In 1985, the Aerialbots combined to form Superion for the first time, introducing one of the most iconic Autobot combiners in Transformers history. Now, 41 years later, the franchise is making history once again by shaking up Superion in a major way: adding an iconic Decepticon to the legendary Autobot combiner.
OG fans know that the original Superion consisted of a team of five Aerialbots: Silverbolt, who formed Superion’s torso, and Air Raid, Fireflight, Skydive, and Slingshot, who made up his limbs. Now, Transformers has officially confirmed that it will debut a brand-new Superion with a configuration no fan could have predicted, as one of the franchise’s most iconic Decepticons joins the legendary Autobot combiner: THUNDERCRACKER.
This reveal was confirmed in the solicitation for writer Robert Kirkman, artist Jason Howard, and colorist Mike Spicer’s upcoming Transformers #36. The issue will mark the end of the trio’s ongoing story arc and will be available to read in its 32-page entirety on September 9, 2026, for $3.99. Until then, the issue’s official cover art has already given fans their first look at the new Superion, with Thundercracker taking his place among the Aerialbots.
Transformers’ New Superion: Everything We Know About Thundercracker Joining the Aerialbots
Main Cover by David Nakayama for Transformers #36 (2026)
The main cover by David Nakayama for Transformers #36 (2026) gives readers their first look at the new Superion. Based on the artwork, we can tell that Silverbolt will remain as Superion’s torso, while it appears that Thundercracker will be taking over as the left arm.
The cover art puts Thundercracker’s distinctive blue, F-15-inspired design, including his twin engines and wings, front and center, making it unmistakable who is shaking up the typical Superion lineup. If the cover is reflective of the in-narrative design, then this means the Decepticon will likely be replacing Slingshot, who typically takes the position of Superion’s left arm.
In addition to the cover art, the official synopsis for this issue also confirms that Thundercracker will be joining the iconic Superion configuration: “That’s right! In a move no one could have predicted, Thundercracker takes his place among the Aerialbots! They assemble just in time to… wait… what’s that sound? Could it be? COBRA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA!”
Those who have been keeping up with the Energon Universe will remember that while Thundercracker begins as a Decepticon and is also historically and infamously one of the three original Seekers alongside Starscream and Skywarp, he eventually breaks away from the Decepticons and becomes aligned with the Autobots. As such, his transition from Seeker to a member of Superion isn’t completely out of left field.
However, despite this change in allegiance, Thundercracker joining the Aerialbots is still nothing short of historic for the Transformers franchise, both for the former Decepticon and for Superion. This marks a major milestone in Thundercracker’s allegiance change and also marks the first time a former Decepticon has officially joined the Autobot combiner.
Now, we just have to wait and see how well Thundercracker adjusts to being part of one of the Autobots’ most famous combiner teams. Whether he crashes and burns or soars and flies, there is one thing that is guaranteed: Thundercracker’s official debut as part of the new Superion will be an epic day in Transformers history.
Transformers #36 from Image Comics will be available to read on September 9, 2026!
