WARNING! Spoilers Ahead for Transformers #19! In an exciting development for fans of the Transformers franchise, the most recent issue has confirmed Megatron’s status as a triple-changer in the Energon Universe. This new aspect of the character reveals him as both a tank and a handgun, deepening the complexity of the legendary Decepticon leader. This reimagined origin story highlights pivotal moments from Megatron’s past as he prepares for an inevitable confrontation with the Autobots.
Crafted by the talented team of Daniel Warren Johnson, Ludo Lullabi, Adriano Lucas, and Rus Wooton, Transformers #19 delves into Megatron’s early experiences. The plot introduces readers to a Megatron captured by the Quintessons, forced to fight in their brutal arenas on the planet Quintessa.
Initially, Megatron transforms into a tank to unleash a powerful assault on Judge Dezimir, one of his Quintesson captors. However, his efforts are sadly in vain, as Megatron is defeated, ultimately facing destruction and subsequent reconstruction time and again. Each defeat leads to yet another re-birth, culminating in the introduction of his second alt-mode: a handgun.
Megatron’s Dual Alt-Modes in the Energon Universe
The Decepticon Leader: A Tank and Handgun
Historically, Megatron’s original design was inspired by the Japanese toy “Gun Robo – P38 U.N.C.L.E.”, stemming from Takara’s Microchange line. This particular mold was selected to represent the leader of the Decepticons when Hasbro brought Transformers to the Western market. As toy regulations evolved, the realistic appearance of toy guns became problematic, prompting a significant redesign into a tank form during the early 1990s—a change that has persisted in various adaptations.
Fans expressed excitement when Megatron’s gun mode was reintroduced during flashbacks involving Starscream’s new origin story. Now, with the confirmation of his tank transformation, the creative team has ingeniously catered to fans of both interpretations. This blending of various aspects from the franchise’s extensive forty-year legacy has emerged as a defining trait of the Energon Universe. The reinvention of Megatron’s origin keeps the intricacies of the Transformers mythos accessible and engaging.
Megatron’s Resurgence: A Threat to Optimus Prime?
Anticipating an Epic Showdown: Autobots vs. Decepticons
The revelation of these critical components of Megatron’s backstory sets the stage for the concluding saga of Daniel Warren Johnson’s run on Transformers. With the true leader of the Decepticons re-entering the fray in the present timeline, and considering the historical rivalry with Optimus Prime—who currently wields Megatron’s iconic fusion cannon—fans should prepare for an explosive showdown between these titans. With Megatron’s new third alt-mode as a tank, the Autobots face a formidable challenge ahead.
Transformers #19 is currently available from Skybound Entertainment!