zartan infiltrated the Joes and is the one running the show.
Elita Prime's departure left the “not” Autobots' numbers drastically cut. That puts them at a disadvantage since the Decepticons outnumber them and are essentially a cult led by the vile and vicious Megatron. And if Cobra Commander can make a deal with Megatron, that makes things even more dangerous.
Even if Optimus and Duke come to an understanding, the numbers are still in the antagonists' favor. Maybe Elita Prime will show up in the nick of time to save the day. Even then, that won’t happen until later down the line, and tons of people may die before that happens.
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