Ten years have past since the events of Transformers: Armada. Optimus Prime has brokered a peace between the Autobots and Decepticons that has lasted nearly a decade. After years of peace a new factor has come into play: Energon. It is the substance that powers all Cybertronians. Now a major discovery of Energon on Earth and everyone wants some. Optimus Prime must lead the heroic Autobots to find the Energon first before the Decepticons and other unseen forces can take it by force.
Transformers: Energon The Ultimate Collection is now available on DVD. This is the first time that this series has been released in its entirety. This new series features fully CGI Transformers interacting with cartoon animated humans. This is the Second Series in what is now called the Unicron Trilogy taking place before Transformers: Cybertron.
A new feature to this season is that the Transformers now have the ability to combine (or “Superlink” as the series was titled in Japan) with each other to create a new larger Transformer. Prior to this series the only combiners we have seen have been 5-part combiners like the Constructicons or Superion. Now 2 Transformers such as Optimus Prime and Omega Supreme can combine to create a new, more powerful mode. In the first episode of the series we learn that Optimus has a new upgrade and his trailer now contains 4 smaller (non-Transforming) vehicles that will attach to him to make a Powerlink Optimus Prime (or as we at ComicsOnline like to call him: Voltron-imus Prime).
Episode Highlights
-Cybertron City- Peace has existed between the Autobots and Deceptions for years, but when a group of unknown Transformers called the Terrorcons attack Cybertron City only some wil be left standing. We also learn that a new player has entered the arena as the mysterious Alpha Q has taken refuge in the discarded head of the planet eating Transformer: UNICRON!
-Megatron Resurrected- The leader of the Decepticons is back and has a new transformation mode! Now he must reclaim his forces and use his new abilities to destroy the Autobots.
-The Legend of Rodimus- Through flashbacks we learn the epic tale of Rodimus, the heroic Autobot who lead the Autobots during some of its darkest times. We also learn that Rodimus might be still around…and ready to fight!
-Alpha Q’s Identity- Learn the secrets of Alpha Q! What happened to his race and home planet? Why has he taken refuge inside Unicron?
-Unicron Perishes- Unicron is defeated but his mind lives on in a new host body: MEGATRON! What horrors will this combination unleash?
-Wishes- Megatron gets a upgrade using the newly discovered “Super Energon” and he becomes the more powerful Galvatron! Also in this episode the massive Superion joins the Autobots.
Special Features
Although this set contains all 52 episodes of the Energon Series, it is significantly lacking in special features. By lacking…I mean there aren’t any.
Overall
If you watched and enjoyed Transformers: Armada then you will probably enjoy this series. It is structured very differently from other Transformers Series in the fact that the 52 episodes have been broken down into 4 story-arcs. The animation is very different from what we are accustomed to, but after a few episodes it grows on you. This season really is just a bridge between Armada and Cybertron as it doesn’t have the same impact as its companion series. It does have an interesting take on some of the classic characters and updates a lot of the Generation One stories.
ComicsOnline gives Transformers: Energon 3.5 out 5 Superlinking Transformers.
