Transformers #7 packs in the cameos as Starscream and Soundwave go to war over who will lead the Decepticons

Skybound's Transformers starts a new arc this week with #7. It's another strong issue from one of our favorite ongoing comics, but it also marks a shake-up both in the status quo of the ongoing story and behind the scenes.

Before we get into the story details, let's quickly address the Autobot in the room... Transformers launched with fan favorite creator Daniel Warren Johnson on both writing and art duties. With #7, however, Johnson is stepping back to writing the series, with Jorge Corona taking over on art. There's been, as yet, no word on if this is a permanent change or simply for this arc. Whatever the case, it's immediately clear from #7 that fans need not worry about a shift in tone or a loss of quality: Corona's art for the new issue is superb. 

It's also not a radically different interpretation of these characters or this world. It continues the focus on scale, motion, and the mixture of cartoony dynamics and technical detail that Johnson established in #1. In short: the book still looks great.

To the story itself. We've reached a pause in the battle on Earth between the Autobots and Decepticons - one where both sides are licking their wounds and figuring out what comes next. The bulk of the issue sees an internal conflict between the Decepticons, with Starscream's leadership violently challenged by Soundwave. The two battle and, after a pretty severe thrashing, the wounded Starscream is hurled off a cliff, presumably to his doom. And so the Decepticons find themselves with a new and even more intimidating leader. Starscream was sadistic and chaotic, but Soundwave appears to be more methodical and thoughtful - and that could prove deadly for humanity.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are dwelling on the aftermath of the previous battle. Both Optimus Prime and Cliffjumper have been psychologically affected by the events of #6. Cliff is angry with himself for not killing Starscream when he had the chance, while Prime is consumed with guilt over Sparky's