After nearly two years of whispers, teases, and cryptic cameos, Transformers #19 finally delivers what fans of Image Comics’ Energon Universe have been waiting for: the full-throttle return of Megatron. And he’s not just back—he’s reborn.
Written by Daniel Warren Johnson with stunning art from Ludo Lullabi, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Rus Wooton, this standalone issue slams the brakes on the current timeline to offer a haunting, action-packed origin tale that redefines one of pop culture’s greatest villains for a bold new era. Rather than rehash old glories, Transformers #19 turns Megatron’s reintroduction into a psychological crucible—one that not only deepens the character but reframes his entire trajectory moving forward.
We pick up where Transformers #18 left off: Megatron reunites with Starscream and Soundwave. But instead of diving into their next big scheme, the story pivots—pulling us back in time to reveal where Megatron has been all this time and how he came to be the battle-scarred titan we now see.
The twist? Megatron was taken. Abducted during Cybertron’s civil war by mysterious alien entities—almost certainly connected to the broader galactic players in Void Rivals—he’s imprisoned aboard a strange vessel and forced into an endless loop of brutal combat. His captors test him, torment him, and ultimately mold him into something even deadlier than before. The issue doesn’t lay out all the details, but what’s made clear is this: Megatron didn’t just survive. He adapted, evolved, and emerged even more dangerous.
It’s a daring move to show the mighty Megatron brought low—on his knees, broken, and stripped of power. But Johnson and Lullabi flip expectations with a brilliant twist: instead of weakening Megatron, this descent into darkness only reinforces his terrifying resolve. The sympathy generated by his captivity never dulls his menace. If anything, it makes him more fearsome. This is a Megatron who’s faced cosmic horrors and come out the other side sharper, colder, and with a renewed thirst for control.
The issue’s core structure is deceptively simple. Megatron fights. Then fights again. Then again. From waves of Sharkticons to a dragon-like monstrosity, his existence becomes a relentless cycle of violence. And yet, it never feels repetitive. That’s thanks in large part to Lullabi’s art, which brings an almost feverish energy to the action. His style contrasts previous Energon Universe artists by leaning into fluidity and motion over fine detail. Panels explode with motion blur and expressive close-ups, pulling readers into the chaos of Megatron’s world.
Lucas’s color work only heightens the atmosphere—deep purples, fiery reds, and electric blues crash together to form a visual overload that mirrors Megatron’s mental descent. After so many rounds of battle, even readers start to feel the fatigue, the madness, the sense of being trapped in an eternal war. It’s brilliant visual storytelling that adds a new dimension to the character’s psyche.
Narratively, Johnson also uses this issue to make one subtle, game-changing addition: he gives Megatron’s gun form new narrative weight. First hinted at in Transformers #13–14 during Starscream’s origin arc, the gun is now more than just a transformation quirk—it’s a symbol of Megatron’s control, not just over others, but over himself. Even in a form built to be wielded, Megatron dominates. That thematic twist will no doubt resonate as the larger Energon Universe pushes forward.
Perhaps most impressively, Transformers #19 manages to be both self-contained and universally impactful. It functions as a character study, an origin story, and a key puzzle piece linking Transformers, Void Rivals, and possibly even G.I. Joe down the line. It even ends by perfectly looping back into Transformers #14, completing a narrative circle that’s been in motion for months.
After this issue, there’s no question—Megatron isn’t just back. He’s been reforged into a force that may eclipse anything the Autobots (or readers) have seen before. If Transformers #18 was the warning, then #19 is the storm. And it’s only just begun.
Transformers #19 is a triumphant, terrifying reintroduction for Megatron—redefining the Decepticon leader for a bold new era. With intense action, psychological depth, and stunning visual storytelling, it’s a masterclass in villain-building and a pivotal moment for the Energon Universe. If you thought you knew Megatron, think again.