New Release: Transformers #20 Exclusive Variant Cover by Mike Choi
For 2025 we've made it our mission to drop as many exclusives as possible, across Marvel, Image, IDW, and more to come - With this mission, it was only a matter of time before launching a Transformers book, and we're coming out swinging with Image's Transformers #20 with cover art by Mike Choi!
🔥 1. Why A Transformers Exclusive?
This exclusive Transformers #20 variant cover is part of Skybound and Image Comics’ Energon Universe — a shared universe that caught fans off guard with the surprise launch of Void Rivals, which seamlessly reintroduced both Transformers and G.I. Joe to modern comics. It really was a perfect storm of Transformers finally being back in the spotlight in comics, as well as my own personal interest in characters from when I was a kid. And while Optimus Prime might be the obvious headliner, he’s iconic for a reason — that red and blue color scheme, his leadership of the Autobots, and of course, transforming into a semi-truck.
But that’s where Mike Choi comes in — bringing a fresh, dynamic take on Optimus you haven’t seen before…
🎨 2. Spotlight on Mike Choi’s Artwork
When planning our Transformers #20 exclusive variant cover, the first name that came to mind was Mike Choi. It's rare that your dream pick lines up with availability — especially when that artist is in the middle of creating his own creator-owned project (GOCHUGARU). But thankfully, Mike found the time to bring this vision to life.
Choi is a master of versatility — whether it's traditional inks or a fully painted style, he delivers. For Optimus Prime, I knew we had to go with a painted approach to bring the character justice. Mike took it one step further by suggesting we feature the Megatron Fusion Cannon — a key plot element from the early Energon Universe issues.
Surprisingly, this detail has been underutilized in other Transformers variant covers. In fact, I couldn’t find a single exclusive where Optimus is wielding Megatron’s Fusion Cannon, making this one even more special. It’s those kind of ideas that truly make Mike Choi's art stand out from the crowd.
We settled on a white background to make Optimus stand out even more. From concept to final art, only a few elements evolved — one of the most notable being the design of the Megatron Arm. Originally, we explored giving the arm a more sinister, clawed appearance to emphasize its dark origins. While dissapointing that detail had to be toned down in the final version, the impact of the arm remains strong.
📦 3. Product Details & Collector Appeal
One of the standout features of this release is the spot-foil virgin variant, which sets it apart from our previous exclusives. Part of the reason we designed this Optimus Prime cover with a minimalist white background was to make the foil detailing pop — and it delivers. The Spot-Foil Transformers #20 Virgin Cover is limited to just 1,000 copies, while the Trade Variant is capped at 1,500 copies. Both versions come with individually numbered certificates, just like all ThatGuyWill exclusive variants, making them a must-have for collectors.
Between the dynamic painted cover by Mike Choi, the inclusion of the Megatron Fusion Cannon, and the premium spot-foil virgin variant, this Transformers #20 exclusive cover is by far our best release yet. Whether you're buying for Mike's art, you're a dedicated Transformers collector, or just love killer cover art, this drop is the exclusive for you.
🔥 Limited print runs. Individually numbered COAs. Only available at ThatGuyWill.
Grab your copy of the Transformers #20 Mike Choi Exclusive Variant Cover before it sells out.