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), Neil Yomtos (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, Meagtron 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 despatches them all easily, revelling in the destruction.

Eventually he realises 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.

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 with before the decision was taken and had to be split in two and printed across two issues instead of one. This leads 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 colour due to falling sales.