The Influence of Transformers on Comic Book Creator Daniel Warren Johnson
Have you ever wondered how a childhood passion can shape a person’s life? For Daniel Warren Johnson, lead writer of the newly unveiled Transformers universe from Hasbro and Skybound Entertainment, his upbringing with the popular franchise played a crucial role in his journey as a comic book creator.
Discovering the Transformers
In a recent interview with , Johnson delved into his childhood and revealed how he became a lifelong fan of the Transformers. Born in 1987, Johnson first encountered the Transformers through reruns of the show during the 1990s. It was during this time that he stumbled upon an Optimus Prime action figure in a toy store. This pivotal moment ignited his love for the franchise and changed his life forever. Johnson stated, “I mean, that toy changed my life. It was right around the time that I started watching the show and was such a big part of it.”
A Lifelong Passion
Fast forward over 30 years, and Johnson now holds the esteemed position of head writer for his own Transformers comic book series. This project has been a lifelong dream for him, as he reminisces back to his elementary school days when he would draw his favorite sci-fi movie characters, including Optimus Prime. When approached by Skybound and Hasbro to take charge of his own book, Johnson was inspired by these childhood memories to finally bring his beloved hero to life.
The Creative Process
Johnson draws inspiration from the original Transformers television show and even uses action figures as references for his artwork. While the character designs in Johnson’s Transformers pay homage to the original versions, he adds his personal touch by making the designs more dynamic and less “blocky.” His aim is to create a visually captivating and modern interpretation of these beloved characters.
Dealing with Criticism
Despite his commitment to honoring the original animated series, particularly “The Transformers: The Movie,” Johnson’s comic book adaptation has faced criticism. However, he remains grateful for the feedback, as it reminds him to stay humble and open to improvement. Johnson even makes it a point to read comments from fans, ensuring that he continues to deliver a satisfying experience for Transformers enthusiasts.
Transformers in a New Universe
Hasbro and Skybound’s Transformers introduces a stranded Optimus Prime and his Autobot team on Earth, which becomes the battleground for a fierce war against their arch-enemies, the Decepticons. Johnson takes the lead as both the writer and artist, crafting a captivating story that exists within an all-new “Energon Universe,” where the Transformers and Hasbro’s G.I. Joe franchise coexist.
Anticipated Release
Exciting news for Transformers fans! Transformers #1, written by Daniel Warren Johnson, will hit the shelves on October 4th. Get ready to embark on a thrilling new chapter in the Transformers universe.
