Daniel Warren Johnson--Transformers #1 SDCC Ashcan Exclusive Cover (2023)
Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson (All)
84 Comments - 955 Views - 69 Likes
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DescriptionDaniel Warren Johnson has done it again. For years now, DWJ has been telling fresh, compelling stories filled with action-packed art and emotionally resonant writing. Every book he’s worked on has benefited from his time on it, whether he’s creating totally original series like “Extremity” and “Do a Power Bomb,” or reimagining existing properties like “Wonder Woman: Dead Earth” or “Beta Ray Bill–Argent Star.” Now he’s put his talents to work on a reboot of the classic “Transformers” for Skybound/Image Comics. Here’s his art for the Transformers #1 SDCC Exclusive Ashcan Cover. Published two months before the nationwide release of Transformers #1, and distributed at San Diego Comic Con 2023, it features an entirely different cover than the newsstand version. This cover not only features a massive image of Optimus Prime, but also showcases a young Spike Witwicky sitting on his shoulder. The cover looks simple, but it’s not. I love how DWJ uses lighting and scale here to give Optimus Prime a kind of majesty, and showing him interacting with humans allows us to see his kindness and benevolence. I actually prefer this cover to the newsstand version. Anyway, DWJ has delivered a stunning reboot of the storied franchise that should win over old fans while gaining new ones as well. His writing is filled with emotional impact and surprising twists that that should fan massive reader interest. Plus, I really love DWJ’s art on this title, it’s some of the best of his career. I’m super excited to add this incredible cover to my comic art collection.Social/Sharing |
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West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
I can see this being an iconic cover! Fantastic score Bill!
Paul P Spiderversity 
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
I agree with West, this is one of those images that instantly becomes iconic. The inking is simply stunning. And man it must be even more amazing and grander when it's in your hands. Congrats Bill!
Brian G
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
What a great cover! Besides the awesome presentation of Optimus Prime standing tall, I'm really digging the starry sky & forest background as well. Majestic indeed. Congrats!
James S
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Now that's an image of a robot that fights for this sentient being's freedom!
Michael Reyes
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Very nice portrait of Optimus. I love the background as well.
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
If there is someone who had to have this cover is you. A modern icon. It is full of sensitivity and expressiveness. Huge congrats BIll. It is very beautiful.
Derek Crabbe
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Cool to see some of these making their way to CAF! (I can always count on you to post a banger!)
Anthony T
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Very nice DWJ cover. Congrats on picking this up.
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Now I understand why the Autobots bought so much stock in Anusol. Sneaky little robots.
Eranga Devasurendra
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
What a fantastic pickup, Bill! Congrats!
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Comics History will tell if this title will be as important as the hype wants us to believe, but it was certainly an important book this month :)
(Slight) irony asside, you (at the very least) got a cool cover from a book that will be important in DWJ's biography.
Because, like it/him or not, he has become an important modern creator.
I like his choice for light source here.
Congrats!
Andrew G
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Not surprised at all this ended up with you. Great pickup, Bill! It found the right home.
Shelton Bryant
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Powerful Imagery...Luv how the night Sky Envelopes the main figures...Congratulations...
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Congratulations on snagging what was, for me, the best of all of the DWJ Transformers covers. This piece with a majestic Optimus (and Spike) captures the key Transformers-humanity dynamic that was the heart of the series. Wonderful lighting and rendering by DWJ, too. Not surprised this series has been a sensation from the moment it was first announced.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
A gorgeous image of Opimus Prime and Spike, with some terrific lighting! That tape is really distractign though, Bill, so you should consider either replacing it yourself with some acid free tape. Kudos!
T J
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Awesome Bill! Stationary image yet full of life thanks to DWJ.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
At the core of it, DWJ imbues the essence of what made Transformers great as a franchise in this cover. In order to make the robot toy line more relatable to audiences, the backstory and mythology had to have Spike to represent all of us and Optimus as his noble Iron Giant companion to have us care. Through the comics and then the cartoon, the human element gave us an in, into a new world where we got to know the robots as characters unto themselves. It's a passion project for DWJ and it shows in every single piece he's produced.
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Iconic DWJ. Optimus resplendent in the night!
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Your collection continues to stand tall above the forest. Just amazing!
Eric Wenger
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Woah what a great add to your collection! DWJ does it again - congrats on this!
RS 88
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
This is damn cool. One of the best heroes ever created by a guy that dumps his heart and soul into every brushstroke.
Tim J
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
My personal favorite cover from issue 1, congrats on scoring at the drop. Must have felt pretty good getting that email, lol.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Yup, love how he looks super heroic with that lighting effect coming from the bottom. Imposing, yet you know still a gentle giant with Marty McFly on his right shoulder there ;) Clearly channeling the classic G1 look yet still all DWJ. What a way to ring in a new era. "Til all are one!" Congrats, Bill!
Red Raven
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Woooooow magnificent pièce - congratulations my friend 👍
Jason G
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
This is my favorite of DWJ's Transformers covers. DWJ's love comes through so well in this cover particularly. It's just magical. Congrats Bill!
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
I love the Transformers and Daniel Warren Johnson has given the venerable franchise the biggest boost it has gotten in years. This ashcan exclusive cover is just stunning. Spike and Optimus Prime, back together again. DWJ is a major talent and I can't wait to see where he takes my beloved robots in disguise next.
Malvin V
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Wow, what a great Optimus Prime cover. Congrats!
David Kwock
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Major congrats on acquiring this beauty! Absolutely love this cover!
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Wow, so cool. I remember this cover well and the chase some people did to just get the comic at SDCC 2023. Great find and nice to see on here, congrats!
Ken Martin
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
This is fantastic. Optimus front and center. I picked up the first issue and can't wait to read it. Congrats Bill!
Ian Saint
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Amazing DWJ cover. I am always a sucker for a space scene. Impressive and congrats!
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
Optimus looks so majestic here! Congrats!!!
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
What is it about giant robots and tiny kids that always seems to work? Easily the best of the DWJ covers for the issue, so congrats on another fantastic addition to the collection!
Eric B
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 10/19/2023
What a blend of cartoony detail! This is so cool and nostolgic at the same time. Congrats on this great pick-up Bill!
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Awesome cover! Love the lighting and the vibe
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
I actually meant to comment on this one earlier! It's incredible! DWJ is a true artist. I even love how he embraces things like tape on the cover. He is a master and is so confident.
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Wow, now that's a cool DWJ Transformers cover, just love those textures, congrats!
Steve . M
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Simple design, which leaves very little to hide behind. Really like the rendering of the light source
stephen yarish
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
very cool, he draws a great Transformer!!! Congrats!
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Nice brushwork! Seems like a skosh of acid-free glue would be more aesthetically pleasing than the blue tape for the replacement face?
Mike Rice
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Another great cover in a stellar collection. Congrats.
Kelley M
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Phenomenal and incredible description! Congrats !! «٩(*´∀`*)۶»
Will K
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
It seems DWJ can pick and choose what projects he will take on. I love how it seems he's drawing purely on instinct. He definitely knows what he's doing when he lays down the ink.
Will Tervay
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Always enjoy seeing your updates and this is no exception. When does your museum open again? ;) Thanks for sharing!
Migs DC
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
DWJ knocks it out of the park here. Congrats Bill, what a great cover!
Kelsey S
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 10/20/2023
Awesome! DWJ tapped into the Iron Giant here and it worked so well! Congrats
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 10/21/2023
Many congrats, Bill! This is a splendid cover by a splendid artist!
Joshua Tan
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 10/21/2023
DWJ is more than meets the eye! Great one for the collection Bill
Keith Becker
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 10/21/2023
Congratulations BILL! scoring huge in the drop! This will be a very memorable series from DWJ. Certainly the most memorable of all the non-creator owned series that he's done (and maybe will do... unless he lands Star Wars... and that maybe just a tie). Such a great cover too a boy and his robot pal. OR a robot warior and his pet boy XD. Who of us didn't dream of this when we were mere boys and girls! Congrats again man!
Kevin A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 10/21/2023
An iconic image from the Jack Kirby of this generation. Amazing piece.
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 10/22/2023
A superb Daniel Warren Johnson Transformers cover, love the composition and visual pairing of man and machine. Mega congrats Bill!
Justin Topages
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 10/22/2023
"Epic" feels about right for this one. No matter what way you look at it, massive, Cybertronian-sized addition here Bill, congratulations buddy!!
J H
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 10/24/2023
A perfect Optimus moment, imo. Captures his spirit, and is a nice whimsical moment, looking to the heavens. Talking about Omicron, I'd guess. This is prime. Congrats!
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 10/26/2023
DWJ works well with showing us scale. Collectors in the future are going to want to know who owns this piece! Congrats, Bill!
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 11/6/2023
A striking image of Optimus Prime! Congrats on the amazing pickup!
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 12/31/2023
WOW, Bill - just... WOW. This is a stupendous image, and might be one of DWJ's finest raw -drawings-... Just look at the details on those gorgeous trees at the bottom of the piece (and even though they're in the distance, they really work to underscore the sense of scale of Optimus here). The beautiful star field adds an incredible sense of depth and majesty. The detail (scuff marks, nicks) on Optimus's body add a sense of realism, but the -lighting- from below (as though they're in front of a campfire on a mountainside) adds the organic, human zest to the image. The shading on Optimus's forearms is absolutely sensational. CONGRATS, Bill! What a piece! Roll out!
Casey A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 5/21/2025
The sheer number of times the Optimus kneeling pose from the Transformers #1 cover has made it extremely memorable... but to me, this is even better. The angle, the characters standing out above the forest, that heroic Optimus pose, and the connection to the humans that made the first few issues sing are all here. A worthy one-and-done to an amazing DWJ run on a book that tapped into our collective nostalgia. Beautiful!
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