The Transformers # 2 Tenth Printing Cover A Anacelto Emboss Gold Foil Variant 2026 BN

The Transformers #2 (2023) is a landmark issue in the "Energon Universe" from Skybound/Image Comics, written and illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson. It is widely considered the issue that solidified the series' "heart" while showcasing the terrifying physical stakes of the war on Earth.

The Plot: "Life on Earth"

The story picks up immediately after the brutal awakening of the Autobots and Decepticons in Issue #1.

• Optimus Prime’s Compassion: The issue opens with a now-famous and heartbreaking scene where Optimus Prime, still adjusting to the fragility of Earth’s ecosystem, accidentally crushes a deer. This leads to a deep moment of introspection where he explains to Spike Witwicky that on Cybertron, the ground is metal and does not "sway" or "break" under his weight.
• The Decepticon Rampage: While Optimus seeks connection, Starscream and the Decepticons (Soundwave and Skywarp) begin a violent harvest of energy at a power plant. Unlike previous cartoons, the violence here is visceral; Starscream is depicted as a terrifying, sociopathic threat who views humans as "squishy" and insignificant.
• Cliffjumper’s Debut: This issue features the first Energon Universe appearance of Cliffjumper, who is the first Autobot revived by Ratchet. He quickly becomes a standout character, forming a bond with Carly.

The Big Reveal: G.I. Joe Crossover

The most significant moment in this issue is the "surprising first appearance" of a major Hasbro character: Conrad "Duke" Hauser.

• In a high-stakes sequence, Starscream destroys a fighter jet, and the pilot who ejects and narrowly survives the encounter is revealed to be Duke.
• This moment effectively launched the shared Energon Universe, leading directly into the Duke and G.I. Joe series that followed.