Transformers issue 31 is currently on the newsstands in the US and it is an issue with a difference as the pace was certainly different than what we have become accustomed to. It essentially serves as something of a retrospective, but manages to avoid compromising its own story.

The issue was written by Mike Costa, who was clearly in a sentimental mood when he wrote this story. Its central theme is reflection, and is set in the future, some millions of years from now. And other than just a couple, we aren’t greeted with any Transformers that we would recognise. The story is heart-warming and tells the history of the Decepticons and Autobots, as well as the biggest battles they have faced.

The artwork was laid firmly in the hands of Casey Coller, who does a superb job here. He introduced some amazing designs for the future Transformers. They are not unrecognisable and he has managed to avoid going overboard. Each character looks appropriate to the Transformers series and also a perfect fit evolution-wise. Perhaps the most impressive element of the job is how the past battles are shown in splash pages. This is where Coller excels. They can be recognised instantly and are well detailed with each emotion displayed on a single page, which is quite some achievement.

The issue oozes charm and certainly offers some of that feel-good factor. There are some glimpses of the present story and future events in the title, but the emphasis is certainly on the retrospective of the history of Transformers.