Summary

• The new Transformers comic series in the Energon Universe is introducing classic character Devastator.
• Devastator's return poses a significant threat to the Autobots and gives the Decepticons a decisive advantage.
• The war between Autobots and Decepticons intensifies as Starscream gears up for a major battle with the arrival of Devastator.

The new Transformers continuity is about to introduce a classic Decepticon to the Energon Universe. Skybound Entertainment's newly-launched Energon Universe has revitalized key Hasbro comics, with Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer's Transformers leading the pack. The series is a retelling of the original 1984 G1 cartoon, and has delivered fans exactly what they want, such as classic character designs.

Beginning with the arrival of the Transformers on Earth in the Autobot ship, the current Transformers comic series follows Spike and Sparkplug Witwicky befriending Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, as the highest-ranking Decepticon awakened in Megatron's absence, Starscream has taken command of the villainous robots. According to the solicitations for the Transformers #5 by Johnson and Spicer, "Starscream revives one of the most powerful Decepticons to eliminate the Autobots once and for all." In a preview of the issue shared by AIPT, one variant cover by artist James Stokoe hints at who this Decepticon is.

If this variant is any indication, Devastator, one of the Decepticons' key fighters, is set to make his modern debut.

Devastator's Return is Bad News for the Autobots

Daniel Warren Johnson's Transformers story has showcased the reintroduction of key figures on both sides of the Cybertronian Civil War. As Optimus Prime has led his heroes on Earth, Starscream has been building an army of Decepticons, beginning with Soundwave. The preview for the fifth issue shows the pair continuing this work by reviving Thundercracker. With this variant cover teasing readers of what's to come, the return of Devastator is slated to define the next chapter of the story.

Devastator is best known for his enormous stature, created by the assembly of a small group of Constructicons into one grand behemoth. When the villain first appeared in the original G1 cartoon episode "Heavy Metal War," it was to fight the Dinobots. Devastator's mental capacity is limited to only that which its components agree on, making him a villain of brawn over brains. Alone, the villain can handily overpower most Autobots, and is a tough challenge even for entire groups of heroes. Considering the rough shape Optimus Prime was left in at the end of issue 4, he could give the Decepticons a decisive advantage.

Starscream Is Gearing Up For War

The war between the Autobots and Decepticons has defined the Transformers franchise since the 1984 cartoon. In the Skybound series, Optimus Prime and his friends have been on the defensive against Starscream and Soundwave. With an entire planet of innocent humans caught in the crossfire, Prime, Ratchet and Cliffjumper have faced off with the evil soldiers of Megatron. As tough as their fight has been, the return of Devastator to the fray is set to make the Autobots the definitive underdogs of the story.

The ability of Devastator to overpower the Dinobots in the original cartoon remains one of the villain's greatest feats. Considering how the Autobot creations managed to overpower even the most powerful of the Transformers, seeing the giant Decepticon defeat them showed how formidable Devastator is. Starscream has shown himself to be every bit as destructive and aggressive as Megatron himself, and the arrival of the classic Decepticon will only make things worse for the Autobots in future issues of Transformers.

Transformers #5 will be available February 14 from Skybound Entertainment.

Source: AIPT