Summary

• In Transformers #5, the Autobots face their greatest peril yet as the Decepticons introduce the dangerous "combiner" Devastator.
• Devastator, formed by the Constructicons, proves to be a formidable enemy, causing major damage to the Autobots.
• With Devastator in the mix, the stakes are raised, with a major character death is teased in the Transformers #6, excitement continues to build for the Energon Universe series.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Transformers #5The battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons has been heating up in Transformers’ new continuity, but now the bad guys have an ace up their sleeve that could turn the tide of the war in their favor. The combiner known as Devastator just made his Energon Universe debut, quickly setting up the beleagured Autobots for their greatest peril yet.

Devastator makes his debut in Transformers #5 – by Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike Spicer and Rus Wooten – which features the Autobots finding a new power source from the city dam, courtesy of Sparkplug Witwicky's engineering expertise. Unfortunately, they are promptly thwarted by the Decepticons.

With some newly revived allies, Optimus Prime and the Autobots are able to fend off their enemies. Wanting to take advantage of their newfound edge, Prime decides to take the fight to the Decepticons, only to discover that Starscream has rebuilt Teletraan I and revived the Constructicons, who form into the highly dangerous Devastator.

Devastator's Debut In the Energon Universe Goes Exactly How Readers Might Expect

After launching a surprise attack on the Autobots, all six Constructicons combine into their ultimate form, the imposing Devastator. This a huge turn for the Energon Universe, but one that was perhaps bound to happen, given how closely the new series has hewed to the original G1 continuity. The Constructicons were the very first of the “combiner” robots – individual Transformers that could then combine together into a larger, more powerful form. The original Constructicons consisted of Scrapper, Hook, Bonecrusher, Long Haul, Mixmaster and Scavenger, each of whom were deadly enough before they combined to become Devastator.

The Autobots learn just how deadly the Energon Universe Constructicons are at the end of Transformers #5, trashing Optimus Pri,e and even slicing off one of Ratchet’s legs. Devastator stands over a wounded Prime and Sparkplug on the final page of Transformers #5, promising major repercussions as this first story arc nears its conclusion. Skybound has already teased a major character death in Transformers #6, and adding Devastator to the mix only raises the stakes in the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. Whether death is an Autobot, Decepticon, or otherwise, remains to be seen, but the issue should be positively epic.

One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall: Devastator Could Kill A Beloved Hero

Transformers #5 continues the excellent work writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson has done on the series. Notably, the next issue will be Johnson’s last as an artist; Johnson is staying on as a writer, and Energon Universe Transformers continue to be one of the most exciting titles on comic stands.

Transformers #5 is available now from Skybound Entertainment.