Transformers #36 — Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Continuity Goes Supersonic

Thundercracker joins the Aerialbots in Robert Kirkman’s Transformers #36, but the arrival of a new Superion turns the air blue. Jason Howard and Mike Spicer bring the chaos to life in this high-octane issue from Skybound.

There is a specific kind of electricity that runs through a comic book when you realize the creative team isn’t just riding the franchise—they’re redefining it. Robert Kirkman’s run at Skybound has done exactly that, turning a legacy of toy boxes and television episodes into something visceral and grounded. Issue #36 is sitting on the shelf right now, and it’s one of those moments where the machinery clicks into place and the ride truly begins.

The setup here is deceptively simple but packed with kinetic energy. Thundercracker, usually a figure of conflict in the wider lore, takes a leap of faith and steps into the ranks of the Aerialbots. You get that feeling of unity, the mechanical handshake of robots coming together for a greater purpose. But Skybound knows better than to let peace settle for long. The assembly is interrupted, not by a villain’s monologue, but by a sound that changes everything.

Then comes the reveal that has everyone on the edge of their seat. It’s not just any threat; it’s a classic icon of the franchise making its debut in a way that feels both unexpected and inevitable. The mention of Cobra-Laa in the solicitation is a wink to longtime fans, but the real story is how Kirkman and the art team handle the weight of that entrance. It’s not just a cameo; it’s a statement of intent for where this universe is heading.

Visually, this issue is a masterpiece of scale. Jason Howard and Mike Spicer have a knack for making metal feel heavy and dangerous. Their linework captures the intricate geometry of Cybertronian design while keeping the action readable and explosive. You can almost hear the servos whining and the turbines spooling up as the pages turn. David Nakayama’s cover art also does a brilliant job of hinting at the scale of what’s coming without giving away the surprise.

If you’ve been following the Skybound line, you know Kirkman loves to weave in the unexpected. This issue is a perfect jumping-on point if you’ve missed a beat, because it resets the board in the most exciting way possible. Keep an eye on the secondary market for the Howard cover too; with the Superion debut and the Aerialbot formation, this is the kind of issue that collectors and casual readers alike will be grabbing for.