WARNING! Potential spoilers ahead for Transformers #21

Optimus Prime has taken on some Transformers’ greatest hero is set to face his greatest opponent this summer. Megatron has just returned to claim his rightful position as the true leader of the Decepticons, and publisher Skybound Entertainment seems to be setting the stage for an epic confrontation in the latest Transformers story arc.

Set to be released in June, Transformers #21 continues the final arc of writer Daniel Warren Johnson’s run, and it looks like the award-winning creator will be pulling out all the stops for his swan-song with the Robots in Disguise.

With the advanced solicitation for the issue hinting that Optimus Prime will be engaging in a smackdown with a character fans “demanded,” it would be easy to assume this “SPOILER” opponent will be Megatron, but anything is possible in the Energon Universe.

Transformers Delivers The "Face-Off [Fans] Demanded" – But Is Optimus Prime's Opponent Who We Think It Is?

Megatron's Presence Looms Over The Energon Storyline

Transformers' creative team likely has major plans for the inevitable confrontation between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The Decepticon leader has been lurking in the background for almost two years now, until he finally returned to the main action and reclaimed leadership of the Decepticons in Transformers #18. Prime was so startled by Megatron’s appearance that he immediately ordered his Autobots to retreat, showing how serious a threat Megatron is. Fans can expect a battle of epic proportions, with the stakes heightened to even more personal levels considering that Optimus Prime is currently making use of Megatron’s cannon arm.

Considering that Johnson’s final issue will be Transformers #24, it might not make sense for the story to rush to the Optimus Prime/Megatron showdown with three issues to go in the arc.

Yet the creative team could be setting fans up for a swerve here. Considering that Johnson’s final issue will be Transformers #24, it might not make sense for the story to rush to the Optimus Prime/Megatron showdown with three issues to go in the arc, so it could be that the creators will be putting Prime against another character before he throws down with Megatron. Plus, given the prominent placement of Shredhead on the cover to Transformers #21, it’s not out of the question that they could be taking on Prime in that very issue.

Optimus Prime's Next Opponent In The Energon Universe Will Have Major Stakes

Skybound's Transformers Promises A Can't Miss Brawl

While Shredhead is an Autobot, they are currently working with the faction left behind on Cybertron. The Cybertronian Autobots are currently being led by Elita-One, who had quite the disagreement with Optimus Prime when she was able to travel to Earth via the space-bridge opened by Shockwave. With a rift between the Autobots of Earth and Cybertron, it’s not hard to envision how Shredhead might come into conflict with Optimus Prime in the very near future. Whoever winds up facing Optimus Prime, Transformers #21 sounds like another can’t-miss issue.

Transformers #11 will be available June 11 from Skybound Entertainment.