WARNING! Spoilers for Transformers #13Megatronjust showed off his alt-mode in the Energon Universe, andTransformersfans should be happy at the revelation. Megatron was teased throughout the first arc of the new series, until it was revealed he had been imprisoned by the hidden society of Cobra-La. Megatron broke free in last summer’sEnergon Universespecial, although fans haven’t gotten to see him transform in the new continuity, leading to much speculation as to what his alt-mode would be.
Transformers#13 by Daniel Warren Johnson and Jason Howard puts the main story on hold while readers get a chance to learn of Starscream’s backstory from millennia ago on Cybertron. Readers learn that Starscream’s original name was Ulchtar and that he was actually a peaceful scientist who was good friends with Jetfire and new character Genvo.
Their way of life is soon interrupted by the Autobot/Decepticon War, and Genvo signs up with Megatron’s faction. When Genvo is killed in battle by the Autobots, Ulchtar is approached byMegatron, who transforms into a pistoland offers the newly-rechristenedStarscream a place with the Decepticons.
Megatron’s Alt-Mode Is a Pistol in the Energon Universe
Transformers#13 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jason Howard, Mike Spicer, and Rus Wooton
The Energon Universe has kept things fairly classic with the newTransformersseries, as most of the characters and their designs have hewed closely to their G1 counterparts. As soon asMegatron made his debut, fans weren’t sure whether the Decepticon leader would also sport his original alt-mode. The Decepticon leader has rarely sported this since the G1 days, as the pistol alt-mode became controversial in later years. As such,Megatron transforming into a pistol for Starscream to hold is a pretty big deal, and the creative team handles the moment inTransformers#13 with all the import such a reveal deserves.
Megatron was originally “MC-12 Gun Robo” when released in Japan as part of theMicro Changeline by Takara. Given its highly-accurate recreation of a Walther P-38 pistol, the original toy was so realistic it has even made the list of banned items on U.S. flights in recent decades.
In the years since the original toy’s release,Megatron has been given several different alt-modesas a replacement for the original. When theTransformersfranchise was rebooted into theGeneration 2toy-line for the 1990s, a new version of Megatron hit toy store shelves. Sporting a rather garish color scheme of green-and-purple camouflage,this ’90s version of Megatron transformed into a tank. In later versions, the Decepticon leader turns into various forms of flying aircraft, and the alternate continuityAlternityeven portrayed him with an alt-mode as a sports car.
Given this history, it would be reasonable to assume that the Energon Universe would follow a similar route and have Megatron turn into some version of a tank, as he did in recent media like theWar for Cybertronseries orTransformers One. Classic fans should be happy with the reveal of the Decepticon leader’s alt-mode, but the creative team may have an ace up their sleeve to also ensure they’re not alienating newer fans. The new design forMegatron’s pistol has what looks to be tank treads beneath the barrel of the gun,which could mean that the Decepticon could still possess the ability to transform into a tank.
Megatron Weaponizes Himself to Recruit Starscream
What Does This Mean for the Energon Universe?
Aside from confirming his alt-mode,Megatron’s transformation into a handgun carries significant meaningfor theorigin given to Starscream in this issue.The original cartoon often features Megatron transforming into his gun mode, where he then leaps into the hands of his second-in-command. The ending scene inTransformers#13 adds a new wrinkle to this dynamic, as Megatron’s willingness to be placed directly in Ulchtar/Starscream’s hands displays the charismatic leader’s recruitment tactics. The symbolism of allowing himself to become a weapon acts as a metaphor for Megatron weaponizing his message for others to use.
Of course, sinceOptimus Prime currently has Megatron’s cannon arm, it’s unknown whether the Decepticon leader can still transform in his current state. His battle with Golobulus upon escaping Cobra-La left Megatron pretty banged up, so who knows what will happen whenever he decides to reappear. Perhaps he will even take on another, more powerful alt-mode when and if he reappears in the present day and gets repaired.Megatron is going to need all the firepower he can handleif he wants to retake control of theDecepticons from current leader Soudwave, so it would make sense if he was revealed to have another alt-mode as a souped-up tank.
G.I. Joe & Transformers Lore Combine Like Never Before, as Cobra-La Heads to Cybertron
Void Rivals #13 sees Cobra-La taking to the stars to wage war on the Transformers, setting up the next major conflict in the Energon Universe.
Megatron’s imminent return to the grand stage raises all sorts of intriguing story possibilities - including what happens when the Decepticon leader sees Optimus Prime making use of his right arm. Skybound seems to be building to a major story involving the worlds ofTransformers,G.I. JoeandVoid Rivals, so it will be exciting to see how Megatron fits into the epic events to come. Whenever the original Decepticon leader does resurface, the ramifications for both the Autobots and Decepticons will be massive, but for now, it’s nice to see the creators pay homage to classicTransformerslore by givingMegatronhis original alt-mode.
Transformers#13is available now from Skybound Entertainment.
Transformers (2023)
Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.
