In the end this is a fantastic book for both old and new readers and even as a standalone tale holds significant value in the continuity. Transformers comics are fast becoming the standard-bearer for quality art work and intelligent storytelling and this issue is no exception to that rule. There is so much more I would say but it would start to creep into spoiler territory, if you have a spot free in your pull list this week then this should definitely be a contender. Read Full Review

Once again, Transformers has explored a real world topic in a way that you rarely see in comics and provides a touching comic honoring a character that has been around for decades. Like so many issues before, Transformers: Optimus Prime #9 once again shows why these characters are more than meets the eye. Read Full Review

ArtworkThe art work by Kei Zama with Josh Burcham on colors helps create a gritty environment which is perfect where it needs to be. It helps to give the audience and Sideswipe the illusion of Cybertron being as bad as Sideswipe remembered. Also, points for the reference back to Transformers: Robots In Disguise as Sideswipe revives in the same way Wheeljack did by landing on his head as he comes out of the restoration tank. Read Full Review

Easily one of the best single issues of a Transformers comic that I've read for quite some time, and that's even before the gut-punch of a finale. Barber and Zama deserve all the credit in the world for putting this one together, and as an example of just how far IDW's Transformers property has evolved beyond its “giant robots shooting each other” roots, you need look no further than this latest issue. Read Full Review

"Optimus Prime" #9 is a haunting look at what could have been for the emotionally devastated Earth-based Transformers team. Read Full Review