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maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}
[[{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
#| }}{{#if: |issues:}}{{#ifeq: | Category
[[Category:IDW {{#switch:{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}}}
{{#switch:prime
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:primeadaptation
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:ragedinobots
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
ragedinobots}}=Prime
{{#switch:rid2015
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
rid2015}}=Robots in Disguise (2015)
{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=War for Cybertron
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Fall of Cybertron
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)|primeadaptation|prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Prime
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Prime – Rage of the Dinobots
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|maximum dinobots=Maximum Dinobots
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|all hail megatron=All Hail Megatron
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)|the transformers (idw)=IDW The Transformers
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|last stand of the wreckers=Last Stand of the Wreckers
transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|drifteos|drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: origins and empires|transformers drift: origins & empires|origins and empires|origins & empires=Drift
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|heart of darkness=Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye=IDW More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise|ongoing2|exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=IDW Robots in Disguise (2012)
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron
the transformers: windblade|windblade2|windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=Windblade
transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe
sotw|wreckers2|sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=Sins of the Wreckers
lost light|transformers lost light|the transformers lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=Lost Light
till all are one|Till All Are One|transformers till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=Till All Are One
revolution=Revolution
revolutionaries=Revolutionaries
action man=Action Man
gijoe5|g.i. joe vol 5|g.i. joe vol. 5|g.i. joe volume 5|g.i. joe (vol. 5)|g.i. joe (volume 5)=G.I. Joe vol. 5
g.i. joe idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
first strike=First Strike
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
rom=ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs. transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Requiem of the Wreckers
On Cybertron, before the Great War, Megatron and Impactor are sitting in Maccadam's New Oil House, discussing Megatron's treatise that calls for non-violent direct action to bring about a revolution. A bar fight involving Rung soon attracts Impactor's violent attention, despite Megatron's protests.
Aboard Omega Supreme's rocket, Perceptor and Ratchet scan the captured Megatron for weapons. A paranoid Ratchet worries about a rumor that Megatron can siphon antimatter from a black hole and release it through his eyes. Perceptor finds his paranoia ridiculous and turns the Decepticon over to Optimus Prime. While Megatron is being investigated by the scientists, Optimus watches with Ironhide and Xaaron, who came from Kimia to see Megatron for himself and offer Wheeljack a position at Kimia. Optimus Prime questions Megatron's motives, wondering if his nemesis wants the war to be over as much as he does. Ironhide offers to handle the interrogation, but Prime considers Megatron as his responsibility and as his greatest failure.
In a police cell, Springarm, a police officer, checks Megatron's information and asks for his name and where he was created. Megatron asks of Impactor's whereabouts, learning that he is in a medical facility. However, the cadets he beat up are in a much poorer condition. Whirl enters with a Communicube to relieve Springarm and warns Megatron that things for him will not turn out well if the cadets expire.
Optimus Prime, alone and blocking out any prying eyes, engages Megatron in a "civilized conversation". After being released of his restraints and taking a seat, Megatron enquires about his troops back on Earth, but Prime tells him to focus on the current topic. Megatron elaborates on the constants of his millions of years of war and conquering: hate, created in his stay in prison thanks to an Autobot, and Optimus Prime. Megatron does not hate Prime himself, just what he represents and the barriers he creates for Megatron's ambition. Megatron asks Optimus if he hates him; the question is first answered with a yes, but Optimus takes it back. "Hate" is too simple a word—it may sustain Megatron, but he is lessened by it. Megatron mocks Prime's rhetoric and claims to know the Autobot leader all too well. Optimus tires of the conversation, but Megatron points out that the war has changed; things are speeding up. Optimus asks him what victory is to him. It is dominion over the lesser species, the Autobots vanquished, and a new Golden Age—peace through tyranny. Optimus attempts to compare the two's desires for peace, but Megatron refuses to accept the parallel. Optimus has done nothing for his goal, while Megatron fought to address the injustice in their society. Optimus asks when the two first met, leading into the two recalling their battles over the years. Optimus wishes for Megatron's help in ending the war, but he refuses.
The Autobot High Command convenes to discuss the situation with Megatron. Xaaron wants to make sure that there is a proper public and independent trial. Prowl agrees and Ultra Magnus suggests Chief Justice Tyrest, seen as neutral by the Galactic Council. The conversation turns to the death sentence, but Bumblebee fears making Megatron a martyr and turning away from the Autobots' principles. The ultimate decision, however, rests with Optimus Prime. Rodimus doubts whether Optimus can make the right decision and points out that, although there was no visual showing of the conversation between Optimus and Megatron, the audio feed was not shut down and everyone heard the cozy recall of memories. Prime is livid, and soon sits alone in despair.
In a police cell, Whirl savagely beats Megatron for supposedly crippling his cadet friends and threatens to kill the prisoner, planning to claim self-defense. He notes his death will mean nothing. Before Whirl can carry out the threat, Springarm stops him, horrified at what Whirl has done. The prisoner is released under orders and Megatron is escorted to see the police captain, Orion Pax. Pax had read Megatron's treatise and surmised that he was not prone to violence and the bartender's evidence backed this up. Orion tells Megatron that, though he doesn't agree with the entirety of the treatise, he is glad someone is voicing their concerns and encourages Megatron to keep it up.
Annoyed, Optimus Prime returns to Megatron's cell and demands to know why he surrendered. The Decepticon is obtuse, telling him to rephrase the question. Optimus rants at Megatron, laying singular blame on him for millennia of conflict, the billions of lives ruined, and their race on the edge of extinction. Again, Megatron insists that Prime rephrase his question, and Optimus Prime asks if Megatron feels even the slightest remorse. The answer is "no"; Megatron's only regret is that he didn't do more while he had the chance, that he didn't kill even more. He will always respond by killing on an industrial scale, he will do anything to murder every single Autobot, and doing so will give him great pleasure. Megatron turns the conversation on Optimus Prime, stating that the war made Prime who he is now, and that he should be grateful to Megatron for starting it. Optimus realizes Megatron's attempts to bring out anger, but nevertheless activates the variable voltage harness. From the audience, Rodimus observes sternly. Recovering, Megatron tells Prime that they first met in Rodion and thanks him for what happened back then.
Leaving the cell, Optimus Prime tells Omega Supreme that he should have cut the power to the harness. Omega explains that he did and that, had he not, Megatron would likely be dead. Ironhide asks Optimus if he had found out what Megatron wanted, and Optimus replies sadly that he thinks he does.
Outside the Rodion police station, Springarm bids farewell to Megatron and hands back his non-violent treatise on Cybertronian society. Megatron looks at it briefly before smashing it through a large screen. He walks away with fresh determination and a new perspective.
"They say he can use this weird inter-dimensional circuity to syphon anti-matter from... from a black hole. You know, in space. So."
"With respect, Ratchet, that sounds—that just sounds stupid."
—Ratchet and Perceptor
"So. How are we going to play this? Are we going to spend the next hour posturing, or are we going to rise to the occasion and actually have a civilised conversation?"
"'Rise to the occasion'? What is this, a summit meeting? I'm bolted to the wall, I'm riddled with inhibitor chips, and I'm precisely one rash gesture away from being electrocuted to death. It's hardly conducive to a frank exchange of views."
"Fair point. [unbolts] Take a seat."
—Optimus and Megatron
"I look back over the last four million years and recognize that there have been only two constants: hate... and you."
—Megatron
"Look me in the eye and say you want it ended, and it will end."
—Optimus
"Do you even feel the slightest remorse?"
"No."
—Optimus and Megatron
"Understand this. So long as you stand in my way- so long as anybody stands in my way, I will respond by killing. Murder on an industrial scale. Because in the final analysis, I would happily wade across a river of corpses, chest-deep in rust and grease and engine oil, just to crush the spark of the last Autobot standing. And I would do so not simply as a means to an end, no. I'd do it, Prime, because it would give me pleasure."
The flashback portions of this issue take place before Megatron Origin and fill in a lot of details that the miniseries left out: namely, why Megatron is already so angry and willing to turn to violence.
Impactor and Megatron are sitting in Maccadam's NEW Oil House, an early version of the classic Transformers hangout that was previously only mentioned in dialogue in the IDW continuity, in the Ironhide mini-series.
The idea of the Transformers as a pariah race, shunned by the rest of the galaxy, was originally suggested by some aliens' reactions to them in Spotlight: Drift.
When recalling past fights, Megatron and Optimus remember their relatively recent battle in Brasnya from Escalation, and one at Rada Mor, which was previously mentioned in "Bullets". Also mentioned are the Vorsk Offensive and the Battle for Hell's Point, which would receive some expansion during Roberts's later stories. Contrarily, this is the only mention of the Siege of Massunstrad.
The Tremorcons were mentioned before in "Bullets"; Rung—a character originally created by Roberts for a passing mention in his unofficial novella "Eugenesis"—was also seen in that story, and served as the writer of the Last Stand of the WreckersAutopedia profiles.
Knowing that he would soon be writing an ongoing series of his own, More than Meets the Eye, James Roberts wrote many story seeds into "Chaos Theory", including:
The introduction of the concept of "forged" and "constructed cold" methods of Transformer creation, which would take several years to be explained. Further, the idea of racism against constructed cold 'bots debuts; this was an idea which Roberts came up with in Eugenesis. Cybertron used to have apartheid based on your origin, which was supposed to no longer matter near the end of Nominus' reign (but obviously still does). The idea of racism based on the circumstances of your birth would be greatly expanded on during More than Meets the Eye to encompass the ideals of Functionism.
Prowl's concerns about Chief Justice Tyrest, which would become the focal point of More than Meets the Eye's final arc of "season 1".
Whirl as the prison guard who beats up Megatron; Whirl is a main cast member in More than Meets the Eye, and was specifically chosen for this scene in "Chaos Theory" for that reason.
At the end of the story, Ironhide asks Optimus if he had found out what Megatron wanted. Optimus replies "I think so, and I think I just gave it to him." In the past, whilst in prison it was the beating given by Whirl that turned Megatron from pacifist rhetoric to violence. In the present day, Optimus notes that before handing himself in, Megatron had sounded "hollow" - he had lost his passion, it is this he wanted to renew. During their second conversation, Megatron repeatably goads Optimus into a reaction, until eventually Optimus applies a full blast of the VVH (It is only intervention by Omega Supreme that prevents the death of Megatron). As before in the past, it is this act of violence that refuels the fire in Megatron, and Optimus only realises too late what he has unleashed.
We learn that Megatron was created in the "1st Cycle 012" amongst other notable dates. While previously unseen in the IDW Generation 1 continuity, this dating system harkens back to "The Quest!", a text story from the Marvel UK1990Transformers annual where the TheturianDicet Alpha-zero noted that the Ark's launch and Megatron's subsequent attack took place during "1st Cycle 931 (Cybertronian dating)".
Ratchet and Perceptor are discussing a superpower that Megatron was given in his original bio... and which almost every single G1 story since has ignored. Probably because, as Perceptor notes, throwing a black hole around is a little too silly. Ratchet talking about it as "the thing with the eyes" is a reference to the Marvel UK story "Resurrection!", in which Megatron used said power to channel antimatterthrough his eyes. Except, as it turns out later, it wasn't just a rumor.
Some graffiti in Megatron's cell reads "peace through tyranny", the motto from his original bio, indicating that this is where he picked up the phrase.
Megatron correcting the guard on his name seems to be a reference to how Bob Budiansky came up with the actual name: combining the words "megaton" and "electron".
Among the battles recalled by Prime and Megatron include one at Sherma Bridge, which Megatron recalls as their first meeting. This hearkens back to another Marvel UK story, "And There Shall Come...a Leader!", in which Megatron and Prime were shown having their first meeting in a significant battle on a bridge. That bridge was unnamed, but the name "Sherma Bridge" is a nod to the pair's famous battle on Sherman Dam from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2".
The plot element of Optimus and Megatron having met before the war, and the former agreeing with the latter's ideals, is reminiscent of the Aligned versions of Optimus Prime and Megatron. This, however, would turn out to be complete coincidence, developed by Roberts independent of any Aligned material.
The graffiti "Free in Cycle 063" in Megatron's cell is a reference to "Free by '63", a slogan coined by the [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Civil rights movement|{{#if:1954–1968 civil rights movement|1954–1968 civil rights movement|Civil rights movement}}]] in the US to mark the approaching centenary of Abraham Lincoln's [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Emancipation Proclamation|{{#if:||Emancipation Proclamation}}]].
Megatron's serial number, "071-980", is an apparent reference to July 1980, the month in which Marvel's [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Shogun Warriors (toys)|{{#if:Shogun Warriors|Shogun Warriors|Shogun Warriors (toys)}}]] #18 was published, in which the name "Megatron" was first used by the company.
Jazz is seen amongst the Autobots who are viewing the captive Megatron, but issue #25 will establish that he should currently be on Earth.
Both Megatron Origin and Spotlight: Blurr had a pre-Prime Optimus sporting a body clearly inspired by Orion Pax. Here, before either story, Optimus is already in his usual Cybertronian Optimus Prime form. This would later be remedied in Spotlight: Orion Pax.
Despite Megatron's recollection of being trapped in a gun alt mode after the Battle for Hell's Point, Prime's recollection of the fight shows Megatron having the Don Figueroa-designed body that transforms into a Cybertronian tank. It is, of course, possible that Megatron was forced to withdraw and swap alt-modes in the midst of that battle, only to return later.
The notion of Optimus and Megatron having their first (or second) meeting at Sherma Bridge would essentially be retconned away by Autocracy. Chalk it up to Megatron switching the subject, perhaps?
In the first panel Impactor either has a normal right hand which later transforms or his drill attachment is mis-colored.
"Chaos Theory" was originally going to be published separated from the ongoing as a one-shot, but the series had higher sales than one-shots and minis, so it and "Chaos", which was going to be a mini-series, were rolled in—which is why the series ended on #31 and not #25.)<ref>Moonbase 2 interview with Mike Costa ("Special Guest")</ref> Other early plans were that it would be set on Earth, the Decepticon Justice Division were going to attack, and Impactor would turn out to have been visiting Megatron in his cell and would steal his badge for Guzzle. (All that in one issue.) Other characters would talk to Megatron before Optimus. Crucially for the future, Whirl would not be in it but a new character.<ref>Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts - 01:33:27 to 01:35:01</ref><ref>Podcast Maximus episode 3, 06:10 to 05:00</ref>
"Forged" and "constructed cold" come up here for the first time. "Constructed cold" was a concept from Roberts' Eugenesis: Transformers made by the Matrix instead of budding and seen as unnatural for it. The idea would be heavily reworked for the IDW world.
{{#if: |
Cover A - Megatron; as in Electron
Cover B - Megatron; as in Neutron Bomb
Cover RI - Not Megaton
Volume 5: Chaos Theory – cover art by Nick Roche
The IDW Collection Volume Eight – cover art by E. J. Su
Chaos Theory – cover art by Kazumasa Yasukuni
The Definitive G1 Collection Volume 51: Chaos Theory – cover art by Don Figueroa and Alex Milne
Kaos och skuggor – cover art by Nick Roche and Josh Burcham
Best of Megatron – cover art by James Biggie
