Megatron (other incarnations)

As the Transformers franchise has grown, more continuities separate from the original series and its subsidiaries have come into existence, each featuring their own unique version of the Decepticon leader Megatron.

Beast Era

Megatron was the name given to the Predacon leader in Beast Wars and Beast Machines. He had three different forms within series run.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

Transformers character
name = Megatron/Galvatron


caption = Robots in Disguise Megatron
affiliation = Predacon
subgroup = Sixchangers
Tenchangers
function = Predacon Leader
partner =
motto =
alternatemodes = dragon/gargoyle/car/spaceship/hand/jet/twin-headed dragon
series =
voiceby = Daniel Riordan (U.S.)Megatron is a Six-Changer, powerful enough to transform into five additional modes besides his robot form - twin-headed dragon, bat-gargoyle creature, race car, spaceship and claw (GigaDragon, GigaBat, GigaFormula, GigaJet and GigaHand in Japanese). Each form has its own different frightening capabilities, making Megatron a very unstable and unpredictable fighter. "(In Car Robots, each mode even had its own personality.)" Unlike his namesake, Megatron would often sit back from a conflict and allow his subordinates to do the dirty work.

(It should be noted that in the original Car Robots series, the character was developed as a new, unique villain character, rather than a Megatron, however the name was used in the U.S. due to recognition, as well as maintaining ownership of the trademark.)

Animated series

A Predacon warlord before coming to Earth, he is believed to have decimated numerous planets in his quest for energy. Optimus stated that Megatron left entire planets as "lifeless barren rocks". Needing ever more energy, Megatron targeted Earth's energy; to that end, he kidnapped the human energy-research expert, Doctor Kenneth Onishi, using his psycho-probe to drain information on Earth's energy sources from his mind. But even his subordinates were unaware that Megatron had a greater scheme in motion...

His attempts to amass energy thwarted by the Autobots and the incompetence of his own troops, Megatron sought to bolster his forces, locating six Autobot protoforms in a crashed Cybertronian spaceship, bestowing them with military vehicle modes and corrupting them with his own Spark energy, creating the Decepticons. However, their leader, Scourge, happened to scan Optimus Prime along with the tanker that would form his alternate mode, and as a result became something of an "evil clone" of Prime, whose cruelty and cunning eventually extended to plotting against Megatron.

In the pursuit of his greater agenda, Megatron began seeking the mysterious O-Parts, which led to the Orb of Sigma, in a subterranean pyramid. The orb would lead to Cerebros, the power key to the huge Autobot battle station, Fortress Maximus, who, it was revealed, he had actually come to Earth to obtain. When Megatron was buried in the ruins of the pyramid following a failed attempt to steal the orb from the Autobots, he underwent his most startling transformation of all, as the energies of the pyramid resurrected him as the vampiric (known in Japan as DevilGigatron), able to enhance his own strength by draining the life energy from others. As Galvatron, he possessed four additional transformations - a hydrofoil, a gryphon, a pteradactyl and an elephant, used to terrifying effect when he drained the energy of Fortress Maximus and engaged Omega Prime in a final battle at the Earth's core. Thankfully, Prime was able to defeat him with the gathered energy of Earth's children, courtesy of Fortress Maximus, and he was sent back to Cybertron for imprisonment.

Dreamwave Productions

The character of "RiD" Megatron made one appearance in Dreamwave comics Summer Special issue before the company went under, sending his bickering lieutenants and Sky-Byte to steal a nuclear generator while he led the other Decepticons and Predacons to distract the Autobots. There was a contest in the issue as to whether "RiD" or "Beast Wars" would be the next Dreamwave comic series, which "Beast Wars" won.

Toys

*Car Robots Gigatron:This mold was also remolded as the BotCon 2005 exclusive figure Deathsaurus.

*Car Robots Devil Gigatron:A remold of Gigatron.

*Robots in Disguise Megatron:In Japan, "Car Robots" Gigatron has 6 modes, while "Car Robots" Devil Gigatron has retooling to support 10 modes. However when the line was brought to the U.S., "RiD" Megatron was based on the retooled Devil Gigatron mold, but with the Gigatron paint mask, and is therefore capable of the same 10 modes as "RiD" Galvatron.

*Robots in Disguise Galvatron:A redeco of Megatron.

Unicron Trilogy

Megatron was also the name given to the leader of the Decepticon in , , and . In each series, he was featured with a different look.

2007 Transformers movie

Transformers character
name = Megatron


caption = The live-action incarnation of Megatron, before the mouth modification
affiliation = Decepticon
subgroup = Micro Vehicles
Leaders
rank = 10
function = Decepticon Tyrant
height = 34 Feet tall
partner =
motto = "Peace through tyranny!"
alternatemodes = Cybertronian Jet (1st movie)
Cybertronian Tank ()
series = Transformers movie toys
engvoice = Hugo Weaving (film)
Frank Welker (, )
japanvoice =In the 2007 live action "Transformers" film, Megatron appears as a Cybertronian jet. The apparent explanation for the departure from his gun form is that director Michael Bay does not want to include any sort of size changing in the transformations, which the writers described as "cheating". [ [http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=6374&mode=flat "Transformers" Movie Webcast - The Recap - Transformers Toys News Reviews - TFormers.com ] ] (This significant change in size is known in Transformers fan communities as "mass shifting".) In one of the special features on the DVD, G1 Megatron's transformation was likened to Darth Vader turning into his own lightsaber to be wielded by someone else.

Hugo Weaving provides the voice of Megatron in the film. His voice in the film seems to have been modulated to give it a deeper, growling tone as well as the other voice actors. The original voice of Megatron, Frank Welker, provides his voice for the official videogames of the movie, along with the exclusive animated prequel. [ [http://kotaku.com/gaming/transformers/original-megatron-prime-actors-to-voice-tf-game-250141.php "Transformers": Original Megatron, Prime Actors To Voice TF Game ] ]

Like all characters in the film, Megatron was heavily redesigned for purposes of realism and focus on an alien aspect of the Transformer race. He appears very bio-mechanical. Nonetheless, he is still silver, has a helmet, heavily built shoulders and large legs, characteristics that mirror the G1 look. It can also be reasoned that because there was no advanced mechanical technology on earth at the time of his arrival, Megatron never gained a "earth form" as did the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons, and stayed in his Cybertronian form. As shown in the film, he can transform his right hand into a gun and fire energy blasts. [ In the movie, he shoots Jazz down with a single blast from his right hand ] or combine both of his arms to form his iconic fusion cannon [ [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=120394 First look at Movie Megatron's Arm Cannon - TFW2005 - The 2005 Boards ] ] , and can transform his right arm into a steel flail, both helping keep some resemblance to his original G1 form. It's also apearant that the earlier concepts for Megatron's film adaptation where very similar to his appearances in 'Beast Machines'

According to an early interview with Michael Bay, Megatron stands at 34 feet tall [ [http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=907 "Transformers" Set Visit Preview! - Movie News - Latest Movie Reviews and trailers ] ] , but according to his profile in the second issue of the "Transformers UK" comic Megatron stands "over 35 feet tall" and weighs 5.7 tons. Additionally the magazine, and the "Movie Guide" states he is powered by a self-regenerating dark matter power core. His alternate mode is a Cybertronian stealth jet capable of firing wing-tip lightning generators and a tractor beam. He is capable of creating localized foldspace to transverse interstellar distances. The official guide to the "Transformers" video game says also he's 35 feet tall.

BotCon Malaysia 2007 featured a parking space which was "Reserved for Megatron". A car parked in the space had been totaled, presumably by the Decepticon leader for taking his spot. [ [http://stiffy-tha-lord.deviantart.com/art/Megatron-was-here-63364917 Megatron was here by ~Stiffy-tha-lord on deviantART ] ]

Movie plot

Megatron crashlanded on Earth in pursuit of the Allspark, landing in the Arctic Circle and freezing, going offline. In 1897, he was discovered by Captain Archibald Witwicky who accidentally activated Megatron's navigational system, which resulted in Megatron scanning a map in Witwicky's glasses, blinding the old man and eventually driving him insane. He was transported to the USA in the 1930s where he was hidden under Hoover Dam and guarded by Sector Seven, a secret government organization who studies extraterrestrial activities. Agent Reggie Simmons explained that Megatron's technology was reversed-engineered, producing the world's modern technology (e.g. space travel, satellites, lasers, etc.) Megatron's location, as well as the Allspark's were located by a group of Decepticons led by Starscream. Frenzy thawed out Megatron who escaped outside where he had a brief reunion with Starscream, claiming that Starscream failed him again when the latter tells him that the humans have the Allspark. Megatron pursued the Autobots and their allies to Mission City where he quickly disposed of Jazz and then battled Optimus Prime. He defeated Optimus and then pursued Sam Witwicky up a condemned building, offering to keep Sam as a pet if he gave him the Allspark. Sam declined, prompting Megatron to knock the boy off the roof of the building with his chain mace (why he didn't take the opportunity to obtain the Allspark is unknown). Optimus saved Sam and battled Megatron again. Blackout, one of Megatron's loyal followers attempted to ambush Optimus but he was killed by US Soldiers. Megatron is then bombarded by missiles fired from fighter jets and attempted to seize the Allspark, only to have it shoved into his spark chamber by Sam, killing him. Megatron's body was dumped in the Laurentian Abyss with the other deceased Decepticons.

IDW Publishing

In issue #1 of the "" comic, set before the events of the live-action film, Megatron is revealed to have co-ruled Cybertron together with Optimus Prime, serving as Lord High Protector. He soon desired power over the Allspark, and thus life itself. To this end, he gathered an army of Decepticons. The Autobots attempted to hide the Allspark in Tyger Pax, but Megatron saw through the ruse and launched a full scale attack, during which Allspark was launched into space. Megatron had almost caught up with the Allspark as it landed on a planet 10,000 years ago — Earth. In his reckless desire to possess it, Megatron pursues it right into Earth's atmosphere, losing contact with it in the process. His body is red-hot from atmosphere re-entry as he lands on the Arctic ice sheets; his body mass and temperature causes the ice, a substance he was unfamiliar with since Cybertron has no water, to give way beneath, sending him into the ocean waters. The rapid temperature change and low energon supply forces Megatron into stasis lock and he becomes frozen in ice beneath the surface. At the turn of the 20th century, Captain Archibald Witwicky discovers the Decepticon during an Arctic expedition. A crew of men later take his body, dubbing him the "Ice-man", and keep him in storage up until the present day, eventually relocating him to Nevada.

This incarnation of Megatron has a near obsession with the Allspark, and is able to sense it even from afar. He cares little about Cybertron or his minions, as long as they allow him to achieve his goal of conquering the universe.

He also appeared in the official movie sequel comic called "The Reign of Starscream". [ [http://fromthetip.blogspot.com/2008/04/rain-of-starscream-part-deux.html From the Tip: Rain of Starscream Part Deux ] ]

Titan Magazines

In "Titan Magazines"' UK "Transformers" magazine, the UK-originated strips (written by Simon Furman) revealed Megatron's actions between issues #1 and 2 of the IDW comic. Pursuing the Allspark into space following the events of "Movie Prequel" #1, Megatron was delayed in his pursuit by a tractor beam from Cybertron. Breaking free and attacking the culprits - Jazz, Ratchet and Ironhide - Megatron realized that if he engaged them, he would be delayed further. Summoning Devastator to deal with them, he resumed his pursuit - but the desperate gamble had worked and he (temporarily) lost the Allspark's trail.

The character profile the magazine provided shed a little more light on Megatron's desire to possess the Allspark. He believed that while Cybertronians could already transform into other forms via a scanning process, the Allspark could allow Transformers to simply imagine the form they wanted and change accordingly. Interfacing with the Allspark directly, Megatron gained his deadly jet mode. and now began his plans to obtain it permanently.

"Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday"

Megatron appeared in the prequel novel "", where it was revealed that reverse engineering of his body had produced a spacecraft called "Ghost-1", which was sent into space in 1969, where they encountered the Autobots and Decepticons. It was also revealed that the humans keep Megatron in stasis by maintaining his body at a very low temperature.

In 1969, Megatron (here referred to throughout as the "Ice Man") was moved from the Arctic to Southern Nevada briefly reanimated in the middle of a battle between Americans and Russians. Colonel Kinnear, the convoy commander, and Colonel Nolan died to freeze him again.

"Transformers: The Game"

Autobot Campaign

Megatron appears at the last cut scene on level three being released from Hoover Dam in the Autobot campaign. He later appears as a boss on the last mission on the last level and is killed when Optimus Prime shoves the Allspark into his Chest.

Decepticon Campaign

Megatron is freed by Starscream and Blackout at the last cut scene in level four and on mission four on level four when he goes on a rampage through the city looking for Optimus Prime, Sam and the Allspark. He is also playable on the last mission on the last level where you have to fight Optimus Prime. At the end he thinks Optimus is dead but then see's him sneaking up towards the Allspark But Megatron stops him in his path when he kills him by hitting him in the head with his chain. He then appears on the last cut scene where he rules Earth and he orders Barricade, Starscream, Blackout and Brawl to kill off the rest of the human race.

Transformers: Meet the Decepticons

The children's book, "Transformers - Meet The Decepticons" by Jennifer Frantz, had a slightly different ending than the movie. This book had all six Decepticons leaving Earth together after being defeated by the Autobots, instead of having most of their numbers die.

Movie toys

*Movie Legends Megatron (2007):A simple Micro class version of the movie figure. This toy is 7.5 centimeters tall. With movie Megatron's official height of 35 feet (1,067 centimeters), that makes this toy about 1/142 scale.

*Movie Jollibee Megatron (2007):A kids meal toy promotional item available at Jollibee restaurants from June to July of 2007. This toy was a slightly enlarged and simplified version of the Movie Legends mold. [ [http://www.cybph.com/archives/318 Cybertron Philippines » Blog Archive » Jollibee The "Transformers" Movie Kiddie Meal Toys ] ]

*Movie Fast Action Battlers Fusion Blast Megatron (2007):A Deluxe class toy with a simplified transformation for younger children. This toy is 15 centimeters tall. With movie Megatron's official height of 35 feet (1,067 centimeters), that makes this toy about 1/71 scale.

*Movie Voyager Class Megatron (2007)"':A version of Megatron that is of the same size as Voyager Class Optimus Prime. Features Automorph technology and is decorated with ice particles. This toy is 18 centimeters tall. With movie Megatron's official height of 35 feet (1,067 centimeters), that makes this toy about 1/59 scale.:A Best Buy exclusive version, released simultaneously with the DVD/HD-DVD versions of the film, featured a metallic paint finish.

*Movie Leader Class Megatron (2007):The largest version of Megatron. It is approximately the same size as both Leader Optimus Prime and Leader-class Brawl. Features Advanced Automorph technology exclusive to the Leader-class toys, which incorporates lights and sound along with mechanical movement during transformation. It does include a flail and fusion cannon in robot mode. Unlike Optimus Prime (whose head is limited to side rotation) and Brawl (whose head is connected with a ball joint), Megatron's head is permanently fixed. This toy is 23 centimeters tall. With movie Megatron's official height of 35 feet (1,067 centimeters), that makes this toy about 1/46 scale.

*Movie Legends Ice Megatron (2008):A repaint of Legends Megatron with blue on several parts to represent ice particles. Comes in a 2-pack with Battle Jazz. [ [http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=496&SBR=526&ST=SO&ID=21475&PG=1 Transformers Allspark Battles: Battle Jazz Vs. Ice Megatron - Product Detail ] ]

*Movie Premium Leader Class Megatron (2008):A redeco of the Movie Leader Megatron with metallic paint. The mechanical screeching sounds of the regular version are replaced with the traditional transformation sound effect. [http://www.allspark.com/news/new-transformers-premium-series-info--pictures-20071202.html]

Non-transforming merchandise

*Movie Robot Replicas Megatron (2007):A poseable, non-transforming action figure that comes with a Fusion Cannon that can be attached on both arms. This toy is 13.5 centimeters tall. With movie Megatron's official height of 35 feet (1067 centimeters), that makes this toy about 1/79 scale.

*Movie Robot Replicas Optimus Prime vs. Megatron (2007):A Wal-Mart exclusive gift pack of Robot Replicas Prime and Megatron. [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=Products/Detail&product_id=20384]

*Movie Unleashed Turnarounds Megatron (2007):A non-posable, non-transforming sculpture featuring Megatron's robot mode on one side and his Cybertronian jet mode on the other.

Transformers: Animated

Transformers character
name = Megatron


caption =
affiliation = Decepticon
subgroup = Activators, Leaders, Voyagers
partner = Starscream
rank =
function = Decepticon Tyrant (Voyagers)
Ultimate Intergalactic Tyrant (Leaders)
motto = "The Allspark will be mine, and Cybertron will tremble at my feet." (Voyagers)
"Crush the Autobots!" (Leaders)
alternatemodes = Cybertronian Fusion Jet Fighter
Tiltrotor Gunship (That Resembles an V-22 Osprey)
series =
engvoice = Corey Burton
japanvoice =In the Transformers Animated series in 2008, Megatron was not the main antagonist for much of the first season, but in Season two he took back the role of the primary Antagonist, Megatron's Cybertronian design hearkens to the movie version but with more human-like features, while his Earth design bears similarities to his G1 version and his Earth mode is a homage of Super Megatron. He wields his trademark fusion cannon (which is much larger in this version), and carries two swords. His alternate mode is a Cybertronian fighter Jet (very similar in design to the movie Megatron's vehicle mode), and later a tiltrotor aircraft.

Also like the movie version, he is portrayed as larger and more powerful than many other Transformers in the series. Animated Megatron, in an Earth-based tiltrotor mode, appears as a hidden character in the Transformers Netjet video game by Hasbro.

In this series, Megatron has his own catchphrase: "Decepticons, transform and rise up!", contrasting Optimus Prime's classic "Autobots, transform and roll out!" line. A marked contrast between this and other series is that Megatron and Optimus Prime's antagonism is not personal: before their first battle they had never met, and they continue to clash on the basis that they are on opposite sides rather than on any particularly personal hatred.

Animated series

Megatron spent 4 million solar cycles in search of the Allspark. But though he found it, Megatron was betrayed at the beginning of the series by Starscream. Due to the explosion that cripples the Autobots craft, Megatron's lifeless body crashed on earth, contracting "space barnacles," while his disembodied head was found by a young Isaac Sumdac, who used the technology it was composed of as a keystone of Sumdac Tower's various creations. Sari's key accidentally reactivated Megatron. Optimus Prime finally defeated Megatron, causing him to be sucked into a malfunctioning Space Bridge, leaving him trapped in an unknown region of space.

Toys

*Animated McDonalds Happy Meal Megatron (2008):A small, simple transforming Megatron toy packaged as a prize with McDonalds Happy Meals. [ [http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=12601 First Look at Transformers Animated Happy Meal Toys ] ]

*Animated Activator Megatron (2008/not released yet):A small version of Earth mode Megatron that transforms at the push of a button. First seen at SDCC 2008. [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attachment.php?do=fullview&attachmentid=8566]

*Deluxe Cybertron-mode Megatron Battle Damaged (2008):A Deluxe class toy with painted battle damage and silver paint.

*Voyager-class Megatron (Cybertron Mode) (2008):A Voyager class toy which represents Megatron in his Cybertronian form from before the series begins; as seen in the series debut episode. Features a single projectile-launching fusion cannon, and an extendable blade weapon.

*Animated Leader Class Megatron (2008):A Leader sized version of Megatron was announced at the UK Toyfair in 2008. [ [http://www.allspark.com/index.php/200802072427/Transformers-News/UK-Toyfair-Report-3-Bulkheads-Leader-Megatron-and-Marvel-Transformers.html The Allspark: Transformers News, Transformers The Movie News, Beast Wars, G1 - UK Toyfair Report: 3 Bulkheads, Animated Leader Megatron and Marvel Transformers! ] ] [ [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=2CABA218-D56F-E112-48E329339C6958D6 transformers-fr_FR - default ] ] A special Toys-R-Us value pack of Leader Megatron comes with Animated Activators Starscream as a bonus.:Released as part of the first wave of toys for the series, it is Megatron as he appears after he gains access to Sari's key card in "Megatron Rising, Pt.1"; as a double-rotor heavy attack helicopter. Features linked main rotors that spin together (and which later transform into swords), single projectile-launching fusion cannon, and- as with all Leader-class figures from this series- a light-&-sound function with light-up eyes, chest, & cockpit. When the SFX button on his chest is depressed, the mouth opens, and his brow drops slightly to one side.

*Animated Leader Class Shadow Blade Megatron (2008/not yet released):A redeco of the first Leader Class Megatron in purple and black colors inspired by Generation 1 Skywarp. First announced at SDCC 2008. [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attachment.php?do=fullview&attachmentid=8774]

Transtech

Transformers character
name = Megatron


caption =
affiliation = Decepticon
subgroup =
rank =
function =
partner =
motto =
alternatemodes = Cybertronian Tank
series = Transtech
engvoice =
japanvoice =The Megatron of the Transtech world works together with his world's Optimus Prime. Shockwave is one of his chief scientific researchers. Shockwave used to work for the renegade Decepticon Jhiaxus as a scientist, but after Jhiaxus was destroyed Shockwave was brought in by Megatron as a prisoner. Initially put on trail for war crimes he was freed by Megatron, who argued to Sentinel Prime that Shockwave's mind would be an invaluable asset to them.

Fun Publications

In "Withered Hope" Megatron and Optimus Prime heard the pleas of six Gobots whose home dimension was being destroyed, but he wasn't interested in helping them.

In "Transcendent" Shockwave kidnapped Breakaway to examine him under the orders of Megatron. After Shockwave discovered that certain systems in Breakaway were unique and might be useful Megatron requested permission from "Transtech" Ratbat to take the Autobot apart, even if it may kill him.

Toys

*Transtech Megatron (unreleased):After the conclusion of the "Beast Machines" series and toy line, Hasbro's initial plans were for a follow-up series entitled "Transtech", which would supposedly bring back some deceased "Beast Wars" characters, as well as some older "Generation 1" characters, all in new, more organic-looking bodies, except with vehicular alternate modes instead of the animal forms which had dominated the two recent series. Although the idea was eventually scrapped in favor of ' (with ' being imported for the "filler" year in between), Toronto-based design studio Draxhall Jump produced many concept sketches (from which even a few toy prototypes were produced), among which was a new incarnation of Megatron. Precisely which Megatron, G1 or "Beast Wars", is not clear, but it is generally accepted that the design inspired the Megatron of "".

Transformers: Timelines

Transformers character
name = Megatron


caption =
affiliation = Decepticon
subgroup = Voyagers
rank = 10
function = Decepticon Leader
partner = Divebomb
motto = "Peace will come for all Cybertronians."
alternatemodes = Cybertronian Jet
series =
engvoice =
japanvoice =This Megatron is a good version of the "Generation 1" character from the BotCon exclusive "Shattered Glass" comic, in which the Decepticons are on the side of good and the Autobots on the side of evil.

According to his tech specs Megatron was once a young mathematician who lectured at one of Cybertron's most prestigious universities. [http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/convention-exclusives-246/megatron-1624/]

According to the Tech Specs Grimlock was created as an experiment in artificial intelligence by the Decepticons which became too violent and Megatron shut him down. Optimus Prime then liberated Grimlock and let him work for the Autobots.

Among Megatron's troops are Buzzsaw, Cyclonus, Divebomb, Frenzy, Hook, Laserbeak, Rampage, Razorclaw, Reflector, Rumble, Scrapper, Slugslinger, Soundwave, Starscream,and Whisper. He recruited the Autobot Sideswipe to his side after Sideswipe became disenchanted with the Autobots.

Fun Publications

Megatron appeared in the "Shattered Glass" story. He recruited the Cliffjumper from an alternate reality to aid him against the Autobots.

Toys

*Timelines Megatron (2008):Megatron is a remold of "Energon" Megatron with the colors of "Generation 1" Megatron and a new head. He came packaged with the Decepticon Mini-Con Divebomb and the Autobot Rodimus.

References