Transformers #38 is set to be one of the most consequential issues of this Energon Universe series so far. That is something that Skybound and Image Comics heavily teased with at their NYCC 2027 Energon Universe panel. It is all thanks to this being the issue where we will see Megatron go through his own game changing transformation. This transformation may make him the biggest threat in the Energon Universe. We got the chance to check out an early copy of Transformers #38. Find out how it turned out with our review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writers: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Jason Howard
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooton
TRANSFORMERS #38 SOLICITATION
“WHO OR WHAT HAS EMERGED FROM MEGATRON’S COCOON? Sorry, Autobots. You’re not gonna like it.” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
Megatronus Rex wasted no time showing that his new form was more than just a fashion makeover. Megatron knew things needed to change, and he wasn’t going to wait around for that to happen. That same motivation is what makes Transformers #38 so compelling, as the balance of power in the Autobots vs. Decepticons war shifts yet again.
With Image Comics and Skybound having already announced Megatron’s evolution into Megatronus Rex, his new form never felt like a big secret. Instead, it felt like a statement. That was clear when Megatron appeared in his new form on the second page of Transformers #38. The menacing shadow he cast in the panel just before his full reveal added to his terrifying aura.
Megatronus Rex’s sleeker design also speaks to the fresh start this new form gives him. It all goes back to Transformers #24, where Megatron suffered what he saw as his most embarrassing loss. That wasn’t something he could just brush aside, and another fight with the Autobots wasn’t going to make it right.
All of this made the Decepticons’ attack on Optimus’s team, led by Megatronus Rex, hit even harder, especially with the Autobots already in a fractured state. We even get a moment where Optimus has to remind himself that he’s no longer a Prime, further highlighting just how far apart he and Megatronus Rex are right now. With that in mind, the outcome of this battle wasn’t surprising.
While Megatronus Rex’s debut and the battle that follows grab the headlines in Transformers #38, the issue also moves several character-focused subplots forward. One of those centers on Spike and Carly. With the war between the Autobots and Decepticons intensifying, it’s understandable that they feel small and insignificant. A new element introduced in this issue brings those feelings into focus while helping move both of their character arcs forward.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Transformers #38 makes the debut of Megatronus Rex a big event. That is thanks to Megatronus Rex waiting no time in making a statement his evolution is more than just a redesign. The impact the Decepticon’s leader makes helps to further several character sub-plots that helps make this another compelling chapter in this Energon Universe series.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
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