Transformers #19 Review: Making Megatron the Great Villain of Image Comics' Energon Universe

Transformers is not a franchise lacking in great villains. Across decades of comics, cartoons, and movies, fans have come to love the likes of Shockwave, Devastator, Starscream, and many others. But there’s no doubt who the greatest villain in all Transformers lore is: Megatron. Optimus Prime’s iconic arch-nemesis has been largely absent from the first few years of Image Comics’ Energon universe comics – only making brief cameos in Cobra Commander and, recently, Transformers. Now that he has finally arrived in the saga, Transformers #19 steps away from the series’ current timeline to reintroduce the revered villain in this updated status quo.

Transformers #19 is published by Image Comics and written by Daniel Warren Johnson with art by Ludo Lullabi, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Rus Wooton. The standalone issue follows Megatron's reunion with his subordinates Starscream and Soundwave at the end of Transformers #18 and examines what happened to Megatron before his arrival on Earth. While the story does not reveal all of Megatron’s updated origin, it ties Megatron into the broader story of Image Comics’ Energon universe. Megatron is shown to be kidnapped by powerful galactic entities who test and reshape the iconic Transformers villain into his most familiar form.

Transformers #19 Teases the Core Conflicts of the Energon Universe

Megatron’s Origin Story Suggests Great Powers at Work and Terrors Still to Come

Megatron’s new status in the Energon universe was first teased in Starscream’s own origin story in Transformers #13 and #14. The villain’s relentless drive to dominate and cold-blooded approach to conflict were familiar, but the power he exerted over those wielding him (in his gun form) was something new. Transformers #19 situates and frames its own story within that earlier origin, even concluding with a panel that neatly dovetails with Transformers #14.

Yet the story it tells is entirely unexpected and reveals Megatron as a central figure in the greater story of Image Comics’ Energon universe.

This issue centers on Megatron being kidnapped amid Cybertron’s civil war by a mysterious collection of alien entities. Readers who have kept up on Void Rivals are bound to recognize some parallels between Megatron’s kidnappers and the new interstellar species introduced there. It’s apparent that, much like their allies or victims on Earth, the Transformers don’t know everything about how their galaxy operates. Megatron receives a notable lesson in Transformers #19 that’s bound to impact how he approaches the war going forward.

Transformers #19 excels in playing upon reader expectations as it begins with Megatron on his knees, transforming the franchise’s greatest villain into a dominated figure. This makes Megatron the focus of reader sympathy without removing any of the character’s killer appeal. Instead, it showcases Megatron’s relentless will and ferocity as a strength bound to intimidate the Autobots in future issues. Furthermore, it reveals that the Energon universe may possess even more powerful foes that will require heroes and villains alike to be defeated. Even though it does not reveal all about the powers that be, the threat they pose in this interlude is undeniable.

Pop Art Style Highlights the Explosive Power of Transformers’ Violence

Guest Artist Ludo Lullabi Provides a Distinctive Approach to the Series’ Storytelling

Transformers #19 largely narrows its focus to a single setting and series of challenges. Megatron is brought aboard a mysterious alien vessel where he is repeatedly tested against the same threats, starting with a horde of Sharkticons. The waves of shark-like foes and a much larger beast that follows them make for a never-ending cycle of violence in Megatron’s existence.

Guest artist Ludo Lullabi proves to be a fine fit for this distinct approach in one of Transformers’ most intriguing issues to date.

Lullabi distinguishes himself from the likes of Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, and Jason Howard with an approach that emphasizes form and impact over fine linework and detail. Although he can match the clean designs of Transformers, never risking any confusion in which robots are shown, action sequences are allowed to spin with colors and bold close-up panels. There’s a velocity to the constant action shown throughout the issue that sets it apart from the series to date.

This stylistic approach serves a clear purpose. Megatron is trapped in an unending cycle of violence and Lullabi finds opportunities in that repetition. The defeat of Sharkticons or an impossible battle against a dragon-like foe may appear cool, but the more impressive effect is repeating those fights endlessly. A looseness of line makes the action sequences seem to blur after a certain point, further embedding readers into Megatron’s perspective. A sense of madness comes through by the end of Megatron’s trials, which is bound to impact his villainous arc as the series continues.

Readers of the Energon line have waited nearly two years to see Megatron arrive as a proper antagonist in the story and Transformers #19 assures them that Megatron is worth the wait. This origin story provides new meaning to Megatron’s distinct gun form and offers insight into how the villain thinks and acts. It’s a distinct issue that informs every series from Transformers and Void Rivals in a single, standalone issue. Now, there is no doubt that Megatron’s return in Transformers #18 heralds bad days ahead both for the Autobots and the entire Energon universe.