Transformers Reveals Epic New Megatron Redesign And Codename For Next Major Arc

Published Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT

Mark has been a comic book journalist for over 15 years and has interviewed comic book creators like Gail Simone and Caspar Wijngaard. And when he's not writing, he's working on beating his record of 1,200 comics read in a year.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since Image Comics/Skybound's Energon Universe debuted. It started in Void Rivals #1, where an Autobot named Jetfire revealed himself to two aliens named Darak and Solila. Despite the two being stranded, Jetfire left because he had more important things to do. The Autobots were in a war with the Decepticons on Cybertron, and Jetfire had been away for millions of years.

Void Rivals was only the beginning. Since then, the Energon Universe has slowly, but perfectly, expanded with four miniseries starring Cobra Commander, Duke, Scarlett, and Destro. All of them were connected and introduced the G.I. Joe characters to the universe. While they became familiar to comic book readers, Transformers showed that the war between the Autobots and Decepticons came to Earth.

In 2026, the lives of both the Autobots' and Decepticons' leaders changed. Optimus gave up the Matrix of Leadership to Elita-1, who became Elita Prime. Now, Optimus is weaker and unsure of himself. This is an unfortunate time because, according to New York Comic Con's new update, the power dynamic of the universe is about to change.

Megatron’s New Form Is Coming

During Transformers #31, Megatron was cocooned in crystal, where he encountered Megatronus and submitted to him and bent the knee. Later, in issue #36, the crystal starts to crack, meaning the Decepticons' leader would emerge changed. Would Megatron become Galvatron, Megatronus, or would it be a disappointing reveal where he’d just be stronger? Apparently, none of these options were correct.

If a comic book series is going to stand out, it has to be bold. Changes have to be made to keep fans interested. However, as many may remember from the Marvel Comics event Ultimatum, shock value for the sake of it can and will turn fans away. Thankfully, Image and Skybound didn’t just go bold. They created something new. Megatron will become Megatronus Rex in Transformers #38, which is scheduled to be released in November 2026. The reveal of his new form was only part of the equation. Now readers need to know more.

What Does Megatronus Rex Mean For The Energon Universe?

First, what kind of new powers and weapons will he have? In the image above, readers can see that part of his design is a tank. Megatron has used something similar before, but how much more firepower will he have now? It also looks like he could have missile capabilities on his shoulders, on top of a giant cannon on his arm. It looks like pure destruction, and this is only the beginning. There's no way more weaponry isn't coming.

Will Megatronus Rex be a harsher leader than before, if that's possible? One of the reasons he had to become something bigger, badder, and more dangerous is because his Decepticons failed him, such as in Transformers #29. He’s not someone who forgives defeat, and that’s not something that will change. That means his minions will either be killed or forced to change.

If anyone is killed, it will be Soundwave. Despite being Megatron’s most loyal soldier, an example must be set. Killing someone else wouldn’t have the same effect as destroying the Decepticon, who would follow him into the fiery pits of Hell. Murdering him will show what happens if someone fails Megatronus Rex again. However, if this happens, it could be a mistake.

One of the Decepticons,Thundercracker, has already joined the Autobots. After seeing one of their most faithful Transformers brutalized, their fear of death could send them right into the hands of Earth's Autobots. With Optimus being weaker than ever, he’ll need all the help he can get against Megatronus Rex.