Skybound Entertainment & Image Comics’ Transformers #35 Review: The Energon Universe Raises the Stakes
Transformers #35 is in stores now from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, and Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard deliver another hard-hitting chapter that continues expanding the Energon Universe while pushing several major storylines closer to collision.
Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics have turned Transformers into a series where every issue feels like another moving piece in a much larger machine. Transformers #35 continues that momentum with a chapter built around changing loyalties, dangerous technology, escalating conflict, and characters still carrying the consequences of everything that has happened before.
Writer Robert Kirkman, artist Jason Howard, colorist Mike Spicer, and letterer Rus Wooton continue developing the threads established across the current arc rather than slowing down as the story approaches its conclusion. There is plenty of Cybertronian action here, but some of the issue’s strongest moments come from relationships, uncertainty, and the growing realization that the conflict on Earth has become considerably larger than a straightforward Autobots-versus-Decepticons war.
For readers who have been following the series monthly, Transformers #35 feels essential. The creative team rewards that investment without turning the issue into a recap of everything that came before.
Robert Kirkman Keeps the Story Moving Forward
Robert Kirkman’s approach to Transformers continues to feel heavily rooted in classic serialized comic-book storytelling. Storylines remain active across multiple issues, relationships evolve rather than reset, and seemingly smaller developments can become increasingly important as the larger narrative moves forward.
That is especially noticeable in issue #35. Kirkman does not stop the story to explain every relationship or remind readers why every character matters. Instead, he trusts the groundwork already established and continues moving the pieces.
That gives the issue an impressive amount of momentum.
Readers who followed our Transformers #34 review will recognize several continuing developments, particularly surrounding the increasingly complicated relationship between humans, Cybertronians, and the technology both sides are attempting to understand.
Rather than resolving those questions immediately, Transformers #35 makes them even more interesting.
Wheeljack Remains One of the Autobots’ Most Important Assets
Wheeljack continues to represent one of the most fascinating sides of the Autobot war effort because his value does not come exclusively from fighting.
He builds.
He experiments.
He solves problems.
And whenever Wheeljack starts working on something new, there is a sense that the result could substantially change the Autobots’ situation.
Transformers #35 gives that aspect of his character room to breathe. Kirkman presents science and engineering as legitimate forces within the larger war rather than simply devices used to move the plot toward another battle.
That approach also creates an interesting contrast with the way humanity is beginning to interact with Cybertronian technology.
The Autobots understand that their bodies, machinery, and technology are all connected to a living civilization. Humans are still learning what that distinction means.
Not everyone appears interested in respecting it.
Doctor Arkeville Continues to Make an Impression
Doctor Henri Arkeville remains a fascinating addition to the Energon Universe.
His presence immediately introduces another layer to the conflict because he approaches Cybertronian technology from a very different perspective than the Autobots themselves.
Where Wheeljack sees engineering connected to a living species, Arkeville sees possibilities.
That distinction becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
Readers who want more background on his arrival should revisit our Transformers #34 coverage, because issue #35 continues building on ideas introduced there rather than treating Arkeville as a one-issue appearance.
The character has the potential to become much more important as humanity gains greater access to Cybertronian technology.
That may not be a good thing for anyone involved.
Thundercracker Continues to Evolve
One of the strongest pieces of character development in the current Transformers run belongs to Thundercracker.
His story has become considerably more complicated than choosing one faction over another.
Kirkman understands that allegiance is only one part of identity.
History remains.
Relationships remain.
Consequences remain.
Thundercracker cannot simply make a decision about who he wants to become and expect everything connected to his past to disappear.
That gives his scenes in Transformers #35 real emotional weight.
The larger war provides spectacle, but Thundercracker’s story gives some of that spectacle meaning.
He is becoming a strong example of why this series works when it slows down enough to remember that the Autobots and Decepticons are characters first and military units second.
The Aerialbots Continue to Matter
The Aerialbots also remain an important part of the current storyline.
Their presence gives the book another perspective on responsibility, loyalty, and the cost of the ongoing war. These characters have endured significant pressure, and Transformers #35 does not treat them like interchangeable background soldiers simply because larger personalities occupy the series.
Silverbolt, in particular, continues carrying the burden that comes with leadership.
Being responsible for a team means making decisions while knowing that every mistake could cost someone else.
That idea gives the Aerialbots more dramatic weight and makes their role in the current arc feel genuinely important.
Jason Howard Gives Transformers #35 Incredible Energy
Artist Jason Howard continues proving why he is such a strong fit for Skybound and Image Comics’ Transformers.
His Cybertronians have enormous physical presence.
They look heavy.
They move with force.
And when the action begins, their mechanical scale becomes impossible to ignore.
Howard’s increasingly rough and kinetic approach gives the pages an energy that works beautifully with the intensity of the current storyline. His action does not feel overly polished or clean. There is a chaotic quality to it that makes combat appear unpredictable.
That works especially well in a Transformers comic.
These characters are enormous alien machines fighting with tremendous force. Their battles should look dangerous.
Howard makes them dangerous.
The Mechanical Action Feels Massive
The action in Transformers #35 is not simply a collection of characters standing across from one another and firing weapons.
Howard uses environments.
Movement.
Scale.
Transformation.
Speed.
And impact.
Cybertronians crash through scenes rather than politely occupying panels.
Aircraft cut through enormous spaces while ground-based characters carry visible mechanical weight.
That physicality makes even relatively brief action sequences memorable.
It also prevents the comic from becoming visually repetitive despite the number of large mechanical characters occupying the story.
Mike Spicer Gives the Issue Its Atmosphere
Mike Spicer’s colors continue playing an essential role in the visual identity of Transformers.
Howard provides the raw mechanical energy, while Spicer gives every environment its temperature and mood.
Cold environments feel genuinely cold. Energy blasts introduce sudden bursts of heat. Bright mechanical colors remain readable against complicated environments. Explosions break through quieter palettes with dramatic force.
Transformers is not an easy comic to color. Multiple characters often occupy the same sequence while weapons fire, backgrounds, machinery, and environmental effects compete for attention.
Spicer keeps everything readable without draining the intensity from Howard’s artwork.
The result is a comic that feels big without becoming visually exhausting.
Rus Wooton Makes Every Hit Feel Bigger
Rus Wooton’s lettering is another major part of that experience.
Transformers needs sound.
Engines need to roar.
Weapons need to crack across the page.
Metal needs to collide.
Explosions need to feel enormous.
Wooton gives those moments the necessary impact while allowing Howard’s artwork to remain the focus.
That balance is especially important in an action-heavy series. Sound effects can easily overwhelm mechanical artwork because the panels are already visually dense.
Here, the lettering enhances rather than competes.
The Energon Universe Is Becoming More Connected
One of the most exciting aspects of Transformers #35 is the growing sense that the boundaries between individual Energon Universe stories are becoming less rigid.
Skybound’s shared universe now includes Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals, and M.A.S.K., with characters, organizations, technology, and consequences increasingly crossing between them.
That interconnectedness makes Transformers feel larger without requiring every issue to become a formal crossover.
The universe simply feels shared.
Readers can see some of that evolution developing in our earlier Transformers #32 coverage, where the changing Autobot landscape was already signaling how quickly the status quo was shifting.
By issue #35, the sense of a wider conflict is even stronger.
The Transformers are not operating in isolation anymore.
Earth has changed around them.
The humans have changed.
Other factions are moving.
And technology from one corner of the Energon Universe can increasingly influence another.
Robert Kirkman Understands the Value of Long-Term Consequences
One of the biggest strengths of this Transformers era is that things matter after they happen.
Relationships do not automatically return to normal.
Damage has consequences.
Deaths matter.
Allegiances change.
Characters remember what other characters have done.
That sounds like a basic requirement for serialized storytelling, but Transformers #35 demonstrates just how powerful it can be when used consistently.
Kirkman’s run feels connected to everything that came before it rather than replacing it.
That makes the series feel like one continuous story even as creative responsibilities evolve.
For monthly readers, that continuity adds tremendous value.
Transformers #35 Builds Toward Something Bigger
The issue also benefits enormously from where it sits within the current arc.
Transformers #35 feels like a chapter where several threads are tightening at once.
Individual stories continue moving.
Characters are being placed into increasingly difficult situations.
Existing relationships are under pressure.
The wider Energon Universe is becoming harder to ignore.
And the next issue will bring the current arc to its conclusion.
That gives #35 the kind of tension a penultimate chapter should have.
The comic does not need to resolve everything yet.
It needs to make readers desperately want the next issue.
Mission accomplished.
Transformers #35 Review Verdict
Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics’ Transformers #35 is another excellent chapter in the Energon Universe and a strong example of why this remains one of the most consistently compelling licensed comics on shelves.
Robert Kirkman continues developing characters and long-running storylines without sacrificing momentum. Thundercracker remains particularly compelling, while Wheeljack, Doctor Arkeville, Silverbolt, and the Aerialbots ensure there are multiple reasons to remain invested in the larger conflict.
Jason Howard delivers another visually aggressive issue filled with heavy mechanical movement and energetic action.
Mike Spicer’s colors give that artwork clarity and atmosphere.
Rus Wooton’s lettering completes the sense of scale.
Most importantly, Transformers #35 leaves the series in a position where the next chapter feels essential.
There are several moments readers will want to discuss after finishing this issue.
Experience them in the comic first.
Final Score
9/10
Transformers #35 is a fast, intense, visually impressive chapter that continues expanding Robert Kirkman’s Energon Universe while positioning Skybound and Image Comics’ flagship Transformers series for a major arc finale.
Why Transformers Fans Should Pick This Up
If Transformers is already on your pull list, do not skip issue #35.
This chapter rewards readers who have remained invested in the changing relationships, ongoing technological developments, and evolving state of the Energon Universe. Several important threads continue moving forward, and the issue’s position directly before the current arc finale gives virtually everything an additional sense of urgency.
It is also another showcase for Jason Howard, whose interpretation of the Transformers continues becoming more confident and expressive.
Readers who enjoy large-scale Cybertronian action will find plenty here, but the character work is what makes the issue feel important rather than disposable.
That combination is why Skybound and Image Comics’ Transformers continues to be worth following every month.
Final Thoughts
The strongest thing about Transformers #35 is that it feels like part of a living story.
Characters are not standing still waiting for the next battle.
They are changing.
Their relationships are changing.
The world around them is changing.
The Autobots and Decepticons may remain the most recognizable sides of the conflict, but Robert Kirkman’s Energon Universe has become considerably more complicated than two armies fighting over a planet.
Humans are learning about Cybertronian technology.
Scientists are pushing boundaries.
Alliances are shifting.
Different corners of the Energon Universe are moving closer together.
And characters are discovering that making a new choice does not automatically erase an old life.
That gives Transformers #35 considerably more depth than its enormous mechanical battles might initially suggest.
There is plenty to talk about once you finish reading it.
But first?
Go get the issue.
Transformers #35 Is In Stores Now
Transformers #35 is available now from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics.
The issue went on sale August 12, 2026, and features Robert Kirkman writing, Jason Howard on artwork, Mike Spicer on colors, and Rus Wooton on letters. The review copy confirms the primary creative team and identifies the issue as part of Skybound Entertainment’s Transformers line published through Image Comics.
For official issue details and the full cover gallery, visit the Image Comics Transformers #35 page.
Readers who need to catch up can also revisit our Transformers #34 review and our earlier look at Transformers #32.
And whenever possible, support your local comic shop.
Connecticut readers looking for Transformers #35 can check Alternate Universe Comics for current availability and available covers.
Join the Discussion
Have you picked up Transformers #35 yet, and how are you feeling about Robert Kirkman’s direction for the Energon Universe heading toward issue #36?
Once you’ve read the issue, let us know which characters and storylines have you most excited for what comes next.
Follow Comic Book Addicts for more comic book news, reviews, previews, and collector updates:
Website: https://comicbookaddicts.com/
New Comics: https://comicbookaddicts.com/new-comics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comicbookaddicts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheComicBookAddicts/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thecomicbookaddicts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/comicbookaddt
X/Twitter: https://x.com/comicbookaddt
