Let's say that Megatron/Galvatron has fallen. Out of every Decepticon in G1 history who do you want as the new Decepticon Leader besides Starscream? If you want Starscream as the new Leader, then say so.

 

Probably Shockwave

 

The Superior Emperor of Destruction Soundwave/Soundblaster, just because if Megatron or Galvatron fallen than only one that is most loyal to his leader than some traitor second-in-command.

 

Soundwave

 

Comics Shockwave

 

Shackwave

 

Scorponok
Jhiaxus
Shockwave

 

Shockwave

 

Cyclonus G1

 

I'd pick Scorponok or Bludgeon (too much Marvel Comics influence over here), but if we're talking Sunbow G1, I'll think a bit further outside the box and say Onslaught.

And thinking about that makes me wonder what the outcome of the melee aboard Astrotrain in the Movie would have been if the Combaticons had been there...

 

Most likely candidate Scorponok. Soundwave is easily the next best runner-up (he did lead in the UK G1 future timeline for a while), but I do loves me some Zarak. I mean come on, he invented pretenders. What could possibly go wrong.

I have an urge to say Thunderwing too, but he has a very strong tendency to end up crazy and dead.

 

Razorclaw and Onslaught co-leading.
Razorclaw as the charismatic figurehead who lionizes the Decepticons
And Onslaught as the behind the scenes tactical genius

 

Shockwave.

 

Someone like IDW Deathsaurus.
A guy who is convinced his vision is the right and fair one and who has concern for his soldiers.
It would be a change from the usual: "Grrr I'm evil."

 

What would happen if Galvatron was to die in the G1 Sunbow?

Zarak would take over that pretty much is clear. He is intelligent, manipulative and he has under his absolute control a city bot.

Asside this though, I would prefer Cyclonus. He already was in command of the Decepticons so to speak. Galvatron is nuts, Cyclonus is the one who kept them in line either way.
Cyclonus kept them together in Galvatrons absence, Cyclonus kept them together durring Galvatrons lunacy.

Soundwave wouldnt have lasted a day in the possition, he is hated and he is a wimp compared to most others. Prime matterial for dispossal.

Onslaught while one my favourites and highly intelligent, doesnt have what it takes to take charge. He is good as a general but thats it.

Likewise the rest have fundamental flaws.

That is till Overlord arrives. Not Giga/Mega, the actual living Overlord.

 

soundwave, scoronok, bludgeon, deathsauraus,

 

Ratbat

 

G1 Soundwave or Shockwave

 

I don't think that Zarak would have lasted one cycle as leader. Soundwave would have sent Buzzsaw to quietly assassinate him when he wasn't combined with Scorponox and then propped up a new leader that he could manipulate, probably Onslaught or Sixshot.

 

I dont know. Soundwave was a far cry of a robot. He only survived because he was usefull and close to the high command, but pretty much everyone hated him due to his very nature.

Onslaught even as a puppet, doesnt have what it takes to be a leader, and I believe Sixshot wouldnt not want to be a leader.

As to the assassination part, I cant really say with certainty that Buzzsaw was the best choice for a silent / no clue kill.

IDK really....I am on the Cyclonus camp: Without Megatron/Galvatron to lead us, the Decepticons are finished.

Hence why I say Overlord. It was the only one who had what it takes.