Transformers #19 is a major release for the franchise. That is because it will open the doors to the secrets behind what happened to the Energon Universe version of Megatron. The only hints we had about the former Decepticons leader was that he was being experimented on by Cobra Commander in the villain’s mini-series. But as we saw with Transformers #18, Megatron has been freed and is ready to take back his spot. With that set-up how will this backstory for Megatron play out? We got the chance to check out an early copy of this very issue. So find out with our advance review of Transformers #19.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Artist: Ludo Lullabi
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #19 SOLICITATION
“WHAT HAPPENED TO MEGATRON? The story that every fan has demanded begins RIGHT HERE.” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
Transformers #19 delivers exactly on its promise to begin the tale of what happened to Megatron in the Energon Universe. Through Transformers, Cobra Commander, and the Transformers: Energon Universe Special, we’ve gotten glimpses of the Decepticon leader. But now here we get his full backstory with Daniel Warren Johnson and Ludo Lullabi successfully getting that over.
Now this wasn’t a straight up origin story for the Energon Universe version of Megatron. As we see in the preview for Transformers #19, we find the Decepticon leader captured and forced to take on a colosseum of trials. Megatron’s reaction to this status quo is what you expect. As he has shown so often, Megatron isn’t one to be told what to do. He is the one telling others what to do.
Challenging Megatron’s sense of superiority provides an intriguing examination. We aren’t made to look at Megatron as the leader of the Decepticons here. That is something that isn’t brought up, at least in the ways that are expected. Rather the focus is completely Megatron as a character.
This approach felt truly refreshing as the reader, you feel taken out of your comfort zone with how we’re used to Megatron being positioned. It creates a feeling that you have a better understanding of how Megatron adapts or doesn’t adapt to the situation he finds himself in.
The portrayal of Megatron further emphasizes wondering what the purpose of what Megatron experiences is leading to. The answers we get feed into elements of the Generation 1 version of the character. Like so many Transformer elements, the way Johnson adapts that for the Energon Universe creates even greater intrigue. If the developments are what they appear to be it strengthens what Megatron’s presence in the present-day is.
Ludo Lullabi artwork was solid. It took a bit to get used to Lullabi’s art style as it is distinctly different what Johnson and Jorge Corona have established the look of the Energon Universe’s Transformers is. Lullabi’s artwork is much more in line with the look of the G1 animated series, though it is not 1-to-1. Once Lullabi gets into a grove with the action the pacing of the panel structure helps move the narrative along well.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #19 delivers on the promise with a compelling look at Megatron’s history before the present-day of the Energon Universe. What is shown here focuses well on Megatron as a character rather than just the Decepticon leader. This approach led to some intriguing insight to who the Energon Universe’s Megatron is and the role he will serve moving forward.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Click here to check out a preview of Transformers #19.
For more opinions on anime, comic book, movies, and sports you can follow Kevin on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter/X.