Transformers Ongoing #15

The most dangerous Decepticon in the universe is back… but not in a way anyone expected. What has happened to Megatron in his years away, and what is his plan for his enemies?

In the last issue (Transformers #14), the Autobots were defeated on two fronts. On the way back from Asia, the Skywatch aircraft carrying Optimus Prime, Jazz, Smokescreen, Wheeljack, Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Prowl, Spike Witwicky, and Spike’s fellow Skywatch troops was shot down by an unidentified source with their fate unknown. Back at Skywatch headquarters, Decepticons once stranded on an asteroid have returned to Earth, attacked headquarters, recovered imprisoned comrades, and dealt additional injuries and casualties to Skywatch. Meanwhile, how the weapon that resembles Megatron’s old gun mode was placed in the hands of people like Joe Gladki (who severely wounded Bumblebee) is teased. As we move forward to Transformers #15, writer Mike Costa continues to answer questions that readers have had during reading the last few issues. How is Megatron alive with a new form while what appears to be his badly damaged old head is worshipped in Central America? What is the purpose behind the “Megatron guns” that appeared on Earth? Why was Megatron so wiling to get rid of the Matrix when previously touting its capture in All Hail Megatron? What truly is this Earth’s Children movement? What is Shockwave been up to, since he’s barely been referenced as being on the asteroid? All of these questions are answered, while progressing the story forward.

Ongoing writer Mike Costa continues his run with the Ongoing series. As mentioned above, questions continue to be answered and he continue to round out his story quite nicely. At the same time, familiar bonds are written. On the Decepticon asteroid, Megatron’s usual obedient workers are back under him. Their interaction with their revived leader and with Starscream feel very familiar. Costa also handles the writing of the changing tide nicely. Within the once desperate Decepticons, there is an underlying sense of hope for their return to dominance under Megatron. At Skywatch headquarters, the skeleton crew of Autobots being led by Ultra Magnus contemplates evacuation. Costa provides a good read throughout, with the cliffhanger rating as the least intriguing part of the book. The cliffhanger lacks the usual “oooooo ahhh” from the ongoing issues thus far.

Don Figueroa continues art duties after returning last issue, with the art style consistent of that featured in the last issue. Andrew Dalhouse has returned on colors as well. By now, readers have chosen the design style they like, so you either love it or hate it. Let’s leave it at that.

Transformers #15 continues in its attempt to please fans by provided answers to open questions. At the same time, the story continues to move forward within the new arc. If you liked Transformers #14, there’s more the same here but within even more of a robot focus.

Overall Rating: 4

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