Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)

When Hasbro brought back the Transformers toy line in 1993, they turned to Marvel Comics to once again produce a comic tie-in. This time, Marvel chose to build interest by introducing the new storyline as part of its existing GI Joe comic. Over the course of 5 issues, Megatron, last seen crashing into Earth in issue #78 of the original US series, returns to be upgraded into his "G2" form by Cobra. Autobots are sent to deal with the returned Decepticon leader, leading into the Transformers: Generation 2 series.

But this was only the tip of the iceberg, as an entirely separate race of Decepticons (who prefer to think of themselves as "Cybertronians") is discovered in the far reaches of known space. The Autobots soon find themselves attempting to deal with this new threat, while also struggling to protect the Earth from the danger posed by the "original" Decepticons.

This series came about at the time of great volatility in the comics industry, and was only guaranteed a 12-issue run. It was canceled after the series did not sell as well as expected, but was allowed to finish out the promised 12 issues.