Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for Transformers #14In Image and Skybound’s new Energon Universe, Transformers fans will never look at Megatron’s original alternate mode the same way again, thanks to a genius new reveal. As seen in recent editions of TransformersStarscream’s secret origins were revealed, including his first interactions with Megatron himself. To that end, it was revealed that Megatron’s weapon form is far more powerful and vicious than ever seen in the original 80s animated series.
As seen in Daniel Warren Johnson’s book Transformers #14Starscream is still reeling from his recent betrayal at the hands of Soundwave, who nearly beat him to death before taking command of the Decepticons for himself. Now, Starscream has woken up to find his upper half trapped in a HISS tank, courtesy of a group of mercenaries working for Cobra who they have rigged to explode if he doesn’t cooperate. While temporarily working alongside these humans, Starscream reflects on his past when he was first recruited by Megatron, specifically the first time the Decepticon leader had Starscream wield him in his weapon form:
Notably, it is revealed that Megatron in his weapon form is far more powerful than ever imagined. Although he still needs someone to manage him, Apparently, Megatron is able to coerce the user into doing his will (whether they like it or not).. To that end, the first time Starscream wields Megatron as a weapon in the Energon Universe canon leaves the aerial commander with no choice but to murder prisoners of war against their will.
Megatron needs someone to wield him in his weapon form
(But he ends up wielding them)
The concept of Megatron always needing someone else to hold him down and shoot him in his alternate mode always seemed like an odd choice in the original animation. Transformers canon. After all, it seemed like he was effectively giving up degrees of autonomy and agency, with his forces doing all the real work. To that end, it’s not surprising that many future continuities would abandon the alternate weapon mode in favor of Megatron transforming into a tank or some other vehicle of war. As such, it’s the main reason why this new addition to the concept is so compelling in Skybound’s new Energon Universe canon.
While Megatron himself admits that his alternate mode has its limits, the fact that he can coerce its wielders to shoot whoever he wishes is a genius way for the Decepticon leader to maintain a ruthless level of authority in his weapon form. As seen in this issue, young Starscream has no choice but to kill the prisoners, despite being conflicted and having told Megatron so, who cares little about his inner turmoil or what he wants. Although he needs to be wielded, Megatron ends up being the true wielder anyway thanks to this new power in his weapon form.
Megatron’s new power means Starscream never stood a chance
Becoming Megatron’s brutal executioner
Although the previous issue developed Starscream’s more sympathetic origins to a much greater degree, Transformers #14 absolutely makes it clear that Starscream had very little choice but to become the brutal, merciless bot he is in the present. As Megatron’s primary wielder and enforcer, the idea is that Starscream was actually nothing more than Megatron’s pawn, gradually becoming desensitized until cruelty and hatred became second nature.. As such, it makes Starscream a much more tragic and complex villain, while also making Megatron’s original weapon mode much more dangerous and powerful than ever before in the Transformers franchise.
Transformers #14 It’s on sale now at Image Comics.