Transformers: Every recent storyline that will affect the Autobots and Decepticons

It wasn’t that long ago that writer Daniel Warren Ellis and artist Jorge Corona finished their 24-issue run of Image Comics/Skybound's Transformers with one of the best comic book moments and fights of 2025. In the very next issue, writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible and The Walking Dead) took over, and a new era began for the Autobots and the Decepticons. 

First (in Transformers No. 25), Megatron physically and verbally abuses his goons and then builds them back up with compliments. It was a moment that can only be described as cultish. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime made friends with the U.S. government. In return, they’d get help if and when the Decepticons attacked. And lastly, Elita declared Optimus an enemy of the Autobots for not rejoining the fight on Cybertron.

It’s been over half a year since Robert Kirkman took over, and a lot has happened. The Decepticons lost an epic battle to the Autobots. Elita challenged Optimus for leadership and is now Prime (a decision made by the Matrix of Leadership). After that, she took some of the Autobots and said that anyone who stayed was no longer an Autobot. As for Megatron, he’s been in a cocoon and a coma-like state.

That was a lot, but all of that happened in about six issues. Issue No. 33 of Transformers had a lot of storylines in one issue, and each of them is important. Let’s begin with what may be the most crucial to the Energon Universe.

Optimus

Without the Matrix of Leadership, Optimus isn’t as strong as he once was. It’s something that he admits, and it’s becoming difficult for him to adjust. What’s worse is that Spike and the Autobots have noticed that he’s been acting spontaneously and recklessly.

Thankfully (as Spike writes), he’s still kind and compassionate. However, this seems like something that will all come into play in the future. Don’t be shocked if Optimus dies within a year, only for him to make a heroic return and save the planet.

Energon on Cybertron

Elita Prime returned to Cybertron and was immediately attacked by the Decepticons (Transformers No. 32). After escaping, she returned to the Autobots’ base to a welcome surprise. Hot Rod and Springer are back from Agorria with enough Energon to turn the tide in the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

For more on what the Great Ring is, read Void Rivals, which is also written by Robert Kirkman.

Down but not out

When Optimus Prime and Megatron had their big fight in Transformers No. 24, Magatron ordered Starscream to shoot Spike and Carly. And for the first time in centuries, Starscream defies his master and declares that his name is Ulchtar (his real name). This leads to Megatron shooting Starscream in the face. It appeared that Ulchtar was dead after Megatron’s attack, but that was found to be false, because, in Transformers No. 25, the light in one of Ulchtar’s eyes lit up.

In issue No. 33 of Transformers, the Cybertronian formerly known as Starscream is seen crawling on the ocean floor. It looks like his will to live was stronger than anyone knew. However, no one knows where he’s going. He may not even know. With that being said, I'd bet my remaining Energon that he'll be joining the Autobots.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow’s social media sites, Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more comic book, TV, and movie news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.

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