Megatron’s Brutal New Form Makes Optimus Prime Look Like A Wimp

Published Nov 14, 2026, 10:58 PM EST

Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero. 

With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention.

Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Transformers #38

Thanks to the Energon Universe, Megatron has just received his most impressive and powerful form yet. As seen in previous issues of Transformers, the merciless Decepticon leader has been undergoing a major evolution. Now, that evolution is finally complete (and Optimus' forces aren't ready in the slightest).

In previous issues of Skybound and Image Comics' Transformers from Robert Kirkman, Megatron was becoming increasingly unhinged before ultimately entering a chrysalis state. Within his cocoon, Megatron experiences visions of Decepticon leaders past. He was then forced to submit to the Matrix of Oppression (the dark counter to the Matrix of Leadership).

Now, the brand-new Transformers #38 sees Megatron finally emerging from his cocoon, receiving a brand-new name and title (and dark new forms).

Megatron Is Now Megatronus Rex, Complete With Dark New Forms

After submitting to and receiving the Matrix of Oppression, Megatron emerges in Transformers #38 as Megatronus Rex, becoming a far more powerful version of the Decepticon leader he once was. Receiving a terrifying new appearance with black armor, Megatron now has the ability to transform into a massive tank, complete with a remarkably larger cannon than the one he used to have on his arm.

However, what's even more impressive is Megatronus' alternate weapon transformation. In the past, Megatron was able to transform into a devastating pistol that another Decepticon (most often Starscream) would wield against the Autobots, just like in the original animated cartoon. However, Megatronus Rex now transforms into a far bigger mini-gun wielded by none other than the massive Devastator, the massive Decepticon made up of the six combined Constructicons.

Because Devastator is already one of the most destructive warriors among the Decepticons' ranks, giving him Megatron as an extremely powerful firearm is an incredibly terrifying development. Furthermore, Megatron's new name now signifies him as the true dark counterpart to a Prime, with Rex apparently being the given title for those who submit to the Matrix of Oppression, just like Prime is the given title for those with the Matrix of Leadership.

The Timing Couldn't Be Worse For Optimus And His Allies

All things considered, Megatronus Rex's debut is super unfortunate considering what's been happening to Optimus in the Energon Universe. As seen in previous issues, Optimus Prime gave up the Matrix of Leadership and the power that came with it. The Matrix instead went to Elita-1, who's since become Elita Prime and took several Autobots back with her to continue the war on Cybertron.

Now smaller and just "Optimus", there couldn't be a more drastic difference between the leader of the remaining forces on Earth and the leader of the Decepticons: while Megatron has embraced the Matrix of Oppression and become stronger than ever, Optimus has willingly given up his own typical power for the good of his people. Even so, the result is that Megatronus Rex absolutely dwarfs Optimus, and is far more formidable. As such, readers should expect the next issue to be an absolute Autobot bloodbath.

Rearrange the movies into the correct US release order.

Looking ahead, there is some reason to be hopeful for Optimus and his forces, as the debut of the Dinobots has been teased in the next few issues. Led by Grimlock and his impressive T.Rex form, the Dinobots will no doubt provide some major backup to Optimus and his allies, especially with their numbers being so low compared to the Decepticons.

That being said, Optimus and the remaining former Autobots are in an increasingly desperate position in the meantime. With Megatronus Rex now fully wielding the Matrix of Oppression with his incredibly powerful new forms, the next stage of the Energon Universe's war between the two Cybertronian factions could be the most dangerous series of battles yet.

Transformers #38 is on sale now from Skybound and Image Comics

Transformers is a multimedia franchise consisting of movies, TV Shows, video games, and comics. The franchise centers on a race of humanoid robots called the autobots who must protect Earth from the Decepticons. Some of the most popular characters include Megatron, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee. In 2007, the first live-action movie in the franchise was released starring Shia Labeouf.