WARNING! Spoilers for Transformers #13Megatron just showed off his alt-mode in the Energon Universe, and Transformers fans should be happy at the revelation. Megatron was teased throughout the first arc of the new series, until it was revealed he had been imprisoned by the hidden society of Cobra-La. Megatron broke free in last summer’s Energon Universe special, although fans haven’t gotten to see him transform in the new continuity, leading to much speculation as to what his alt-mode would be.

Transformers #13 by Daniel Warren Johnson and Jason Howard puts the main story on hold while readers get a chance to learn of Starscream’s backstory from millennia ago on Cybertron. Readers learn that Starscream’s original name was Ulchtar and that he was actually a peaceful scientist who was good friends with Jetfire and new character Genvo.

Their way of life is soon interrupted by the Autobot/Decepticon War, and Genvo signs up with Megatron’s faction. When Genvo is killed in battle by the Autobots, Ulchtar is approached by Megatron, who transforms into a pistol and offers the newly-rechristened Starscream a place with the Decepticons.

Megatron’s Alt-Mode Is a Pistol in the Energon Universe

Transformers #13 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jason Howard, Mike Spicer, and Rus Wooton

The Energon Universe has kept things fairly classic with the new Transformers series, as most of the characters and their designs have hewed closely to their G1 counterparts. As soon as Megatron made his debut, fans weren’t sure whether the Decepticon leader would also sport his original alt-mode. The Decepticon leader has rarely sported this since the G1 days, as the pistol alt-mode became controversial in later years. As such, Megatron transforming into a pistol for Starscream to hold is a pretty big deal, and the creative team handles the moment in Transformers #13 with all the import such a reveal deserves.

Megatron was originally “MC-12 Gun Robo” when released in Japan as part of the Micro Change line by Takara. Given its highly-accurate recreation of a Walther P-38 pistol, the original toy was so realistic it has even made the list of banned items on U.S. flights in recent decades.

In the years since the original toy’s release, Megatron has been given several different alt-modes as a replacement for the original. When the Transformers franchise was rebooted into the Generation 2 toy-line for the 1990s, a new version of Megatron hit toy store shelves. Sporting a rather garish color scheme of green-and-purple camouflage, this '90s version of Megatron transformed into a tank. In later versions, the Decepticon leader turns into various forms of flying aircraft, and the alternate continuity Alternity even portrayed him with an alt-mode as a sports car.

Given this history, it would be reasonable to assume that the Energon Universe would follow a similar route and have Megatron turn into some version of a tank, as he did in recent media like the War for Cybertron series or Transformers One. Classic fans should be happy with the reveal of the Decepticon leader’s alt-mode, but the creative team may have an ace up their sleeve to also ensure they’re not alienating newer fans. The new design for Megatron’s pistol has what looks to be tank treads beneath the barrel of the gun, which could mean that the Decepticon could still possess the ability to transform into a tank.

Megatron Weaponizes Himself to Recruit Starscream

What Does This Mean for the Energon Universe?

Aside from confirming his alt-mode, Megatron’s transformation into a handgun carries significant meaning for the origin given to Starscream in this issue. The original cartoon often features Megatron transforming into his gun mode, where he then leaps into the hands of his second-in-command. The ending scene in Transformers #13 adds a new wrinkle to this dynamic, as Megatron’s willingness to be placed directly in Ulchtar/Starscream’s hands displays the charismatic leader’s recruitment tactics. The symbolism of allowing himself to become a weapon acts as a metaphor for Megatron weaponizing his message for others to use.

Of course, since Decepticons from current leader Soudwave, so it would make sense if he was revealed to have another alt-mode as a souped-up tank.

Megatron's imminent return to the grand stage raises all sorts of intriguing story possibilities - including what happens when the Decepticon leader sees Optimus Prime making use of his right arm. Skybound seems to be building to a major story involving the worlds of Transformers, G.I. Joe and Void Rivals, so it will be exciting to see how Megatron fits into the epic events to come. Whenever the original Decepticon leader does resurface, the ramifications for both the Autobots and Decepticons will be massive, but for now, it’s nice to see the creators pay homage to classic Transformers lore by giving Megatron his original alt-mode.

Transformers #13 is available now from Skybound Entertainment.