Warning! This post contains spoilers for Transformers #13Remarkably, I really feel bad for Starscream Now, one of the most popular villains in all Transformers Study. Typically, Starscream is Megatron's second-in-command and air commander of the Decepticon Seekers. However, he is usually depicted as incredibly disloyal, often attempting to sabotage and backstab Megatron to take his place and gain even greater personal power. That said, Starscream's brand new origins were just revealed, and I can't believe I now have a degree of sympathy for the classic Transformers Enemies.
In previous continuities, Starscream is usually pretty slime even before he joins the Decepticons. However, the new Energon Universe reveals alternate origins in Daniel Warren Johnson Transformers #13. In the present, Starscream is expected to lead the Decepticons in Megatron's absence. Case in point, he ruthlessly kicked Soundwave's minicon Ravage, which came back to bite him with Soundwave beating and nearly killing Starscream before taking over. However, this new issue confirms that Starscream was once much cheaper. Formerly known as Ulchtar, I found myself completely taken aback by this cartographer whose darkness only emerged after the loss of his friends during Cybertron's Great War:
With Jetfire just left Cybertron to find a way to save their planet without war, Ulchtar losing his other friend during a firefight between the Autobots and the Decepticons is naturally quite painful. As such, it's no wonder that Ulchtar eventually picks the side of the Decepticons, especially with the revelation that it was none other than Optimus Prime who killed Genwo. Furthermore, Genvo being a Decepticon himself likely influenced Ulchtar's decision, especially once Megatron finds his future second-in-command in the rubble.
Ulchtar lost everything when Megatron found him
Lost and in need of purpose
I found this new first meeting between Megatron and Starscream to be quite fascinating and unique. Completely directionless and aimless, Ulchtar still lacks the drive or treacherous ambition he is known for as Starscream. Instead, he is tragically saddened by the loss of his friend who chose a side when he didn't, as his clan had thus far been neutral in the Great War.
This is something that Megatron himself takes great advantage of. Having already inspired Genvo to take up arms for his cause in the past, Megatron also offers Ulchtar a place by his side, offering him a way forward beyond his grief (however dark it may be).. As such, I find this new beginning to be as surprising as it is brilliant.
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The current relationship between Starscream and Megatron has yet to be fully defined in the canon of the new Energon Universe. After all, Megatron is MIA (being held captive by GI Joe's Cobra Commander). However, I can easily imagine Ulchtar perhaps growing bitter towards his new commander as his dark ambitions grow, gradually turning him into the Starscream fans are more familiar with in the present.
Starscream was born out of desperation and revenge
It makes me wonder what could have been…
Simply put, Starscream was born from a dark combination of grief, despair and the desire for revenge, stoked by Megatron himself, after transforming to literally put a gun in Ulchtar's hand. As such, it's a tragically genius new beginning for the classic Transformers villain, one that surprisingly made me more sympathetic to Starscream than I ever thought I would be. That is, it also makes me wonder what could have been.
Seeing how Ulchtar and his clan were neutral at the time, perhaps Starscream could have become a truly great Autobot had the tragic circumstances been different. Before Genvo's death, Ulchtar was shown respecting and valuing the lives of Cybertron's "turbosects" while most saw them as simple pests. Of course, this is in stark contrast to the contemporary Starscream that brutally kicked Soundwave's beloved Ravage. As such, I would like to see more of Starscream's past in future issues after his recruitment to the Decepticons. It would be fascinating to learn more about how treachery and cruelty gradually became his primary functions.
Transformers #13 is on sale now from Skybound & Image Comics.