Thanks to the Energon Universe comics, the Transformers have never been more popular. Skybound’s new continuity has reinvigorated the franchise in the world of comics, turning Hasbro’s forty-year-old franchise into one of the hottest titles on comic racks. With new takes on classic characters, the Energon Universe era of Transformers has stacked the Autobot ranks with some of the most powerful Cybertronians out there.

While the Energon Universe has stayed fairly true to Transformers G1 roots, the creators have found clever ways to update and even improve upon the classic continuity. Whether it's Optimus Prime getting an upgrade thanks to taking Megatron’s canon arm or exciting new characters like Shredhead, the Energon Universe's Autobots are packing some serious firepower in their ranks, especially in the main Transformers title by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, and more.

10 Hot Rod

The Powerful Autobot Is Still New to the Energon Universe

Hot Rod hasn’t gotten much of a chance to prove his mettle in the Energon Universe since making his debut in the FCBD Energon Universe Special last year, but it’s clear that the Autobot is going to play a big role in future EU stories. Hot Rod has been traversing the galaxy to search for a missing ally, which brought him into the orbit of the Sacred Ring, the main setting of the Energon Universe title Void Rivals by Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici.

In the traditional G1 continuity, Hot Rod was the successor of Optimus Prime, taking up the leadership reins after Prime was killed in combat. Even before receiving the Matrix of Leadership, Hot Rod was a capable fighter in the Autobot ranks. He tended to be hotheaded and headstrong, but no one could doubt his heart or courage on the battlefield. Whatever happens next in the Energon Universe, Hot Rod looks to be playing a huge role in the line going forward.

9 Springer

The Autobot Triple-Changer Conquers the Sacred Ring

Springer hasn’t actually appeared in the main Transformers book, but rather fellow Energon Universe title Void Rivals. As a triple-changer, Springer can traverse pretty much any landscape in his alt-modes as a helicopter and a futuristic car, making his prowess on the battlefield quite versatile. The Autobot showed off his power when he showed up in Void Rivals to help main characters Darak and Solila in their fight against the Zertonian hunter Proximus in the Wastelands of the Sacred Ring.

Springer found himself stranded on the Sacred Ring after leaving Cybertron centuries ago to find more Energon, following in the footsteps of the mysterious Zerta-Trion. While wandering the Wastelands of the Sacred Ring, Springer came to be known as the “Leviathan of the Wasteland.” After helping Darak and Solila, Springer recently ed up with the newly-arrived Hot Rod. Whether he s up with Optimus Prime to fight the Decepticons remains to be seen, but he’d make for a powerful ally.

8 Jazz

An Acrobatic Addition to the Autobots

After the initial Autobots were reactivated by Optimus Prime on the Ark, the limited Energon supplies meant that only so many others could be awakened. But when they needed the extra firepower to battle the Decepticons, Prime and the Autobots decided to wake up Jazz to help out. Jazz was then able to take out both Starscream and Soundwave as they attacked a hospital, proving that the Autobots were wise to reawaken one of their greatest heroes to the battle.

Sadly, Jazz was only given just enough power to help the Autobots for a short time, as he immediately went back into stasis after helping his compatriots. Jazz wasn’t out of the action for too long, however, as the Autobots were able to use power from a human dam to reawaken him once more. Jazz continues to be a valued ally on the battlefield, always at the forefront of any Autobot attacks planned by Optimus Prime. Much like his name would suggest, Jazz is a master at improvisation and is able to handle any surprises his enemies might throw at him.

7 Elita-One

The Autobots’ Fierce Leader on Cybertron

There’s no question that Elita-One is one of the toughest cookies in the Transformers franchise, and her Energon Universe counterpart is no different. From the moment readers are introduced to her, Elita-One is clearly a force to be reckoned with, leading a daring rescue operation to save Ultra Magnus from his imprisonment in a Decepticon stronghold. While Optimus Prime left Cybertron to search the universe for more Energon, Elita was left behind to lead the Autobots, turning her into a grizzled veteran.

Elita-One was one of Optimus Prime’s closest allies when they fought against Decepticon control of Cybertron, but the two find themselves at odds when they are reunited via Shockwave’s space-bridge. Elita wants to use the Energon that Shockwave has harvested from Earth’s sea-life, whereas Prime refuses to exploit another species for Cybertron’s gain. That divide leads Elita to betray Prime in their battle against Shockwave, causing a rift between the Autobots that could lead to devastating consequences in the Energon Universe.

6 Ultra Magnus

Despite His Trauma, the Autobot Vet Remains a Powerhouse

Ever since his introduction in Transformers: The Movie, Ultra Magnus has been a powerhouse in the Autobot ranks. The Energon Universe version of Magnus is no different, as both his large frame and his absolute firepower make him a formidable opponent on the battlefield. The only trouble is that Magnus has spent several years being tortured by the cruel Decepticon Shockwave. Elita-One is able to save him from the Decepticons and even manages to take him to Earth via Shockwave’s space-bridge. Even though Ratchet and Wheeljack manage to repair his body, it’s his mind that truly needs the work.

Ultra Magnus is eager to up with Optimus Prime and help the Autobots stop Shockwave from harvesting Energon from innocent Earth life-forms, but he freezes up upon seeing his old tormentor in person once more. Magnus then flees the battlefield before a single shot is fired. It was a shocking turn for one of the Autobots’ greatest warriors, but it does highlight how the new Skybound series isn’t shying away from the trauma and horror of violence. Hopefully, Ultra Magnus will return once more to his former glory in the Energon Universe.

5 Arcee

The Autobot Warrior Keeps the Decepticons on Their Toes

As soon as the Autobots devised a way to revive their comatose brethren via a giant water dam, Arcee was one of the first warriors to be revived. It shows that Optimus Prime held her in high regard, and Arcee quickly proved herself on the battlefield as the Autobots got their first victory in fighting off the Decepticons’ attack at the dam. She’s one of the best hand-to-hand combatants the Autobots have - and perhaps the finest sharpshooter on either the Autobots or Decepticons.

She’s been an important character since her introduction in Transformers: The Movie, so it’s nice to see Arcee get her due in the new continuity.

Yet for all her prowess on the battlefield, it’s perhaps her empathy that gives Arcee her true power. Arcee is able to break through the revenge-minded Carly, relating to the grief the human girl feels after Starscream killed her father. Arcee even takes Carly on as her “Iron Apprentice,” training the young human much like she was trained by the great Ultra Magnus. She’s been an important character since her introduction in Transformers: The Movie, so it’s nice to see Arcee get her due in the new continuity.

4 Trailbreaker

His Special Abilities Make Him Invaluable to the Autobots

Trailbreaker is the most recent Autobot to be awakened on Earth, and while he’s not as well-known to the general public, he is one of the more powerful Autobots around. His ability to create force-fields has already come in handy for the Autobots stranded on Earth, as they serve not only a defensive purpose, but can also be used in an offensive capacity. He also has “magnawheels,” which allow him to traverse any metallic surface, whether in his robot or vehicle modes.

He’s a valuable asset to the Autobots stranded on Earth, especially considering that Ratchet winds up getting killed and Cliffjumper gets left behind on Cybertron after Shockwave’s space-bridge closes. His special abilities give him the edge, but Trailbreaker also packs some serious firepower, with two shoulder cannons and the ability to turn his hands into a gun. Given all of that, he is easily one of the most powerful Autobots in Optimus Prime’s ranks.

3 Shredhead

The Newest Autobot Is Also One of the Most Powerful

Created exclusively for the Energon Universe, Shredhead has only recently made their debut in Transformers #17-18. Created from the surviving sparks of Cliffjumper’s clan and Carly’s battle-damaged van, Shredhead has given the Autobots on Cybertron a massive edge in their war on the Decepticons. Fans haven’t seen much of the new Autobot, but Shredhead showed how deadly they could be as they sliced up several Decepticons with a giant laser-sword.

The brainchild of Daniel Warren Johnson, Shredhead might just be the most metal Transformer of them all. They are decorated with Carly’s artwork, and they carry the aforementioned massive sword, carving a striking figure on the battlefield. Even the otherwise hardened and cynical Elita-One is given a spark of hope after seeing Shredhead take to the battlefield, believing they may have a chance against the Decepticons. It will be interesting to see what happens to the Autobots on Cybertron now that they have a powerhouse like Shredhead on their side.

2 Optimus Prime

The Autobot Leader’s Upgrades Make Him More Powerful Than Ever

He might be the greatest Autobot of them all, but Optimus Prime has been given some major upgrades in the Energon Universe. After losing his arm in battle against the Decepticon Skywarp, Prime replaced it with Megatron’s cannon arm, giving him some additional firepower. Prime also got a surge of energy thanks to the sacrifice of Sparkplug Witwicky, which gave him enough strength to take on the behemoth Devastator single-handedly.

Even though he’s gotten a supercharge of power, there does seem to be a side effect that’s been manifesting in disturbing ways. Prime has had trouble distinguishing his own memories from those of the human Sparkplug, and he has been given over to fits of rage that seemingly come out of nowhere. Whatever is going on with Prime, he’s clearly stronger now than ever before. From suplexing Starscream to body-slamming Devastator, Optimus Prime remains one of the most powerful Transformers ever.

1 Omega Supreme

Does the Energon Universe Have Plans for the Autobot Guardian?

Omega Supreme has thus far only appeared in flashback, but there’s no question that the Guardian of Cybertron is the most powerful Autobot yet seen in the Energon Universe. All fans have seen of Omega Supreme is the quick flyover he made in Transformers #13, which told the origins of Starscream. Despite an appearance that basically amounted to a cameo, that double-page splash that introduced Omega Supreme to the Energon Universe could be setting up some major happenings in the continuity's future.

Omega Supreme has typically been portrayed as the last of the Guardian robots, the powerful giants that protected the cities of Cybertron. He was betrayed by the Constructicons, leaving Crystal City of Cybertron and thus allowing the Decepticons to destroy it while he was away. How much of this backstory remains in place in the Energon Universe remains to be seen, but given what fans have already witnessed in Skybound’s new Transformers continuity, they can expect to see Omega Supreme unleash his full power before all is said and done.