Summary

• Soundwave's leadership of the Decepticons in Transformers #8 is ruthless and strategic, contrasting with Starscream's previous approach.
• Soundwave's cold logic leads to the annihilation of survivors in rescue boats, showcasing his no-nonsense leadership style.
• With Soundwave as leader, the Decepticons pose a major threat to the Autobots, setting up potential conflict when Megatron returns.

WARNING! Potential spoilers ahead for Transformers #8

Soundwave is the official leader of the Decepticons in Transformers’ new continuity, but if fans were expecting a kinder, gentler leader, the preview for the latest Energon Universe issue should put those concerns to rest. Soundwave looks to be every bit as ruthless as Starscream has been thus far, but paired with a far more strategic and cunning approach when commanding his fellow Decepticons.

Transformers #7 featured a scene in which an aircraft carrier was dispatched to deal with “giant robots,” and now fans get to see what happens next. Coming from the creative team of Daniel Warren Johhnson, Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer and Rus Wooton, the preview (via Skybound.com) for Transformers #8 shows what happens when the aircraft carrier runs afoul of the Decepticons:

Soundwave officially wrested control of the Decepticons on Earth away from Starscream in the previous issue, so this scene from Transformers #8 gives fans their first real look at the new commander in action. Needless to say, the results aren’t pretty.

Soundwave Shows His Ruthlessness As New Decepticon Leader

Even though Thundercracker shows mercy and allows the human personnel to flee the carrier, Soundwave massacres the rescue boats as soon as they’re in the water. For Soundwave, it’s all a matter of pure, cold logic. “They will tell their superiors about what transpired here,” Soundwave tells Thundercracker, “and there can be no witnesses.” His actions really paint a definitive contrast to how Starscream ran the Decepticons in previous issues. Whereas Starscream often felt like he was flailing around, desperately looking for a direction for the Decepticons, Soundwave’s approach is clear and direct.

Soundwave and Thundercracker have a clear purpose for taking over the aircraft carrier, as the new Decepticon leader explains that he wants to use it as a transport. There is also no malice in the wanton violence Soundwave engages in; his cold annihilation of the survivors in the rescue boats boils down to not wanting any witnesses to get away to let any other humans know that they have commandeered the aircraft carrier. Soundwave takes no joy in the act, telling Thundercracker it was “regrettable, but necessary.” This is a wildly different approach to Starscream’s often unhinged orders, which saw him wantonly destroying a hospital in a previous issue merely for the thrill of it.

With Soundwave As Their Leader, the Decepticons Pose A Major Threat

Now that the Decepticons have a leader who seems to be better at long-term planning, they could pose a serious threat to the Autobots currently stranded on Earth. Fans have to wonder if Soundwave will even prove to be a more effective commander for the Decepticons than Megatron was, and also what will happen when the original leader reappears on the scene. Considering that Megatron is currently the prisoner of Cobra Commander, there should be major ramifications when he breaks free and discovers what’s been going on in his absence. Until then, Transformers fans will have to check out next month’s issue to see how successful Soundwave is in his new role.

Transformers #8 will go on sale May 8 from Skybound Entertainment.

Source: Skybound.com