Transformers Compendium #1
"The Transformers" kicks off with a bold twist on the classic clash, as the Decepticons and Autobots are drawn into a digital arena created by a reluctant programmer named Ethan. Written by Bob Budiansky and brought to life with sharp, dynamic art by Don Perlin—inked by Ian Akin and Brian Garvey, colored by Nel Yomtov, and lettered by Janice Chiang—this issue reimagines the war through a high-stakes game world, where victory comes at a cost. The cover by Daniel Warren Johnson captures the electric tension of the moment, making this 2025 Compendium a must-have for fans of the franchise’s evolving legacy.
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The Decepticons face the Autobots inside an experimental factory to gain access to a new energy device, but instead of a head-on battle, a computer programmer named Ethan thinks they should battle inside his 'Battleworld' program. Both parties agree and Megatron is killed, but somehow comes back to life. He almost defeats Prime, but is killed again by him. Unfortunately, Prime innocently killed some of the game's inhabitants, which forces Ethan to destroy Prime's physical body. The Combaticons and Megatron leave with the new energy device while The Protectobots leave with Prime's damaged body.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).