Transformers #37 — Robert Kirkman’s Cybertronian War Rages On
Jason Howard covers a desperate battle for Cybertron in Transformers #37, as Elita Prime makes a choice that could define the war's outcome. Robert Kirkman and Karl Kerschl keep the energy high in this intense chapter of the Energon Universe.
There is a specific kind of energy in the air when Robert Kirkman steps into a long-running franchise. You don’t just get a story; you get a perspective shift that recontextualizes everything that came before. With Transformers #37, Skybound is deep in the thick of it, delivering what feels like a pivotal moment in the Energon Universe’s ongoing saga. This isn’t a casual issue. It’s a heavy hitter, wrapped in some of the most striking artwork we’ve seen yet.
The premise here is stark and compelling. Elita Prime is no longer just a participant in the war on Cybertron; she is bearing the weight of the title, and the stakes have never felt higher. The catalog description teases the core tension perfectly: we are asked to consider the price of leadership. How far is Elita willing to go to win a war that seems to demand more than she might have anticipated? It’s a character study wrapped in sci-fi action, focusing on the burden of command and the moral compromises required to survive.
Visually, this issue is a treat. Jason Howard’s cover for #37 captures the intensity of the moment, and inside, Karl Kerschl and Mike Spicer bring the mechanical fury to life. Kerschl’s work has always had a dynamic, kinetic quality that suits the Transformers lore, and here it meets a narrative that demands emotional weight. The art doesn’t just show robots fighting; it shows the toll it takes on the people behind the metal. It’s a combination that makes every panel feel urgent.
If you’ve been following the Skybound run, you know that Kirkman loves to deconstruct heroes. He takes iconic figures and puts them in situations that test their core beliefs. Elita Prime is a character with a rich history, and seeing her navigate this specific chapter of the war feels essential. This issue is where the rubber meets the road, where political intrigue and battlefield chaos collide. It’s a fantastic place to jump in if you want to see where the current conflict is heading, or a rewarding read if you’ve been tracking the buildup.
A quick insider note on the physical copy: Jason Howard covers tend to move quickly. They are collector favorites for a reason, and having a solid copy of this issue in hand is always a good strategy. It’s a standout moment in the series, and the Howard variant is the one most people are hunting for. Keep an eye on the shelves, because these tend to find their way into hands—and boxes—faster than you might expect.