Transformers: Worst Bot Ever – Meet Ballpoint, by Brian “Smitty” Smith/Illustrated by Marz Jr., (July 2025, Image Comics), $12.99, ISBN: 9781534327993
Ages 7+
The Decepticons have a new bot with big dreams in this younger reader-friendly graphic novel series. Ballpoint is a little bit of a guy, but he’s a legend in his own mind. He’s got plans to take down Optimus Prime and his Autobots (to whom he snarkily refers to as ‘Autobutts”) and win Megatron over, if only he could get it together. No matter how hard he tries, Ballpoint manages to mess things up, to the amusement of the other Decepticons. When he messes up one time too many, Megatron banishes him for good. Unbowed, Ballpoint heads to Autobots territory, set on taking them out solo and getting back in Megatron’s good graces: until Optimus Prime shows him kindness and builds his confidence. This is a fun Transformers story that lets itself be silly, with well-paced dialogue and action to keep readers interested. The artwork features familiar Transformers characters, including Bumblebee, Frenzy, and Jazz. A reading guide at the back of the book includes discussion questions and a how-to-draw feature. Get this one for your graphic novel collections if you have Transformers fans and robot readers.
Mom Read It 