COUNTDOWN: 8 noteworthy moments from Skybound’s Transformers #29

Skybound #29 is here and it’s all kicking off!

This chapter follows on directly from the previous issue, picking up immediately after the shocking cliffhanger and diving right into an action-packed instalment. Let’s get into it!

WARNING! MAJOR SPOILERS ahead! Check out our previous parts here.

#8: Optimus on the offensive

We begin in the aftermath of Megatron having destroyed Trailbreaker last time, as the tyrant continues draining his victim’s spark by literally sucking the Energon from his body — much to the apparent disgust of the other Decepticons. Well, save for Skywarp, who looks intrigued by the process.

However, the moment is interrupted by the arrival of Optimus Prime, who immediately goes on the offensive (eh?), enraged by what his enemy has done. This feels like a very different side to the Autobot leader than we typically see — perhaps more in line with the battle-ready warrior he once was, and that has so often been teased in the dialogue of previous issues.

When Megatron first returned in #18, Prime was quick to keep his distance, even signalling his troops to retreat on sight. But much has changed since then — the Autobots have more resources (and vastly more numbers), Megatron has already been defeated in #24, and Optimus now instinctively has a score to settle in the heat of the moment.

Still, it’s somewhat surprising to see him talking about ending the Decepticon’s existence, once and for all, no matter the context.

#7: Shredhead jumps in

Megatron briefly claims the upper hand in the conflict, turning his fusion cannon on Prime, before Shredhead arrives on the scene and seemingly saves the day. In truth, this moment was a little confusing on first read, if only because it took more than one pass to discern what was actually happening here — but it appears as though Megatron’s blast bounces off Shredhead’s shield.

In any case, it’s good to see our new Autobot actually getting a moment to shine, given not much has been done with them since they dramatically stepped in during the climactic events of #24. I’ve said as much a few times now, but this character has tons of potential to be interesting — we just need to see some focus put their way to flesh them out considerably more than what we’re currently getting.

Hopefully, this brief beat is the start of more.

#6: Autobot/Decepticon battle

The rest of the Autobots come running in (it’s not clear how Shredhead made it there before them, but it works for dramatic tension, I suppose!), and it’s at this point that we’re treated to a series of frankly gorgeous panels depicting both teams preparing for battle!

I’ve mentioned before that I sometimes find the art in this new era of the book a little perplexing from one panel to the next, if only because it’s not always obvious how each moment “connects” in terms of kinetic action — somewhat forcing you to consider the logic of the moment instead of going with the flow. But never let it be said that Dan Mora doesn’t draw some exceptionally handsome robots and some beautifully composed scenes!

The multiple renditions of Autobots and Decepticons running into the fray were incredible, and the one big splash page of a wealth of characters going toe-to-toe is poster-worthy, to say the least.

#5: Half-Devastator

The action cuts to the interior of the Ark, as it transpires that three of the Constructicons have split off to free Soundwave from his prison. They’re interrupted by both Ultra Magnus and Arcee — despite the latter having been seen in the outside battle just two panels prior. Again, the logic of it all is a little elusive at times, but it looks stunning nonetheless.

The Autobots hold their own until Hook orders his teammates to merge into Devastator — or the top half of him, at least! It’s an enjoyable twist, even if it somewhat flies in the face of how combiners are traditionally supposed to work, given that they’re typically presented as a merge of the individual minds, not just the bodies.

Still, we have seen limbs missing before (including in this universe), so for my money, it’s not worth worrying about — and the moment itself is fun to see!

#4: The fight continues

The next several pages are dedicated to the ongoing battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, with numerous smaller interactions peppered in along the way. Everything here looks astounding — the art is truly a visual treat throughout, though again, I was left scratching my head at what was happening here and there.

I appreciated Beachcomber’s moment of protecting the local wildlife, and Bulkhead almost singlehandedly leading the charge to take down Bruticus was great. We see Skywarp outfoxing Shredhead somewhat with his teleportation ability, although moments later it appears as though Mirage returns the favour by pulling a similar trick on the Seeker using a hologram.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker is brought down by Ravage, and Brawn seemingly cannot catch a break, taking a mace to the face from Megatron before being casually tossed aside by Onslaught shortly after.

Ultimately, it all just about hangs together, which is impressive considering the sheer volume of characters at play here, delivering one of the most epic fights the series has showcased since #24.

#3: Megatron incapacitated

The dust settles for a moment as Megatron has a downed Thundercracker in his sights, pointing his fusion cannon at the newly-minted Autobot with lethal intent. However, the moment is interrupted by Megatron experiencing another seizure, much as he did at the end of #26.

We’re still not clear what’s causing this currently, but no doubt it relates to the Quintesson Dezimir in some manner. For today, it’s enough for the Autobots to firmly gain the upper hand, although it’s surprising to see Thundercracker briefly offering some concern towards his former master.

Could this be an indication that his new allegiance won’t be quite so cut and dry?

#2: Decepticons retreat

The Autobots’ apparent victory is interrupted by Devastator — now fully formed — as he charges through the scene with Soundwave in tow, who orders a retreat. It’s made clear that the green meanie is carrying several of the downed Decepticons previously seen aboard the Ark, including Blitzwing and Slipstream, so no doubt we can expect to see them back in action before long.

Soundwave also stops to collect Megatron’s comatose form in a moment that I’m sure is purposefully reminiscent of the 1986 movie, as the action of this issue draws to a close.

#1: Elita’s entrance

There’s one final beat to consider here, though. As Optimus declares that the Autobots should continue after the Decepticons, Elita-1 and Cliffjumper make a surprise entrance!

This picks up after we saw the latter’s mission into Decepticon territory in #27 to find components to repair the Spacebridge, so clearly they were successful. Elita darkly declares that the Decepticons should be left to rule Earth, which she calls a “planet of mud,” before saying Optimus needs to answer to her.

This is shaping up to be by far and away the darkest interpretation of the character we’ve seen in Transformers fiction, so it will be fascinating to see where it leads from here…

Overall, there was a lot to enjoy in this issue, with plenty of action going on and some striking individual panels to admire in detail. With just one issue left of the current arc, there’s arguably a lot to tie up next time (and that’s assuming we don’t return to the exploits of Miles Mayhem!), especially if the plan is to top the stakes shown here.

What did you make of the issue?

TTFN