COUNTDOWN: 8 noteworthy moments from Skybound’s Transformers #20

As the months roll on, we move ever closer to the inevitable end of Daniel Warren Johnson’s tenure on Transformers with the upcoming #24. Given there are only a handful of chapters left until then, how does #20 raise the stakes and set us on a path to the writer’s endgame? Let’s have a look.

WARNING! MAJOR SPOILERS ahead!

#8: Astrotrain vs Megatron

After Megatron’s imposing return to the ranks of the Decepticons at the end of #18 and the flashback storyline presented last time, #20 opens with a wallop as the tyrant takes on one of his own troops in a head-to-head that had us wincing! Despite Soundwave and several others immediately acknowledging Megatron’s position as leader, Astrotrain quickly attempts revenge on behalf of his as-yet-unidentified lost love, charging at the despot and then converting to train mode before crashing into him at full pelt. However, Megatron proves that his intimidating aura is well-earned by taking the attack in his stride whilst barely flinching and then quite casually allowing Astrotrain to deliver a flurry of blows before reacting. When he does, the tide soon turns as the giant triple changer quickly proves no match, with Megatron defeating him without too much concern before tossing him off a building (we’re guessing he was too knackered to fly at this point, eh?). Many predicted such a moment would come upon Megatron’s reintroduction to the book, and it’s safe to say it did not disappoint!

#7: Magnus in captivity

Also following on from #18 is the revelation that, as suspected, Ultra Magnus is being held captive by GI Joe following his apprehension alongside Carly. There’s no sign of our human protagonist yet, but it seems as though the military is attempting to learn what they can from the massive Autobot, although it is noted that the progress is slow so far. Here, we also meet Doc, a classic Joe character and medic who is sure to feature more in this storyline moving forward, potentially as we start to see additional crossovers between the adventures of the robots in disguise with the various other earthbound Energon Universe titles.

#6: Spike and Optimus

We then cut to a poignant exchange between Spike and Optimus Prime (always a highlight in this book!) as we learn that the human has returned to the Autobot base alongside Arcee and Beachcomber following the events of #18. Optimus believes they cannot currently go searching for Ultra Magnus and Carly, given the impending threat of Megatron on the horizon. However, Spike laments how little family he has left now that his dad is gone and asks Prime if he can communicate with Sparkplug through the Matrix, to which the Autobot leader apologises and explains that’s not how it works as he is unable to speak directly to past bearers. He also expresses concern at a growing darkness inside him, referencing the strange visions and bouts of uncontrollable anger he has experienced. However, Spike offers reassurance that ‘the light’ will surely return soon, much in the way a sunrise always does. It’s a thin note of hope in an otherwise fairly grim set of circumstances for the Autobots at present, although there are some other positive vibes about to be delivered in this book…

#5: Jetfire!

The last time we saw or heard anything of Jetfire was way back in #9 after he was shot down during the Spacebridge’s activation and Shockwave’s arrival on Earth. Much has happened since then, and more than once, we’ve been left to wonder if the Autobots had forgotten about their fallen comrade, which seemed like a particularly grim fate considering they had already brought him back from death to exist purely as a non-transforming husk of his former self. Fortunately, they’ve brought him home at long last, and it seems the delay was likely due to not having the proper means of transporting his damaged form, the solution for which is a newly resurrected Silverbolt! It’s a surprise to see the Aerialbot commander up and running and already out on missions after no previous indication this was in Prime’s plan, and, coupled with Arcee, Beachcomber, and Spike already having returned since #18, we can’t help but feel there’s been a slight time jump somewhere (which doesn’t necessarily mesh with what we see of the Decepticons’ activity but never mind). In any case, Silverbolt is a welcome sight, especially because he’s enabled the Autobots to recoup their fallen comrade once more.

#4: Aerialbots!

The moment’s not over, though, because after a brief chat with Silverbolt, the Autobots head inside the Ark to discover that Wheeljack is busily reviving the rest of the Aerialbot crew! This sudden addition of five new characters to the ranks feels like a distinct breath of fresh air, and it’s immediately apparent that the air-based team are distinctly different to their classic cartoon portrayal. Whereas the Aerialbots of the 1980s animation were new creations, here it is stated that Optimus had them built years ago to match the Decepticons’ air power. Equally, whilst in the TV series they were… how shall we put this… jerks, here they’re really quite loveable! In fact, they’re immediately concerned with Prime’s sombre mood and rush en masse to give him a giant group hug – awww! The only thing that could possibly prove a bum note to this otherwise happy scene is the presence of a lurking Thundercracker, who appears to be smirking whilst preparing to make his move.

#3: Cliffjumper & Shredhead

Next, we catch up with events on Cybertron during a brief conversation between Cliffjumper and Shredhead. The newly created Autobot explains that although they have a hazy memory of Cliff from their previous existence, it’s not distinct enough to make sense of, yet they know they are forever connected. They also have a chat about Carly, whom Cliff is concerned for (although he cannot surely know that she has been taken captive at this point, so perhaps it’s just bad vibes on his part?). He explains to Shredhead that it was Carly who painted the side of their van mode, and before you know it, it seems they’re suddenly keen to help her, too! We’ll have to wait till next time to see how this plays out, but it will be intriguing to see the Skybound original character amongst the Earthbound Autobots.

#2: Starscream’s return!

We finish this issue with an extended scene featuring the Decepticons, as Megatron takes his troops to the downed portion of Cybertron and reveals he has many hidden energon caches. There is a brief mention of ‘the ancient’, aka Omega Supreme, who we first saw referenced back in #13, and it is noted they disappeared long ago on the eve of the Cybertronian war. However, the mere fact that a beacon to summon them is highlighted here has us thinking it won’t be too long before they make a return in this story… For today, though, Megatron turns his attention to what is left of Starscream as the Constructicons and even his formerly loyal Combaticons drag his battered body forward at the Decepticon leader’s beckoning. Starscream is distraught and begins pleading for his life as Megatron instructs he be placed inside what looks to be a torture chair of some kind, but it quickly transpires that the device can be used to heal instead, making the treacherous Seeker like new again! Unfortunately for Starscream, it’s a short-lived celebration…

#1: Astrotrain’s end!

Firstly, Megatron proceeds to kick the living snot out of Starscream, seemingly having brought him back to full operation purely to beat him down all over again as a twisted means of punishment! This kind of physical retribution between these two characters is nothing we haven’t seen before in Transformers media, although here, it’s distinctly more brutal than the norm! However, it’s what comes next that is particularly harrowing, as Megatron then orders Astrotrain to be brought out before transforming to his gun mode and forcing Starscream to fire on his former comrade as a means of execution. Despite his protests, it seems the Seeker is powerless against his master’s mind-controlling influence, just as we’ve seen in #13 and #19 last time. However, with Megatron missing his arm (we’re not sure why he can’t use that snazzy chair to heal himself, but whatever – let’s just say he can’t!), it appears he’s not quite as full power and Astrotrain still clings to life, meaning Starscream must fire repeatedly in order to finish the deed. With the triple changer now dead, it leaves us wondering if we will ever find out the identity of his ‘love’ after all, whilst Megatron prepares to launch an assault on the Autobots and reclaim his stolen appendage.

So that’s our list! Did you enjoy #20?

TTFN