SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview

Saturday, November 11th, 2023 8:18AM CST

Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: D-Maximal_Primal Views: 68,636

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Thanks to an update from Skybound, we have our first look at next months Transformers #3 comic. Following the explosive Issue #2 released this week, a confrontation between Autobot and Decepticon is brewing, and Sparkplug is ready to dive headlong into action as well.

Much like the preview for Issue #2, no dialogue is present for this early 3 page preview.

Check out the preview below, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Today Skybound, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed an impressive lineup of variant covers and a first look at interior pages of Daniel Warren Johnson’s TRANSFORMERS #3. The third issue of the smash hit series, TRANSFORMERS, will be available on shelves in comic book shops December 13, 2023.

TRANSFORMERS #3 continues the Energon Universe and the all-new era of the iconic TRANSFORMERS franchise from Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon). Outnumbered and overpowered, it’s time for the Autobots to stand their ground, as Optimus Prime goes toe-to-toe with Skywarp!

In addition to the main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, the stacked list of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #3 includes a cover by Taurin Clarke (Black Panther), a 1:10 incentive variant continuing the connecting cover series by Orlando Arocena (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), a 1:25 incentive variant by Matias Bergara (Coda), and a 1:50 incentive variant by Nick Dragotta (Creepshow).

The Energon Universe officially began in June 2023 with the surprise first appearance of iconic TRANSFORMERS character Jetfire in Void Rivals #1, introducing the historic new collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher.

The Energon Universe expands in December with Duke #1, a limited series from Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride), Tom Reilly (The Thing) and Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33). This will be followed by the launch of Cobra Commander #1 in January 2024, from Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song). Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions, including #WhereIsMegatron.

TRANSFORMERS #3 (Lunar Codes Below | $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

The full list of variant covers is below:

TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover A by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (1023IM385)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover B by Taurin Clarke (1023IM386)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) by Orlando Arocena (1023IM387)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Matias Bergara (1023IM388)
TRANSFORMERS #3 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Nick Dragotta (1023IM389)

Credit(s): Skybound

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Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2173438)
Posted by Big Grim on November 13th, 2023 @ 5:56am CST

Gotta say, I love the art for fast and frantic action sequences like this.

~ Grim

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2173439)
Posted by snavej on November 13th, 2023 @ 6:11am CST

And the mayhem continues. Laserbeak didn't use his laser eyes. Cliffjumper didn't use his glass gas. Perhaps they're saving energy? (I know that Laserbeak is always worried about losing power in his lasers.)
Perhaps they're not sure how the weapons will work on Earth? Cliffjumper certainly doesn't want to hurt the humans.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2173454)
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on November 13th, 2023 @ 11:15pm CST

So much carnage and killing, and we’re just getting started! Kinda scared for Megatron to show up, if Starscream is this vicious.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2173455)
Posted by snavej on November 14th, 2023 @ 5:59am CST

Stormshot_Prime wrote:So much carnage and killing, and we’re just getting started! Kinda scared for Megatron to show up, if Starscream is this vicious.

This is realistic. In order to defeat the mighty Autobots (and almost anyone else), the Decepticons have to be hard-hitting and relentless. As a general rule, if they don't achieve multiple casualties per trooper per day, they won't beat the Autobots.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2173497)
Posted by partholon on November 15th, 2023 @ 9:15am CST

i think MORE has happened in two issues of this skybound reboot of the comic than the first 8 of IDWs last one.

amazing what ya can achieve when your not walking up and down stairs all the fecking time.

im not a mad fan of the artstyle but theres been worse in the francise and the derpy look of the bot modes is more than offset by the technical stuff on the vehicle modes/enviroments. especially on the dynamism front. theres some real nice feelings of mass and motion.

the books FEELS like a proper reboot too. ive seen some complaining about prime killing bambi but that whole scene was a shorthand route to showing his character. if your a normie buying this odds are your only view on prime is the movies where hes a fkn psychopath.

so the secnes in issue two showing him giving a toss is welcomed, especially when it contrasts with PROPER decepticons not giving a flying fig about killing the squishes themselves. a nice return to "good " and "evil" .

in fact so far the whole series reminds me of the VERY early days of G1 in the UK comcic.

dinobot hunt/ crisis of command level where the much smaller cast made more compelling stories. the colouring even in issue two took me back to the aul gina hart days, not QUITE as good, but in that direction.

its can still go aresways,but right now im glad i came back to the book. its nice to see the characters ACT like who they are again. i'll give warren johnson that. he knows these bots and cons.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2174033)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 3rd, 2023 @ 7:51pm CST

Starting to get more into the universe, got Void Rivals 1 and 2, and Skybound #2. This universe really is a damn good read so far, and I am excited for more

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2174082)
Posted by Halfofme07 on December 5th, 2023 @ 9:29am CST

Finally read the first two issues. Great comic. Not great Transformers. Yet another grim n gritty this-is-how-it-would-really-happen adaptation of beloved fiction. Writing, art, and characterization is great, but the feel is all wrong.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2174155)
Posted by wyokid on December 8th, 2023 @ 6:40pm CST

This is the best Transformers has been since Prime season one. It is the best Transformers comics have been since Furman's IDW run. This is what dreams are made of.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2174501)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 18th, 2023 @ 7:15pm CST

Finally got to read issue 3, and re-read, and re-read some more.

They are COOKING with this book. It has well and truly surprised me with how good it is, This is a great team to handle Transformers right now. Great stuff.

Prime is a heroic dad trying his best, Cliffjumper wants to be helpful and open minded, Ratchet the responsible adult, starscream a grumpy scary dude, Skywarp just chilling, and so much more. It's just great!

Some of my favorite panels from the newest issue, just showing how good they are cooking:

And the best one:

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175216)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 12th, 2024 @ 10:05am CST

After reading issue 4, I'm really loving this version of Optimus. The amount of character they've shown for him in four issues is more than some other modern takes on the character have shown in a lot more.

It's also refreshing to have an Optimus that is both fierce and gentle.

Very interested in what's to come with his new arm

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175217)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 12th, 2024 @ 10:11am CST

I'm currently waiting on my new issue to arrive in the mail, excited to see what we got this month!

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175311)
Posted by Big Grim on January 15th, 2024 @ 5:40am CST

I'm seriously enjoying the series thus far but is it just me or are they a little cavalier with characters? Tearing Skywary apart seemed...excessive when they have other cybertronians available all around them that are NOT active.

~ GRim

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175371)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 16th, 2024 @ 9:43am CST

Big Grim wrote:I'm seriously enjoying the series thus far but is it just me or are they a little cavalier with characters? Tearing Skywary apart seemed...excessive when they have other cybertronians available all around them that are NOT active.

~ GRim

My thoughts on that were that Skywarp was pretty badly injured as opposed to just offline, so repairing him would have been more challenging. Also, could be that they needed running Cybertronian parts.

That said, they're certainly being a little cavalier. We're four issues in and Bumblebee, Jetfire, and Skywarp seem to be properly dead.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175515)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 19th, 2024 @ 8:39am CST

Cobra Commander #1 spoilers below:

Very interesting introduction to Megatron. It looked like a 2007 movie dynamic with Megatron being used for research/technology development, and then they hit us with the surprise Animated dynamic by revealing that he is awake and plotting.

Very interested to see how they pull off this shared Universe. Will Megatron's eventual introduction to the Transformers run make Cobra Commander required reading, or will they find a way to work him in seamlessly? This has always been my hesitation with shared universes, its hard to get the benefits of them without the drawbacks of required reading and a confusing reading order.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175533)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 19th, 2024 @ 2:19pm CST

I compiled a list below of the currently-known status of all Transformers in the Energon Universe:

Autobots:

Active
Optimus Prime
Ratchet
Cliffjumper

Inactive but alive
Jazz
Wheeljack
Ironhide
Prowl
Brawn

Confirmed dead
Bumblebee
Jetfire

Decepticons:

Active
Starscream
Soundwave
Laserbeak
Rumble
Ravage
Thundercracker
Shockwave (See Void Rivals #4)
Megatron (See Cobra Commander #1)

Inactive but alive
Reflector

Confirmed dead
Skywarp

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175875)
Posted by snavej on January 30th, 2024 @ 8:56am CST

If Starscream has taken parts from Skywarp and used them in his own body or someone else, will the recipients get some of Skywarp's power I wonder? They might get functional teleportation or a nasty case of malfunction involving random teleportation / disappearance / explosion.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2175876)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on January 30th, 2024 @ 9:05am CST

snavej wrote:If Starscream has taken parts from Skywarp and used them in his own body or someone else, will the recipients get some of Skywarp's power I wonder? They might get functional teleportation or a nasty case of malfunction involving random teleportation / disappearance / explosion.

That's a very interesting idea. It does seem intentional that the writers chose to use a Decepticon with a very unique power set for parts.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176058)
Posted by snavej on February 1st, 2024 @ 6:03am CST

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:
snavej wrote:If Starscream has taken parts from Skywarp and used them in his own body or someone else, will the recipients get some of Skywarp's power I wonder? They might get functional teleportation or a nasty case of malfunction involving random teleportation / disappearance / explosion.

That's a very interesting idea. It does seem intentional that the writers chose to use a Decepticon with a very unique power set for parts.

Furthermore, since Optimus now has Megatron's right arm and cannon, what will that do to Optimus' powers, mind, philosophy, priorities, plans, ambitions, etc.? We don't know what the arm can do. Since it is now in full use, it might start transmitting messages, especially to Megatron himself.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176060)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on February 1st, 2024 @ 8:07am CST

snavej wrote:Furthermore, since Optimus now has Megatron's right arm and cannon, what will that do to Optimus' powers, mind, philosophy, priorities, plans, ambitions, etc.? We don't know what the arm can do. Since it is now in full use, it might start transmitting messages, especially to Megatron himself.

I'm very curious how this might affect the Optimus-Megatron dynamic. In fact, I'm very curious about how this Megatron will be portrayed. This series has had such strong characterizations for Optimus and Starscream already, I wonder what direction they'll take Megatron in.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176075)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on February 1st, 2024 @ 7:53pm CST

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:
snavej wrote:Furthermore, since Optimus now has Megatron's right arm and cannon, what will that do to Optimus' powers, mind, philosophy, priorities, plans, ambitions, etc.? We don't know what the arm can do. Since it is now in full use, it might start transmitting messages, especially to Megatron himself.

I'm very curious how this might affect the Optimus-Megatron dynamic. In fact, I'm very curious about how this Megatron will be portrayed. This series has had such strong characterizations for Optimus and Starscream already, I wonder what direction they'll take Megatron in.

I'm very curious to see as well. If he sees Optimus with his arm grafted to him, I will eagerly await his response to that

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176629)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on February 15th, 2024 @ 11:23am CST

It seems that the digital release of Issue #5 has been delayed to next week, February 21. The physical copy still released yesterday.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176643)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on February 15th, 2024 @ 6:38pm CST

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:It seems that the digital release of Issue #5 has been delayed to next week, February 21. The physical copy still released yesterday.

I'm eagerly awaiting my physical copy to arrive!

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176665)
Posted by snavej on February 16th, 2024 @ 6:52am CST

Well, I got my copy of #5 and it is action-packed. There's another major departure from the previous continuities, with extra characters on the Ark. Starscream shows that he can fight tactically. Soundwave gets more disrespect. Thundercracker is not told the whole truth. Rumble, Frenzy and Reflector have a bad day. #6 is sure to bring more 'bot and 'con smashing! :bigmichaelbay:

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176859)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on February 21st, 2024 @ 8:40am CST

Got to read Issue 5 this morning

Prime's confrontation with Starscream was great. I love this Prime's level of trash talk, it reminds me of Animated/UT Prime and Beast Era Primal.

Its also cool to see Arcee and Ratchet have a close relationship like in Animated.

Still very curious to see how Megatron eventually gets added to the mix from Cobra Commander. It seems clear that that's what this is building towards.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176885)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on February 21st, 2024 @ 11:59am CST

Just read Cobra Commander #2. I wonder if Cobra Commander's escort is a reprogrammed Cybertronian? He refers to Energon by name and they're clearly hiding his identity.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2176944)
Posted by Big Grim on February 22nd, 2024 @ 7:19am CST

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:Just read Cobra Commander #2. I wonder if Cobra Commander's escort is a reprogrammed Cybertronian? He refers to Energon by name and they're clearly hiding his identity.

I assumed it was Nemesis Enforcer made to look human. Pythona refers to him as "Old Friend" if I remember correctly.

~ Grim

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2177708)
Posted by snavej on March 10th, 2024 @ 1:00pm CDT

Issue #6 is imminent. The blurb says that there will be another death, perhaps a major one. :shock:

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2177765)
Posted by Big Grim on March 12th, 2024 @ 8:38am CDT

snavej wrote:The blurb says that there will be another death, perhaps a major one.

That's hardly surprising. As I said before, they feel like they've been overly cavalier with our favourite robots lives in this series.

(Still enjoying it overall though.)

~ Grim

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2177829)
Posted by snavej on March 14th, 2024 @ 8:21am CDT

If Optimus dies, the Autobot will need a new leader. Ratchetimus Prime? Wheeljackimus Prime? Jazzercise Prime?! Arceemus Prime? [Big Momma] 8-}

Edit: Just read the issue. A new leader was not required. The power of rasslin' (wrestling) prevailed.

It seems like this continuity has no special weapons like glass gas guns or null rays, just lasers, blasters, dazzlers and heavy sounds.

I think that the writer read my fan fic 'Generation One' because he uses the same idea about the link between organic souls and the Matrix. ;)^

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2177998)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on March 19th, 2024 @ 8:30am CDT

After this issue, I'm really wondering what will become of Skywarp now that the Autobots have retaken the Ark

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178046)
Posted by snavej on March 20th, 2024 @ 8:20am CDT

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:After this issue, I'm really wondering what will become of Skywarp now that the Autobots have retaken the Ark

They will put his remains in a cupboard and never speak of him again. They have more wrestling matches to plan! :lol:

No, they will probably use him somehow but they will have to be careful because, even dead, his tech could be dangerous.

I'm also wondering what they will do with the rest of the Ark. That ship is vast and could have all kinds of tech and supplies on board. In Marvel G1 UK days, we had Guardian robots, 'Auntie' super computer, ammunition, energon, stored troops and plenty of spare parts.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178047)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on March 20th, 2024 @ 8:58am CDT

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:Just read Cobra Commander #2. I wonder if Cobra Commander's escort is a reprogrammed Cybertronian? He refers to Energon by name and they're clearly hiding his identity.

Cobra Commander #3 spoilers below:
Yeah, seems like I was off on this one. He probably just knows Energon by name because of everything they've learned from Megatron.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178182)
Posted by snavej on March 25th, 2024 @ 8:15am CDT

Just had a look at the preview for issue #7. Soundwave challenges Starscream for the leadership. It's quite brutal.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178554)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2024 @ 1:36pm CDT

Issue 6 was an awesome issue, was a lot of fun, the showdown between Optimus and Devastator was hardcore awesome.

I am loving this continuity so far, this is a great story.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178669)
Posted by snavej on April 4th, 2024 @ 7:42am CDT

Available this week are reprints of #1, #2, #3 and #4, with alternate covers. :KREMZEEK:

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178722)
Posted by #1 Signal Lancer fan on April 5th, 2024 @ 8:37am CDT

Void Rivals has been a very interesting read so far. It's not easy to do something unique and original with sci-fi these days, so it's been refreshing.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178788)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 7th, 2024 @ 10:54am CDT

#1 Signal Lancer fan wrote:Void Rivals has been a very interesting read so far. It's not easy to do something unique and original with sci-fi these days, so it's been refreshing.

I need to catch up on it, I have the issues, but need to read

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178840)
Posted by william-james88 on April 9th, 2024 @ 8:21am CDT

Big news for French Transformers fans. The first collected volume of Skybound's Transformers comics has been translated into French by publisher Urban Comics EU and will be coming to stores June 14. There is a standard cover BUT if you preorder the mystery cover, you have the chance of getting one of the following 4 covers:

Optimus Prime, of which 1000 are made
Starscream, of which 500 are made
Jetfire, of which 50 are made
Original drawing by Daniel Warren Johnson done on blank cover, of which 3 are made

More details (in french) here: https://www.urban-comics.com/transforme ... Xk065Xuj_L

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178935)
Posted by partholon on April 10th, 2024 @ 11:22am CDT

The MINUTE I seen soundwave get bitchslapped by Starscream in issue number 3 i KNEW this was coming !

VERY satisfying to see him put screamer in his place.

issue 7 keeps the momentum going.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178981)
Posted by Spider5800 on April 11th, 2024 @ 1:11am CDT

So had a cool moment today. Went to pick up my copy of Transformers #7 from my local comic shop, and the new artist for the book, Jorge Corona, was there giving signatures! Had him sign my copy before I left. Really chill guy.

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2178985)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 11th, 2024 @ 9:09am CDT

Spider5800 wrote:So had a cool moment today. Went to pick up my copy of Transformers #7 from my local comic shop, and the new artist for the book, Jorge Corona, was there giving signatures! Had him sign my copy before I left. Really chill guy.

That is awesome!

Re: SkyBound Transformers #3 3 Page Preview (2179160)
Posted by snavej on April 16th, 2024 @ 9:00am CDT

Well, Prime has the inside track now. The spirit of Sparkplug is giving him pointers about the nature of life on Earth. He just needs to become more familiar with the visions so that they don't distract him.

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