After all the heavy Autobot issues we’ve been getting the last few months Transformers #31 brings the spotlight on the Decepticons. Specifically, we are getting another spotlight on the Decepticons leader, Megatron. The last time we got a spotlight issue for Megatron was in Transformers #19. That issue showed us how different life was in the Energon Universe before he showed up in the present day. That puts a lot into what kind of secrets will be revealed in Transformers #31 that we still don’t know about Megatron. We got the chance to check out an early copy of this issue from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ludo Lullabi
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #31 SOLICITATION
“THE SECRET OF MEGATRON REVEALED!
Megatron has a vision that will change the course of his life.
And no one in the Energon Universe is safe.” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
Robert Kirkman continues the gladiator-like journey that Megatron was on in his dark past. This is something we saw Daniel Warren Johnson establish back in Transformers #19. Seeing that continued benefits Transformers #31 because as soon as you open this comic book you are reminded of where we last left off on that journey. That creates immediate momentum that Kirkman and Ludo Lullabi can push forward with.
Megatron’s Gladiator Past
Diving deeper into Megatron’s gladiator-like experiences reveals significant development for his character. Unlike the other Transformers, Megatron’s journey was marked by unique challenges and hardships that set him apart. His time spent away from Cybertron, enduring a life-altering ordeal, continues to distinguish him from other Transformers characters.
The impact of these experiences is constantly shown through his present-day attitude. Specifically, with his intense obsession with victory. Throughout Kirkman’s run, Megatron has displayed an extreme response to losing. Transformers #31 offers valuable insight into this mindset, showing that Megatron’s relentless drive to fight stems from the necessity to avoid disastrous consequences. His history as a gladiator taught him survival means winning.
What Does this Mean for the Decepticons?
The experiences Megatron endures in Transformers #31 raises even more concern about what actions he may take next. Each loss seems to push Megatron further, fueling his thirst to achieve victory. But in the present day, Megatron is not alone like he is here. He has subordinates but this does not necessarily make things easier. Instead, this seems to feed into his willingness to take extreme measures to win.
This situation leads to uncertainty about the Decepticons. With major changes recently happening with the Autobots, things are even more unpredictable for the Decepticons. If Megatron continues his extreme attitude seen in his recent issues, the situation in the Energon Universe may become even more volatile.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #31 does a fantastic job providing even greater insight into what molded Megatron to be the character he is in the present day. The gladiator-like experience makes you understand but not excuse Megatron’s actions since returning. He has molded by a truly brutal experience that is not just from the Autobots vs Decepticons war. What this means for what will happen next with the Decepticons will be very interesting to see play out.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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