The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire.
Megatron returns to Cybertron intending to rebuild the Decepticon Empire.
Marvel UK issues #213-214
Writer: Simon Furman
Art: Lee Sullivan (213), Jose Delbo (214)
Lettering: Glib (213), Manny Mano (214)
Colors: Stuart Place (213), Nel Yomtov (214)
- Characters: Megatron, Ravage, Legonis, Octus, Seizer, Quake, Ruckus, Crankcase, Windsweeper
- Originally published: 15th April 1989 – 22nd April 1989
Synopsis
Following the Time Wars, Megatron and Ravage use the Mayhem Attack Squad’s ship to return to Cybertron. Disgusted at the lack of Decepticon control of the planet, Megatron makes his way to Helex, the Decepticon capital. There he confronts the ruling Decepticon Triumvirate of Legonis, Octus and Seizer.
Having grown indolent and complacent, the three have abandoned the idea of conquest, instead preferring to be entertained with gladiatorial combat. They cast Megatron into the area to face a variety of opponents. Megatron dispatches them all easily, reveling in the destruction.
Eventually he realizes the futility of what he is doing and appeals to the crowd of Decepticons to rise up and reclaim their warrior heritage. Inspired to take action the already dissatisfied Triggercons attack and kill the Triumvirate and the Decepticons declare Megatron their leader. Megatron declares that this time he intends to do things right.
Errors
Items of note
- The Triumvirate are inspired by the Triumvirate of ancient Rome.
- Issue 213 was the first UK issue to be printed with three strips per issue, a US Reprint, a UK story and a back-up Visionaries strip. This was done as a cost-cutting exercise. The story, however, was written before the decision was taken, so it had to be split in two and printed across two issues instead of one. This led to a rather unexciting ‘cliffhanger’ at the end of 213.
- Ironically, the Megatron featured here is later shown in Two Megatrons! to be a clone of the previous ruler of Cybertron, Straxus.
- This was the last UK strip to be printed in color due to falling sales.
