The Transformers: All Hail Megatron #1 – Review

By: Shane McCarthy (writer), Guido Guidi (art), Kris Carter (colors), Neil Uyetake, Chris Mowry (letters), Klaus Scherwinski, Trevor Hutchison (covers)

I’ll say it again; IDW’s run on Transformers has been hit or miss. All Hail Megatron has a lot of potential to be a hit, and if the creative team can keep it up through issue #2, I’ll be more convinced. The basic setup is that Megatron is running the show on Earth. There are no Autobots, and we of course aren’t equipped to fight off The Decepticons. How these events play out will be key as to whether or not the series is successful (in my mind).

One of the things I like best about the comic is Megatron, himself. Megatron is a bad dude, and we get to see this a number of ways. We see him take out a skyscraper with one shot of his arm cannon, we see his followers terrified of failing him, and we see him sweep away Earth’s defenses with an insane amount of ease. Shane McCarthy does a great job of setting up the next several issues with minimal dialogue. The reason for The Autobots absence is hinted at, but not totally explained which is a good choice for issue one. I’m also thankful that we don’t get a lengthy tear-filled monologue as to why Prime is down. It’s a powerful moment that resonates better without any potentially cheesy dialogue.

Not since Pat Lee and Brad Mick have The Transformers looked so detailed in their G1 forms. Guido Guidi does an excellent job of showing the devastation the ‘Cons unleash while making everyone stand out from the wreckage. Megatron walking through the fire while laughing is my favorite shot, very Terminator-esque, very cool. I love the various covers to the comic as well. Trevor Hutchison’s feel like political propaganda posters, though I hope the story doesn’t go that route. Klaus Scherwinski’s covers have more of menace to them, especially the one with Megatron holding Prime’s head. The different covers peak my interest for different reasons and all are strong in presentation.

All Hail Megatron #1 is an excellent pilot and does everything a good first issue should. It sets up the world quickly and efficiently while leaving you wanting more. How does Megatron seize complete control of the planet? How did he take out Prime? Why haven’t The Autobots attempted to save us? I want to know, and if you read this comic, so will you. (Grade: B)

– Ben Berger