Summary

• Ultra Magnus returns in Transformers #11, but the character's reappearance comes with a twist that may upset fans, showcasing the unpredictability of the Energon Universe continuity.
• Trauma continues to play a significant role in the story of Transformers, as Ultra Magnus flees the battlefield rather than confront Shockwave, who forced him to endure extreme torture back on Cybertron.
• With Skybound's second Transformers arc coming to a close, the series' creative team continues to keep fans guessing with unexpected twists, along with a focus on real consequences.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Transformers #11

Ultra Magnus is back in action in Skybound’s Transformers series, but there’s a pretty huge catch for the Autobot veteran. The Energon Universe series has been making each character debut feel like an event. As such, the way in which Magnus returns may upset some longtime fans, but it is a strong evocation of where the character has been, and is going, in the new series.

Transformers #11 finds the Autobots reeling from their most recent defeat at the hands of Shockwave. The bridge the Decepticons opened between Cybertron and Earth allowed two Autobots to come through: Elita-One and a badly-damaged Ultra Magnus.

Wheeljack informs Optimus Prime that it will take most of the Energon reserves they have to fully restore Ultra Magnus, but the hardened Autobot veteran wants back in the fight. A fully-restored Ultra Magnus then s the battle towards the end – but the result is not what the Autobots, nor long-time Transformers fans could have anticipated.

Ultra Magnus' Energon Universe Return Is Subverted With A Gamechanging Turn

Transformers #11 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer and Rus Wooton

For all the exciting, dynamic robot action, Skybound's Transformers creative team never loses sight of the very real consequences of the story.

The scene is a triumphant moment to end the issue on, but the creative team has one more surprise in store for readers, as Ultra Magnus gets one look at Shockwave on the final page, which causes him to transform and roll out in the opposite direction. The grizzled Autobot warrior leaves his allies behind on the battlefield. “Hahaha! I broke his mind!” Shockwave gloats, referring to the years he spent sadistically torturing Magnus before he was rescued by Elita-One. In spite of being one of the Autobots’ most legendary warriors, Magnus all but crumples at the sight of Shockwave.

It’s a shocking turn of events, but definitely in keeping with the creative team’s focus on the after-effects of trauma. The human characters have experienced this the most in the series, as both Spike and Carly have had to deal with the loss of their fathers. Ultra Magnus may look big and tough, but he too isn’t immune to the effects of trauma. For all the exciting, dynamic robot action, Skybound's Transformers creative team never loses sight of the very real consequences of the story. It’s refreshing to see subjects like these handled with such care, even if they are in service of a piece of toy tie-in media.

With Ultra Magnus leaving his comrades behind on the battlefield, things aren’t looking good for Optimus Prime and the Autobots as the second arc of Transformers draws to a close.

Ultra Magnus Flees The Battlefield Rather Than Confront His Trauma At Shockwave's Hands

Is The Autobot Veteran Psychologically Damaged Beyond Repair?

With Ultra Magnus leaving his comrades behind on the battlefield, things aren’t looking good for Optimus Prime and the Autobots as the second arc of Transformers draws to a close. With Whatever comes next for the Robots in Disguise in the Energon Universe, Skybound has shown a willingness to surprise fans at every turn.

Transformers #11 is available now from Skybound Entertainment