TFtember: Megatron

Megatron 

Now this one might be a long one. In order to keep it under a few thousand words, I'll be focusing on just the Generation One toys, the Marvel Comics, and the Generation One cartoon.

Now this was the Holy Grail for Transformers fans, at least the ones I knew. Nobody had it, as the schools made it clear anyone bringing it in would lose it. Which was understandable, as the robot changed into a fairly realistic Walther P-38. Parents also hated it, as I recall more than a few kids being accused of budding juvenile delinquents jut for looking at the thing. Starting out as a Microman Gun Robo P38 UNCLE, I'm told the Japanese version could shoot plastic bullets as well. 

Speaking of Japan, the first major variant was released there as part of a two pack with Convoy (Optimus Prime). The major difference is the figure lacked the scope, silencer, and stock in pistol mode, but it did come with a pretty cool sword. 

And the next variant would also only be released in Japan too. Dubbed the Good Bye Megatron, this one came with only the sword and scope, as well as sporting a different paint job. 

The last official Megatron figure was part of the Action Masters line released in 1990. That one I had some reservations about; on the one hand it did finally resemble the cartoon version and on the other it lacked the cannon that was so distinctly the character's; plus, I didn't care for the Action Masters' main gimmick of simple robot action figures and transforming vehicles. The tank that turned into a base/jet was ok, even if I think it would have fit GI Joe better. 

The file card was pretty close to what we see saw in the show and comic. "Peace through tyranny" sums him up pretty well. Cunning, ruthless, and possessing no weakness also sums up his character perfectly. 

The comic version was pretty similar, although some details differ; the UK comic goes into his background as a gladiator more and provides more motivation. The US comic had him being more of a straight evil overlord, albeit a competent one. Funny enough his biggest rival was Ratchet, rather than Optimus Prime, with the two even being fused together at one point. 

His relationship with Galvatron (and we'll get to him in a bit) was...well they had one certainty. Megatron would be a strong part of the comic up until #79 when he and Galvatron II seemingly got blown up by Ratchet. He'd get better in the Generation Two book, but we'll cover that later. 

The cartoon was where I really grew to know the character. Voiced by Frank Welker, Megatron was the chief villain for the first two seasons and the movie. Problems with his backstory, however. Either he was created by the Constructicons or he created them or maybe he was already working for the Decepticons and helped them develop the power to transform. 

The movie was both his best and worst though. The best was seeing him being utterly ruthless and slaughtering his way through the Autobots and the worst was him getting turned into Galvatron. Never agreed with that. 

He did show up in the Scramble City OVA, although he mostly stood on the sidelines and ordered his forces around. 

The character has endured though, and I can see why. He can be a multifaceted character, or he can be a one hundred percent evil jerk and I can respect that.