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Speak, Memory: Part 1

2015-12-25T05:07:28Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=48
|prev=The Lopsided Triangle
|next=Speak, Memory: Part 2
|image=MTMTE48_regcvr.jpg
|title="Speak, Memory: Part 1"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[December 23]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=December 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] & [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''Rung's attempts to help Skids safely recover his lost memories are threatened by the unexpected return of Froid.'''

==Synopsis==
In session with [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] helps the psychotherapist rebuild one of his model kits while trying to recall more of his missing memories. With Rung's aid, he is able to remember the time when an "[[anti-personal mine]]" he was attempting to defuse—a landmine built out of a living Transformer—exploded and knocked him offline, allowing him to be captured by the [[Decepticon]]s and taken to the legendary [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]]. He recalls the gruesome installation of a transformation-inhibiting "[[inhibitor spike|mouth flower]]", but his memories begin to sputter out just before he can remember the identity of his cellmate. Rung congratulates him on a job well done and calls an end to the session, replacing the completed model kit on his shelf; Skids suggests that he should get some ''new'' models, but Rung explains that he only collects models of ships he has served on (justifying his model of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]]'' by noting he was recalled from the crew by the [[Senate]] at the last minute). Just before Skids leaves, [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] knocks on the door to inform Rung he has a ''very'' unexpected visitor: his old rival, [[Froid]], who Rung believed to be dead! Skids compliments Froid's set of [[Primal Beads]], and leaves the two to get reacquainted.

In the ''[[Lost Light]]'' medibay, the surprisingly-still-alive [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] receives a report on [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]'s condition from [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]], who explains that the little 'bot has been left comatose after his spark sent a wave of energy throughout the ship, which has succeeded in awakening [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] from his own coma. [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] offers his apologies for lashing out at Tailgate, while [[Hot Rod/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] tells him that they have arrested [[Getaway]] and [[Atomizer]] for their crimes. Cyclonus is puzzled as to how they learned the pair were responsible, and Rodimus reveals he had [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgically]] obtain the information from the unconscious Tailgate—something that both Megatron and Cyclonus question the ethics of.

A tense conversation between Rung and Froid establishes that the last time they spoke was on the day [[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]], a rogue mnemosurgeon turned serial killer known as the "Tetrahex Ripper", was arrested, along with his brother [[Sceptre]]. Fascinated by the case, Froid had been aboard the prison ship taking Sunder to [[Garrus 6]] when the two brothers escaped their cells and took him hostage, fleeing the vessel in a shuttle. The shuttle was destroyed and Sceptre died, but Froid escaped and settled on [[Scarvix]], where he has allegedly become something of a local celebrity. Tiring of his passive-aggressive remarks, Rung demands to know why Froid has come to the ''Lost Light''; Froid requests to look through Rung's case files, but Rung refuses, citing both doctor-patient confidentiality and Froid's tendency toward plagiarism. But Froid doesn't take no for an answer, insinuating he knows a secret about Rung's past that ''might just'' come to light if Rung doesn't acquiesce...

Down in the ship's [[oil]] reservoir, Skids tries to recall more of his time in Grindcore. With a little effort, he is able to remember that his cellmate was [[Quark]], and recalls how he removed his "mouth flower" thanks to his super-leaning abilities. Quark warned him against publically displaying such skills and told him a little about the prison and how they used to pipe music in, at which point they discovered that the prison's commandant had been listening at the door...

Rung continues to refuse Froid's request and escorts him back to his ship in the shuttle bay, where the two guards [[Kindle]] and [[Fervor]] are only too happy to see Froid leave. Rung is puzzled by their remarks, but soon discovers the reason behind them: Sunder is a prisoner aboard Froid's ship! Froid delights in explaining that he has been helping Sunder work through the loss of his brother, but Rung fears that Froid is too close to his patient. Froid scoffs at the accusation: who is Rung to talk about such things, given the secret Froid knows about him—the fact that, while serving aboard the ''Fateful Archetype'', ''Rung'' became too close to a patient and was disbarred from practising medicine by the ship's tribunal. But then the ''Archetype'' was shot down, leaving Rung as the sole survivor, able to pretend the verdict had never been given—something he had once confessed to Froid back when they were still friends. At Froid's instruction, Sunder lifts his head up to look at them, revealing a pair of eyeless sockets; Froid explains that he has removed Sunder's eyes because he is capable of remote mnemosurgery via eye-contact. Sunder feeds on repressed memories, and Froid hasn't just been helping him deal with the loss of his brother... he keeps him ''fed''. With Rung having refused to let Froid see his files so he could select some new victims, Froid intends to make Rung himself Sunder's next meal. Fortunately, Skids arrives at just that moment, having been sent a message by Rung via a remote upload of Skids's case notes. Froid rips the "Primal Beads" from around his neck and tosses them toward Sunder: in truth, they are not beads, but the murderer's plucked-out eyes! Sunder inserts them back into his sockets, and turns his unholy ability against the two Autobots, starting with Skids...

...whose memories race back to Grindcore once again, right where they left off, and the door of his cell opens to reveal that the prison commandant is [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]!!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (1)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (2)
*''[[Heavy Tread]]'' (3)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (14, voice only)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (16)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (18)
*[[Hot Rod/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*''[[Getaway]]'' (21)
*''[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'' (22)
*''[[Atomizer]]'' (23)
*[[Kindle]] (26)
*[[Fervor]] (27)

|c2=
*''[[Charger]]'' (4)
*''[[Glit (KP)|Glit]]'' (5)
*''[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]/[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''? (see Notes, 6)
*''[[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]]'' (7)
*''[[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]]'' (8)
*''[[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]]'' (9)
*''[[Octus (G1)|Octus]]'' (10)
*''[[Take-Off]] (11)
*''[[Flywheels]]'' (12)
*''[[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]]'' (13)
*''[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]'' (28)

|c4=
*[[Froid]] (15)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (17)
*[[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]] (24)
*''[[Quark]]'' (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"No one loves the '''moral high ground''' as much as you. Wouldn't it be '''awful''' if you had to '''vacate''' it after all this time?"
:—'''Froid''' threatens Rung

"After his arrest, Sunder took his skills to the next level: '''remote mnemosurgery.''' He can access your memories just by '''looking at you.''' He says memories have a '''flavor'''—the '''darker''' the memory, the '''sweeter''' the taste. And the sweetest ones are the ones we lock away. The ones we '''bury.'''"
:—'''Froid'''

"'''Look''' at you all! So '''young'''! So thin-winged and bow-legged and blood-warm and '''new.''' And me... a mess of '''angles''' and '''frequencies''' of '''sour light''' and '''brown noise''' and—oh! The '''smell''' you! You '''stink of sin.''' You '''reek''' of what you've done—and what you'd do '''again''' if only you could overcome the '''shame''' of it all."
:—'''Sunder'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Skids notes that his capture occurred not long after the oft-mentioned [[Simanzi Massacre]]; he is able to recall this fact because he can remember that "the ground still burned [his] feet." Among the many tidbits we've learned about the Simanzi Massacre was that it caused the planet to become superheated, and that it took years for it to cool back down, as recounted by Megatron in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|issue #27]].
*There's a 'bot among the Decepticons at Grindcore who is drawn with the body design of [[Dreadwing (G2)|''Generation 2'' Dreadwing]] from [[Drift issue 1|''Drift'' #1]], but colored like [[Dreadwind (G1)|Generation 1 Dreadwin'''''d''''']]. With the similarity of their names, it's very easy to imagine a mix-up happening, but it's impossible to tell whether he's supposed to be the former character mistakenly colored like the latter, or the latter character deliberately sharing a body-type with the former.
*Most of the Decepticons at Grindcore who have previously appeared in present-day stories in IDW continuity are ones who died in those stories. [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] and [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]] died in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''; [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] met his end in [[Stormbringer issue 3|''Stormbringer'' #3]]; and [[Flywheels]] ate it in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|''More Than Meets the Eye'' #8]]. [[Charger]] and [[Take-Off]] have only appeared previously in the set-in-the-past ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' mini-series as [[Turmoil]]'s troops, where Dreadwing first appeared (conversely, if he's supposed to be Dreadwin''d'', he's also dead in the present day, as of [[All His Engines|issue #7]] of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]]). It was also in the ''Drift'' mini-series that a corpse that ''might'' have been [[Glit (KP)|Glit]] showed up, but that was an easter-egg reference to [[Ravage (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Ravage]] and might not count for much. [[Octus (G1)|Octus]] and [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]] have not appeared in the IDW continuity before.
*Grindcore prison makes its first on-panel appearance after being mentioned in several previous issues.
*Flywheels has a set of Primal Beads, in-keeping with the religiosity he showed during his previous appearances in the series.
*As pointed out in a footnote, Chromedome discovered Skids's repressed memories and refused to unearth them in issue #8. The one thing Skids learned in that issue was that the song stuck in his head was "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", which is about to take on greater meaning...
*The ''Lost Light'' now has a [[transwarp|subspace]] hatch in medibay, which is how Skids suggests Rung get some new models sent over. The existence of this hatch was concurrently established by ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]'', released the same day as this issue.
*Froid's rise in popularity and the accompanying dwindling of Rung's reputation were previously remarked on in the prose story, "[[Signal to Noise]]", as was Froid's apparent death.
*Back in [[The Sensuous Frame|issue #41]], [[Nautica]] related how Rung had made a comment about the authorship of Froid's work "Conflict of Interest: Psychotherapy and Perpetual War" which she interpreted as an inference that Rung had ghost-written it. Given Rung's remark here, it seems much more likely that he was actually implying that ''Froid'' had plagiarized it from ''him''.
*We learned that Quark was incarcerated at Grindcore in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
*Quark tells Skids that music used to be played in Grindcore, at which point Tarn arrives and mentions that is it only played when they have something to celebrate. With these twin revelations, it becomes apparent that the music must be the "The Empyrean Suite", "theme song" of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]], and that his experiences in Grindcore are the reason that Skids had the song in his head. The tune had already implied a connection between Skids and Tarn that [[The Permanent Revolution|issue #39]] confirmed... looks like the puzzle is about to be solved!

===Transformers references===
*The Transformer in the anti-personal mine is (was!) named [[Heavytread (disambiguation)|Heavy Tread]], a name shared by several 'bots. It's hard to know if Roberts had a specific one in mind when he wrote the scene, but Sakamoto has drawn the [[Heavy Tread|Micromaster Heavy Tread]], though he has a different color scheme to his original toy.
*The Decepticons at Grindcore are all wielding the trident weapon that came with the 2010 [[Terradive (TF 2010)|Terradive]] toy.

===Real-life references===
*This two-parter takes its title from the {{w|Vladimir Nabokov}} novel, ''{{w|Speak, Memory}}''.
*Given that Rung served aboard it, the ''Fateful Archetype'' may take its name from the concept of {{w|Jungian archetypes}}.

===Errors===
*Page 1: "A explosive device" should be "an explosive device."
*In the final panel of page 4, there's a word balloon mix-up, with a conversation clearly meant to be between two people depicted as a three-way conversation.
*Both of Cyclonus's horns are intact in this story, when a chunk got blasted off one the climax of the previous issue. We wouldn't normally draw attention to something quite so inconsequential—it's just a product of two artists drawing the two separate issues and choosing to represent the precise extent of Cyclonus's damage differently—but it stands out due to fact previous story points have prominently focused on Cyclonus's horns and his [[Clavis Aurea|religious stance]] on replacing body parts. And yeah, it was his ''original'' horn that got damaged, not Tailgate's replacement!
*Froid's line to Skids about losing his faith on page 7 is repeated on page 8 in Velocity's dialogue to Cyclonus. This error is absent from the digital edition, though.
*Page 9: One of Cyclonus's word balloons has its left edge sliced off.
*Skids's Matrix tattoo is missing its "handles" on the final page.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOBS0RNN-Sk Take Back the Days]" by {{w|East River Pipe}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjs5vkX3JGg You or Your Memory]" by {{w|the Mountain Goats}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' The battered and bound Skids is led into the horrors of Grindcore, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Ten gets into body-painting, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Ultra Magnus, Swerve, Tailgate, Nightbeat, Getaway, and Velocity, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]; part of a series of variant covers "counting down" to the release of the 50th issues of ''The Transformers'' and ''More than Meets the Eye'' in February 2016.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE48 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE48 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE48 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #49
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Conquerors Part 3: Helden|#48]]
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]]
*IDW ''Transformers'' Reading Guide
*IDW's 5-week "Holiday Specials" event, including ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/27244-skids-goes-grindcore-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-48-preview.html Preview]

Animals

2015-11-29T06:06:45Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=46
|prev=Some Of My Best Friends Are Autobots
|next=The Lopsided Triangle
|image=MTMTE46_regcvr.jpg
|title="Animals"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 4]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=October 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]], [[John Livesay]], [[John Wycough]], and Alex Milne
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The Scavengers face down Fortress Maximus to save Grimlock, and learn a little something about helping others in the process.'''

==Synopsis==
Aboard his ship the ''[[Concordat]]'', on approach to [[Tebris VII]], [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] is listening to the paranoid [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] ramble on over the comm about a hidden message he thinks he's found in ''[[Wreckers: Declassified]]'' when he spots the crashed ''[[Weak Anthropic Principle]]'' on the planet's surface. Red identifies the craft and looks up its owners, unaware that he's reading the [[Autopedia]] articles the Scavengers themselves have vandalized with hyperbolic backstories for themselves, and Max heads down to the planet's surface to confront his original target, [[Demus]].

A short time later, Demus lies dead on the floor of his office, and Maximus places the Scavengers under arrest. [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] succeeds in distracting the Autobot long enough for [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] to blast him, and the Scavengers scatter into the scrapyard outside, hiding amongst the junk. When [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] starts anxiously clicking his "clicker" once again, Misfire finally loses his temper and snatches the device from Krok's hand, revealing it to be not a communicator, but a severed finger. Krok explains that the finger belonged to a member of his old squad named [[Radar]], who was killed alongside the rest of his teammates by the [[Wrecker]]s. Radar turned into a telecommunications array, and while Krok admits that he ''does'' click his finger when nervous, he also does it to use the finger's still-functioning mechanism to scan for Decepticons in the area. He almost always detects none... but today, as he snatches the finger back from Misfire, Krok can see it has detected hundreds of Decepticons all around them. Stalking the Scavengers through the yard, Fortress Maximus calls out to them to explain why: Demus's "[[Roboid]]" toys are not toys at all, but lobotomized beast-mode Cybertronians, sold as "torture dolls" to organic races to take their frustrations out on.

To get Maximus off their backs, Crankcase radios Misfire to express concern for [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], deliberately allowing Max to hear him in hopes that Grimlock will be considered a more important target. Red Alert confirms Grimlock's presence, and Max heads off to investigate, leaving the Scavengers to pull themselves together. [[Fulcrum (G1)|Fulcrum]] is annoyed that Krok has never told them about the fate of his old squad before, but Krok retorts that they took neither his depression, nor the self-delusion that his squad was still alive that he once labored under, seriously. ''That'', Krok tells them, is why he wanted Demus's money: he planned to use it to build a treatment center for those Cybertronians like himself, who are suffering from various mental disorders as a result of the war. Fulcrum calls him out on his hypocrisy—the fact that he was willing to ''sell'' the mentally-disabled Grimlock—and the suitably shamed Krok admits he was letting the ends justify the means. Knowing that Grimlock, as a former [[Garrus-9]] inmate, will be re-arrested by Maximus, Misfire insists they go to his aid, and a repentant Krok agrees. Unable to fly thanks to Demus's inhibitor chips, the Scavengers saddle up some [[Equinoid]] Roboids, and ride out to their ship.
[[File:Equinoids.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|Somewhere there's a MLP joke waiting to happen.]]
The Scavengers arrive to witness Grimlock and Maximus grappling with one another, and manage to talk Max down by explaining that they ''found'' Grimlock in his current condition. Maximus proposes taking him to Luna 1 for help, and Misfire reluctantly agrees, knowing that it is what's best for Grimlock—but [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] objects, suggesting they ask Grimlock himself what he wants. To everyone's surprise, Grimlock is able to stammer out Misfire's name—not that it matters to Maximus, since he's intending to take them ''all'' in anyway. Krok has other ideas: he tells Maximus that he has planted a bomb in Demus's office that will destroy all the Roboids, and, pretending that Radar's finger is a control device, "primes" the non-existent explosive with a single click. He then tosses the finger to Crankcase, who threatens to click it again and detonate the bomb... and thanks to a sudden bout of facial paralysis brought on by his head injuries, he is able to stare Max down without blinking! Unable to take the risk, Max heads back to Demus's office, while the Scavengers quickly depart the planet. Krok, realizing that he is much better off now than he was years ago thanks to the stability and support offered by his friends, has a new plan and purpose for the group: to help other Decepticons the way they have helped each other. Krok plugs radar's finger into the ship's computer, allowing it to detect nearby Decepticons, and the Scavengers are about to head off until Misfire pulls a gun on Krok...

...and one lost game of [[Cybertronian games#Shoot Shoot Bang Bang|Shoot Shoot Bang Bang]] later, Misfire escorts Grimlock back to his wrecked quarters, promising there won't be locks on the door when they rebuild it. Misfire is agog when Grimlock eloquently replies "Thanks. I appreciate it", but when the Dinobot says nothing more, the Decepticon is left with another reminder that there ''is'' something going on inside Grimlock that he can't see. What he also fails to see is what Grimlock has drawn on the wall of his room: a familiar gear-shaped symbol and the message "PREPARE - CONFRONT - REPEL"...

[[File:FortMaxCuddles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Aww, the widdle maniac enforcer just wanted cuddles.]]
Aboard the ''Concordant'', Maximus contacts [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] to tell him about the day's events. Rung advises him to rethink his approach to peace-keeping: times have changed, and the Scavengers are now the rule, rather than the exception, when it comes to Decepticons. Maximus cannot deny it, especially since Spinister left him instructions on how to reverse the brain-damage to the Roboids, who now surround him on his ship.

Two hours later, at Demus's now-abandoned junkyard, a Decepticon [[Worldsweeper]] arrives, piloted by Demus's mystery co-conspirators. The two robots open a hatchway to a hidden chamber beneath Demus's office, containing rows of strange pods inside which ''something'' is growing. One suggests moving the operation, but the other refuses, warning that to do so threatens their ability to meet their deadline, and will incur the wrath of the "Grand Architect". As the robot advocates aborting and starting again, they both turn, revealing the gear-like hieroglyph on their chests...

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (1)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (2)
*''[[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]'' (9)
*''[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]'' (11)
*''[[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]'' (12)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (14)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (15)
|c2=
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (3)
*[[Fulcrum (G1)|Fulcrum]] (4)
*[[Demus]]'s corpse (5)
*[[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (6)
*[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] (7)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (8)
*''[[Radar]]'' (10)
*''[[Gatoraider]]'' (13)
|c4=
*Mystery 'bots (16-17)
}}

==Quotes==

"'''Misfire of Pretendia''' is a debonair sharp shooter who once fired a bullet through a bullet-shaped hole in a slightly larger bullet. Whilst riding a bullet train. Feared and respected by his colleagues, he is credited with introducing Megatron to the world of '''interpretive dance.'''"
:—'''Red Alert''' reads from Misfire's vandalized Autopedia page

"This shouldn't take long." 
"For something that shouldn't take long, you're carrying an awful lot of firepower." 
"The two are connected."
:—'''Fortress Maximus''' and '''Red Alert'''

"Hate to do you out of a '''job''', but our '''"high tech"''' isn't that '''high''' anymore. It's just... tech. About four million years go we stopped '''reaching for the stars''' 'cos we needed both hands to '''beat the crap out of each other.'''"
:—'''Misfire'''

'''Fulcrum:''' "Hey, Krok, what you said just now—about Radar, about your squad. You should've told me earlier." 
'''Krok:''' "For a while I couldn't talk about it at all. In fact for a while I convinced myself that the rest of my squad were still '''out there'''—that they were '''safe.'''" 
'''Misfire:''' "Yeah, Crankcase used to say you were '''nuts.'''" 
'''Krok:''' "See? And people wonder why it's so hard to talk about mental health." 
'''Misfire:''' "Hey, I'm a paragon of sensitivity." 
'''Krok:''' "It's not just the '''labeling'''—it's the '''distancing'''. It's this idea that experiencing mental illness marks you out as '''bad''' different. Show me someone who '''hasn't''' been affected by all the fighting. Show me someone who's "normal" and I'll show you someone who knows how to hide things. We are our brains. Subject this ball of circuitry to four million years of '''war''' and '''hate''' and '''pain''' and '''death''' and '''loss''' and '''grief''' and don't be surprised if it has to find new ways to cope with the stress. People should be more understanding. That's what I was going to do with my half a billion—build a '''treatment center''' for '''vulnerable Decepticons.''' Because there are a lot of people out there who are only just about holding it together."

"I've spent years comparing myself with Decepticons who've done well for themselves—people like '''Agonizer''' and '''Skullcruncher'''. Today I realized that y'know what? '''I've''' done well. For a while I was a '''mess'''. My squad had died. I was directionless, I was '''delusional'''... I got better thanks to you guys. Even when I've made bad decisions, you've given me '''stability''' and '''support''' and—and '''companionship'''... and maybe it's time we gave those things to other Decepticons." 
"What you're descirbing sounds suspiciously like '''helping people.'''" 
"I know. Because guess what? I think we'd be pretty good at it."
:—'''Krok''' and '''Crankcase'''

"Y'know, Grimsy, sometimes you remind me of Spinister. Every now and then you'll say something that makes me think there's a lot more going on in there than we realize. More than '''you''' realize, too. Guess all I can do is be patient, pay attention... and see what you do next."
:—'''Misfire'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Like Fortress Maximus, Red Alert was last seen in [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]], in which he elected to stay on [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] with Maximus.
*The Scavengers were previously established to get their kicks by vandalizing Autopedia last issue issue. Clearly the admins of Autopedia aren't particularly speedy when it comes to reverting edits...
*Crankcase makes reference to [[Killmaster]], a super-powerful Decepticon mentioned occasionally throughout ''More than Meets the Eye''.
*Fortress Maximus's pose and placement on page 3 hearken back to page 3 of [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]], where he had similarly brutalized a 'con (or two) following a long absence and a dramatic return in the [[Some Of My Best Friends Are Autobots|preceding]] [[Life After the Big Bang|issue.]]
*Fortress Maximus's involvement in the [[Simanzi Massacre]] is mentioned, something we heard about before in [[Interiors|issue #6]].
*Krok describes Radar's death at the hands of the Wreckers—specifically, Roadbuster, who tore out his spine and "made him eat it"—as "a terrible affair", indicating that this gruesome event was the mysterious "[[Roadbuster affair]]" mentioned in [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #1]].
*In the same flashback sequence, Krok is seen wielding [[Gatoraider]], who was alluded to by [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] as Krok's "dead pet" in the previous issue.
*Fortress Maximus says that Grimlock is "a 'Con again". We don't know the full story behind this, but way back in [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]], a flashback montage featured an image of Grimlock staring down at his hands, an Autobot insignia in one, a Decepticon insignia in the other, indicating that there had been a moment in his past when he had been forced to choose between the two factions. In [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]] Tarn confirmed Grimlock has a spot on [[The List]], presumably for changing sides.
*Also in issue #8, Spinister was revealed to be an exceptional surgeon despite his eccentricities. It seems his talents also extend to ''neuro''surgery, having figured out how to reverse the Roboids' lobotomies with just a quick look.
*The familiar gear-hieroglyph that appears on both the wall of Grimlock's room and the chests of the mystery robots is the icon seen on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] in [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]] and on [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s map to [[Cyberutopia]] in [[The Sensuous Frame|issue #41]]. The plot thickens!
*The mystery 'bots, meanwhile, are obviously the owners of the Worldsweeper on which the Scavengers found Grimlock back in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]]. The horrific bio-mechanical sights the Scavengers saw on that ship seem connected to... ''whatever'' is brewing in the pods beneath Demus's office; what little we see shows us an arm that ''looks'' human, but which has some kind of circular, mechanical component embedded in its palm. Their fear that moving the pods will risk "contamination" feels like a reference to the Worldsweeper we saw in that earlier issue, which crashed when organic blood contaminated its fuel supply.
*One of the enigmatic pair notes they have another facility like the one beneath Demus's office in [[Fortuna]]. The ''Lost Light'' visited Fortuna, capital city of [[Scarvix]], in [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]].

===Transformers references===
*The ''Weak Anthropic Principle'' is described as an exploration vessel that formerly belonged to the Autobots, a reference to the fact it's based on the animation model of the [[Ark (G1)|original Ark]], which certainly fits that description. It's a "model 84", referring, of course, to [[1984]].
*Roadbuster killed Radar while in the throes of the drug [[Syk]], which originally appeared in the Marvel UK story, "[[Secrets (G1)|Secrets]]". James Roberts featured the narcotic in his own works previously in "[[Chaos Theory Part 2]]".
*The idea that Grimlock was formerly a Decepticon seems to owe something to [[Dreamwave Productions]]' various ''[[War Within (franchise)|War Within]]'' comics, which indicated (but did not explore the story behind the fact) that Grimlock had once been on the 'Con side.
*Red Alert mentions [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], the 'bot who is typically Fortress Maximus's [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] partner in most Generation 1 stories. If he is stationed on Luna 1 with Red and Max, that suggests he might be a member of the [[Circle of Light]].
*Among the Roboids is a Generation 1 version of [[Nook]] from ''Transformers Animated'', and a [http://adelightfultedium.tumblr.com/post/130214882372/cavisetticon-djw-transformersanimated-cassette Cavisetticon] created by [[Derrick J. Wyatt]].
*Red Alert and Fortress Maximus discuss how Red Alert read all 332 editions of Wreckers: Declassified, a likely reference to the [[End of the Road! (US)|332]] issues of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|original Marvel UK comic]].

===Real-life references===
*The "Next:" box at the bottom of the last page reads "stop all the clocks"; these are the first words of the {{w|W. H. Auden}} poem "{{w|Funeral Blues}}", which prominently featured in the [[1994]] film ''{{w|Four Weddings and a Funeral}}''.

===Other trivia===
*This issue arrives just a teeny bit late, shipping in the first week of November, rather than the last week of October.

===Errors===
*Misfire mutters about taking back his remark about Spinister having trouble with double negatives... but it's actually Crankcase who makes the remark earlier.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghgl-Zy7PCg It's Not Funny Anymore]" by {{w|Babybird}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSuqV9-atWc Living With the Human Machines]" by {{w|Strangelove (band)|Strangelove}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmiRWwAXexY Bowl of Oranges]" by {{w|Bright Eyes (band)|Bright Eyes}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Grimlock tears it up, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Blank cover for sketches, including blue-line art board borders and a small thumbnail sketch of Grimlock by Milne, from inside the issue, in the corner
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Fortress Maximus by [[Nick Roche]]; part of October's series of black-and-white "Artist's Edition" incentive covers.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE46 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE46 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE46 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #47
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|#46]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 10|#10]]
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]]
*''[[The Transformers: Punishment|Punishment]]'' motion comic
*IDW ''Samurai Jack'' graphic novels
*''Atomic Robo: The Ring of Fire''
*IDW ''Skylanders: SuperChargers'' comic
*''Walt Disney's Comics and Stores'' 75th Anniversary
*[[Mickey Mouse]] is back in action at IDW!
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library
*"More than Meets the iPad" - IDW Transformers Comics app
*''Uncle Scrooge: The Grand Canyon Quest" (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/26576-fortress-maximus-is-a-killer-cop-in-transformers-mtmte-46-preview.html Preview]

Talk:Stick To Your Guns

2015-10-17T05:26:27Z

Dubbilex:

Does anyone else think the mention of the legends of the Transformers as "old gods" slumbering beneath Castle Destro may be an allusion to the ARAH episode "Skeletons in the Closet", the one where it's revealed that there's a Lovecraftian Old One beneath Destro's ancestral home?--[[User:Speedbreaker|Speedbreaker]] ([[User talk:Speedbreaker|talk]]) 20:43, 16 October 2015 (EDT)

"...its small, nearly-human stature explained to be the result of Teletran reconfiguring it into a "human" form after scanning the young Destro—similar to the manner in which the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] were created in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]]..."
Can we really say this? I know Barber mentions this, but we've seen in previous commentary pages that he doesn't always know what Scioli's intending. In the actual art, the Decepticon looks EXACTLY the same before Teletran zaps him. --[[User:Dubbilex|Dubbilex]] ([[User talk:Dubbilex|talk]]) 01:26, 17 October 2015 (EDT)

Stick To Your Guns

2015-10-17T05:15:21Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory|series=tfvsjoe
|issueno=9
|prev=Pax Megatronus
|next=
|image=TFvsJoe9_regcvr.jpg
|title="Stick To Your Guns" Spotlight: Destro
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[October 7]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=August 2015
|written by=[[Tom Scioli]]
|art by=Tom Scioli
|colors by=Tom Scioli
|letters by=Tom Scioli
|production by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]
}}

'''In a time long past... the origin of Destro revealed! '''

==Synopsis==

''At the dawn of man, an [[Ark (G1)|Autobot spaceship]] falls from the heavens...''

Hundreds of years ago, in medieval Scotland, [[Laird Mac Cullen]] embarks on a pilgrimage to the island of the gods, bringing with him his strongest warrior and right hand, and his mute younger brother. Met by the druid-priests who guard the cave of the gods, Mac Cullen professes his desire for wisdom from the gods, hoping to learn when the Viking raiders who have been terrorising neighboring islands may come to attack his valley. Permitted access to the cave—in truth, the ruined hulk of the Autobot spacecraft—the three warriors are warned not to touch anything they find within, but as his two older companions stare in awe at the frozen forms of the robotic "gods" all around them, the younger Mac Cullen brother finds himself mesmerized by a small [[energon cube|glowing cube]] on the ground. Heedless of the warning, he picks it up and inserts it into a receptacle in the wall, bringing the ship's computer, [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletran-One]] to life. The computer releases a [[Sky Spy]] that scans the mute Mac Cullen, "exchanging information" with the boy and using his form as a basis to revive one of the robots. The three Scotsmen panic as one of the Decepticons comes back to life, and attack with their blades; they manage to cleave its metal face off before the tiny spark of energy infusing it and Teletran with life flickers out, and both deactivate. Believing they have bested a god and are now worthy to claim a prize, Mac Cullen takes parts of the robot's body, but as they leave, his attempt to hide his trespass from the druids fails. The trio barely manage to escape the mystics' wrath, and return to their valley, where an incredible transformation soon evinces itself, as the young Mac Cullen speaks for the first time.

In time, the injuries sustained by Mac Cullen's right hand take their toll, and he passes away. His body is placed upon a funeral pyre, but when the pyre is lit, the flames illuminate the sails of a fleet of Viking longships bearing down on Mac Cullen's land. Armoring himself with the stolen pieces of the Decepticon's body and wearing the robot's severed metal face as a mask, Mac Cullen declares himself the "First Laird of Destro", and plunges into battle alongside his men. Mac Cullen fights hard, but eventually is slain by the Viking horde. Where the laird has merely mimicked the physical form of the gods, however, his younger brother has truly been touched by their wisdom: as the battle has raged, the new, alien thoughts racing through the boy's mind have led him to fashion a new weapon from powder and fire... the first gun, which he uses to slay the Viking leader [[Thor FalkenHauser]]. [[Aberneth the Hawk-Helmed]] takes the fallen Thor's tomahawk, and they flee back to their ships in the face of the boy's power.

Donning his fallen brother's metal mask, the young Mac Cullen returns to the island of the gods, realizing the druids sold out his people to the Vikings as punishment for their sacrilege. Using the weapon he has created, Mac Cullen drives the druids away from their land, and in the months that follow, he builds his own castle there, atop the spacecraft: [[Castle Destro]]. Travelling the world to expand his knowledge, while also listening to the murmured words of the sleeping "gods" beneath his castle, "[[Destro]]" enhances his body to ensure himself cybernetic immortality, while forging an empire built on the advanced weaponry their otherworldly science allows him to create.

In the closing days of the 20th century, having moved Castle Destro brick-by-brick to [[California]], Destro is approached by [[Cobra Commander]]. The Commander questions Destro's method of doing business, which commonly involves selling weapons to both side of any conflict; what use is having the biggest gun, the Commander wonders, if the enemy has it as well? To that end, he offers Destro a literal pyramid of cash to become a [[Cobra]]-exclusive contractor, providing weapons for them and them alone.

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*Generic "Datsun" Autobot (6)

|c2=
*Generic [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] (5)
*Generic [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassette]] (8)
*Not-[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (11)

|c3=
*Mac Cullen's warrior (1)
*[[Laird Mac Cullen]] (2)
*[[Destro|Mac Cullen's brother/Destro]] (3)
*Cobra druids (4)
*[[Aberneth the Hawk-Helmed]] (9)
*[[Thor FalkenHauser]] (10)
*[[Cobra Commander]] (12)

|c4=
*[[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletran-One]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==

"Clad in the flesh of the gods, I fear no man!"
:—'''Laird Mac Cullen'''

"What business has a blackguard such as ye here in this holy place?" 
"Ye betrayed my brother—sold us out to those outland marauders." 
"Ye sealed your own fate, stealing from the gods." 
"I've come to make good. I've come to return what I've taken. I've come to return fire stolen from the gods." 
''<click-BOOM>''
:—The '''druids''' and the young '''Mac Cullen'''

"After World War I Castle Destro was moved brick by brick, stone by stone to California after centuries in the gloom of the old world. It made sense in the dawning of a new age, Castle Destro stand in perpetual sunlight." 
"It wasn't to escape the ghostsss? They say Castle Destro is haunted by every soul that died on the wrong end of a Destro gun." 
"I '''ghost-proofed''' this new version of the ancestral home. Architectural tricks, stairs to nowhere, etc." 
"It's an expensive affectation, to move a whole castle." 
"When you're as rich as I am, no affectation is too expensive."
:—'''Destro''' and '''Cobra Commander'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Per Scioli's notes at the end of the issue, the druids who guard the crashed Ark are "the ancestors of Cobra, or maybe an offshoot that shares a common ancestor"—the common ancestor would logically be the ancient spawn of [[Koh-Buru-Lah (creature)|Koh-Buru-Lah]].
*We previously saw Hawk's tomahawk in the hands of Vikings in [[Everybody Hates Metroplex|issue #5]]. We now know from this issue that the character holding the weapon was an elderly version of Aberneth the Hawk-Helmed, and that he and his Vikings had obviously learned a lot more about the Transformers between now and then, as they and their ships were adorned with assorted Transformers symbology.
*Destro revealed himself to be long-lived thanks to cybernetic enhancement in [[Funeral for a Friend|issue #3]], with this issue revealing just how old he really is.

===Transformers references===
*The Ark is, of course, drawn based on its animation model from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]].
*Generic Transformers seen within the Ark include a [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]], and a "Datsun" Autobot (that is, one sharing the body-type of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]). The Transformer awakened by Teletran-One is of the humanoid [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette]] design used by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], its small, nearly-human stature explained to be the result of Teletran reconfiguring it into a "human" form after scanning the young Destro—similar to the manner in which the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] were created in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]], based on scans on real dinosaurs. Later in the story, Destro is shown listening to the murmurs of a slumbering bat-Decepticon inspired by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. We're not willing to definitively identify any of these characters as named, pre-existing Transformers.
*Teletran-One utters the line "Repair! Repair!", taken from the Generation 1 cartoon episode "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". The computer also remarks "And now, on with the countdown!", the catchphrase of actor and radio disc jockey [[Casey Kasem]], who provided the computer's voice in the cartoon.
*The narration refers to the slumbering Transformers beneath Castle Destro as "dwellers in the depths", after the Generation 1 cartoon episode title, "[[The Dweller in the Depths]]".

===G.I. Joe references===
*The druids all have blue skin, an allusion to ''G.I. Joe: The Movie'', which revealed that Cobra Commander was a blue-skinned [[Cobra-La]]vian beneath his mask.
*It's been staring us the in face all along, but Hawk's tomahawk—which shares its shape with the sigil of the Viking raiders, one obviously having inspired the other—is based on the 1970s ''G.I. Joe'' [[Adventure Team (G.I. Joe)|Adventure Team]] logo, a combined A and T atop one another.
*Though unnamed in the story, the leaders of the Viking raiders are identified in Scioli's commentary as "Aberneth the Hawk-Helmed", Hawk's ancestor (his real surname being "Abernathy"), and "Thor FalkenHauser", Duke's ancestor (his name a joint reference to Duke's real surname, "Hauser", and to his half-brother, [[Falcon (G.I. Joe)|Falcon]]).
*The women draped over the pile of money Cobra Commander offers Destro all look like the [[Baroness]], with their round glasses and raven hair. Destro and the Baroness have historically been romantically linked throughout the ''G.I. Joe'' franchise.

===Jack Kirby references===
*The sight of proto-humans staring up at the crashing Ark is, as Scioli notes in his commentary, highly evocative of the film ''{{w|2001: A Space Odyssey}}''. Kirby did both an adaptation and spin-off series of the film for Marvel Comics.
*Cullen's theft is revealed by the cobra-headed staffs of the druids, which emit a sound effect when they detect the metal beneath his cloak. This sound, "PING PING", is the sound effect of {{w|Mother Box}} from Jack Kirby's {{w|Fourth World (comics)|"Fourth World" comics}}.

===Real-life references===
*The druids use {{w|Greek fire}} on Mac Cullen's fleeing boat.
*The Vikings hail from "'''G'''iant '''I'''sland '''Jo'''tunheim", a cute allusion to "G.I. Joe", but also a reference to {{w|Jötunheimr|Jotunheim}}, land of the giants, from Norse mythology.
*Destro's 'ghost-proofing' of his castle is a parallel to the {{w|Winchester Mystery House}} which also was said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who were killed with the guns that the owner manufactured.

===Other trivia===
*The double-page spread of the crashing Ark is the first thing you see when you open the comic, printed across the inside-front cover and the first page of the issue. The credits, normally on the inside-cover, are moved to the second page of the comic. The second half of the spread is also reprinted on the inside-back cover, so that if you were to remove the cover from the comic, you'd have a "mini-poster" of the scene.
*As with last issue, this issue was inexplicably only available digitally a week after it came out in physical shops. Moreover, the digital version is missing both the first half of the above-mentioned spread and the final story page.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' [[Serpentor]] and [[Unicron]] by [[Tom Scioli]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' They came from Cybertron - the Earth came for them! By [[David Lafuente]] and [[John Rauch]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron holds aloft a handful of G.I. Joes, by [[Ben Marra]]

<gallery>
File:TFvsJoe9_regcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe9_subcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe9_cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' #10
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]] #1
*''G.I. Joe: Cobra World Order'' Prelude
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library
*''Danger Girl: Renegade'' (back cover)

Headmasters (issue)

2015-06-05T09:22:20Z

Dubbilex: /* Other notes */

{{Comicstory|series=tfvsjoe
|issueno=7
|prev=FCBD Funnies
|next=
|image=TFvsJoe7_regcvr.jpg
|title="Headmasters"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 3]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=March 2015
|written by=[[Tom Scioli]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=Tom Scioli
|colors by=Tom Scioli
|letters by=Tom Scioli
|production by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]
}}

'''Scarlett is confronted with the reality that neither G.I. Joe nor the Transformers actually exist, and that she is a mentally unwell patient about to return to her life in the nice, normal town of Springfield...'''

==Synopsis==

To cure her of her delusion that "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" are anything more than children's toys and cartoons, [[Scarlett|Shanna O'Hara]] is strapped into the [[Brainwave Scanner]] by the kindly [[Doctor Mindbender|Doctor Mindelbinder]]. In the dreams the machine induces, Scarlett sees herself fighting strange reptile-creatures... a small [[Bumblebee (G1)|robot's head]] held between a human thumb and forefinger... a metal face and the words "[[Mindwipe (G1)|mind wipe]]"... and herself, praying before a shining [[Optimus Prime (G1)|robotic figure]], who tells her he will soon return.

Following her session, Mindelbinder takes Shanna to see [[Doctor B]] and her current robotics project: "[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]", an artificial intelligence she has named after a character from the ''Transformers'' cartoon. As Shanna is wheeled through the hospital, she observes a nursery full of babies, and a [[Billy (G.I. Joe)|young man]] with cybernetic limbs, who apparently communicates with her telepathically to tell her that "[[Snake-Eyes|her boyfriend]]" was responsible for his condition. The mental technique feels familiar to Shanna... but nonetheless, in a subsequent office session with Mindelbinder, she appears to have been cured of her delusions, and now tells the doctor that she knows the robots and soldiers are only imaginary. Reunited with her husband Fred and her two children, she returns home to [[Springfield (G.I. Joe)|Springfield]]. But in truth, Shanna has only told Mindelbinder what she knew he wanted to hear—dark visions of alien ghosts swarm in her mind as she tries to go about her daily life, their voices ringing in her ears, the world and everything in it seeming artificial... until eventually, unable to bear it any long, she shaves half her hair off, and discovers a fresh scar on her scalp. Picking the wound open, Shanna finds an electronic implant within, which she jolts to life with a shock from a power cord. In her mind's eye, the image of [[General Flagg|a general]] appears, who urges her to get out as fast as she can.

At a welcome home party thrown for her by the neighborhood, Shanna sees many familiar faces in the crowd—those her mind tells her are her old G.I. Joe teammates. She tries to jog [[Mutt]]'s memory, but he reacts only with confusion... until he leaves the party, and finds himself being followed by a [[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|dog]]. He tries to shoo the animal away, but it pounces on him... and its fond licking of his face stirs a memory within him...

Pushed to the brink, Shanna slits her husband's throat, and sets their house on fire with her children—whom she is convinced are not real—still inside. Leaving the inferno, Shanna finds all her friends waiting for her... and a whispered "Yo Joe" from Mutt confirms that all she has believed is true. She is Scarlett of G.I. Joe—and she will have revenge.

The Joes, bar Scarlett, locate the bodies of the [[Autobot]]s who were captured alongside them, and although the 'bots are non-responsive and stuck in vehicle mode, they still make useful getaway cars. Before long, the Springfield police force are in hot pursuit, but the Joes outrun them and smash through her roadblocks to finally burst out of Springfield... which they discover is an artificial town constructed inside [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the Decepticon "city of madness". Their minds finally clearing as they escape the boundaries of Scorponok, the Joes are amazed to see [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] once more, facing off against the huge scorpion-city. At a command from their leader, the mesmerized Autobots are suddenly themselves again, and transform to enter the fray.

Back in Springfield, Scarlett returns to the hospital to confront her tormentors. She first comes upon Doctor B, and hands her a sword: a means of defending herself as Scarlett attempts to kill her. The doctor refuses to take the blade, insisting that she is only there to obtain funding from [[Cobra]] to further her own research, and that Scarlett's grudge has nothing to do with her. Content with the woman's refusal to fight, Scarlett spares her life, and then heads for Mindelbinder's office. There, Mindelbinder—or rather, Cobra's [[Doctor Mindbender]]—chastizes her even as he opens fire on her, claiming that she would have suffered ''much'' worse had a more callous intellect than his been responsible for her treatment. Mindbender escapes when Scarlett is attacked by her "children"—revealed to be bio-mechanical constructs, now seared by flame down to the metal skeleton—but she quickly overpowers them, catches up to Mindbender, and forces him to spill the beans. Mindbender hastily explains that the entire facility has been set up by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to study the brains of both human and Transformer in order to deduce the commonalities between them, with the end goal of "decrypting" the living mind itself and attaining complete control of all sentient beings in the universe. Satisfied with his answers, Scarlett straps Mindbender into the Brainwave Scanner, and stabs him through the heart; in his final moments, the doctor sees a twisted vision of a DNA spiral, and the faces of his heroes—the greatest rulers, conquerors, and villains in history—laughing at him.

Scarlett moves to depart the hospital, but is confronted with a final unexpected opponent: a bio-mechanical duplicate of ''herself''. The pair turn out to be evenly matched in every way, meaning that neither can win over the other... so all Scarlett focuses on is ''not'' bleeding to death before her doppelganger. This gruesome tactic works, and Scarlett is guided to her final objective by the ethereal alien voices: [[Mo Zarak]], the [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] master of Scorponok, who betrayed his people the [[Nebulos|Neb'los]] to the Decepticons long ago. Springfield was built upon their remains, and the ghosts of the Neb'Los now cry out for Scarlett to enact their vengeance. Scarlett slays Zarak, severing his bond with the city of madness, then takes control of Scorponok herself. For her first action, she uses the city's massive claws to return Bumblebee's still-living head to the humbled Optimus Prime.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (20)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (21)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (3)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (23)
*[[Mo Zarak|Zarak]] (25)

|h3=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c3=
*[[Scarlett]] (2)
*[[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|Junkyard]] (11)
*[[General Flagg]] (12)
*[[Gung-Ho]] (13)
*[[Alpine]] (14)
*[[Beachhead]] (15)
*[[Steeler]] (16)
*[[Dusty]] (17)
*[[Quick Kick]] (18)
*[[Mutt]] (19)
*[[Doctor Venom]] (24)

|h4=[[Cobra]]|c4=
*[[Doctor Mindbender]] (1)
*[[Doctor B]] (6)
*[[Crimson Guard|Fred]] (8)
*Scarlett's children (9-10)

|h5=Others|c5=
*[[Billy (G.I. Joe)|Billy]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==

"Why are you here?" 
"Delusions of persecution. Anti-social behavior. Violence. To myself and others." 
"What is G.I. Joe?" 
"G.I. Joe is a cartoon for children." 
"And Cybertron?" 
"A nonsense word, invented to tie together several unrelated robot toys into a single advertising narrative. Created in a boardroom by three toy executives named Cy, Bert and Ron."
:—'''Doctor Mindelbinder''' and '''Shanna'''

"You're a doll, Shanna. You're a doll that nobody wanted and for that reason alone, you are rare and valuable."
:—'''Doctor Mindbender'''

"I refuse to take my medicine if the doctor himself has never tried it."
:—'''Scarlett''', as she straps Mindbender into the Brainwave Scanner

"Zarak. Butcher. Betrayer. I don't know you from Adam. The ghosts of long-buried Neb'los demand your head. Who am I to refuse them their due?"
:—'''Scarlett'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*One of the first images Scarlett sees after being plugged into the Brainwave Scanner is what looks like herself, fighting reptilian creatures. In the issue's commentary, Scioli describes this as "memory regression going back to an ancestor", so presumably, these snake-men are of the reptilian race we were introduced to last issue, the spawn of [[Koh-Buru-Lah (creature)|Koh-Buru-Lah]].
*Bumblebee yet lives! The little yellow 'bot's decapitated head was brought back to Cybertron in [[The Golden Boys|issue #0]], and has been worn on a chain around Megatron's neck ever since, up until last issue, when Megatron had stopped wearing it. Now we know why!
*If you didn't pick up [[Robots in Disguise issue 0|''Robots in Disguise'' #0]] on [[Free Comic Book Day]], then Billy's appearance here will be unexpected: his plight, including the loss of his limbs to Snake-Eyes and their replacement with cybernetic duplicates, was detailed in the issue's ''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' back-up strip, "[[FCBD Funnies]]".
*Scarlett mentions once being "almost married", perhaps a reference to the promise she made to marry Snake-Eyes in issue #0. The characters have gone through similar plots in other pieces of ''G.I. Joe'' fiction.
*Gung-Ho still has the Autobot symbol tattoo he got in issue #5.
*[[Tunnel Rat]] found a machine that he believed could possibly have been "making" people last issue; looks like the bio-mechanical beings we see in this issue are the answer to that mystery.

===Transformers references===
*For his appearance in Scarlett's Brainwave Scanner vision, Bumblebee is based directly on his original Generation 1 character model, rather than the revised look he normally has in this series.
*Also part of Scarlett's vision in one small panel is Decepticon hypnotist [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], with an appearance largely based on the face of his original toy, rather than his character model. Given the deliberately psychedelic collection of images, which includes things Scarlett cannot rationally be aware of, it's hard to know what to make of his brief showing here, beyond perhaps the inference that his abilities have something to do with the Brainwave Scanner, or might be an additional "treatment" used on Scarlett.
*Though the bit about "Cy, Bert and Ron" is fictional, Scarlett alludes to the Transformers toyline's real-life origin as "several unrelated robot toys", namely ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]''.

===G.I. Joe references===
*This issue is largely inspired by the two-part ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon episode, "There's No Place Like Springfield," in which [[Shipwreck]] awakes in the town of Springfield with no memory of the last few years, surrounded by ever-so-slightly "off" versions of his friends, and slowly thinks he is going insane. The whole thing, naturally, is revealed to be a Cobra plot, with the other inhabitants of the town turning out to be [[Synthoid]]s. Scioli notes in the commentary that in early drafts of this issue, Shipwreck was the star of the story.
*Springfield itself was created for the original Marvel ''G.I. Joe'' comic, in which it was a real, functioning town cast in the image of wholesome 1950s midwestern Americana—but one which was a public front for Cobra, with all those who lived in it being members of the organization. We previously saw an incarnation of the Springfield of Earth in this continuity in [[I Saw Three Ships|issue #1]].
*Though not discussed in-story, Scarlett's fake husband being named "Fred" indicates he is a member of the [[Crimson Guard]]. In the Marvel series, elite members of the Guard's "Fred" series all had plastic surgery to look identical and operated undercover across America. One memorable "Fred" was the father in an all-American nuclear Springfield family, like Scarlett's in this story, and the character's connection to the image of Springfield was previously referenced in this series when he and his family appeared on a billboard in issue #1.
*The torturous Brainwave Scanner was a fixture of the Marvel series, where it was designed by Doctor Venom. We previously saw a version of the device in Venom's own lab aboard the ''USS Flagg'' in [[Form Follows Function|issue #4]].
*"Doctor B" is something of a composite of Doctor Adele '''B'''urkhart, a minor supporting character in the Marvel series memorable for being at the center of the very first issue's plot, and [[Sidney Biggles-Jones|Doctor Sidney '''B'''iggles-Jones]], from the [[G.I. Joe (comic)|''G.I. Joe/Transformers: Generation 2'' crossover]]. She combines Burkart's non-combatant aggressive-peacenik stance with Biggles-Jones's role as a scientist who signed up with Cobra to further her work.
*Fred calls Gung-Ho "Ettie"; that's short for his real name, Ettienne, if you were wondering.
*Doctor Mindbender's nightmarish Brain-Scanner-induced vision comes straight from the ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon mini-series, "Arise, Serpentor, Arise!" Inspired by the sight of the greatest conquerors and villains in history and the spiral of DNA, Mindbender will go onto genetically engineer the Cobra emperor, [[Serpentor]]. Dooooesn't look like he'll be around to do it in ''this'' story, though!
*The figures in Doctor Mindbender's dream include every genetic donor named in the original cartoon, with the exception of {{w|Ivan the Terrible}} and {{w|Geronimo}}. All of them are real (see below), except for a fictional Egyptian general named Xanuth Amon-Toth.
*Doctor Mindbender's filecard lists his specialities as "mind control" and "interrogation" (his established primary roles within Cobra), "dentistry" (he was formerly a dentist before joining Cobra), and in an obscure reference, "wrestling", referring to an early, abandoned version of the character's profile, in which it was alleged he might have previously been a professional wrestler.

===Real-life references===
*When Junkyard follows Mutt, the page is titled "Mutt and Junkyard", after comic strip ''{{w|Mutt and Jeff}}'', in with suitably appropriate "Sunday Funnies"-style title font.
*As Mutt thumps on Inferno's dashboard to try and wake him up, he shouts "Robot roll call!", the famous lyric from the opening to ''{{w|Mystery Science Theater 3000}}''.
*Given the debt Scioli's work owes to the oeuvre Jack Kirby, it's worth mentioning that Megatron's ambition to find the encryption key to the mind shares no small degree of similarity with one of Kirby's most famous villains' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Life_Equation ultimate quests].
*In addition to the aforementioned fictional Amon-Toth (presumably a reference to Conan villain [[Wikipedia:Thoth-Amon|Thoth-Amon]]), the figures in Doctor Mindbender's dream who are derived from Serpentor's origin story in the ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon are: {{w|Julius Caesar}}, {{w|Sun Tzu}}, {{w|Hannibal}}, {{w|Philip II of Macedon}}, {{w|Alexander the Great}}, {{w|Attila|Attila the Hun}}, {{w|Moctezuma I|Montezuma}}, {{w|Genghis Khan}}, {{w|Grigori Rasputin}}, and {{w|Napoleon|Napoleon Bonaparte}}. {{w|Vlad the Impaler}} was also part of the cartoon's list, and is here in spirit: rather than include Vlad himself, the issue replaces him with the fictional character he inspired, [[Dracula]], much to Mindbender's own disbelief. The comic adds: {{w|Osama Bin Laden}}, {{w|Joseph Stalin}}, {{w|Kublai Khan}}, {{w|Mordred}}, villain of Arthurian legend, {{w|Adolf Hitler}}, {{w|Caligula}} and someone named Toshiro.

===Other notes===
*This issue was originally solicited for release in March, but production delays meant it did not come out until early June. No further issues of were solicited for three months in order to for the series to catch up.
*An earlier version of the double-page sequence of the Autobots' and Joes' chase with police lacked two of the inset panels, bearing in their space the words "Grand Theft Autobot" done out in the style of the video game Grand Theft Auto's logo. It's unknown why it was ultimately altered, but IDW editor-in-chief Chris Ryall posted the earlier version of the sequence [http://ryallsfiles.tumblr.com/image/120624964113 online].

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' G.I. Joe and Cobra battle on an asteroid to which [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] is attached, by [[Tom Scioli]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Optimus Prime battles Soundwave and Starscream while the Joes and Cobras battle in the air on flight packs that look like [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeler]] wings, by [[Joe Quinones]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Starscream by [[Kody Chamberlain]]

<gallery>
File:TFvsJoe7_regcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe7_subcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe7_cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' #8
*''[[Combiner Wars]]''
*[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' #42
*''Onyx''
*Tom Scioli's ''American Barbarian'' hardcover collection
*IDW "Artist's Edition" collections (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicosity.com/preview-transformers-vs-g-i-joe-7/ Preview]

Headmasters (issue)

2015-06-05T09:21:56Z

Dubbilex: /* Other notes */

{{Comicstory|series=tfvsjoe
|issueno=7
|prev=FCBD Funnies
|next=
|image=TFvsJoe7_regcvr.jpg
|title="Headmasters"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 3]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=March 2015
|written by=[[Tom Scioli]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=Tom Scioli
|colors by=Tom Scioli
|letters by=Tom Scioli
|production by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]
}}

'''Scarlett is confronted with the reality that neither G.I. Joe nor the Transformers actually exist, and that she is a mentally unwell patient about to return to her life in the nice, normal town of Springfield...'''

==Synopsis==

To cure her of her delusion that "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" are anything more than children's toys and cartoons, [[Scarlett|Shanna O'Hara]] is strapped into the [[Brainwave Scanner]] by the kindly [[Doctor Mindbender|Doctor Mindelbinder]]. In the dreams the machine induces, Scarlett sees herself fighting strange reptile-creatures... a small [[Bumblebee (G1)|robot's head]] held between a human thumb and forefinger... a metal face and the words "[[Mindwipe (G1)|mind wipe]]"... and herself, praying before a shining [[Optimus Prime (G1)|robotic figure]], who tells her he will soon return.

Following her session, Mindelbinder takes Shanna to see [[Doctor B]] and her current robotics project: "[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]", an artificial intelligence she has named after a character from the ''Transformers'' cartoon. As Shanna is wheeled through the hospital, she observes a nursery full of babies, and a [[Billy (G.I. Joe)|young man]] with cybernetic limbs, who apparently communicates with her telepathically to tell her that "[[Snake-Eyes|her boyfriend]]" was responsible for his condition. The mental technique feels familiar to Shanna... but nonetheless, in a subsequent office session with Mindelbinder, she appears to have been cured of her delusions, and now tells the doctor that she knows the robots and soldiers are only imaginary. Reunited with her husband Fred and her two children, she returns home to [[Springfield (G.I. Joe)|Springfield]]. But in truth, Shanna has only told Mindelbinder what she knew he wanted to hear—dark visions of alien ghosts swarm in her mind as she tries to go about her daily life, their voices ringing in her ears, the world and everything in it seeming artificial... until eventually, unable to bear it any long, she shaves half her hair off, and discovers a fresh scar on her scalp. Picking the wound open, Shanna finds an electronic implant within, which she jolts to life with a shock from a power cord. In her mind's eye, the image of [[General Flagg|a general]] appears, who urges her to get out as fast as she can.

At a welcome home party thrown for her by the neighborhood, Shanna sees many familiar faces in the crowd—those her mind tells her are her old G.I. Joe teammates. She tries to jog [[Mutt]]'s memory, but he reacts only with confusion... until he leaves the party, and finds himself being followed by a [[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|dog]]. He tries to shoo the animal away, but it pounces on him... and its fond licking of his face stirs a memory within him...

Pushed to the brink, Shanna slits her husband's throat, and sets their house on fire with her children—whom she is convinced are not real—still inside. Leaving the inferno, Shanna finds all her friends waiting for her... and a whispered "Yo Joe" from Mutt confirms that all she has believed is true. She is Scarlett of G.I. Joe—and she will have revenge.

The Joes, bar Scarlett, locate the bodies of the [[Autobot]]s who were captured alongside them, and although the 'bots are non-responsive and stuck in vehicle mode, they still make useful getaway cars. Before long, the Springfield police force are in hot pursuit, but the Joes outrun them and smash through her roadblocks to finally burst out of Springfield... which they discover is an artificial town constructed inside [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the Decepticon "city of madness". Their minds finally clearing as they escape the boundaries of Scorponok, the Joes are amazed to see [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] once more, facing off against the huge scorpion-city. At a command from their leader, the mesmerized Autobots are suddenly themselves again, and transform to enter the fray.

Back in Springfield, Scarlett returns to the hospital to confront her tormentors. She first comes upon Doctor B, and hands her a sword: a means of defending herself as Scarlett attempts to kill her. The doctor refuses to take the blade, insisting that she is only there to obtain funding from [[Cobra]] to further her own research, and that Scarlett's grudge has nothing to do with her. Content with the woman's refusal to fight, Scarlett spares her life, and then heads for Mindelbinder's office. There, Mindelbinder—or rather, Cobra's [[Doctor Mindbender]]—chastizes her even as he opens fire on her, claiming that she would have suffered ''much'' worse had a more callous intellect than his been responsible for her treatment. Mindbender escapes when Scarlett is attacked by her "children"—revealed to be bio-mechanical constructs, now seared by flame down to the metal skeleton—but she quickly overpowers them, catches up to Mindbender, and forces him to spill the beans. Mindbender hastily explains that the entire facility has been set up by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to study the brains of both human and Transformer in order to deduce the commonalities between them, with the end goal of "decrypting" the living mind itself and attaining complete control of all sentient beings in the universe. Satisfied with his answers, Scarlett straps Mindbender into the Brainwave Scanner, and stabs him through the heart; in his final moments, the doctor sees a twisted vision of a DNA spiral, and the faces of his heroes—the greatest rulers, conquerors, and villains in history—laughing at him.

Scarlett moves to depart the hospital, but is confronted with a final unexpected opponent: a bio-mechanical duplicate of ''herself''. The pair turn out to be evenly matched in every way, meaning that neither can win over the other... so all Scarlett focuses on is ''not'' bleeding to death before her doppelganger. This gruesome tactic works, and Scarlett is guided to her final objective by the ethereal alien voices: [[Mo Zarak]], the [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] master of Scorponok, who betrayed his people the [[Nebulos|Neb'los]] to the Decepticons long ago. Springfield was built upon their remains, and the ghosts of the Neb'Los now cry out for Scarlett to enact their vengeance. Scarlett slays Zarak, severing his bond with the city of madness, then takes control of Scorponok herself. For her first action, she uses the city's massive claws to return Bumblebee's still-living head to the humbled Optimus Prime.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (20)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (21)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (3)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (23)
*[[Mo Zarak|Zarak]] (25)

|h3=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c3=
*[[Scarlett]] (2)
*[[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|Junkyard]] (11)
*[[General Flagg]] (12)
*[[Gung-Ho]] (13)
*[[Alpine]] (14)
*[[Beachhead]] (15)
*[[Steeler]] (16)
*[[Dusty]] (17)
*[[Quick Kick]] (18)
*[[Mutt]] (19)
*[[Doctor Venom]] (24)

|h4=[[Cobra]]|c4=
*[[Doctor Mindbender]] (1)
*[[Doctor B]] (6)
*[[Crimson Guard|Fred]] (8)
*Scarlett's children (9-10)

|h5=Others|c5=
*[[Billy (G.I. Joe)|Billy]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==

"Why are you here?" 
"Delusions of persecution. Anti-social behavior. Violence. To myself and others." 
"What is G.I. Joe?" 
"G.I. Joe is a cartoon for children." 
"And Cybertron?" 
"A nonsense word, invented to tie together several unrelated robot toys into a single advertising narrative. Created in a boardroom by three toy executives named Cy, Bert and Ron."
:—'''Doctor Mindelbinder''' and '''Shanna'''

"You're a doll, Shanna. You're a doll that nobody wanted and for that reason alone, you are rare and valuable."
:—'''Doctor Mindbender'''

"I refuse to take my medicine if the doctor himself has never tried it."
:—'''Scarlett''', as she straps Mindbender into the Brainwave Scanner

"Zarak. Butcher. Betrayer. I don't know you from Adam. The ghosts of long-buried Neb'los demand your head. Who am I to refuse them their due?"
:—'''Scarlett'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*One of the first images Scarlett sees after being plugged into the Brainwave Scanner is what looks like herself, fighting reptilian creatures. In the issue's commentary, Scioli describes this as "memory regression going back to an ancestor", so presumably, these snake-men are of the reptilian race we were introduced to last issue, the spawn of [[Koh-Buru-Lah (creature)|Koh-Buru-Lah]].
*Bumblebee yet lives! The little yellow 'bot's decapitated head was brought back to Cybertron in [[The Golden Boys|issue #0]], and has been worn on a chain around Megatron's neck ever since, up until last issue, when Megatron had stopped wearing it. Now we know why!
*If you didn't pick up [[Robots in Disguise issue 0|''Robots in Disguise'' #0]] on [[Free Comic Book Day]], then Billy's appearance here will be unexpected: his plight, including the loss of his limbs to Snake-Eyes and their replacement with cybernetic duplicates, was detailed in the issue's ''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' back-up strip, "[[FCBD Funnies]]".
*Scarlett mentions once being "almost married", perhaps a reference to the promise she made to marry Snake-Eyes in issue #0. The characters have gone through similar plots in other pieces of ''G.I. Joe'' fiction.
*Gung-Ho still has the Autobot symbol tattoo he got in issue #5.
*[[Tunnel Rat]] found a machine that he believed could possibly have been "making" people last issue; looks like the bio-mechanical beings we see in this issue are the answer to that mystery.

===Transformers references===
*For his appearance in Scarlett's Brainwave Scanner vision, Bumblebee is based directly on his original Generation 1 character model, rather than the revised look he normally has in this series.
*Also part of Scarlett's vision in one small panel is Decepticon hypnotist [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], with an appearance largely based on the face of his original toy, rather than his character model. Given the deliberately psychedelic collection of images, which includes things Scarlett cannot rationally be aware of, it's hard to know what to make of his brief showing here, beyond perhaps the inference that his abilities have something to do with the Brainwave Scanner, or might be an additional "treatment" used on Scarlett.
*Though the bit about "Cy, Bert and Ron" is fictional, Scarlett alludes to the Transformers toyline's real-life origin as "several unrelated robot toys", namely ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]''.

===G.I. Joe references===
*This issue is largely inspired by the two-part ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon episode, "There's No Place Like Springfield," in which [[Shipwreck]] awakes in the town of Springfield with no memory of the last few years, surrounded by ever-so-slightly "off" versions of his friends, and slowly thinks he is going insane. The whole thing, naturally, is revealed to be a Cobra plot, with the other inhabitants of the town turning out to be [[Synthoid]]s. Scioli notes in the commentary that in early drafts of this issue, Shipwreck was the star of the story.
*Springfield itself was created for the original Marvel ''G.I. Joe'' comic, in which it was a real, functioning town cast in the image of wholesome 1950s midwestern Americana—but one which was a public front for Cobra, with all those who lived in it being members of the organization. We previously saw an incarnation of the Springfield of Earth in this continuity in [[I Saw Three Ships|issue #1]].
*Though not discussed in-story, Scarlett's fake husband being named "Fred" indicates he is a member of the [[Crimson Guard]]. In the Marvel series, elite members of the Guard's "Fred" series all had plastic surgery to look identical and operated undercover across America. One memorable "Fred" was the father in an all-American nuclear Springfield family, like Scarlett's in this story, and the character's connection to the image of Springfield was previously referenced in this series when he and his family appeared on a billboard in issue #1.
*The torturous Brainwave Scanner was a fixture of the Marvel series, where it was designed by Doctor Venom. We previously saw a version of the device in Venom's own lab aboard the ''USS Flagg'' in [[Form Follows Function|issue #4]].
*"Doctor B" is something of a composite of Doctor Adele '''B'''urkhart, a minor supporting character in the Marvel series memorable for being at the center of the very first issue's plot, and [[Sidney Biggles-Jones|Doctor Sidney '''B'''iggles-Jones]], from the [[G.I. Joe (comic)|''G.I. Joe/Transformers: Generation 2'' crossover]]. She combines Burkart's non-combatant aggressive-peacenik stance with Biggles-Jones's role as a scientist who signed up with Cobra to further her work.
*Fred calls Gung-Ho "Ettie"; that's short for his real name, Ettienne, if you were wondering.
*Doctor Mindbender's nightmarish Brain-Scanner-induced vision comes straight from the ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon mini-series, "Arise, Serpentor, Arise!" Inspired by the sight of the greatest conquerors and villains in history and the spiral of DNA, Mindbender will go onto genetically engineer the Cobra emperor, [[Serpentor]]. Dooooesn't look like he'll be around to do it in ''this'' story, though!
*The figures in Doctor Mindbender's dream include every genetic donor named in the original cartoon, with the exception of {{w|Ivan the Terrible}} and {{w|Geronimo}}. All of them are real (see below), except for a fictional Egyptian general named Xanuth Amon-Toth.
*Doctor Mindbender's filecard lists his specialities as "mind control" and "interrogation" (his established primary roles within Cobra), "dentistry" (he was formerly a dentist before joining Cobra), and in an obscure reference, "wrestling", referring to an early, abandoned version of the character's profile, in which it was alleged he might have previously been a professional wrestler.

===Real-life references===
*When Junkyard follows Mutt, the page is titled "Mutt and Junkyard", after comic strip ''{{w|Mutt and Jeff}}'', in with suitably appropriate "Sunday Funnies"-style title font.
*As Mutt thumps on Inferno's dashboard to try and wake him up, he shouts "Robot roll call!", the famous lyric from the opening to ''{{w|Mystery Science Theater 3000}}''.
*Given the debt Scioli's work owes to the oeuvre Jack Kirby, it's worth mentioning that Megatron's ambition to find the encryption key to the mind shares no small degree of similarity with one of Kirby's most famous villains' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Life_Equation ultimate quests].
*In addition to the aforementioned fictional Amon-Toth (presumably a reference to Conan villain [[Wikipedia:Thoth-Amon|Thoth-Amon]]), the figures in Doctor Mindbender's dream who are derived from Serpentor's origin story in the ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon are: {{w|Julius Caesar}}, {{w|Sun Tzu}}, {{w|Hannibal}}, {{w|Philip II of Macedon}}, {{w|Alexander the Great}}, {{w|Attila|Attila the Hun}}, {{w|Moctezuma I|Montezuma}}, {{w|Genghis Khan}}, {{w|Grigori Rasputin}}, and {{w|Napoleon|Napoleon Bonaparte}}. {{w|Vlad the Impaler}} was also part of the cartoon's list, and is here in spirit: rather than include Vlad himself, the issue replaces him with the fictional character he inspired, [[Dracula]], much to Mindbender's own disbelief. The comic adds: {{w|Osama Bin Laden}}, {{w|Joseph Stalin}}, {{w|Kublai Khan}}, {{w|Mordred}}, villain of Arthurian legend, {{w|Adolf Hitler}}, {{w|Caligula}} and someone named Toshiro.

===Other notes===
*This issue was originally solicited for release in March, but production delays meant it did not come out until early June. No further issues of were solicited for three months in order to for the series to catch up.
*An earlier version of the double-page sequence of the Autobots' and Joes' chase sequence with police lacked two of the inset panels, bearing in their space the words "Grand Theft Autobot" done out in the style of the video game Grand Theft Auto's logo. It's unknown why it was ultimately altered, but IDW editor-in-chief Chris Ryall posted the earlier version of the sequence [http://ryallsfiles.tumblr.com/image/120624964113 online].

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' G.I. Joe and Cobra battle on an asteroid to which [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] is attached, by [[Tom Scioli]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Optimus Prime battles Soundwave and Starscream while the Joes and Cobras battle in the air on flight packs that look like [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeler]] wings, by [[Joe Quinones]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Starscream by [[Kody Chamberlain]]

<gallery>
File:TFvsJoe7_regcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe7_subcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe7_cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' #8
*''[[Combiner Wars]]''
*[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' #42
*''Onyx''
*Tom Scioli's ''American Barbarian'' hardcover collection
*IDW "Artist's Edition" collections (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicosity.com/preview-transformers-vs-g-i-joe-7/ Preview]

Headmasters (issue)

2015-06-05T09:12:03Z

Dubbilex: /* Real-life references */

{{Comicstory|series=tfvsjoe
|issueno=7
|prev=FCBD Funnies
|next=
|image=TFvsJoe7_regcvr.jpg
|title="Headmasters"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 3]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=March 2015
|written by=[[Tom Scioli]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=Tom Scioli
|colors by=Tom Scioli
|letters by=Tom Scioli
|production by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]
}}

'''Scarlett is confronted with the reality that neither G.I. Joe nor the Transformers actually exist, and that she is a mentally unwell patient about to return to her life in the nice, normal town of Springfield...'''

==Synopsis==

To cure her of her delusion that "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" are anything more than children's toys and cartoons, [[Scarlett|Shanna O'Hara]] is strapped into the [[Brainwave Scanner]] by the kindly [[Doctor Mindbender|Doctor Mindelbinder]]. In the dreams the machine induces, Scarlett sees herself fighting strange reptile-creatures... a small [[Bumblebee (G1)|robot's head]] held between a human thumb and forefinger... a metal face and the words "[[Mindwipe (G1)|mind wipe]]"... and herself, praying before a shining [[Optimus Prime (G1)|robotic figure]], who tells her he will soon return.

Following her session, Mindelbinder takes Shanna to see [[Doctor B]] and her current robotics project: "[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]", an artificial intelligence she has named after a character from the ''Transformers'' cartoon. As Shanna is wheeled through the hospital, she observes a nursery full of babies, and a [[Billy (G.I. Joe)|young man]] with cybernetic limbs, who apparently communicates with her telepathically to tell her that "[[Snake-Eyes|her boyfriend]]" was responsible for his condition. The mental technique feels familiar to Shanna... but nonetheless, in a subsequent office session with Mindelbinder, she appears to have been cured of her delusions, and now tells the doctor that she knows the robots and soldiers are only imaginary. Reunited with her husband Fred and her two children, she returns home to [[Springfield (G.I. Joe)|Springfield]]. But in truth, Shanna has only told Mindelbinder what she knew he wanted to hear—dark visions of alien ghosts swarm in her mind as she tries to go about her daily life, their voices ringing in her ears, the world and everything in it seeming artificial... until eventually, unable to bear it any long, she shaves half her hair off, and discovers a fresh scar on her scalp. Picking the wound open, Shanna finds an electronic implant within, which she jolts to life with a shock from a power cord. In her mind's eye, the image of [[General Flagg|a general]] appears, who urges her to get out as fast as she can.

At a welcome home party thrown for her by the neighborhood, Shanna sees many familiar faces in the crowd—those her mind tells her are her old G.I. Joe teammates. She tries to jog [[Mutt]]'s memory, but he reacts only with confusion... until he leaves the party, and finds himself being followed by a [[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|dog]]. He tries to shoo the animal away, but it pounces on him... and its fond licking of his face stirs a memory within him...

Pushed to the brink, Shanna slits her husband's throat, and sets their house on fire with her children—whom she is convinced are not real—still inside. Leaving the inferno, Shanna finds all her friends waiting for her... and a whispered "Yo Joe" from Mutt confirms that all she has believed is true. She is Scarlett of G.I. Joe—and she will have revenge.

The Joes, bar Scarlett, locate the bodies of the [[Autobot]]s who were captured alongside them, and although the 'bots are non-responsive and stuck in vehicle mode, they still make useful getaway cars. Before long, the Springfield police force are in hot pursuit, but the Joes outrun them and smash through her roadblocks to finally burst out of Springfield... which they discover is an artificial town constructed inside [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the Decepticon "city of madness". Their minds finally clearing as they escape the boundaries of Scorponok, the Joes are amazed to see [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] once more, facing off against the huge scorpion-city. At a command from their leader, the mesmerized Autobots are suddenly themselves again, and transform to enter the fray.

Back in Springfield, Scarlett returns to the hospital to confront her tormentors. She first comes upon Doctor B, and hands her a sword: a means of defending herself as Scarlett attempts to kill her. The doctor refuses to take the blade, insisting that she is only there to obtain funding from [[Cobra]] to further her own research, and that Scarlett's grudge has nothing to do with her. Content with the woman's refusal to fight, Scarlett spares her life, and then heads for Mindelbinder's office. There, Mindelbinder—or rather, Cobra's [[Doctor Mindbender]]—chastizes her even as he opens fire on her, claiming that she would have suffered ''much'' worse had a more callous intellect than his been responsible for her treatment. Mindbender escapes when Scarlett is attacked by her "children"—revealed to be bio-mechanical constructs, now seared by flame down to the metal skeleton—but she quickly overpowers them, catches up to Mindbender, and forces him to spill the beans. Mindbender hastily explains that the entire facility has been set up by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] to study the brains of both human and Transformer in order to deduce the commonalities between them, with the end goal of "decrypting" the living mind itself and attaining complete control of all sentient beings in the universe. Satisfied with his answers, Scarlett straps Mindbender into the Brainwave Scanner, and stabs him through the heart; in his final moments, the doctor sees a twisted vision of a DNA spiral, and the faces of his heroes—the greatest rulers, conquerors, and villains in history—laughing at him.

Scarlett moves to depart the hospital, but is confronted with a final unexpected opponent: a bio-mechanical duplicate of ''herself''. The pair turn out to be evenly matched in every way, meaning that neither can win over the other... so all Scarlett focuses on is ''not'' bleeding to death before her doppelganger. This gruesome tactic works, and Scarlett is guided to her final objective by the ethereal alien voices: [[Mo Zarak]], the [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] master of Scorponok, who betrayed his people the [[Nebulos|Neb'los]] to the Decepticons long ago. Springfield was built upon their remains, and the ghosts of the Neb'Los now cry out for Scarlett to enact their vengeance. Scarlett slays Zarak, severing his bond with the city of madness, then takes control of Scorponok herself. For her first action, she uses the city's massive claws to return Bumblebee's still-living head to the humbled Optimus Prime.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (20)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (21)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] (3)
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] (23)
*[[Mo Zarak|Zarak]] (25)

|h3=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c3=
*[[Scarlett]] (2)
*[[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|Junkyard]] (11)
*[[General Flagg]] (12)
*[[Gung-Ho]] (13)
*[[Alpine]] (14)
*[[Beachhead]] (15)
*[[Steeler]] (16)
*[[Dusty]] (17)
*[[Quick Kick]] (18)
*[[Mutt]] (19)
*[[Doctor Venom]] (24)

|h4=[[Cobra]]|c4=
*[[Doctor Mindbender]] (1)
*[[Doctor B]] (6)
*[[Crimson Guard|Fred]] (8)
*Scarlett's children (9-10)

|h5=Others|c5=
*[[Billy (G.I. Joe)|Billy]] (7)
}}

==Quotes==

"Why are you here?" 
"Delusions of persecution. Anti-social behavior. Violence. To myself and others." 
"What is G.I. Joe?" 
"G.I. Joe is a cartoon for children." 
"And Cybertron?" 
"A nonsense word, invented to tie together several unrelated robot toys into a single advertising narrative. Created in a boardroom by three toy executives named Cy, Bert and Ron."
:—'''Doctor Mindelbinder''' and '''Shanna'''

"You're a doll, Shanna. You're a doll that nobody wanted and for that reason alone, you are rare and valuable."
:—'''Doctor Mindbender'''

"I refuse to take my medicine if the doctor himself has never tried it."
:—'''Scarlett''', as she straps Mindbender into the Brainwave Scanner

"Zarak. Butcher. Betrayer. I don't know you from Adam. The ghosts of long-buried Neb'los demand your head. Who am I to refuse them their due?"
:—'''Scarlett'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*One of the first images Scarlett sees after being plugged into the Brainwave Scanner is what looks like herself, fighting reptilian creatures. In the issue's commentary, Scioli describes this as "memory regression going back to an ancestor", so presumably, these snake-men are of the reptilian race we were introduced to last issue, the spawn of [[Koh-Buru-Lah (creature)|Koh-Buru-Lah]].
*Bumblebee yet lives! The little yellow 'bot's decapitated head was brought back to Cybertron in [[The Golden Boys|issue #0]], and has been worn on a chain around Megatron's neck ever since, up until last issue, when Megatron had stopped wearing it. Now we know why!
*If you didn't pick up [[Robots in Disguise issue 0|''Robots in Disguise'' #0]] on [[Free Comic Book Day]], then Billy's appearance here will be unexpected: his plight, including the loss of his limbs to Snake-Eyes and their replacement with cybernetic duplicates, was detailed in the issue's ''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' back-up strip, "[[FCBD Funnies]]".
*Scarlett mentions once being "almost married", perhaps a reference to the promise she made to marry Snake-Eyes in issue #0. The characters have gone through similar plots in other pieces of ''G.I. Joe'' fiction.
*Gung-Ho still has the Autobot symbol tattoo he got in issue #5.
*[[Tunnel Rat]] found a machine that he believed could possibly have been "making" people last issue; looks like the bio-mechanical beings we see in this issue are the answer to that mystery.

===Transformers references===
*For his appearance in Scarlett's Brainwave Scanner vision, Bumblebee is based directly on his original Generation 1 character model, rather than the revised look he normally has in this series.
*Also part of Scarlett's vision in one small panel is Decepticon hypnotist [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]], with an appearance largely based on the face of his original toy, rather than his character model. Given the deliberately psychedelic collection of images, which includes things Scarlett cannot rationally be aware of, it's hard to know what to make of his brief showing here, beyond perhaps the inference that his abilities have something to do with the Brainwave Scanner, or might be an additional "treatment" used on Scarlett.
*Though the bit about "Cy, Bert and Ron" is fictional, Scarlett alludes to the Transformers toyline's real-life origin as "several unrelated robot toys", namely ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]''.

===G.I. Joe references===
*This issue is largely inspired by the two-part ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon episode, "There's No Place Like Springfield," in which [[Shipwreck]] awakes in the town of Springfield with no memory of the last few years, surrounded by ever-so-slightly "off" versions of his friends, and slowly thinks he is going insane. The whole thing, naturally, is revealed to be a Cobra plot, with the other inhabitants of the town turning out to be [[Synthoid]]s. Scioli notes in the commentary that in early drafts of this issue, Shipwreck was the star of the story.
*Springfield itself was created for the original Marvel ''G.I. Joe'' comic, in which it was a real, functioning town cast in the image of wholesome 1950s midwestern Americana—but one which was a public front for Cobra, with all those who lived in it being members of the organization. We previously saw an incarnation of the Springfield of Earth in this continuity in [[I Saw Three Ships|issue #1]].
*Though not discussed in-story, Scarlett's fake husband being named "Fred" indicates he is a member of the [[Crimson Guard]]. In the Marvel series, elite members of the Guard's "Fred" series all had plastic surgery to look identical and operated undercover across America. One memorable "Fred" was the father in an all-American nuclear Springfield family, like Scarlett's in this story, and the character's connection to the image of Springfield was previously referenced in this series when he and his family appeared on a billboard in issue #1.
*The torturous Brainwave Scanner was a fixture of the Marvel series, where it was designed by Doctor Venom. We previously saw a version of the device in Venom's own lab aboard the ''USS Flagg'' in [[Form Follows Function|issue #4]].
*"Doctor B" is something of a composite of Doctor Adele '''B'''urkhart, a minor supporting character in the Marvel series memorable for being at the center of the very first issue's plot, and [[Sidney Biggles-Jones|Doctor Sidney '''B'''iggles-Jones]], from the [[G.I. Joe (comic)|''G.I. Joe/Transformers: Generation 2'' crossover]]. She combines Burkart's non-combatant aggressive-peacenik stance with Biggles-Jones's role as a scientist who signed up with Cobra to further her work.
*Fred calls Gung-Ho "Ettie"; that's short for his real name, Ettienne, if you were wondering.
*Doctor Mindbender's nightmarish Brain-Scanner-induced vision comes straight from the ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon mini-series, "Arise, Serpentor, Arise!" Inspired by the sight of the greatest conquerors and villains in history and the spiral of DNA, Mindbender will go onto genetically engineer the Cobra emperor, [[Serpentor]]. Dooooesn't look like he'll be around to do it in ''this'' story, though!
*The figures in Doctor Mindbender's dream include every genetic donor named in the original cartoon, with the exception of {{w|Ivan the Terrible}} and {{w|Geronimo}}. All of them are real (see below), except for a fictional Egyptian general named Xanuth Amon-Toth.
*Doctor Mindbender's filecard lists his specialities as "mind control" and "interrogation" (his established primary roles within Cobra), "dentistry" (he was formerly a dentist before joining Cobra), and in an obscure reference, "wrestling", referring to an early, abandoned version of the character's profile, in which it was alleged he might have previously been a professional wrestler.

===Real-life references===
*When Junkyard follows Mutt, the page is titled "Mutt and Junkyard", after comic strip ''{{w|Mutt and Jeff}}'', in with suitably appropriate "Sunday Funnies"-style title font.
*As Mutt thumps on Inferno's dashboard to try and wake him up, he shouts "Robot roll call!", the famous lyric from the opening to ''{{w|Mystery Science Theater 3000}}''.
*Given the debt Scioli's work owes to the oeuvre Jack Kirby, it's worth mentioning that Megatron's ambition to find the encryption key to the mind shares no small degree of similarity with one of Kirby's most famous villains' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Life_Equation ultimate quests].
*In addition to the aforementioned fictional Amon-Toth (presumably a reference to Conan villain [[Wikipedia:Thoth-Amon|Thoth-Amon]]), the figures in Doctor Mindbender's dream who are derived from Serpentor's origin story in the ''G.I. Joe'' cartoon are: {{w|Julius Caesar}}, {{w|Sun Tzu}}, {{w|Hannibal}}, {{w|Philip II of Macedon}}, {{w|Alexander the Great}}, {{w|Attila|Attila the Hun}}, {{w|Moctezuma I|Montezuma}}, {{w|Genghis Khan}}, {{w|Grigori Rasputin}}, and {{w|Napoleon|Napoleon Bonaparte}}. {{w|Vlad the Impaler}} was also part of the cartoon's list, and is here in spirit: rather than include Vlad himself, the issue replaces him with the fictional character he inspired, [[Dracula]], much to Mindbender's own disbelief. The comic adds: {{w|Osama Bin Laden}}, {{w|Joseph Stalin}}, {{w|Kublai Khan}}, {{w|Mordred}}, villain of Arthurian legend, {{w|Adolf Hitler}}, {{w|Caligula}} and someone named Toshiro.

===Other notes===
*This issue was originally solicited for release in March, but production delays meant it did not come out until early June. No further issues of were solicited for three months in order to for the series to catch up.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' G.I. Joe and Cobra battle on an asteroid to which [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] is attached, by [[Tom Scioli]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Optimus Prime battles Soundwave and Starscream while the Joes and Cobras battle in the air on flight packs that look like [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeler]] wings, by [[Joe Quinones]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Starscream by [[Kody Chamberlain]]

<gallery>
File:TFvsJoe7_regcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe7_subcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe7_cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' #8
*''[[Combiner Wars]]''
*[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' #42
*''Onyx''
*Tom Scioli's ''American Barbarian'' hardcover collection
*IDW "Artist's Edition" collections (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicosity.com/preview-transformers-vs-g-i-joe-7/ Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2015-05-30T07:53:25Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */ Wrong placement.

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==

Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to Nautica's wrench at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*?  (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank (G1)|Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*?  (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=

*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==

"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly. 
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves. 
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''Combiner Wars'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*During Rodimus's announcement, Xaaron and Dipstick stand together in the audience, marking the third time the two have been spotted hanging out with one another in the series. It's perhaps safe to say at this point that the two are pals.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalias'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like heiroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious giant spark, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Nightbeat makes a disparaging remark about Alpha Trion's supposed wisdom. We previously witnessed his distinct ''lack'' of awe towards the elder Autobot in [[Spotlight: Orion Pax]].
*Countdown is famous for his role in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly-decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''{{w|Quantum Leap}}'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest (album)|Infinite Jest}}''. For the latter, we'll assume it's the indie rock album, rather than the {{w|Infinite Jest|David Foster Wallace novel}} because, hey, James Roberts.
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange.
*While listing Camiens onboard, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly-created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure.
*On Thunderclash's wall map, a black line to the right of the re-charge socket is miscolored as part of his drawings.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]] and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*[[Combiner Wars]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2015-05-30T07:51:15Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==

Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to Nautica's wrench at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*?  (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank (G1)|Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*?  (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=

*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==

"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly. 
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves. 
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''Combiner Wars'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*During Rodimus's announcement, Xaaron and Dipstick stand together in the audience, marking the third time the two have been spotted hanging out with one another in the series. It's perhaps safe to say at this point that the two are pals.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalias'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like heiroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious giant spark, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Countdown is famous for his role in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].
*Nightbeat makes a disparaging remark about Alpha Trion's supposed wisdom. We previously witnessed his distinct ''lack'' of awe towards the elder Autobot in [[Spotlight: Orion Pax]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly-decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''{{w|Quantum Leap}}'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest (album)|Infinite Jest}}''. For the latter, we'll assume it's the indie rock album, rather than the {{w|Infinite Jest|David Foster Wallace novel}} because, hey, James Roberts.
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange.
*While listing Camiens onboard, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly-created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure.
*On Thunderclash's wall map, a black line to the right of the re-charge socket is miscolored as part of his drawings.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]] and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*[[Combiner Wars]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2015-05-30T07:45:04Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==

Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to Nautica's wrench at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*?  (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank (G1)|Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*?  (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=

*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==

"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly. 
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves. 
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''Combiner Wars'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*During Rodimus's announcement, Xaaron and Dipstick stand together in the audience, marking the third time the two have been spotted hanging out with one another in the series. It's perhaps safe to say at this point that the two are pals.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalias'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like heiroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious giant spark, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Countdown is famous for his role in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly-decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''{{w|Quantum Leap}}'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest (album)|Infinite Jest}}''. For the latter, we'll assume it's the indie rock album, rather than the {{w|Infinite Jest|David Foster Wallace novel}} because, hey, James Roberts.
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange.
*While listing Camiens onboard, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly-created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure.
*On Thunderclash's wall map, a black line to the right of the re-charge socket is miscolored as part of his drawings.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]] and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*[[Combiner Wars]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2015-05-30T07:29:37Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==

Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to Nautica's wrench at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*?  (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank (G1)|Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*?  (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=

*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==

"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly. 
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves. 
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''Combiner Wars'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*During Rodimus's announcement, Xaaron and Dipstick stand together in the audience, marking the third time the two have been spotted hanging out with one another in the series. It's perhaps safe to say at this point that the two are pals.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalias'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like heiroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious giant spark, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Countdown is famous for his role in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly-decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''{{w|Quantum Leap}}'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest (album)|Infinite Jest}}''. For the latter, we'll assume it's the indie rock album, rather than the {{w|Infinite Jest|David Foster Wallace novel}} because, hey, James Roberts.
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange.
*While listing Camiens onboard, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly-created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]] and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*[[Combiner Wars]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2015-05-30T07:21:57Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==

Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to Nautica's wrench at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*?  (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank (G1)|Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*?  (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=

*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==

"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly. 
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves. 
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''Combiner Wars'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalias'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like heiroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious giant spark, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Countdown is famous for his role in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly-decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''{{w|Quantum Leap}}'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest (album)|Infinite Jest}}''. For the latter, we'll assume it's the indie rock album, rather than the {{w|Infinite Jest|David Foster Wallace novel}} because, hey, James Roberts.
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*The script, through Nautica's dialogue, makes the common mistake of mixing up "to infer" with "to imply." She says Rung "inferred" something to her, but the context makes it clear she means "implied."
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange.
*While listing Camiens onboard, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly-created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]] and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*[[Combiner Wars]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

The Sensuous Frame

2015-05-30T07:17:22Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */ He's winking.

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=41
|prev=Our Steps Will Always Rhyme
|next=
|image=MTMTE41_subcvr.jpg
|title="The Sensuous Frame"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 27]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=May 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''The crew of the ''Lost Light'' is invited to the "pre-wake" of the soon-to-be-deceased Thunderclash, but Nightbeat and Getaway soon learn there is quite ''literally'' more than meets the eye going on aboard the ''Vis Vitalis''.'''

==Synopsis==

Decorated space-faring hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] arrives on the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' to see his ailing mentor [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]—at last, the famous Autobot's old war wound has apparently gotten the better of him, and he now lies at death's door. Escorted by the ship's first officer [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] to the side of the mute, unmoving Thunderclash—trapped in alternate mode by [[rigor morphis]]—Countdown is left alone with his former teacher... at which point, he hears a knocking coming from within Thunderclash's trailer. Peering inside, Countdown only has time to scream...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]], [[Getaway]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] are all hanging out in [[Nautica]]'s room, but the [[Caminus|Camien]] bibliophile would rather read about the [[Froidian Classification System]] than indulge their silly antics. Mention of the psychologist's name leads Skids and Getaway to talk about [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], while Brainstorm manages to convince Nautica to try out his upside-down harness, which she ends up enjoying. Brainstorm has also completed an upgrade to Nautica's wrench at Getaway's request: the addition of a torch that counters [[attention deflector]]s, which Getaway plans to use to keep an eye out for the stealthy [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Just then, an unfamiliar ringing is heard throughout the ship...

Simultaneously, in "[[Swerve's]]", Ravage and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] observe as [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]—introverted following [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]'s recent departure—finishes up his four-week viewing of every piece of human art and entertainment ever created. Just as he is describing the lessons he has learned, Swerve is interrupted by the ringing noise, which turns out to be a giant gong that [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is ringing in order to summon the crew together. The gong signifies that the crew have "accomplished something": they have caught up to the ''Vis Vitalis'', and Rodimus can barely suppress his glee when he announces the news that his long-hated rival Thunderclash is on his deathbed, and that the crew are invited to a "pre-wake" in his honor. After giving the crew the news, Rodimus and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] privately reveal to one another that they will not be attending the party, and their attempts to make excuses for not doing so lead to them scheduling a meeting for themselves during which they will "plan".

Later, the pre-wake party is in full swing aboard the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the ''Lost Light''ers are all enjoying themselves... except for wallflowers Rung, Nautica, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. While Nightbeat takes Nautica's wrench and goes off to snoop around the ship, Nautica is approached by Firestar, who it turns out is her old room-mate and [[Amica Endura]] from Caminus, and who joined the ''Vis Vitalis'' crew when she and some other Camiens picked up a distress call and helped fix some damage the ship had taken. As she and Nautica swap stories, however, it soon becomes clear that Firestar is more "frenemy" than "friend", her catty remarks about Nautica's abilities and insistence on using the hated nickname "Naughty Nautica" soon mounting up, culminating in an awkward silence and an uncomfortable parting of the ways.

In Thunderclash's quarters, Camien crewmember [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] shows [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] the supposed map to [[Cyberutopia]] that Thunderclash has carved into the room's wall, drawn from his dreams. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] completes his examination of Thunderclash, which yields surprising results: whatever is killing Thunderclash, it is ''not'' his old [[spark]] injury, which has been miraculously healed around six months prior. Velocity explains that a passing medic was responsible, but cannot remember anything about her. Unable to deduce what has left Thunderclash in his current sorry state, First Aid opens his trailer to carry out an internal examination... but finds nothing.

A little later, after the party has wound down and most of the crew have returned to the ''Lost Light'', Nautica hems and haws about staying for the funeral. A tired, out-of-sorts Skids tells her a few others are staying too, and will be picked up by Rodimus on his way back from a supply run; others such as Nightbeat, who has just found a strangely exhausted Getaway napping in the middle of a corridor. Just as Nightbeat rouses him, Ravage runs screaming down the hallway, his attention deflectors sparking, claiming that something is "everywhere" and "won't stop looking at him". Immensely intrigued, the pair set off after the frightened feline.

In Thunderclash's quarters, First Aid gets as surprise when he hooks the dying 'bot up to a monitor desk, and Thunderclash begins voluntarily, selectively shutting his systems down in order to make his life-signs on the monitor resemble words. First Aid, Velocity and Minimus read his message: "You're all blind, you're all dead" ...and then turn when they hear the sound of knocking coming from within his trailer...

Nightbeat and Getaway follow Ravage into the ship's morgue, where they find the body of ex-racer-turned-public-speaker [[Photon (G1)|Photon]], and the ''still-warm'' corpse of Countdown. Shining the light of Nautica's torch onto Countdown exposes a horrible sight: a mass of [[technorganic]] eggs, clinging to his frame, invisible to the naked optic. Under the light, Getaway realizes they are on his body too... at which point, the pair suddenly find themselves surrounded by clawing alien creatures whose bodies are covered with the mysterious growths!

==Featured characters==

{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (1)
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (2)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (3)
*[[Brainstorm]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (10)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (11)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Siren]] (14)
*[[Aquafend]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*?  (16)
*?  (17)
*?  (18)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (19)
*[[Atomizer]] (20)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (21)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (22)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (23)
*[[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (26)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (27)
*[[Xaaron]] (28)
*[[Dipstick]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Pointblank (G1)|Pointblank]] (30)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (31)
*?  (32)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (33)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (34)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (35)
*?  (36)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (37)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (38)
*[[Doublecross]] (39)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (40)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (41)
*[[Rad]] (42)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (43)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (45)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (46)
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] (47, see errors)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (48)
*[[Javelin]] (49)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (50)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (52)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (53)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (54)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (55)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (56)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (57)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (9)

|c4=

*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (51)
}}

==Quotes==

"This is wonderful! And look! '''Reading!''' I can read upside down! I've always wondered if I could!" 
"You never thought to, I dunno, turn a book upside down?" 
... 
"I'm not here and you can't see me. I'm hiding behind my '''wall of shame.'''"
:—'''Nautica''' tries out Brainstorm's upside-down harness with some help from '''Skids'''

"Finished! One '''upgraded''' wrench! Where's that '''one Shanix''' you promised me?" 
"I fear I may have exploited your ignorance of monetary value. Tell you what: if that thing works, I'll pay you '''two''' Shanix! Whaddya say?"
:—'''Brainstorm''' strikes a hot deal with '''Getaway'''.

"Having devoured 30,000 years' worth of stories and songs—and having read and watched and listened to everything from ''The Maxims of Ptahhotep'' to ''Infinite Jest''—it's only '''now''' that I've come to realize three things—'''three bold and shining truths''' that I'll carry with me '''forever.''' 
:'''One:''' Life is inherently tragic—and over far too quickly. 
:'''Two:''' All art thrives on conflict. We valorize fiction because it helps us make sense of ourselves. 
:'''Three:''' Season 4 of ''Community'' was a serious misstep."
:—'''Swerve'''

"Have you met him?" 
"Not as such. I've tried to '''kill''' him several times..."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on Thunderclash

"I'm gonna plan you '''into next week.'''" 
"Maybe. Or maybe after five minutes you'll get bored and start carving pictures onto your desk." 
"'''Wrong,''' actually! Utterly, demonstrably, '''villainously''' wrong. I ran out of space '''ages''' ago."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron''' on their joint planning session

"What. Is. The. Matter. With. You." 
"I'm '''resting''', I'm not—why are you talking to me like I'm a '''broken vending machine?'''" 
"I'm trying to show concern. I've seen other people do it."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Getaway'''

'''Velocity:''' "He's killing himself to send us a message...?" 
'''Minimus:''' "A '''grammatically correct''' message. Look at that apostrophe..." 
'''First Aid:''' "He had to reduce his lifespan by six hours to generate that apostrophe." 
'''Minimus:''' "I know that's not supposed to '''impress''' me, but..."

"Aren't you going to look? Dead bodies. They're your favorite." 
"'''Murders''' are my favourite. A dead body's just a statement. A murder is a '''question:''' whodunit?"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Nightbeat''' in the morgue

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The presence of Mirage and the Protectobots on the ''Lost Light'' places this story before the ''Combiner Wars'' storyline, already well underway in the book's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|sibling]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|titles]] by the time this issue was released.
*Copious amounts of [[innermost energon]] have been donated for Thunderclash; we were introduced to this practice back in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*[[Rigor morphis]] debuted ''waaaay'' back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|the very first issue]].
*Brainstorm's ability to work while hanging upside was previously seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]].
*Nautica notes that Rung lent her the book she is reading; it was implied in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] that the pair had been exchanging books.
*Skids defends Rung, which indicates he's taking to heart [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]]'s request from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|last issue]] to be a friend to the psychiatrist.
*Megatron and Rodimus's argument about "sulking" and "taking stock" echoes the one they had in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], with the roles reversed.
*Rodimus's habit of carving pictures into his desk was introduced in "[[Signal to Noise]]", back in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]].
*Nautica mentioned having an Amica Endura back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Firestar is the new first officer of the ''Vis Vitalias'', which the ship was in need of since the [[Paddox|last one]] turned out to be an [[Ammonite]] in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Thunderclash's map includes multiple uses of a familiar symbol: a gear-like heiroglyph seen engraved on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] and in the speech bubble of a mysterious giant spark, both from [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]].
*Minimus Ambus mentions that the ''Lost Light'''s version of the map was "memory-resistant", which was discovered in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*The fatal injury that Thunderclash has lived with is revealed to have been received after the fall of [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore prison]], an infamous location previously mentioned in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #39]] and "[[Bullets]]".
*Countdown is famous for his role in the [[Simanzi Massacre]].

===Transformers references===
*Firestar was one of the original [[Female Autobots]], who first appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]". This is her first major role in G1-based fiction since then; she's mostly shown up in cameos since her original debut, partially due to [[Hasbro]]'s inability to [[trademark]] her name, requiring she be replaced in most stories with her lookalike, [[Flareup (disambiguation)|Flareup]]. Only the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] [[Firestar (Prime)|version]] has had any significant role in her continuity's fiction
*Generation 1 [[Micromaster]] Countdown is a similarly little-seen character, having received his biggest fictional role in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s [[Transformers: Micromasters|''Micromasters'' mini-series]]. His being a legendary, highly-decorated space hero comes directly from his original [[bio]].
*Rodimus's quarters are numbered "077"; the original Rodimus Prime toy's [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] was C-77.
*Swerve notes that Ratchet would have loved the party on the ''Vis Vitalis''; it almost never factors into his characterisation in ''any'' fiction, and certainly the current old-and-grumpy IDW incarnation of the character seems ''well'' past enjoying this sort of thing, but Ratchet's original Generation 1 bio does mention that he loves to party.

===Real-life references===
*We don't really need to point out that this issue takes its title from a line in the [[Tennyson|Alfred, Lord Tennyson]] poem ''{{w|In Memoriam A.H.H.}}'', since the poem opens this issue (or more accurately, the 50th of the poem's 133 sub-sections). We previously saw [[Verity Carlo]] with a book of Tennyson's poems in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|issue #5]].
*As Swerve watches television, the narration from the opening sequence of ''{{w|Quantum Leap}}'' plays.
*Specific works Swerve mentions having experienced include {{w|The Maxims of Ptahhotep}} and ''{{w|Infinite Jest (album)|Infinite Jest}}''. For the latter, we'll assume it's the indie rock album, rather than the {{w|Infinite Jest|David Foster Wallace novel}} because, hey, James Roberts.
*As quoted above, Swerve references TV show ''[[Community]]'', but gets cut off before he can finish complaining about the firing of series creator {{w|Dan Harmon}}.
*The "next issue" box promises "murder on the dancefloor", a reference to the {{w|Murder on the Dancefloor|Sophie Ellis-Bextor song of the same name}}.

===Errors===
*The 'bot at the centre of the dancefloor in our first look at the pre-wake is [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but he's been coloured in pale blue, lavender and white instead of his normal yellow, red and orange.
*While listing Camiens onboard, Firestar mentions a "Skystalker", but a few pages later, Nautica talks about a "Sky''striker''". We'd guess that the former is the error, since there are plenty of [[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalkers]] in Transformers already and aside from Firestar, these Camien characters are all newly-created with non-legacy names. Whether or not the name is a deliberate reference to the [[Skystriker|''G.I. Joe'' vehicle]], we couldn't be sure.
*As Getaway and Nightbeat watch Ravage flail around, one of Ravage's speech bubbles ("They won't stop looking at me!") is misaligned—it's supposed to be touching the edge of the panel, but has been placed a little higher, leaving visible the flat edge of the bubble without an outline.
*In the same sequence, some of the sparks flying off of Ravage are miscolored as part of his body, making him appear somewhat tattered.

===Other trivia===
*In addition to Javelin, Velocity, and the above-mentioned Skystriker, new Camiens named but not seen in this issue include [[Proxima]] (who appears on the cover), [[Acceleron]], [[Exocet]] and [[Skimmer (G1)|Skimmer]]. Acceleron and Proxima are both female, while Skystriker is male; Skimmer and Exocet's genders are not mentioned.
*And speaking of which, Acceleron and Proxima are a ''couple'', making them the first-ever official female same-gender couple in Transformers history!
*An additional female Camien, [[Roadmaster]], appears on the cover but is not seen or mentioned in the story.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMT7r5lABc Last Night I Nearly Died (But I Woke Up Just In Time)]" by {{w|Duke Special}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjF6akZ2WqI Sweetest Decline]" by {{w|Beth Orton}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvkI9MTQw4 Cannonball]" by {{w|The Breeders}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9KVfZQgCYg Call Me Ishmael]" by {{w|Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHaNh3jRXg Flightless Bird, American Mouth]" by {{w|Iron & Wine}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Nautica reunites with Firestar and her other old Camien friends, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Thunderclash's huge pre-memorial statue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Drift and Ratchet, by [[Kotteri]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE41 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE41 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #42
*[[Combiner Wars]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[Godzilla]]: Rulers of Earth'' trade paperbacks
*''Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/24609-funeral-for-a-fallen-autobot-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-41-exclusive-preview.html Preview]

Our Steps Will Always Rhyme

2015-05-03T13:47:29Z

Dubbilex: /* Other trivia */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=40
|prev=The Permanent Revolution
|next=
|image=MTMTE40_regcvr.jpg
|title=Chief Medical Officer Ratchet in: "Our Steps Will Always Rhyme"
|caption=Looks like Ratchet has been collecting [[Cyberverse]].
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 29]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=April 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Brendan Cahill]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''A hearing is convened to decide Brainstorm's punishment, which inspires Ratchet to venture off on a mission of his own—but not before he says his farewells properly.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] has never been very good at saying goodbye, whether to [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]], to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], or even to [[Hunter O'Nion]]. Such thoughts are on his mind today, as he enjoys a drink in the deserted [[Swerve's]], while the [[Swerve (G1)|bartender himself]] and [[Ten]] pass the time arranging a huge pyramid of glasses. The pyramid is lucky to be spared what happens next; Ratchet is not so fortunate, and is knocked head over heels as [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] comes careening into the bar on a new hoverboard that he has purchased in [[Fortuna]], capital city of the planet [[Scarvix]], where the ''[[Lost Light]]'' is currently berthed while its [[quantum generator]]s recharge. Tailgate apologizes, but notes how empty the bar is, which Swerve whines is the result of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] opening a competing establishment, [["Visages"]] (quotation marks included!), after the recent poisoning incident at Swerve's. While Swerve laments, Tailgate tells Ratchet he's going fishing for [[Legislator]] body-parts in the [[oil reservoir]] with [[Getaway]]; this turns the subject of conversation towards the put-upon Ten, who [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] has been trying to convince Swerve to treat better. Realising he is running late, Ratchet departs...

...in order to attend the first meeting of the [[Lost Light Internal Legal Affairs Committee]], headed by Ultra Magnus, [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], [[Xaaron]], and an absent [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], who are holding a hearing to decide what [[Brainstorm]]'s punishment will be following his recent deceptions. Brainstorm queries why [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] is not on trial, having been the 'bot who actually fired the fatal shot on their time travel adventure, but [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] has already pleaded Rewind's case in private. When confronted with the [[Decepticon]] symbol within his faceplate, Brainstorm does not deny the implication; [[Nautica]] storms out as Brainstorm details how he chose to become an undercover agent in order to obtain from the Decepticons the resources necessary to build his [[briefcase|time machine]], but notes that he never provided his handlers with any information that would harm the [[Autobot]]s. When the subject of the alternate ''Lost Light'' and the act of treachery by its Brainstorm that resulted in the death of the entire crew is raised, Brainstorm takes a stand, refusing to be held accountable for actions that were not his own—a stand that earns him a solo round of applause from [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. The Committee begrudgingly admits that this is true, but conclude he must still be punished for his attempts to alter history; his time machine is to be destroyed, and his access to his lab is to be strictly regulated, but much to Brainstorm's surprise—and Ratchet's silent but visible dissatisfaction—he is ''not'' going to be kicked off the ship.

Following the hearing, Magnus checks in on the melancholy Megatron, to see if he has taken a missing datapad belonging to Magnus. Megatron denies any involvement, but cryptically claims to be "working". Ratchet, meanwhile, heads to "Visages" to borrow Tailgate's hoverboard; the little 'bot is in the bar with Getaway, and grows confused and upset as the escapologist continues to ply him with drink and 'negative compliments', and claims that [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] has been talking about Tailgate behind his back.

Under the patently phoney ruse that Tailgate's board is infected with teleporting "super-[[scraplet]]s", Ratchet has [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] round up a select few of the crew for "examination". He uses the short, one-on-one sessions to talk candidly with each of them: he scolds Rodimus for the inconsistent treatment Brainstorm has received in comparison with exiled [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]; he gives [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]'s number to [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] in order to get him counselling; he asks [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] to be a friend to Rung outside of officer hours; he helps [[Nautica]] understand that Brainstorm's actions were truly selfless, as he was an [[M.T.O.]] and would have been erased from history had his mission succeeded; he suggests that Swerve try getting Megatron to perform some of his poetry to reinvigorate his bar; and he tries to console Ultra Magnus, who has come to believe that the rest of the crew does not respect him after finding a tiny figurine of his true self, [[Minimus Ambus]], outside his hab-suite door. Once the examinations are done (and First Aid has made it clear he knows Ratchet was making up the "super-scraplets"), Ratchet is once again clobbered by Tailgate on his ''new'' hoverboard, which Tailgate explains was built by Ten. His curiosity piqued, Ratchet visits Ten's makeshift "quarters", where he discovers that the soul of an artist glows within the vocally-impaired robot: Ten has drawn a beautiful mural of the ship's crew on his wall, and built a wide range of miniatures of the same with to-scale dioramas. Noticing that there's a display dedicated to Ultra Magnus, Ratchet realizes that Magnus is Ten's "favorite", and that Ten, wanting something of his, secretly took the missing datapad in exchange for the Minimus figure. Examining the pad, Ratchet discovers why Magnus was so eager to get it back: it contains a poem he is trying to write! Ratchet encourages Ten to return the pad, and types a message for Magnus into it to explain the situation.

A little later, with his new friend Ten at his side, Minimus Ambus enters Swerve's, which is now the popular spot once again after Swerve had Megatron perform... at "Visages"! While Minimus talks about the strange message Ratchet left him, brief moments play out across the ship: Brainstorm and Nautica reconcile; Getaway and Tailgate fish; Cyclonus broods; Rodimus and Perceptor burn Brainstorm's briefcases... save one, which is secretly recovered for Megatron by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]; and First Aid finds Ratchet's quarters deserted, with a communicator and a note at long last appointing First Aid the ship's chief medical officer. As the ''Lost Light'' departs Scarvix, Ratchet watches it go from a small shuttle of his own, before he too takes off... in search of Drift.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (1)
*''[[Roller (IDW)|Roller]]'' (2)
*''[[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]'' (3)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (6)
*[[Siren]] (7)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (8)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (9)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (10)
*[[Xaaron]] (12)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (13)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]/ [[Minimus Ambus]] (14)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (15)
*[[Nautica]] (16)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (17)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (18)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (19)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (21)
*[[Brainstorm]] (22)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (26)
*[[Getaway]] (27)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (30)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (31)
*? (32)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (33)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (34)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (35)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (36)
*[[Grotusque]] (mural, 37)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (mural, 38)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (figurine, 39)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (40)
*[[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] (41)
*[[Atomizer]] (42)
*[[Rad]] (43)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (44)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (45)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (figurine, 46)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*''[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'' (5)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (23)

|c3=
*''[[Hunter O'Nion]]'' (4)
|c4=
*[[Ten]] (11)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==

"I '''hate''' it. I ''(muffled)'' everything about it. It sounds ''(muffled)'' '''awful.'''"
:—'''Swerve''', on "Visages"

'''Brainstorm:''' "Everyone who's ever built a '''fully functioning time machine''', stand up." 
''(Riptide stands up.)'' 
''(beat)'' 
'''Riptide:''' "Oh, a '''time''' machine...! Sorry." 
''(Riptide sits down.)''

"The Decepticons have had their suspicions about me for '''ages.''' I'm the worst double agent '''ever'''. Worse than '''Rung.'''" 
''(beat)'' 
"Joke. Not funny."
:—'''Brainstorm'''

"If I had sarcasm-powered legs, I'd do a '''happy dance'''...!"
:—'''Nautica''' takes the news of a potential scraplet infection poorly

"How do I feel. How do I 'feel'." 
"It's not meant to be a trick question."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Are these your '''favorites'''?" 
"Ten." 
"Yeah. Mine too. You're '''missing someone''', though. Not your fault: you joined after he left. After we '''sent him away.''' You'd have liked him. '''I''' did—probably a lot more than either of us realized."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Ten''' talk about Drift

"I don't trust poetry. What's the point? All these people trying to say something by hiding it behind something else." 
"Someone once said that poetry is a hazardous attempt at self-understanding. It's certainly '''difficult'''..."
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Minimus Ambus'''

'''Brainstorm:''' "I added a new button:" 
'''Nautica's wrench:''' "Brainstorm is an ass!" 
'''Nautica:''' "It's my new favorite."

"This ship is a refuge for the '''emotionally inarticulate'''. Oh, people talk. People talk '''all the time'''. They just don't '''say''' very much. They're too worried about people knowing how they '''feel'''. Too worried about being '''found out'''. For better or worse, we're judged by what we do, and not what we '''say'''. And if it takes us a while to get around to doing something '''important''', well... better late than never."
:—'''Ratchet's''' farewell message

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Ratchet's first flashback shows his parting with [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]], which chronologically takes places between the scenes of the past shown in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issues #11]] and [[Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|issue #36]].
*His second flashback is set before his departure for Earth, prior to [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]], IDW's first ''Transformers'' issue. We also learn that Ratchet's departure was what convinced Pharma to transfer to [[Delphi]], where we met him in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]]. Pharma is depicted tinkering with a transformation cog, foreshadowing his eventual fall from grace.
*The third flashback shows Ratchet (in his "-ations"-era body, complete with [[holomatter]] avatar and even speech-bubble and font design from that time) returning [[Hunter O'Nion]] home following his separation from [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], set in the missing year between [[Maximum Dinobots issue 5|''Maximum Dinobots'' #5]] and [[All Hail Megatron issue 1|''All Hail Megatron'' #1]]. [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] is shown watching Hunter, alluding to his eventual capture of the boy and the pillaging of his mind, revealed in [[All Hail Megatron issue 8|''All Hail Megatron'' #8]].
*Hunter is noted to be going to his sister's house, a small allusion to the non-canonical strip "[[Hail and Farewell]]", in which Hunter's sister was noted to be his only remaining family.
*Tailgate's been inspired to get a hoverboard after watching ''Back to the Future Part II'' in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
*The oil reservoir is full of Legislator body parts after Skids tore an entire battalion of them apart down there back in [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|issue #18]].
*Someone has written "I failed the [[Ambus Test]]" on Ten's back; the test, an indicator of sentience, was previously mentioned in [[Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|issue #24]].
*Getaway's behaviour towards Tailgate has grown noticeably more creepy from when we first saw it in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|issue #30]].
*Ratchet feels Hoist needs "someone to talk to"; that's likely because of his isolation issues, which we saw illustrated in [[The Waiting Game|''Spotlight: Hoist'']], and which are no doubt flaring up after [[Trailbreaker (G1)|his roommate]] died in [[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|issue #34]], only the week before the events of this issue.
*We've known that "Brainstorm" isn't Brainstorm's real name since [[The Reluctant Specialist|''Spotlight: Trailcutter'']]; here, Nautica reveals that it is "Genitus of Operation: Solar Storm".
*Ratchet encourages Skids to get the "puncture wounds" on his neck fixed; those would be the [[mnemosurgery]] holes Chromedome left after [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*In keeping with her professed enthusiasm for engex in issue 28, Nautica nurses a giant-sized drinking glass at Swerve's.
*In the same panel, "Whirl Wuz Here" can be seen scrawled on a chair. Whirl's propensity for graffiti was previously brought up in the Annual, as well as earlier this very issue in relation to the writing on Ten's back. Further, the specific words call back to the desk graffiti on one of the (out-of-continuity) covers to issue 5: "Whirl Wuzent Here".
*Also in this same panel, Brainstorm's Autobot symbol is noticeably absent from his chest, presumably a consequence in some way or other of his revealed duplicity.
*Ratchet's departure leads into his role in the [[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|''Drift - Empire of Stone'']] mini-series, already published in full by the time of this issue's release.
*The long-range communicator Ratchet takes bears a noticeable resemblance to the "time phone" of the Elegant Chaos arc, which makes sense seeing as how the latter certainly didn't seem constrained by distance in its depiction.
*First Aid's tenure as Chief Medical Officer will be brief, as he and several others will be leaving the ship shortly in order to be part of the "[[Combiner Wars]]". In fact, the comic showing his departure, "[[The Possible Light]]", had been published two weeks prior.

===Transformers references===
*The planet Scarvix appeared in [[Headhunt|issue #133]] of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|Marvel UK Generation 1 comic]].
*The 'bots who Tailgate nearly knocks down while on his board are Siren, Nightbeat and Hosehead, the full roster of 1988 Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]]. As a cute reference, Hosehead claims Tailgate "nearly took [his] head off".
*As Swerve directs Ten around, he says: "A little to the left... a little bit more", a verbatim quote from [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' as he arranges the positioning of a roadblock, right before Hot Rod comes crashing through.
*The rise and fall of Mirage's bar was first mentioned in [[The Possible Light|''The Transformers'' #40]], just a few weeks before this issue was published.
*When Ratchet describes the "super-scraplets", he uses the onomatopoeia "Vop!" to illustrate their teleportation abilities. That's the sound effect IDW uses for [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleports.

===Real-life references===
*This issue's title is a lyric from the {{w|Leonard Cohen}} song, "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye", a pretty self-explanatory reference.
*Siren's exclamation of "I'm walkin' here!" is an oft-quoted line of {{w|Dustin Hoffman}}'s from the 1969 film ''{{w|Midnight Cowboy}}''.
*When Ratchet leaves Hunter home, the human notes he is going to catch up on a lot of television, listing off the hot-name shows that were airing at the time the scene is set, in the late 2000s: the reimagined ''{{w|Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica}}'', ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' and ''{{w|Heroes (TV series)|Heroes}}''.
*After Tailgate smacks into Ratchet for the second time, Ratchet returns his hoverboard and says "Hey, kid, thanks", paraphrasing similar lines from ''{{w|Back to the Future}}'' and {{w|Back to the Future Part II|its sequel}} when {{w|Marty McFly}} returns borrowed boards to their owners.
*The individual mentioned in Minimus's remark on the nature of poetry, quoted above, was {{w|Robert Penn Warren}}, who wrote: "For what is a poem but a hazardous attempt at self-understanding: it is the deepest part of autobiography."

===Errors===
*It is pretty odd that Ratchet should complain about Drift have receiving a "disproportionate punishment", because [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]] revealed that Drift ''insisted'' on taking fall for Rodimus, and [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|issue #26]] established that this was ''later revealed to the crew''. So Ratchet is complaining that Drift received a sentence that ''Ratchet knows was phoney, and which Drift was fine with.''

===Other trivia===
*After running a month behind for the first quarter of 2015, ''More than Meets the Eye'' gets back on schedule with this issue, the second of two released in April.
*There are plenty of ''Lost Light'' regulars who aren't part of Ten's mural, but it's pretty telling that Ten has left Swerve himself out of the artwork.
*Also, Ten seems to depict himself with eyes in both his mural and his miniature, despite being a Legislator and having none.
*In accordance with Ratchet's suggestion, Skids can be seen socializing with Rung in the background, towards the end of the issue.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgb8am3NQU0 Nobody's Empire]" by {{w|Belle and Sebastian}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYRoZELZY3w Love Expression]" by {{w|It's Jo and Danny}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jexNsBjz1r8 Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye]" by Leonard Cohen

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' The ''Lost Light'' crew in Ratchet's tender hands, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Tailgate on his hoverboard as Getaway, Cyclonus and Ultra Magnus look on, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Brainstorm in the spotlight, with Nautica, Ratchet, and Ultra Magnus silently judging, by [[Brendan Cahill]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE40 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE40 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE40 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #41
*"[[Combiner Wars]]"
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters'' trade paperback
*IDW ''Skylanders'' comic
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[My Little Pony]]: FIENDship Is Magic'' comic book event
*Disney comics are back! (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/comic-previews/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-40-idw-2015 Preview]

Our Steps Will Always Rhyme

2015-05-02T20:17:18Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=40
|prev=The Permanent Revolution
|next=
|image=MTMTE40_regcvr.jpg
|title=Chief Medical Officer Ratchet in: "Our Steps Will Always Rhyme"
|caption=Looks like Ratchet has been collecting [[Cyberverse]].
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 29]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=April 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Brendan Cahill]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''A hearing is convened to decide Brainstorm's punishment, which inspires Ratchet to venture off on a mission of his own—but not before he says his farewells properly.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] has never been very good at saying goodbye, whether to [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]], to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], or even to [[Hunter O'Nion]]. Such thoughts are on his mind today, as he enjoys a drink in the deserted [[Swerve's]], while the [[Swerve (G1)|bartender himself]] and [[Ten]] pass the time arranging a huge pyramid of glasses. The pyramid is lucky to be spared what happens next; Ratchet is not so fortunate, and is knocked head over heels as [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] comes careening into the bar on a new hoverboard that he has purchased in [[Fortuna]], capital city of the planet [[Scarvix]], where the ''[[Lost Light]]'' is currently berthed while its [[quantum generator]]s recharge. Tailgate apologizes, but notes how empty the bar is, which Swerve whines is the result of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] opening a competing establishment, [["Visages"]] (quotation marks included!), after the recent poisoning incident at Swerve's. While Swerve laments, Tailgate tells Ratchet he's going fishing for [[Legislator]] body-parts in the [[oil reservoir]] with [[Getaway]]; this turns the subject of conversation towards the put-upon Ten, who [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] has been trying to convince Swerve to treat better. Realising he is running late, Ratchet departs...

...in order to attend the first meeting of the [[Lost Light Internal Legal Affairs Committee]], headed by Ultra Magnus, [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], [[Xaaron]], and an absent [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], who are holding a hearing to decide what [[Brainstorm]]'s punishment will be following his recent deceptions. Brainstorm queries why [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] is not on trial, having been the 'bot who actually fired the fatal shot on their time travel adventure, but [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] has already plead Rewind's case in private. When confronted with the [[Decepticon]] symbol within his faceplate, Brainstorm does not deny the implication; [[Nautica]] storms out as Brainstorm details how he chose to become an undercover agent in order to obtain from the Decepticons the resources necessary to build his [[briefcase|time machine]], but notes that he never provided his handlers with any information that would harm the [[Autobot]]s. When the subject of the alternate ''Lost Light'' and the act of treachery by its Brainstorm that resulted in the death of the entire crew is raised, Brainstorm takes a stand, refusing to be held accountable for actions that were not his own—a stand that earns him a solo round of applause from [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. The Committee begrudgingly admits that this is true, but conclude he must still be punished for his attempts to alter history; his time machine is to be destroyed, and his access to his lab is to be strictly regulated, but much to Brainstorm's surprise—and Ratchet's silent but visible dissatisfaction—he is ''not'' going to be kicked off the ship.

Following the hearing, Magnus checks in on the melancholy Megatron, to see if he has taken a missing datapad belonging to Magnus. Megatron denies any involvement, but cryptically claims to be "working". Ratchet, meanwhile, heads to "Visages" to borrow Tailgate's hoverboard; the little 'bot is in the bar with Getaway, and grows confused and upset as the escapologist continues to ply him with drink and 'negative compliments', and claims that [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] has been talking about Tailgate behind his back.

Under the patently phoney ruse that Tailgate's board is infected with teleporting "super-[[scraplet]]s", Ratchet has [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] round up a select few of the crew for "examination". He uses the short, one-on-one sessions to talk candidly with each of them: he scolds Rodimus for the inconsistent treatment Brainstorm has received in comparison with exiled [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]; he gives [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]'s number to [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] in order to get him counselling; he asks [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] to be a friend to Rung outside of officer hours; he helps [[Nautica]] understand that Brainstorm's actions were truly selfless, as he was an [[M.T.O.]] and would have been erased from history had his mission succeeded; he suggests that Swerve try getting Megatron to perform some of his poetry to reinvigorate his bar; and he tries to console Ultra Magnus, who has come to believe that the rest of the crew does not respect him after finding a tiny figurine of his true self, [[Minimus Ambus]], outside his hab-suite door. Once the examinations are done (and First Aid has made it clear he knows Ratchet was making up the "super-scraplets"), Ratchet is once again clobbered by Tailgate on his ''new'' hoverboard, which Tailgate explains was built by Ten. His curiosity piqued, Ratchet visits Ten's makeshift "quarters", where he discovers that the soul of an artist glows within the vocally-impaired robot: Ten has drawn a beautiful mural of the ship's crew on his wall, and built a wide range of miniatures of the same with to-scale dioramas. Noticing that there's a display dedicated to Ultra Magnus, Ratchet realizes that Magnus is Ten's "favorite", and that Ten, wanting something of his, secretly took the missing datapad in exchange for the Minimus figure. Examining the pad, Ratchet discovers why Magnus was so eager to get it back: it contains a poem he is trying to write! Ratchet encourages Ten to return the pad, and types a message for Magnus into it to explain the situation.

A little later, with his new friend Ten at his side, Minimus Ambus enters Swerve's, which is now the popular spot once again after Swerve had Megatron perform... at "Visages"! While Minimus talks about the strange message Ratchet left him, brief moments play out across the ship: Brainstorm and Nautica reconcile; Getaway and Tailgate fish; Cyclonus broods; Rodimus and Perceptor burn Brainstorm's briefcases... save one, which is secretly recovered for Megatron by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]; and First Aid finds Ratchet's quarters deserted, with a communicator and a note at long last appointing First Aid the ship's chief medical officer. As the ''Lost Light'' departs Scarvix, Ratchet watches it go from a small shuttle of his own, before he too takes off... in search of Drift.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (1)
*''[[Roller (IDW)|Roller]]'' (2)
*''[[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]'' (3)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (6)
*[[Siren]] (7)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (8)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (9)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (10)
*[[Xaaron]] (12)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (13)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]/ [[Minimus Ambus]] (14)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (15)
*[[Nautica]] (16)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (17)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (18)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (19)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (21)
*[[Brainstorm]] (22)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (26)
*[[Getaway]] (27)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (30)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (31)
*? (32)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (33)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (34)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (35)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (36)
*[[Grotusque]] (mural, 37)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (mural, 38)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (figurine, 39)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (40)
*[[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] (41)
*[[Atomizer]] (42)
*[[Rad]] (43)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (44)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (45)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (figurine, 46)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*''[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'' (5)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (23)

|c3=
*''[[Hunter O'Nion]]'' (4)
|c4=
*[[Ten]] (11)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==

"I '''hate''' it. I ''(muffled)'' everything about it. It sounds ''(muffled)'' '''awful.'''"
:—'''Swerve''', on "Visages"

'''Brainstorm:''' "Everyone who's ever built a '''fully functioning time machine''', stand up." 
''(Riptide stands up.)'' 
''(beat)'' 
'''Riptide:''' "Oh, a '''time''' machine...! Sorry." 
''(Riptide sits down.)''

"The Decepticons have had their suspicions about me for '''ages.''' I'm the worst double agent '''ever'''. Worse than '''Rung.'''" 
''(beat)'' 
"Joke. Not funny."
:—'''Brainstorm'''

"If I had sarcasm-powered legs, I'd do a '''happy dance'''...!"
:—'''Nautica''' takes the news of a potential scraplet infection poorly

"How do I feel. How do I 'feel'." 
"It's not meant to be a trick question."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Are these your '''favorites'''?" 
"Ten." 
"Yeah. Mine too. You're '''missing someone''', though. Not your fault: you joined after he left. After we '''sent him away.''' You'd have liked him. '''I''' did—probably a lot more than either of us realized."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Ten''' talk about Drift

"I don't trust poetry. What's the point? All these people trying to say something by hiding it behind something else." 
"Someone once said that poetry is a hazardous attempt at self-understanding. It's certainly '''difficult'''..."
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Minimus Ambus'''

'''Brainstorm:''' "I added a new button:" 
'''Nautica's wrench:''' "Brainstorm is an ass!" 
'''Nautica:''' "It's my new favorite."

"This ship is a refuge for the '''emotionally inarticulate'''. Oh, people talk. People talk '''all the time'''. They just don't '''say''' very much. They're too worried about people knowing how they '''feel'''. Too worried about being '''found out'''. For better or worse, we're judged by what we do, and not what we '''say'''. And if it takes us a while to get around to doing something '''important''', well... better late than never."
:—'''Ratchet's''' farewell message

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Ratchet's first flashback shows his parting with [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]], which chronologically takes places between the scenes of the past shown in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issues #11]] and [[Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|issue #36]].
*His second flashback is set before his departure for Earth, prior to [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' #0]], IDW's first ''Transformers'' issue. We also learn that Ratchet's departure was what convinced Pharma to transfer to [[Delphi]], where we met him in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]]. Pharma is depicted tinkering with a transformation cog, foreshadowing his eventual fall from grace.
*The third flashback shows Ratchet (in his "-ations"-era body, complete with [[holomatter]] avatar and even speech-bubble and font design from that time) returning [[Hunter O'Nion]] home following his separation from [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], set in the missing year between [[Maximum Dinobots issue 5|''Maximum Dinobots'' #5]] and [[All Hail Megatron issue 1|''All Hail Megatron'' #1]]. [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] is shown watching Hunter, alluding to his eventual capture of the boy and the pillaging of his mind, revealed in [[All Hail Megatron issue 8|''All Hail Megatron'' #8]].
*Hunter is noted to be going to his sister's house, a small allusion to the non-canonical strip "[[Hail and Farewell]]", in which Hunter's sister was noted to be his only remaining family.
*Tailgate's been inspired to get a hoverboard after watching ''Back to the Future Part II'' in [[Elegant Chaos Part 3: Predestination: An Expert's Guide|issue #38]].
*The oil reservoir is full of Legislator body parts after Skids tore an entire battalion of them apart down there back in [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|issue #18]].
*Someone has written "I failed the [[Ambus Test]]" on Ten's back; the test, an indicator of sentience, was previously mentioned in [[Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|issue #24]].
*Getaway's behaviour towards Tailgate has grown noticeably more creepy from when we first saw it in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|issue #30]].
*Ratchet feels Hoist needs "someone to talk to"; that's likely because of his isolation issues, which we saw illustrated in [[The Waiting Game|''Spotlight: Hoist'']], and which are no doubt flaring up after [[Trailbreaker (G1)|his roommate]] died in [[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|issue #34]], only the week before the events of this issue.
*We've known that "Brainstorm" isn't Brainstorm's real name since [[The Reluctant Specialist|''Spotlight: Trailcutter'']]; here, Nautica reveals that it is "Genitus of Operation: Solar Storm".
*Ratchet encourages Skids to get the "puncture wounds" on his neck fixed; those would be the [[mnemosurgery]] holes Chromedome left after [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*In keeping with her professed enthusiasm for engex in issue 28, Nautica nurses a giant-sized drinking glass at Swerve's.
*In the same panel, "Whirl Wuz Here" can be seen scrawled on a chair. Whirl's propensity for graffiti was previously brought up in the Annual, as well as earlier this very issue in relation to the writing on Ten's back. Further, the specific words call back to the desk graffiti on one of the (out-of-continuity) covers to issue 5: "Whirl Wuzent Here".
*Also in this same panel, Brainstorm's Autobot symbol is noticeably absent from his chest, presumably a consequence in some way or other of his revealed duplicity.
*Ratchet's departure leads into his role in the [[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|''Drift - Empire of Stone'']] mini-series, already published in full by the time of this issue's release.
*The long-range communicator Ratchet takes bears a noticeable resemblance to the "time phone" of the Elegant Chaos arc, which makes sense seeing as how the latter certainly didn't seem constrained by distance in its depiction.
*First Aid's tenure as Chief Medical Officer will be brief, as he and several others will be leaving the ship shortly in order to be part of the "[[Combiner Wars]]". In fact, the comic showing his departure, "[[The Possible Light]]", had been published two weeks prior.

===Transformers references===
*The planet Scarvix appeared in [[Headhunt|issue #133]] of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|Marvel UK Generation 1 comic]].
*The 'bots who Tailgate nearly knocks down while on his board are Siren, Nightbeat and Hosehead, the full roster of 1988 Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]]. As a cute reference, Hosehead claims Tailgate "nearly took [his] head off".
*As Swerve directs Ten around, he says: "A little to the left... a little bit more", a verbatim quote from [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' as he arranges the positioning of a roadblock, right before Hot Rod comes crashing through.
*The rise and fall of Mirage's bar was first mentioned in [[The Possible Light|''The Transformers'' #40]], just a few weeks before this issue was published.
*When Ratchet describes the "super-scraplets", he uses the onomatopoeia "Vop!" to illustrate their teleportation abilities. That's the sound effect IDW uses for [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s teleports.

===Real-life references===
*This issue's title is a lyric from the {{w|Leonard Cohen}} song, "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye", a pretty self-explanatory reference.
*Siren's exclamation of "I'm walkin' here!" is an oft-quoted line of Dustin Hoffman's from the 1969 film ''Midnight Cowboy''.
*When Ratchet leaves Hunter home, the human notes he is going to catch up on a lot of television, listing off the hot-name shows that were airing at the time the scene is set, in the late 2000s: ''{{w|Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica}}'', ''{{w|Doctor Who}}'' and ''{{w|Heroes (TV series)|Heroes}}''.
*After Tailgate smacks into Ratchet for the second time, Ratchet returns his hoverboard and says "Hey, kid, thanks", paraphrasing similar lines from ''Back to the Future'' and its sequel when Marty returns borrowed boards to their owners.
*The individual mentioned in Minimus's remark on the nature of poetry, quoted above, was {{w|Robert Penn Warren}}, who wrote: "For what is a poem but a hazardous attempt at self-understanding: it is the deepest part of autobiography."

===Errors===
*It is pretty odd that Ratchet should complain about Drift have receiving a "disproportionate punishment", because [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]] revealed that Drift ''insisted'' on taking fall for Rodimus, and [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|issue #26]] established that this was ''later revealed to the crew''. So Ratchet is complaining that Drift received a sentence that ''Ratchet knows was phoney, and which Drift was fine with.''

===Other trivia===
*After running a month behind for the first quarter of 2015, ''More than Meets the Eye'' gets back on schedule with this issue, the second of two released in April.
*There are plenty of ''Lost Light'' regulars who aren't part of Ten's mural, but it's pretty telling that Ten has left Swerve himself out of the artwork.
*Also, Ten seems to depict himself with eyes in both his mural and his miniature, despite being a Legislator and having none.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgb8am3NQU0 Nobody's Empire]" by {{w|Belle and Sebastian}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYRoZELZY3w Love Expression]" by {{w|It's Jo and Danny}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jexNsBjz1r8 Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye]" by Leonard Cohen

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' The ''Lost Light'' crew in Ratchet's tender hands, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Tailgate on his hoverboard as Getaway, Cyclonus and Ultra Magnus look on, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Brainstorm in the spotlight, with Nautica, Ratchet, and Ultra Magnus silently judging, by [[Brendan Cahill]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE40 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE40 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE40 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #41
*"[[Combiner Wars]]"
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Expelled from the Garden|#6]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters'' trade paperback
*IDW ''Skylanders'' comic
*IDW ''[[Jem|Jem and the Holograms]]'' comic
*''[[My Little Pony]]: FIENDship Is Magic'' comic book event
*Disney comics are back! (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/comic-previews/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-40-idw-2015 Preview]

Expelled from the Garden

2015-04-24T08:50:58Z

Dubbilex: /* Other notes */ It's always been 20-pages.

{{Comicstory|series=tfvsjoe
|issueno=6
|prev=Everybody Hates Metroplex
|next=
|image=TFvsJoe6_regcvr.jpg
|title="Expelled from the Garden"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 8]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[Tom Scioli]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=Tom Scioli
|colors by=Tom Scioli
|letters by=Tom Scioli
|production by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]
}}

'''While the captive Joes and Autobots are at Decepticobra's mercy on Cybertron, on Earth, it's all-out war in the streets of New York as Optimus Prime invades T.H.E. P.I.T. just as the Serpentress leads an attack on the United Nations!'''

==Synopsis==

[[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] is left dumbfounded by the contents of the [[Decepticobranomicon]]—the holy scripture of the cult of [[Cobra]]—which tells a warped, Cobra-centric version of the Biblical Book of Genesis that claims Cybertronian involvement in mankind's history since the Garden of Eden, and that the infamous serpent in that garden was the father of a reptilian race sired through [[Eve]]. Roadblock does not have long to ponder the book, though, as he is soon put to work in Cobra's kitchens, while the rest of the captured [[G.I. Joe (team)|Joes]] and [[Autobot]]s are shuttled off to the [[Polyhex Killway]] on [[Astrotrain (G1)|the Astrotrain]]. An Autobot/Joe unit attacks Astrotrain en route, and although they are defeated, an insertion team led by [[Scarlett]] is able to stow away on Astrotrain as he takes off for [[Polyhex]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok, the city of madness]].

Elsewhere on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]] confidently strides into [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's Lubricarium]] and scales the bar. The sozzled patrons are amazed at the little human's bravado and even pour him a drink... which Snake Eyes then kicks into a boozehound's face, igniting a bar fight. During the brawl, Snake Eyes pins one of the 'bots to the floor with his swords; in agony, his victim offers information, fuel, guns, or ''whatever'' the ninja wants, but Snake Eyes remains as silent as ever...

On [[Earth]], the Eskimo mercenary [[Kwinn]] leads [[Major Bludd]], [[Tomax and Xamot]], their unidentified liberator, and the masked mastermind behind their escape to a remote spot in the [[Arctic]]. There, the sibilant mystery man bemoans the depths to which Cobra has sunk, turned by its new leaders into "slaves of the machines", and resolves to put things to right... and from a chasm in the ice, he summons the monstrous, tentacled [[Koh-Buru-Lah (creature)|Koh-Buru-Lah]], demonic god of the cult of Cobra, and its reptilian army!

In [[New York City]], [[General Flagg]] appeals to the "[[Jugglers]]"—a secret cabal within the government—to nuke Cybertron, which has infected [[Saturn]] and [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] with its technological touch, and now floats above Earth itself, having made the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] its latest victim. Simultaneously, in the nearby [[United Nations]] building, the forces of Decepticobra attack, and the [[Baroness|Serpentress]] addresses the assembled delegates with the intention of convincing them all to submit to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s rule. Her speech, however, is cut off by an explosion elsewhere in the city—[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has arrived on Earth and tracked [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s life-pattern to Joe headquarters [[T.H.E. P.I.T.]], now revealed to be located beneath New York. As Prime tears into the secret base, [[Doctor Venom]] counterattacks with the fruit of his arcane experiments: he has transformed Bumblebee's body into armor for himself, and [[binary bonding|binary bonded]] himself to [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s corpse as its new head!

Back on Cybertron, Megatron and an audience of onlookers watch as [[Destro]] and [[Zartan]] pit the captive Autobots and Joes against one another in the Polyhex Killway arena, manipulating their movements remotely with mind-control technology. When [[Spearhead (G.I. Joe)|Spearhead]] splits [[Galen Kord|Galen]]'s helmet with his weapon, all assembled are shocked as the helmet falls away to reveal that Galen is actually a [[human]]!

In [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Bazooka (G.I. Joe)|Bazooka]] awakens to discover that he has drawn a strange map in his sleep, that points the way to "[[Primus]]", who the Autobots explain is their legendary creator. A Joe/Autobot team heads out to follow Bazooka's map, which leads them to a vast underground chamber containing Primus's continent-sized visage. But the cybergod's mind has been overtaken: the [[Decepticon]]s have erected a temple on his brow and infected him—and through him, the planet—with Megatron's will. As battle breaks out between the Joes and Autobots and the temple's guards, Bazooka finds himself sucked ''into'' Primus as the god takes an inward breath, and sees a vision of a Cybertron transformed, consuming other planets in the name of Megatron...

Grotesque surprises await [[Tunnel Rat]] in the core of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]; having escaped his cell before the prisoners were sent to Polyhex, he now stumbles upon a machine containing numerous human beings in cubes... though he cannot tell if they are captives, or if the machine has ''grown'' them. Turning a corner, he gets one more unwelcome shock, as [[Wild Bill]]'s corpse is autopsied... by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], turned traitor and now wearing the Decepticon badge!

In New York, the Jugglers reject Flagg's suggestion, hoping to exploit Cybertron's resources for their own gain, and inform him that G.I. Joe is being decommissioned and their duties handed over to a "private contractor". Flagg does not take this lying down, and instead opens fire, announcing that the Joe team will be taking control of not just the Cybertronian situation, but the ''world''. His show of force is returned by the Jugglers' intended replacements for the Joes: an army of ninjas known as [[GIJONIN]]! The fight quickly spills into the streets outside, which are already awash with violence—Decepticobra has suspended their visit to the UN to get involved in Optimus Prime's continuing battle with Doctor Venom, and has met with Joe resistance, including the long-mothballed [[Battleforce 2000]]. Worse still, the Joes discover their own ranks have been infiltrated when five of their vehicles reveal themselves to be the disguised [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who combine into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]! And as if things were not chaotic enough, over the horizon, the floating, globular form of Koh-Buru-Lah soon comes into view! None of this fazes the stoic Optimus Prime, however, who focuses on his primary goal: he wrenches Bumblebee free from Soundwave's body and departs the still-ongoing battle to return to Cybertron with his small friend's remains... with Doctor Venom still inside!

And elsewhere... perhaps, else''when''... Scarlett awakens to find herself in a hospital, surrounded by Transformer and G.I. Joe action figures. A [[Doctor Mindbender|Doctor Mindelbinder]] addresses his colleagues, informing them has Scarlett is an ex-soldier coping with trauma by retreating into fantasy, and that she has dreamed the entire Joe/Cobra/Autobot/Decepticon conflict. But Scarlett refuses to believe this, and pounces on the doctor...!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (15)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (16)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (17)
*[[Galen Kord|Galen]] (18)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (42)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (48)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (53)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (54)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] (55)

|c2=
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (23)
*[[Bus Decepticon]] (36)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (38)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (39)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (49)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (50)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (52)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (61)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (62)
*[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] (64)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (67)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (68)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (69)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (72)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (73)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (74)

|h3=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c3=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tunnel Rat]] (3)
*[[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] (4)
*[[Spearhead (G.I. Joe)|Spearhead]] (6)
*[[General Flagg]] (8)
*[[Gung-Ho]] (13)
*[[Alpine]] (14)
*[[Mutt]] (19)
*[[Dusty]] (20)
*[[Spirit]] (21)
*[[Junkyard (G.I. Joe)|Junkyard]] (24)
*[[Scarlett]] (25)
*[[Quick Kick]] (26)
*[[Beachhead]] (27)
*[[Steeler]] (28)
*[[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] (43)
*[[Spirit]] (44)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] (45)
*[[Lady Jaye]] (46)
*[[Doctor Venom]] (47)
*[[Bazooka (G.I. Joe)|Bazooka]] (56)
*[[Cover Girl]] (57)
*[[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] (58)
*[[Tripwire (G.I. Joe)|Tripwire]] (59)
*[[Wild Bill]] (corpse, 63)
*[[Footloose]] (66)
*[[Ghostrider]] (70)
*[[Law]] (71)
*[[Dodger (G.I. Joe)|Dodger]] (73)
*[[Blocker (G.I. Joe)|Blocker]] (74)
*[[Deejay]] (75)
*[[Knockdown (G.I. Joe)|Knockdown]] (76)
*[[Maverick (G.I. Joe)|Maverick]] (77)
{{!}}}
|h4=[[Cobra]]|c4=
*[[Raptor]] (5)
*[[Cobra]] troopers (7)
*[[Snake-Eyes|Snake Eyes]] (10)
*[[Dreadnok|Torch]] (11)
*[[Dreadnok|Ripper]] (12)
*[[Major Bludd]] (30)
*[[Firefly]] (31)
*[[Cobra Commander]] (32)
*[[Tomax and Xamot]] (33-34)
*[[Crimson Guard]]smen (37)
*[[Destro]] (40)
*[[Baroness|Serpentress]] (41)
*[[Zartan]] (51)
*[[Crocmaster]] (72)
*[[Doctor Mindbender|Doctor Mindelbinder]] (78)

|h5=Others|c5=
*''[[Eve]]'' (1)
*''[[Adam]]'' (2)
*[[Jugglers]] (9)
*[[Kwinn]] (29)
*[[Koh-Buru-Lah (creature)|Koh-Buru-Lah]] (35)
*[[Primus]] (60)
*[[GIJONIN]] ninjas (65)
}}

==Quotes==

"The prisoners get their assignments. Those with useful skills are put to work serving the needs of Megatron's elite. They get loaded on the Astrotrian and sent to their fates. To the Polyhex Killway or worse—to Scorponok. Dark things happen within the walls of Scorponok. Pray you catch the Astrotrain before he delivers you friends to that city of madness. And if you catch the 'train, make sure you kill the 'train, or he'll make you his passenger too."
:—Dramatic narration!

"This is bigger than any of you clowns! It's a war for the planet— it's Joe's war!" 
"You're talking about a coup—a military takeover of the nation!?" 
"No! I'm talking about a G.I. Joe takeover of the world! On behalf of the American people I want to thank this committee for its service. You are hereby relieved of duty. If the human race goes down the drain it's on me and mine. <big>'''JOE'S IN CHARGE!!"'''</big>
:—'''General Flagg''' takes on the '''Jugglers'''

"You're an impressive specimen, Optimus. Imagine what you could accomplish with my high I.Q."
:—'''Doctor Venom'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*In the image we see of Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden, Adam is holding a wooden staff, identical in shape to Hawk's mysterious tomahawk, which was shown last issue to date back to the time of the Vikings. Looks like it's a ''lot'' older than that!
*Though the identity of the sibilant, blue-clad mastermind responsible for organizing Bludd, Xamot and Tomax's escape from prison last issue is not revealed this issue (with Scioli referring to him only as "the mystery villain" in the issue's commentary, and a large "?" appearing in place of his face during a series of talking-head shots), c'mon, it's friggin' [[Cobra Commander]]. He was revealed to not be dead after all last issue.
*"Koh-Buru-Lah" was previously suggested to be the name of Cobra's temple headquarters in [[The Golden Boys|issue #0]], where the narration referred to Starscream as the "Colossus of Koh-Buru-Lah". Here, we discover it is actually the name of the "god" the Cobra cult worships.
*Doctor Venom began his experiments on Bumblebee and Soundwave in [[Form Follows Function|issue #4]]. During the fight, we see several skeletons spill out of Soundwave's chest compartment—the unfortunate "Greenshirt" Joes that Venom sacrificed to his dark work.
*Bazooka saw the face of Primus in a hallucination back in issue #4.
*Wild Bill died in [[Targetmasters (issue)|issue #2]], but we didn't realize it until last issue.

===Transformers references===
*Ironhide's "file card" gives his function as "Royal Guard to the House of Primes", a rather grand re-interpretation of role as Optimus Prime's bodyguard, which was mentioned in his original [[bio]] but has never factored into fiction very much.
*Bruticus' file card simply reads "We Aim to Maim", a line uttered by Brawl in reference to the Combaticon unit in [[Spotlight: Arcee]].
*Though the word isn't used, Doctor Venom's bond with Bumblebee and Soundwave is obviously evocative of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster technology]], further highlighted with the revelation that Galen is also a human (no word on whether he is an Earthling or not; in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel ''Transformers'' series]], [[Nebulan]]s were often referred to as humans). Optimus Prime refers to the link as a [[Binary bonding|binary bond]].
*Tripwire remarks on Rodimus's similarity to Primus, which originated with the first physical depiction of Primus in Marvel UK's "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]".

===G.I. Joe references===
*The "Jugglers" were a secret committee of generals with whom the Joes often butted heads in the original Marvel ''G.I. Joe'' comic series.
*Kwinn the eskimo (named after the {{w|Quinn the Eskimo (Mighty Quinn)|Bob Dylan song}}) was a memorable supporting character during the first two years of the Marvel ''Joe'' series.
*The idea of Cobra being the offshoot of some kind of ancient race that dwells beneath the ice seems to be inspired by [[Cobra-La]], from ''G.I. Joe: The Movie''. Where that story depicted said race as vaguely-serpent-themed human-like creatures living in a city beneath the Himalayas, here, "Koh-Buru-Lah" is an "[[Elder God]]"-style beast, and progenitor of a race of reptilian humanoids that began with the reptiloid foetus we see growing inside Eve on the first page. The ululating battle cry from the movie is adapted into the story just as the name is: "KOH-BURU-LA-LA-LA-LA-LAH!"
*The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] (though not individually referred to by name) mostly turn into recognizable G.I. Joe vehicles. Vortex is a Tomahawk helicopter; Brawl is a MOBAT, and Swindle is an APC, while Blast Off turns into a generic transport plane. These modes are generally evocative of their standard vehicle forms, but the odd 'bot out is Onslaught, who turns into a stealth bomber, so as to give Bruticus a nifty chestplate.
*The pilot of the stealth bomber that turns out to be Onslaught has his file card obscured by the action, so only "Ghost" is visible. He's [[Ghostrider]], and his name being obscured is a running joke in ''Joe'' lore. Though his toy was sold under that name without difficulty, the existence of the far more visible [[Ghost Rider|Marvel superhero of the same name]] meant it posed a problem. Rather than try to ignore it and hope for the best, writer Larry Hama made it a source of comedy instead, and had it that no characters could ever remember Ghostrider's name—a product of the character's skill at "not being noticed", which was what made him such a good stealth flier. He normally pilots the X-19 Stealth Fighter, but not here.
*Battleforce 2000 are a sub-group of G.I. Joe originally introduced in 1987. The whole team save Dodger were killed in the Marvel series in 1991, and since then, as Scioli and Barber note in this issue's commentary and as the characters themselves meta-textually allude to in the story, they haven't really appeared in anything until now.
*If the fantastic mustache and the positioning of his dislodged glasses to suggest a monocle aren't enough to tip you off, the alias on his nametag should do it: Doctor "Mindelbinder" is Cobra's shirtless wonder, mind-tampering former orthodontist [[Doctor Mindbender]].

===Real-life references===
*The Serpentress professes that Megatron was the inspiration for the human legend of the archangel {{w|Metatron}}.
*Destro notes that Decepticobra are mind-controlling the Joes and Autobots through processes devised by the {{w|Project MKUltra|MK-Ultra}} program, which was a real-life CIA mind-control project.
*The GIJONIN take their name from the real-life {{w|ninja}} ranking system, where "jonin" were the highest rank. It's okay to admit you only know it from ''Naruto'', so do we.

===Other notes===
*This issue was originally solicited for release in January, but production delays meant it did not come out until early April.
*Tom Scioli began this issue as part of a "24-Hour Comic" challenge held from [[December 6]]-[[December 7|7]], [[2014]] at Atomic City Comics in Philadelphia. He produced 19 rough pages as part of the challenge, but they were mostly discarded and re-worked for the finished issue; the complete set of thumbnail pages is included as a bonus feature this issue, in addition to the regular story commentary.
*Scioli suggests several possible names in the commentary for the memorable Decepticon bus who appears transporting Crimson Guardsmen to the United Nations: "Busicon", "Busicus", "Cerebus", "Bus-Top", and "Omnibus".

===Covers (5)===
*'''Standard cover:''' Optimus Prime by [[Tom Scioli]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Optimus Prime, Alpine, Scarlett, and Shipwreck hold off an attack, by [[Dave Crosland]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Snake Eyes and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] by [[Antonio Fuso]]
*'''Yesteryear Comics exclusive cover:''' Snake Eyes and [[Storm Shadow]] in the snow, by [[Jamie Tyndall]] and [[Ula Mos]]
*'''Ottawa Comiccon exclusive cover:''' Optimus Prime and Duke play ice hockey, by [[Derek Charm]]

<gallery>
File:TFvsJoe6_regcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe6_subcvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe6_cvrRI.jpg
File:TFvsJoe6_yycvr.jpg
File:TFvsJoe6_concvr.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe'' #7
*IDW ''Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency'' comic (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/comic-previews/transformers-vs-gi-joe-6-idw-2015 Preview]

Twenty Plus One

2014-07-12T10:11:31Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=31
|prev=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide
|next=
|image=MTMTE31 subcvr.jpg
|title="Twenty Plus One"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 9]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=July 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Atilio Rojo]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Vincent Kings]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''Tensions run high as twenty ''Lost Light''ers find themselves stuffed into one small spaceship, and things only get worse when the lights start going out, and 'bots start disappearing... '''

==Synopsis==

Following the disappearance of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and the evacuation of the crew, twenty 'bots cram themselves into the [[Rodpod]]: [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Getaway]], [[Nautica]], [[Ammo]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]], [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], [[Dipstick]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]. When Nautica inquires as to the origins of the now-vanished ship, Riptide recounts how he, [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] and [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] purchased the vessel from a pair of [[chirolingual]] [[NAIL]]s in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s religious quarter, naming it after the [[Festival of Lost Light]], which was taking place there at the time. Though Megatron tries to make the group focus on their present predicament, Nautica persists with her train of thought, and highlights the abnormality of the ship and the power of its [[quantum generator]]s. At Ammo's request, she tries to explain to the befuddled crew how quantum engines are essentially powered by the improbability of their own function, concluding with the theory that the ship was ''so'' advanced that it "proved itself impossible." Megatron is less concerned with the ''how'' of the ship's disappearance, but rather with what to do next; at that moment, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] receives a transmission from [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] on a neighboring shuttle, informing them that they will be making for the nearby lectureworld of [[Ofsted XVII]] in [[Sector 113]].

After a crew headcount, [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] is telling [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] about his latest play when the lights suddenly go out. When power returns a second later, Crosscut has vanished mid-sentence, and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], full of false bravado after all the praise he has received lately, draws a gun on Megatron, blaming him for Crosscut's apparent death. Cyclonus and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] try to talk the tiny 'bot down, but Megatron's reaction goes from bemusement to anger when Tailgate proposes locking him up, and he draws a weapon of his own. This prompts Riptide to add his weapon to the growing Mexican standoff, and when Cyclonus tries to calm everyone down, Huffer and Gears, never having trusted the ancient Cybertronian, both draw on him. Hound then appears to level his own weapon at Nautica, but it quickly becomes apparent that he is actually aiming at the lurking [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who pounces from the shadows just as the lights go out once more. Megatron fires into the darkness and subdues the feline; as the lights flick back on, he claims not to know why Ravage is there, but whether that is true or not is called into question as he secretly communicates chirolinguistically with the cat-bot, telling him to play dead.

The discovery of Ravage defuses the standoff, but Nautica soon observes that more disappearances have taken place in the darkness: Gears, Blaster, Huffer, Chromedome, Hound and Highbrow have now also vanished. Nightbeat dedicates himself to determining the pattern by which 'bots are being taken, and, reminded of [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] and his plan by Cyclonus, decides to begin by figuring out which of those present are [[Reproduction|constructed cold]], like himself, and which are [[Reproduction|forged]]. Megatron refuses to divulge that information, but a pattern ''seems'' to be emerging as Getaway, Dipstick and Ammo reveal that they are "Made To Order soldiers"—second-generation constructed cold, created during wartime from the [[spark]] stockpile—until Ratchet points out that he and several others present are forged, and several of the disappeared were constructed cold. As Nightbeat withdraws into detective mode, the others begin talking amongst themselves; after Ammo, Riptide and Getaway tell Nautica about the "Ten-Step Program" that MTOs had to pass in order to be declared "world-ready" (which Riptide ''hated''), Ratchet chimes in about the high percentage of MTOs who claim to have had mystical experiences, which he professes are neurological hallucinations that are a product of their virtually-newborn senses. Swerve takes offense, pointing out that faith isn't a new idea, but Skids counters that with a brief lecture on a condition known to affect robotic lifeforms known as "[[information creep]]"—the corruption of brain data that results in memories being unconsciously reinterpreted. Nautica is familiar with the condition, which was known on [[Caminus]] as "blurred data"; just as she is thinking of her friends [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], the lights go out once more.

This time, Ammo, Hoist, Dipstick, and Cyclonus have disappeared, but Cyclonus's [[Great Sword]] has not vanished with him. As Nightbeat inspects it, he gets the feeling he is being watched, and turns to sees a gigantic eye staring down at him... though it quickly turns out that it belongs to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s [[holomatter]] avatar, projected in from the ''[[Leading Light]]'', albeit at accidentally gigantic scale. Magnus quickly adjusts its size, and informs the remaining crew that all the other occupants of ''his'' craft have disappeared too, as have other shuttles. Tailgate peers out a porthole and notes that he can't see Magnus's shuttle anywhere; Magnus has but a moment to realise that he can't feel his body any more before his avatar fades out.
At the end of his rope, Nightbeat instructs Ratchet to write down every piece of information he knows about the crew from their medical files, but he barely has time to study the data before another blackout claims Swerve, Tailgate, and Ratchet... but ''not'' Ratchet's hands, which Skids points out used to belong to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]. Riptide grins, having heard the whole story behind that from Swerve, and remarks that the ''Lost Lighters'' sure did get up to some crazy stuff while they were away. Nightbeat asks him to expand, having believed that Riptide had been on the ''Lost Light'' from the outset, but the [[Hydrobot]] explains that he was not: after going back to get a receipt for the ship from the NAILs who sold it to them, he eavesdropped on them and learned they were [[Mortilus]] worshippers who had been keeing a [[sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] in the basement, feeding it with [[turbofox]]es they had stolen from the crew of the ''[[Alchemy-Seven]]'', and when an altercation ensued, he was knocked out, and missed the ''Lost Light'' launch. Nightbeat crows that he has solved the mystery: everyone who disappeared was a member of the original ''Lost Light'' crew, and all those remaining on the Rodpod (himself, Megatron, Skids, Nautica, Getaway and Riptide) joined the crew after it's launch. As Megatron angrily points out, though, his deduction solves absolutely nothing, since the detective was too slow to save anyone. Just then, Nautica informs them that they have reached Ofsted XVII, but that they are not the first to arrive... as outside, floating in the planet's orbit, is the shattered wreckage of the bisected ''Lost Light''!

==Featured Characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'' (1)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*''[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'' (3)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (4)
*''[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'' (5)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Nautica]] (9)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ammo]] (10)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (11)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (12)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (15)
*[[Getaway]] (16)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (17)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (18)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (20)
*[[Dipstick]] (21)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (23)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (24)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (25)
|c4=
*''Former owners of the Lost Light'' (6)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==

"I didn't realize how hard it was to explain the science until Tailgate asked me how 'quanton technology' worked. I don't think you learned anything that afternoon, did you?" 
"Just some new swear words..."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Tailgate'''

"If I sit next to you too long, am I going to die of '''smartass poisoning'''?"
:—'''Getaway''' on Nightbeat

"'I hope this puts paid to the notion that I ignore everything my "co-captain" says on the grounds that he's lazy, petulant and pathologically ill-suited to command...'"
:—'''Megatron''' on Rodimus

"Cool it, guys! Cyclonus isn't the enemy!" 
"He's not? Oh I'm '''sorry.''' It must've been the '''other''' Cyclonus who murdered all those Autobots at Kimia—because if not, that makes you a <big>'''MONUMENTAL FRIKKIN' HYPOCRITE!'''"</big>
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Huffer'''

"No one has a right to know how a fellow Cybertronian was created. There's a thin line between categorization and segregation, and I never want to see it crossed again."
:—'''Megatron'''

"In the end, High Command decided they wanted their new troops to fight, not study, so they reduced the steps from ten to eight to three. '''Three steps''', Nautica: 'From '''thaw to war''' in under an hour.' Because who cares whether or not a '''warborn knockoff''' with a three-minute life expectancy can quote '''[[Dominus Ambus]]''' or notate the '''Grand Celestial Melody'''? So long as he can assemble a path-blaster with his brand-new eyes closed, everyone's happy. That's '''sarcasm,''' by the way. I dabble."
:—'''Skids'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*"Don't make me put my foot down," Drift says to Pipes, wickedly recalling Pipes's death at the hands—or rather, foot—of [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*A new face in the crowd, Ammo, was previously mentioned in [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|issue #19]]. And he doesn't even die or anything!
*Crosscut refers to an earlier play of his named ''My Shovel, Your Face''; [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Robots in Disguise'' #25]] taught us that Crosscut was known for liberating [[Petrex]] "with wise words and a shovel".
*In what is likely no coincidence, there was a brief blackout on the ''Lost Light'' back in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]], just as the disappearances were starting. Perhaps it was during this blackout that the [[Pyrobot]]s vanished.
*The pistol Megatron draws is one of the revolvers seen holstered inside his hip armor during the aforementioned previous blackout.
*The crew discover Ravage's presence, but the audience learned he was on the ship in issue #28.
*Getaway referred to himself as an "M.T.O." last issue; here we learn this stands for "Made To Order soldier", and refers to a 'bot constructed cold after the outbreak of the war, from the stockpile of sparks leftover from [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]'s bleeding of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]].
*Hoist mentions having a friend named [[Scattergun]]. Assuming it's not a different 'bot with the same name (they do say all the good ones are taken), we previously heard of this fellow in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]], as one of Chromedome's former Conjunx Endurae. Scattergun was constructed cold for the Fourth [[Vorsk Offensive]], a battle first mentioned in "[[Chaos Theory Part 2]]".
*Riptide was constructed cold to take part in the conflict on [[Simanzi]], which has been mentioned several times throughout Roberts's work. He notes he was specifically created a [[Hydrobot]] in response to something called the "[[Forced Flood]]".
*Ammo was constructed cold in response to Megatron's attack on [[K'th Kinsere]], a region of Cybertron that is home to [[Vaulted Heights of K'th Kinsere|Vaulted Heights]] (mentioned in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]]) and a sect of [[High Priests of K'th Kinsere|High Priests]] (namechecked in ''[[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]]'').
*Ratchet refers to the [[Shimmer]], a battlefield hallucination that plays a role in the prose story "[[Bullets]]", as well as the [[Necrobot]], who made an alleged appearance back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*Ultra Magnus's [[Verity Carlo]] [[holomatter]] avatar from [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]] reappears. Megatron recognizes the image of the girl, having encountered her ''waaaay'' back in [[Infiltration issue 5|''Infitration'' #5]] (though he seemed deeply uninterested at the time). The panel of a giant Verity looming over Megatron is based on the dramatic reveal of that encounter, with the roles reversed.
*Hoist is noted to suffer from "feelings of isolation", which we learned about him in his [[The Waiting Game|self-titled ''Spotlight'']].
*Highbrow is revealed to have been a former member of the [[Malware Brigade]], an anti-[[Senate]] organization mentioned in "Chaos Theory Part 2".
*The former owners of the ''Lost Light'' are worshippers of [[Mortilus]], the death god of the [[Guiding Hand]], introduced in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 ''More than Meets the Eye'' annual]]. They are hiding from the crew of the ''[[Alchemy-Seven]]'', a NAIL ship first mentioned in ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]''.
*The sparkeater in the basement of the ''Lost Light'', and the fact that the ship's former owners had been feeding it turbofoxes, were introduced in [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]].
*Of course, there have been other new additions to the ''Lost Light'' since its launch beyond the 'bots left at the end of this issue ([[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], for example, or any of the new 'bots who have joined up since "Dark Cybertron"); when their shuttles disappeared in the course of this issue's events it is currently unknown whether they went with them or were left floating in space. The reason the Rodpod does not disappear, on the other hand, is because it's a ''new'' Rodpod, built last issue, following the original's destruction in ''Robots in Disguise'' #25.

===Transformers references===
*Sector 113 is, of course, another of Roberts's reference to [[113 (disambiguation)|the number]].
*Skids makes reference to the [[pathblaster]], a weapon wielded by [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] in the original Marvel UK storyline, "[[Time Wars]]". His rant about the lowering standards of the MTO education system may have even been a direct reference to Roadbuster who, according to "[[Zero Point]]", went millions of years before even learning how to read.
*Ammo has [[Corrodia Gravis]], a rusting disease introduced in the Marvel UK story "[[Assassins]]".

===Real-life references===
*In televisual terms, this issue would be a {{w|Bottle episode}}: a story that primarily consists of dialogue, and takes place in one setting. Bottle episodes were originally conceived as a money-saving venture, but the potential for tension and character-driven interactions they inherently possess has given them more value as storytelling devices; obviously, ''More than Meets the Eye'' doesn't have money to save by doing an issue this way!
*The specific meaning of the Festival of Lost Light is not divulged here, but given its name, the fact that it involves the release of lanterns, and a song known as the "Hymn of the Disappeared", it seems to be a ceremony dedicated to remembering lost loved ones. In particular, it is evocative of Japan's {{w|Tōrō nagashi}} ceremony, in which lanterns are released to light the way to the afterlife for the souls of the dead.
*Ofsted XVII is named after {{w|Ofsted}}, the British government department which oversees schools. It is labelled an "A Level" planet, in reference to the English academic qualification, the {{w|A-level}}.
*What Highbrow and Cyclonus have to say about the education system is also a reference to developments in the English school (Academies) and university (tuition fee) systems.
*Chromedome remarks that Ethics are Ofsted's "Specialist Subject", a term that, while generic-sounding, is almost certainly a reference to the British TV quiz show ''{{w|Mastermind (TV series)|Mastermind}}''.
*"Information creep" is a term used by Wikipedia to describe the slow feed of information into an article that winds up shifting its perspective and/or readability over time.
*Dipstick was constructed cold to take part in "Operation: Doom Patrol", a reference to the DC Comics superhero team, the {{w|Doom Patrol}}.
*Among the assorted types of Spark the crew are shown to have, only Nautica has an "estriol-positive" one. {{w|Estriol}} is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body, indicating that being a [[female Transformer]] is not just about the shape of your chassis, but goes all the way to the Spark.

===Errors===
*The [[scale]] of many bots is off this issue - Tailgate is shown to be as tall of Ratchet's shoulder, for instance.
*On page 11, Megatron channels his inner Grimlock, saying of Ravage "He unconscious" rather than "He's unconscious".
*On page 12, as Megatron communicates with Ravage chirolinguistically, the cassette's name is misspelled "Ravege". This miiiight be supposed to indicate that Megatron's mastery of the dialect isn't perfect, though.
*On page 15, the word "discovered" is split over two lines in Getaway's speech bubble but there's no connecting hyphen, nor is it split where a hyphen would be allowed to divide the word in the first place.
*On page 16, when Nightbeat is attempting to find out Megatron's method of construction "It seems" is written as "I seems".
*On page 17, the data for Highbrow leaves out which "wave" he was born into, even though that piece of information is listed for every other constructed cold individual.
*It's Transformers, so we can't ''completely'' rule out this is intentional but... The Necrobot is described as having a "portable apothecary." An apothecary is an ''individual'' who sells medicine.
*Not strictly an error, but on page 19, Nautica swears "Oh, God", which is pretty odd to see in place of an "Oh [[Primus]]" or your Transformer deity of choice. She is, however, from Caminus- a world that very little information about which has been divulged as of yet.

===Crew manifest===

*It is revealed that Riptide was ''supposed'' to be on the ship when it departed originally, but was waylaid.
*If Nightbeat's deductions are correct, the disappearance of the Pyrobots in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|#28]] means they were part of the original crew.
**Confirmed previous crew: Ammo, Huffer, Gears
***At least 33/79 original crew still on board, 2 departed
**Confirmed new arrivals: none this issue
***At least 17 new crew members since second launch

===Soundtrack===
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnlLhq1kW10 Lost Property]'' by {{w|The Divine Comedy (band)|The Divine Comedy}}
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CD7WJPOrLU S (Studio Version)]'' by {{w|Labradford}}

===Other trivia===
*Four "Meet the Crew"-style cast lists are sprinkled throughout the issue as a means of cataloguing who disappears, with each vanished crewmember being greyed out. Each lists also provide for the audience an assortment of information about the characters as Nightbeat requests it in-story. These pages do not count towards the 22-page total of the story itself, so there are noticeably fewer ad pages in the back of the comic.
*A quick forged/constructed cold checklist from this issue:
**Forged: Crosscut, Skids, Nautica, Huffer, Swerve, Hoist, Tailgate, Cyclonus, Hound, Ratchet
**Constructed cold (first wave): Gears, Blaster, Chromedome, Nightbeat, Highbrow
**Constructed cold (second wave): Getaway, Ammo, Riptide, Dipstick
*While he actively protests revealing his origin, Megatron's status as a [[Point One Percenter]] confirms him as being forged.
*Other intriguing character points revealed on these cast pages include: Crosscut has a phobia of [[Nanocon]]s; Getaway has shown purported signs of affinity for the Matrix; Nautica is a possible [[Outlier]]; Ammo is a [[Militant Monoform Movement|monoformer]]; Swerve is a practising [[Adaptus]]ian and has been diagnosed with {{w|Logorrhea (psychology)|Logorrhea}}; Riptide has an unreliable [[transformation cog]]; Dipstick's alt mode is "redundant"; and Hound was formerly part of the [[Primal Vanguard]].
*The "Thaw to War" tagline is another one of those verbal gags that only works if you imagine it spoken with Roberts's British accent; then, the words rhyme.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Megatron, Ratchet, Nautica and Chromedome in a Mexican standoff, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Mosaic tiles of the twenty characters in this issue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''30th Anniversary cover:''' Nightbeat by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]] The image is the packaging art for Nightbeat's upcoming ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' toy, like the Jiminez and Fajardo covers for "[[Dark Cybertron]]", but this particular piece was based on an early concept for Nightbeat's toy, and has him as a [[retool]] of ''Generations'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]], when the actual toy is a retool of ''Generations'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]].
<gallery>
File:MTMTE31 cvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE31 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE31 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''More than Meets the Eye'' #32
* ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark]]''
* ''Machi Koro'' (back cover)

Twenty Plus One

2014-07-12T09:56:26Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=31
|prev=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide
|next=
|image=MTMTE31 subcvr.jpg
|title="Twenty Plus One"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 9]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=July 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Atilio Rojo]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Vincent Kings]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''Tensions run high as twenty ''Lost Light''ers find themselves stuffed into one small spaceship, and things only get worse when the lights start going out, and 'bots start disappearing... '''

==Synopsis==

Following the disappearance of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and the evacuation of the crew, twenty 'bots cram themselves into the [[Rodpod]]: [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Getaway]], [[Nautica]], [[Ammo]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]], [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], [[Dipstick]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]. When Nautica inquires as to the origins of the now-vanished ship, Riptide recounts how he, [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] and [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] purchased the vessel from a pair of [[chirolingual]] [[NAIL]]s in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s religious quarter, naming it after the [[Festival of Lost Light]], which was taking place there at the time. Though Megatron tries to make the group focus on their present predicament, Nautica persists with her train of thought, and highlights the abnormality of the ship and the power of its [[quantum generator]]s. At Ammo's request, she tries to explain to the befuddled crew how quantum engines are essentially powered by the improbability of their own function, concluding with the theory that the ship was ''so'' advanced that it "proved itself impossible." Megatron is less concerned with the ''how'' of the ship's disappearance, but rather with what to do next; at that moment, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] receives a transmission from [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] on a neighboring shuttle, informing them that they will be making for the nearby lectureworld of [[Ofsted XVII]] in [[Sector 113]].

After a crew headcount, [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] is telling [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] about his latest play when the lights suddenly go out. When power returns a second later, Crosscut has vanished mid-sentence, and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], full of false bravado after all the praise he has received lately, draws a gun on Megatron, blaming him for Crosscut's apparent death. Cyclonus and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] try to talk the tiny 'bot down, but Megatron's reaction goes from bemusement to anger when Tailgate proposes locking him up, and he draws a weapon of his own. This prompts Riptide to add his weapon to the growing Mexican standoff, and when Cyclonus tries to calm everyone down, Huffer and Gears, never having trusted the ancient Cybertronian, both draw on him. Hound then appears to level his own weapon at Nautica, but it quickly becomes apparent that he is actually aiming at the lurking [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who pounces from the shadows just as the lights go out once more. Megatron fires into the darkness and subdues the feline; as the lights flick back on, he claims not to know why Ravage is there, but whether that is true or not is called into question as he secretly communicates chirolinguistically with the cat-bot, telling him to play dead.

The discovery of Ravage defuses the standoff, but Nautica soon observes that more disappearances have taken place in the darkness: Gears, Blaster, Huffer, Chromedome, Hound and Highbrow have now also vanished. Nightbeat dedicates himself to determining the pattern by which 'bots are being taken, and, reminded of [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] and his plan by Cyclonus, decides to begin by figuring out which of those present are [[Reproduction|constructed cold]], like himself, and which are [[Reproduction|forged]]. Megatron refuses to divulge that information, but a pattern ''seems'' to be emerging as Getaway, Dipstick and Ammo reveal that they are "Made To Order soldiers"—second-generation constructed cold, created during wartime from the [[spark]] stockpile—until Ratchet points out that he and several others present are forged, and several of the disappeared were constructed cold. As Nightbeat withdraws into detective mode, the others begin talking amongst themselves; after Ammo, Riptide and Getaway tell Nautica about the "Ten-Step Program" that MTOs had to pass in order to be declared "world-ready" (which Riptide ''hated''), Ratchet chimes in about the high percentage of MTOs who claim to have had mystical experiences, which he professes are neurological hallucinations that are a product of their virtually-newborn senses. Swerve takes offense, pointing out that faith isn't a new idea, but Skids counters that with a brief lecture on a condition known to affect robotic lifeforms known as "[[information creep]]"—the corruption of brain data that results in memories being unconsciously reinterpreted. Nautica is familiar with the condition, which was known on [[Caminus]] as "blurred data"; just as she is thinking of her friends [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], the lights go out once more.

This time, Ammo, Hoist, Dipstick, and Cyclonus have disappeared, but Cyclonus's [[Great Sword]] has not vanished with him. As Nightbeat inspects it, he gets the feeling he is being watched, and turns to sees a gigantic eye staring down at him... though it quickly turns out that it belongs to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s [[holomatter]] avatar, projected in from the ''[[Leading Light]]'', albeit at accidentally gigantic scale. Magnus quickly adjusts its size, and informs the remaining crew that all the other occupants of ''his'' craft have disappeared too, as have other shuttles. Tailgate peers out a porthole and notes that he can't see Magnus's shuttle anywhere; Magnus has but a moment to realise that he can't feel his body any more before his avatar fades out.
At the end of his rope, Nightbeat instructs Ratchet to write down every piece of information he knows about the crew from their medical files, but he barely has time to study the data before another blackout claims Swerve, Tailgate, and Ratchet... but ''not'' Ratchet's hands, which Skids points out used to belong to [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]]. Riptide grins, having heard the whole story behind that from Swerve, and remarks that the ''Lost Lighters'' sure did get up to some crazy stuff while they were away. Nightbeat asks him to expand, having believed that Riptide had been on the ''Lost Light'' from the outset, but the [[Hydrobot]] explains that he was not: after going back to get a receipt for the ship from the NAILs who sold it to them, he eavesdropped on them and learned they were [[Mortilus]] worshippers who had been keeing a [[sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] in the basement, feeding it with [[turbofox]]es they had stolen from the crew of the ''[[Alchemy-Seven]]'', and when an altercation ensued, he was knocked out, and missed the ''Lost Light'' launch. Nightbeat crows that he has solved the mystery: everyone who disappeared was a member of the original ''Lost Light'' crew, and all those remaining on the Rodpod (himself, Megatron, Skids, Nautica, Getaway and Riptide) joined the crew after it's launch. As Megatron angrily points out, though, his deduction solves absolutely nothing, since the detective was too slow to save anyone. Just then, Nautica informs them that they have reached Ofsted XVII, but that they are not the first to arrive... as outside, floating in the planet's orbit, is the shattered wreckage of the bisected ''Lost Light''!

==Featured Characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'' (1)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*''[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'' (3)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (4)
*''[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'' (5)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (7)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Nautica]] (9)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ammo]] (10)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (11)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (12)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (13)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (15)
*[[Getaway]] (16)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (17)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (18)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (19)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (20)
*[[Dipstick]] (21)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (23)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (24)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (25)
|c4=
*''Former owners of the Lost Light'' (6)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==

"I didn't realize how hard it was to explain the science until Tailgate asked me how 'quanton technology' worked. I don't think you learned anything that afternoon, did you?" 
"Just some new swear words..."
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Tailgate'''

"If I sit next to you too long, am I going to die of '''smartass poisoning'''?"
:—'''Getaway''' on Nightbeat

"'I hope this puts paid to the notion that I ignore everything my "co-captain" says on the grounds that he's lazy, petulant and pathologically ill-suited to command...'"
:—'''Megatron''' on Rodimus

"Cool it, guys! Cyclonus isn't the enemy!" 
"He's not? Oh I'm '''sorry.''' It must've been the '''other''' Cyclonus who murdered all those Autobots at Kimia—because if not, that makes you a <big>'''MONUMENTAL FRIKKIN' HYPOCRITE!'''"</big>
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Huffer'''

"No one has a right to know how a fellow Cybertronian was created. There's a thin line between categorization and segregation, and I never want to see it crossed again."
:—'''Megatron'''

"In the end, High Command decided they wanted their new troops to fight, not study, so they reduced the steps from ten to eight to three. '''Three steps''', Nautica: 'From '''thaw to war''' in under an hour.' Because who cares whether or not a '''warborn knockoff''' with a three-minute life expectancy can quote '''[[Dominus Ambus]]''' or notate the '''Grand Celestial Melody'''? So long as he can assemble a path-blaster with his brand-new eyes closed, everyone's happy. That's '''sarcasm,''' by the way. I dabble."
:—'''Skids'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*"Don't make me put my foot down," Drift says to Pipes, wickedly recalling Pipes's death at the hands—or rather, foot—of [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*A new face in the crowd, Ammo, was previously mentioned in [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|issue #19]]. And he doesn't even die or anything!
*Crosscut refers to an earlier play of his named ''My Shovel, Your Face''; [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Robots in Disguise'' #25]] taught us that Crosscut was known for liberating [[Petrex]] "with wise words and a shovel".
*In what is likely no coincidence, there was a brief blackout on the ''Lost Light'' back in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]], just as the disappearances were starting. Perhaps it was during this blackout that the [[Pyrobot]]s vanished.
*The pistol Megatron draws is one of the revolvers seen holstered inside his hip armor during the aforementioned previous blackout.
*The crew discover Ravage's presence, but the audience learned he was on the ship in issue #28.
*Getaway referred to himself as an "M.T.O." last issue; here we learn this stands for "Made To Order soldier", and refers to a 'bot constructed cold after the outbreak of the war, from the stockpile of sparks leftover from [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]'s bleeding of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]].
*Hoist mentions having a friend named [[Scattergun]]. Assuming it's not a different 'bot with the same name (they do say all the good ones are taken), we previously heard of this fellow in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]], as one of Chromedome's former Conjunx Endurae. Scattergun was constructed cold for the Fourth [[Vorsk Offensive]], a battle first mentioned in "[[Chaos Theory Part 2]]".
*Riptide was constructed cold to take part in the conflict on [[Simanzi]], which has been mentioned several times throughout Roberts's work. He notes he was specifically created a [[Hydrobot]] in response to something called the "[[Forced Flood]]".
*Ammo was constructed cold in response to Megatron's attack on [[K'th Kinsere]], a region of Cybertron that is home to [[Vaulted Heights of K'th Kinsere|Vaulted Heights]] (mentioned in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]]) and a sect of [[High Priests of K'th Kinsere|High Priests]] (namechecked in ''[[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]]'').
*Ratchet refers to the [[Shimmer]], a battlefield hallucination that plays a role in the prose story "[[Bullets]]", as well as the [[Necrobot]], who made an alleged appearance back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*Ultra Magnus's [[Verity Carlo]] [[holomatter]] avatar from [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]] reappears. Megatron recognizes the image of the girl, having encountered her ''waaaay'' back in [[Infiltration issue 5|''Infitration'' #5]] (though he seemed deeply uninterested at the time). The panel of a giant Verity looming over Megatron is based on the dramatic reveal of that encounter, with the roles reversed.
*Hoist is noted to suffer from "feelings of isolation", which we learned about him in his [[The Waiting Game|self-titled ''Spotlight'']].
*Highbrow is revealed to have been a former member of the [[Malware Brigade]], an anti-[[Senate]] organization mentioned in "Chaos Theory Part 2".
*The former owners of the ''Lost Light'' are worshippers of [[Mortilus]], the death god of the [[Guiding Hand]], introduced in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 ''More than Meets the Eye'' annual]]. They are hiding from the crew of the ''[[Alchemy-Seven]]'', a NAIL ship first mentioned in ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]''.
*The sparkeater in the basement of the ''Lost Light'', and the fact that the ship's former owners had been feeding it turbofoxes, were introduced in [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]].
*Of course, there have been other new additions to the ''Lost Light'' since its launch beyond the 'bots left at the end of this issue ([[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], for example, or any of the new 'bots who have joined up since "Dark Cybertron"); when their shuttles disappeared in the course of this issue's events it is currently unknown whether they went with them or were left floating in space. The reason the Rodpod does not disappear, on the other hand, is because it's a ''new'' Rodpod, built last issue, following the original's destruction in ''Robots in Disguise'' #25.

===Transformers references===
*Sector 113 is, of course, another of Roberts's reference to [[113 (disambiguation)|the number]].
*Skids makes reference to the [[pathblaster]], a weapon wielded by [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] in the original Marvel UK storyline, "[[Time Wars]]". His rant about the lowering standards of the MTO education system may have even been a direct reference to Roadbuster who, according to "[[Zero Point]]", went millions of years before even learning how to read.
*Ammo has [[Corrodia Gravis]], a rusting disease introduced in the Marvel UK story "[[Assassins]]".

===Real-life references===
*In televisual terms, this issue would be a {{w|Bottle episode}}: a story that primarily consists of dialogue, and takes place in one setting. Bottle episodes were originally conceived as a money-saving venture, but the potential for tension and character-driven interactions they inherently possess has given them more value as storytelling devices; obviously, ''More than Meets the Eye'' doesn't have money to save by doing an issue this way!
*The specific meaning of the Festival of Lost Light is not divulged here, but given its name, the fact that it involves the release of lanterns, and a song known as the "Hymn of the Disappeared", it seems to be a ceremony dedicated to remembering lost loved ones. In particular, it is evocative of Japan's {{w|Tōrō nagashi}} ceremony, in which lanterns are released to light the way to the afterlife for the souls of the dead.
*Ofsted XVII is named after {{w|Ofsted}}, the British government department which oversees schools. It is labelled an "A Level" planet, in reference to the English academic qualification, the {{w|A-level}}.
*What Highbrow and Cyclonus have to say about the education system is also a reference to developments in the English school (Academies) and university (tuition fee) systems.
*Chromedome remarks that Ethics are Ofsted's "Specialist Subject", a term that, while generic-sounding, is almost certainly a reference to the British TV quiz show ''{{w|Mastermind (TV series)|Mastermind}}''.
*"Information creep" is a term used by Wikipedia to describe the slow feed of information into an article that winds up shifting its perspective and/or readability over time.
*Dipstick was constructed cold to take part in "Operation: Doom Patrol", a reference to the DC Comics superhero team, the {{w|Doom Patrol}}.
*Among the assorted types of Spark the crew are shown to have, only Nautica has an "estriol-positive" one. {{w|Estriol}} is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body, indicating that being a [[female Transformer]] is not just about the shape of your chassis, but goes all the way to the Spark.

===Errors===
*The [[scale]] of many bots is off this issue - Tailgate is shown to be as tall of Ratchet's shoulder, for instance.
*On page 11, Megatron channels his inner Grimlock, saying of Ravage "He unconscious" rather than "He's unconscious".
*On page 12, as Megatron communicates with Ravage chirolinguistically, the cassette's name is misspelled "Ravege". This miiiight be supposed to indicate that Megatron's mastery of the dialect isn't perfect, though.
*On page 15, the word "discovered" is split over two lines in Getaway's speech bubble but there's no connecting hyphen, nor is it split where a hyphen would be allowed to divide the word in the first place.
*On page 16, when Nightbeat is attempting to find out Megatron's method of construction "It seems" is written as "I seems".
*On page 17, the data for Highbrow leaves out which "wave" he was born into, even though that piece of information is listed for every other constructed cold individual.
*Not strictly an error, but on page 19, Nautica swears "Oh, God", which is pretty odd to see in place of an "Oh [[Primus]]" or your Transformer deity of choice. She is, however, from Caminus- a world that very little information about which has been divulged as of yet.

===Crew manifest===

*It is revealed that Riptide was ''supposed'' to be on the ship when it departed originally, but was waylaid.
*If Nightbeat's deductions are correct, the disappearance of the Pyrobots in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|#28]] means they were part of the original crew.
**Confirmed previous crew: Ammo, Huffer, Gears
***At least 33/79 original crew still on board, 2 departed
**Confirmed new arrivals: none this issue
***At least 17 new crew members since second launch

===Soundtrack===
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnlLhq1kW10 Lost Property]'' by {{w|The Divine Comedy (band)|The Divine Comedy}}
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CD7WJPOrLU S (Studio Version)]'' by {{w|Labradford}}

===Other trivia===
*Four "Meet the Crew"-style cast lists are sprinkled throughout the issue as a means of cataloguing who disappears, with each vanished crewmember being greyed out. Each lists also provide for the audience an assortment of information about the characters as Nightbeat requests it in-story. These pages do not count towards the 22-page total of the story itself, so there are noticeably fewer ad pages in the back of the comic.
*A quick forged/constructed cold checklist from this issue:
**Forged: Crosscut, Skids, Nautica, Huffer, Swerve, Hoist, Tailgate, Cyclonus, Hound, Ratchet
**Constructed cold (first wave): Gears, Blaster, Chromedome, Nightbeat, Highbrow
**Constructed cold (second wave): Getaway, Ammo, Riptide, Dipstick
*While he actively protests revealing his origin, Megatron's status as a [[Point One Percenter]] confirms him as being forged.
*Other intriguing character points revealed on these cast pages include: Crosscut has a phobia of [[Nanocon]]s; Getaway has shown purported signs of affinity for the Matrix; Nautica is a possible [[Outlier]]; Ammo is a [[Militant Monoform Movement|monoformer]]; Swerve is a practising [[Adaptus]]ian and has been diagnosed with {{w|Logorrhea (psychology)|Logorrhea}}; Riptide has an unreliable [[transformation cog]]; Dipstick's alt mode is "redundant"; and Hound was formerly part of the [[Primal Vanguard]].
*The "Thaw to War" tagline is another one of those verbal gags that only works if you imagine it spoken with Roberts's British accent; then, the words rhyme.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Megatron, Ratchet, Nautica and Chromedome in a Mexican standoff, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Mosaic tiles of the twenty characters in this issue, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''30th Anniversary cover:''' Nightbeat by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]] The image is the packaging art for Nightbeat's upcoming ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' toy, like the Jiminez and Fajardo covers for "[[Dark Cybertron]]", but this particular piece was based on an early concept for Nightbeat's toy, and has him as a [[retool]] of ''Generations'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]], when the actual toy is a retool of ''Generations'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]].
<gallery>
File:MTMTE31 cvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE31 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE31 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''More than Meets the Eye'' #32
* ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark]]''
* ''Machi Koro'' (back cover)

World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide

2014-07-12T09:36:55Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=30
|prev=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air
|next=Twenty Plus One
|image=MTMTE30 subcvr.jpg
|title="World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide"
|caption= [[Knock Out (Prime)| Watch the paint.]]
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 25]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=June 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Rebecca Huard]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''Megatron's trial comes to a head, while in the present day, things onboard the ''Lost Light'' start falling apart.'''

==Synopsis==
''Six months in the past, the trial on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]] takes an unexpected turn as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] informs the court of [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s decision to retract his earlier guilty plea. As [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]], [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], and [[Autobot High Command]] look on in anger and chagrin, Magnus delivers an affidavit on Megatron's behalf. Magnus recounts the alleged reasons behind the defendant's change of mind: while initially content to let justice take its course, the prosecution's course of action has convinced him that the trial is nothing more than a grandstanding political maneuver to promote the [[Autobot]]s' version of events, including his "attempted mental violation" by [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus]] himself presiding as [[Chief Justice]]. However, as Ultra Magnus is about to suggest a second course of action, the surviving [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], freed from the brig of the ''[[Lost Light]]'', storm the arena with the intent of rescuing their leader via orbital jump. As Optimus and co. move to engage the loyal soldiers, [[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]] implores Megatron to grab his extra [[teleport pack]], only for the former [[Decepticon leader]] to apologetically refuse. As the [[Decepticon]] soldiers are swiftly defeated, Optimus decrees that the court will adjourn for a brief recess...''

On board the ''Lost Light'', assistant bartender and "entertainments officer" [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] runs [[Brainstorm]] and [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] through the various Earth films he's got in store for the patrons of [[Swerve's]], while [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], confined to quarters for the suspected theft of Ultra Magnus' desk tidy, looks on through his [[holomatter]] avatar. [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] urges [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] to finish his drink or risk being late to Megatron's education seminar, only for the [[Hydrobot]] to reply that class was cancelled today. This exchange gives [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] opportunity to voice his displeasure with their new captain and predict that the class is yet another rung in the ladder of Megatron's domination of the universe.

''At the recess, high command converges to hear Ultra Magnus conclude Megatron's argument: in concurrence with the ancient legal system of Luna 2, different and separate from that of Cybertron, Megatron has invoked his right to be tried by the only body which can objectively process his charges: the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] and Starscream are quick to protest this unwelcome development, but Ultra Magnus insists that the trial cannot be reshuffled for the convenience of the prosecution's argument, and Optimus is quick to back him up, pointing out that their handling of the trial is just as important as the actual outcome. Rattrap also speaks up in favor of their argument, pointing out that such duplicity belies the trial as a strictly black-and-white moral affair.''

In the ''Lost Light'''s medibay, [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]], Ultra Magnus and Megatron look on as [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] examines the contents of the mysterious coffin: [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]' apparent corpse. Though he is able to quickly confirm the gaping head wound as the cause of death, there is no obvious evidence that the figure isn't their captain... much to the shock and confusion of Rodimus himself, who arrives to view "his" corpse, bickering with "co-captain" Megatron all the while.

''Before the trial's conclusion, Optimus visits Megatron's cell once more, confronting him about his earlier request to have the trial take place on Luna 2, under the pretense of the [[Raskol Arena|arena]] there being the only structure large enough to contain all the people he has ever wronged. Megatron insists that his intentions are not to escape justice, but to atone for his crimes by finding the Cybertronian race a new home in the form of [[Cyberutopia]], the fabled domain of the Knights of Cybertron, after which he will gladly let justice take its course. Optimus hands Megatron a datapad and promises to uphold Megatron's wish and let him join the ''Lost Light'' crew—as long as he relays the message on it to the crowd. ''

In the medibay, Megatron's barbs rouse the sulky Rodimus into action. Calling on [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], Chromedome, Brainstorm, Skids and [[Nautica]], he charges "Team Rodimus" with using their considerable abilities to determining the nature of the dead doppelgänger. While Megatron looks on in disgust, Chromedome attempts to extract memories from its ruined brain, and Nautica inquires about Brainstorm's ''early'' early warning system (for those times that your early warning system just isn't enough). Nautica notes the presence of spectralist symbols on the coffin, causing Ratchet to theorize that [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], a practicing spectralist, may have been the one to build the coffin. His speculation is cut short as Chromedome and First Aid announce the bizzarre and rather disturbing truth: based on the body's surviving memories, and the age of its innermost energon, it's none other than Rodimus' future self! As the early early warning system delivers a warning, Rodimus reasons that he should be able to upset any such time loop relatively easily, and immediately decides to ''lop off one of his arms with a chainsaw''. Megatron points out that his future self's arm could very well have been reattached postmortem, and Nightbeat realizes that this future Rodimus is missing the "crisis vote" engraving in his palm. Rodimus reveals that he removed the engraving after a conversation with Ratchet, only for the the others to ignore him and stare in shock as part of the ship's hull disappears behind him!

In Swerve's, [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] proves that old habits die hard, wowing the patrons with tales of his heroism on [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]]. [[Getaway]] approaches, applauding the little 'bot as [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] silently looks on. The escapologist asserts that Tailgate's lifesaving actions on Luna 1 were a feat worthy of the title of Prime, much to Tailgate's embarrassment, before taking a seat and asking why Tailgate changed his arm decal back to "Waste Disposal," causing Tailgate to recount his bid at reinventing himself as a hero. Getaway sympathizes, bringing up his own less-than-illustrious career before joining the Diplomatic Corps, before giving Tailgate an affectionate "bomp" on the chin. Neither of them notice Cyclonus storming out of the bar in disapproval, but the sudden blaring of the alarm is enough to get their attention.

''At the height of the trial, Megatron makes good on his part of the deal and recites Optimus' message, renouncing Decepticonism and its ideals and ordering its members everywhere to do the same. With this damning discreditation, the trial plays out exactly as Optimus had promised, and Prime even stops by Megatron's cell afterwards to congratulate him. Megatron remarks that the old him would have vowed death on Prime, but Optimus responds that that is exactly the point. Optimus leaves satisfied, not noticing Megatron bury his head in his hands.

''Later, Rodimus gleefully shows an unimpressed Ratchet the new [[Rodpod]] the crew has built him, before his exultant demeanor abruptly gives way and he remarks that it's a hard time to be reminded that people are fundamentally good. Confused, Ratchet presses the matter, and Rodimus comes clean about reading [[Atomizer]]'s list of the 89 crewmembers who voted to remove him. Ratchet furiously reminds Rodimus that such conduct is very much illegal, but Rodimus reassures him that he had already made up his mind not to act on the information, and is considering telling Magnus the truth about the affair after the latter is done with Megatron. Ratchet floors him in with the outcome of the trial and the relevation that they are ''anything'' but done with the apostate. As Ratchet fills him in on the specifics, Rodimus is overcome with rage and disbelief. Rachet grimly concurs before handing him back the list, saying that a universe where a Decepticon mass murderer can sit on an Autobot bridge makes it easier to forgive Rodimus' actions. Rodimus complies with Ratchet's suggestions and destroys the list as Ratchet tells him that he was wise not to act on it, as it's a fake. When Rodimus asks how he knows, Ratchet replies that ''his'' name wasn't on it.''

As more and more pieces of the Lost Light begin vanishing, Megatron orders the crew to evacuate to the shuttles. Rodimus yanks him off the intercom and into the Rodpod, sparking off another ill-timed round of bickering as the shuttles take off. Ultra Magnus stills the spat with some truly frightening news: The ''Lost Light'' has fully given in to the mysterious decay and completely disappeared!

==Featured Characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in the flashback portion of the issue.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]'' (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*''[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]'' (3)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (4)
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]]'' (5)
*''[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]'' (6)
*''[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'' (16)
*[[Nautica]] (17)
*''[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]'' (18)
*''[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]'' (19)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (23)
*[[Doublecross]] (24)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (25)
*[[Brainstorm]] (26)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (27)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (28)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (29)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (30)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (31)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (32)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (33)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (34)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (35)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (36)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (37)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (38)
*[[Siren]] (39)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (40)
*[[Getaway]] (41)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (44)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*Matrix thief? (45)
*[[Atomizer]] (46)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (47)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (48)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (49)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (50)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (51)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (52)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (53)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (54)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (55)
*[[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] (56)
*[[Dipstick]] (57)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (58)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (59)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*''[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]]'' (9)
*''[[Rage (G1)|Rage]]'' (10)
*''[[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]'' (11)
*''[[Hydradread]]'' (12)
*''[[Bulletbike (G2)|Bulletbike]]'' (13)
*''[[Blip]]'' (14)
*''[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Grr]]'' (15)
*''[[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]'' (20)
*''[[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]'' (21)
*''[[Snaptrap (G1)|Snap Trap]]'' (22)
|c4=
*''[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]'' (7)
*''[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]'' (8)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (42)
*[[Ten]] (43)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Ultra Magnus:''' "Your honor—is it an '''abuse of process''' to request that the presiding judge '''intervene'''?" 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "I will allow it." 
'''Hun-Grr:''' "Objec—" 
''THWOK!'' 
'''Hun-Grr:''' —''shnn!''"

'''Megatron:''' "You've been '''sulking in the shadows''' ever since we took off." 
'''Rodimus:''' "I've been '''taking stock!'''" 
'''Megatron:''' "No, Optimus "takes stock." '''I''' "take stock". You sulk. You're sulking '''now'''." 
'''Rodimus:''' "I'm '''confronting my own mortality'''! I'm having one of those—those '''existential crisises'''!" 
'''Ultra Magnus:''' "Crises." 
'''Rodimus:''' "'''Not now,''' Magnus."

"If there are still some memories in my '''dead lookalike''', you could '''read them''' and find out if he's really me." 
"You do realize that interfacing with a corpse is highly dangerous. I could die." 
""Could"! The '''luxury''' of "could"! I'm '''already dead'''!"
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Chromedome'''

"Got any '''theories''', Perceptor?" 
"One or two." 
"Is that all? I've got '''hundreds.'''" 
"Then you clearly have a lot of eliminating to do."
:—'''Brainstorm''' and '''Perceptor'''

"What are you doing? '''UNHAND ME!'''" 
"Shut up and follow me. Oh, and for future reference? Only '''bad guys''' say "unhand me"."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Rodimus'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Snaptrap and Hun-Grr's crews of Decepticons were locked up in the ''Lost Light'''s brig in [[Before & After|issue #12]]. It's fitting that they, of all the Decepticons present for the trial, should be the ones who stage the attempted escape; after all, they were among the 'Cons mentioned by Megatron in [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|issue #26]] who were still out in space, doing dastardly Decepticonny things, instead of trying to live in peace like most of those on Cybertron.
*Whirl's holomatter avatar reappears, last seen in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]]. As with several of the other avatars that appeared in that issue, which sported different [[Alex Milne]] designs on the cover of the comic compared to the [[Guido Guidi]] designs they appeared with in the story, Whirl is here redesigned with a more punkish look, featuring chains, big boots, and spiked knee- and elbow-pads.
*Ratchet posits a poor attempt at [[shadowplay]] as a possible cause of coffin-Rodimus's demise.
*Scrawled in graffiti on Megatron's cell wall is the partially-obscured phrase "Equal Rights For Knockoffs", a slogan denouncing prejudice against those who were [[Reproduction#IDW_Generation_1_continuity|constructed cold]]. We heard Brainstorm rattle this tagline off in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]].
*The [[communicube]] Megatron was seen handing Rodimus in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]] is revealed to have contained a request to move the trial to Luna 2.
*Megatron's reaction to Chromedome's mind-reading needles may be a callback to his extreme reaction against having his mind read (or altered) in issue #28.
*Drift was flagged as a "practicing spectralist" in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Rodimus tries to not think about the circumstances of Drift's departure, back in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]]. Considering it was Rodimus' fault, you can't really blame him...
*Rodimus's adventures as mentioned by Chromedome include "waking up in [[Nyon]]" (''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'' taught us that Hot Rod hails from Nyon, though what this specifically refers to is unclear), "finding the [[Magnificence]]" (as seen in ''[[Spotlight: Hot Rod]]''), and "the speech at [[Rivets Field]]" (given in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]]).
*Swerve snapped photos of Optimus, Magnus and Rodimus drinking in the bar in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|issue #23]]; here one of those shots is framed and hanging on the wall.
*The previous [[Rodpod]] was destroyed in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|issue #25]].
*Rodimus got the (''false!'') list of crew votes from Atomizer [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|last issue]].
*Ratchet notes he voted against Rodimus staying on as captain; we don't need to rattle off a laundry list of Rodimus's mistakes that led to the crisis act being invoked, but in Ratchet's case, it was likely the blaming and exile of Drift, with whom he was forming a complicated relationship, that earned his vote against him.
*The deleterious effects of Megatron's canister of "superfuel" on Trailcutter last issue are explained here: it's actually [[Fool's Energon]], a toxin created by [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] that drains his strength.
*As the alarm sounds through the ''Lost Light'', an unidentified 'bot with an animalistic alternate mode appears sitting opposite Groove in Swerve's. Though the colors and body design are different, his helmet is a dead ringer for that of the mysterious thief who stole the [[Matrix of Leadership]] millions of years in the past, seen in [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|issue #19]].

===Transformers references===
*Ultra Magnus's use of a big honking hammer is a callback to the signature weapon of his ''[[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Animated]]'' and ''[[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Prime]]'' counterparts.

===Real-life references===
*Bluestreak has brought along a selection of human-made movies from his time on Earth, including ''{{w|Zulu (1964 film)|Zulu}}'', ''{{w|Aguirre, the Wrath of God}}'', ''{{w|The Muppets Take Manhattan}}'', and ''{{w|Breathless (1960 film)|À bout de souffle}}''. Whirl is a fan of the latter's director, {{w|Jean-Luc Godard}}.
*The arena in which Megatron's trial is held is named the "{{w|Raskol}} arena", the Russian word for "split" or "schism". The term specifically refers to the 17th century splitting of the Russian Orthodox Church, triggered by reforms introduced by its patriach; no coincidence, then, that the Raskol arena should play host to such a shattering change to the Decepticon movement following a pronouncement by ''its'' patriarch. Indeed, real-life Russian parallels have played a large role in Roberts's expansion of Decepticon history throughout ''More than Meets the Eye''; the general mindset and growth of the party is evocative of Communist Russia, and several Russian loanwords have been used to describe activities during the war, such as "samizdat" (describing Megatron's writings in [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]]) and "pogrom" ("anti-Neutral progroms" were carried out by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], according to [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]]).

===Errors===
*Bluestreak claims to have "spent time on Earth as part of an infiltration unit". Ah.... no, he didn't. He wasn't part of the unit that appeared under Prowl's command at the start of IDW's comics; in fact, during the time infiltration units were in play, he was stationed on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub]] and saw action on [[Varas Centralus]], as seen during ''[[Stormbringer]]'', and didn't make his way to Earth until the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]], after infiltration protocol had been abandoned. Nothing saying he couldn't have picked the fondness for Earth culture up ''then'', of course.
*Page 13, panel 2: When Rodimus says, "...then the future in which I die..." the "I" is written with a sans-serif letter ''I''. This is in contradiction to MTMTE's normal lettering style, which like most comics uses a sans-adorned ''I'' for the first person singular pronoun. (For comparison, look at Rodimus's other two uses of "I" in the very same word balloon.)

===Crew manifest===
*Rodimus is revealed to be alive (at least for the moment) and "co-captain" of the ''Lost Light''.
**Confirmed previous crew: First Aid, Rodimus, Smokescreen, Siren, Atomizer, Highbrow, Blaster, Mainframe, Hound, Powerglide, Slapdash, Dipstick
***At least 30/79 original crew still on board, 2 departed
**Confirmed new arrivals: none this issue
***At least 17 new crew members since second launch
**Confirmed departures: The ''Lost Light'' itself?

===Soundtrack===
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38x5GYAS6xY&app=desktop Speedway]'' by {{w|Morrisey}}
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq7JSic1DtM&feature=youtu.be Rise]'' by {{w|Public Image Ltd}}
*''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrTB-iiecqk&feature=youtu.be Street Spirit (Fade Out)]'' by {{w|Radiohead}}

===Other trivia===
*Rung's ''Lost Light'' scale model appears to be missing some bits, foreshadowing the ship's bizarre disappearance.
*Hun-Grr's on his third name spelling since his introduction in IDW continuity. He started out as "Hun-Grrr" (the most prevalent spelling of his name in the 80s), until issue #12, when it was changed to "Hun-Gar" (a never-before-seen spelling, and a change also reflected in ''[[The Transformers: Monstrosity|Monstrosity]]''). Now, he's Hun-''Grr'', the spelling from the original Marvel series.

===Covers (6)===
*'''Regular cover:''' The Rodpod and various shuttles abandon the ''Lost Light'', by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Rodimus hands over the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s keys to Megatron, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''30th Anniversary cover:''' Megatron sits on the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]] as seen in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]" by [[Guido Guidi]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
*'''BotCon cover:''' Black-and-white lineart version of the 30th anniversary cover available at [[BotCon 2014]], several days before the regular retail edition of the comic was released.
*'''Retailer Exclusive covers:''' A pair of connecting covers that depict [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] in a DJ battle against [[My Little Pony|DJ Pon-3]], by [[Tony Fleecs]]. These covers were available as a shared exclusive between [http://www.plasticempire.com/ Plastic Empire] and [http://thetoyfederation.com/ The Toy Federation], and were first made available at their booth at [[BotCon 2014]].
<gallery>
File:MTMTE30 cvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE30 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE30 cvrRI.jpg
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:MTMTE30 concvr.jpg
File:MTMTE30 cvrREA.jpg|
File:MTMTE30 cvrREB.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #31
*[[Earthfall Part 3: The Mind Bomb|''Robots in Disguise'' #31]]
*[[Windblade issue 3|''Windblade'' #3]]
*15 Years of IDW: Spotlight on Gabriel Rodriguez
*[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark]]
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

Talk:Point One Percenter

2014-07-12T08:23:41Z

Dubbilex:

So where exactly was it stated that Optimus Prime, Scorponok and Shockwave are point one percenters? --[[User:Flydie|Flydie]] 09:40, 16 August 2013 (EDT)

:MTMTE #17. Brainstorm has discovered a green 'superspark' that marks a POP, and tells Perceptor that they could be looking at the next Optimus Prime or Ultra Magnus. Then he admits that, equally, it could be the next Scorponok or Shockwave. Actually, come to think of it, the current Ultra Magnus is believed at this point to be the original who repeatedly cheated death - does this also confirm the first Ultra Magnus as a point one percenter? --[[User:Tarrn|Tarrn]] 13:53, 17 August 2013 (EDT)
::I don't think enough info has been revealed about the first Ultra Magnus to determine that. --[[User:MistaTee|MistaTee]] 18:26, 17 August 2013 (EDT)

Hey, what about Prowl's list of bots? In MtMtE 14, Prowl names Optimus, Grimlock, Fortress Max, and Megatron as 'once-a-generation' powerful bots, suggesting at least potential one percenters.[[User:ZeroSD|ZeroSD]] 06:03, 28 September 2013 (EDT)
:I've added it to the notes --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 06:41, 28 September 2013 (EDT)

''"James Roberts later confirmed the characters on Prowl's list of "once-a-generation bots" were Point One Percenters."''
Having just listened to that interview, his comments seem just vague enough not to warrant such a definitive statement for anyone other than Grimlock. I think, at best, you could say those characters are *very likely* to be POPs (again, not counting Grimlock, who's confirmed as one). The relevant part of the podcast begins around 1:52:30, if anyone wants to give a second opinion. --[[User:Dubbilex|Dubbilex]] ([[User talk:Dubbilex|talk]]) 04:23, 12 July 2014 (EDT)

World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air

2014-05-17T10:19:37Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=29
|prev=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace
|next=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3
|image=MTMTE29 subcvr.jpg
|title="World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 14]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=May 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Rebecca Huard]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''In the past, Megatron's trial takes a surprising turn, while in the here and now, a drunken prank exposes the alarming contents of the coffin.'''

==Synopsis==

Freshly awoken from his recuperation from [[cybercrosis]], his [[transformation cog]] fully functional, and an [[Autobot]] [[insignia]] newly emblazoned on his chest, a cheery [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] speeds through the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and greets [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] by leaping onto his back and poking him in the head—his new "signature move", he gleefully explains. A lot has gone on while he was offline, but the biggest surprise soon comes walking down the hallway: captain [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], wearing an Autobot symbol of his own, directing the transport of the mysterious coffin through the ship's corridors. Tailgate only has a moment to be amazed, though, before a drunken [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]]—supported by [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]]—staggers up to him, welcoming him back and lauding his brave actions against [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]. All together, Tailgate, beams, he's having pretty much the best day ever... until he finds his way barred by a battle-scarred [[Legislator]]!

''Six months ago, on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]], Megatron's trial continues with [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] giving testimony regarding the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. Watching from a balcony, a glum [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is approached by [[Atomizer]], who has brought something of interest: a list of everyone who voted against Rodimus when he recently evoked the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]], acquired through dubious means, which he hopes Rodimus will use to shape the crew of the ''Lost Light'' in to one that is entirely behind him before they depart. A hesitant Rodimus instructs him to destroy it, and Atomizer agrees... ''if'' Rodimus asks him one more time. The young captain pauses...''

As it turns out that the Legislator is the bouncer at [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s [[Swerve's|bar]]; the chatty proprietor explains that he reprogrammed him and named him "Ten" because it's the only word he can say. Elsewhere in the bar, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Nautica]] and [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] read about Megatron and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s dispute over what to do with the coffin in the newest edition of the ''[[Lost Light Insider]]''. Riptide decides to have a little fun with the severely inebriated [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]], and alleges that Megatron keeps some kind of "superfuel" in the medibay, prompting the reluctant specialist to try stealing it.

''When [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starcream]] gets his turn on the witness stand, it is to speak in Megatron's defense—in a sense. Although he starts off with some unrepentant grandstanding, for which Magnus and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] reprimand him, he eventually delivers a speech that paints Megatron as a painfully inept leader who merely lit a fuse, and was unable to control of the explosion of war that resulted, but insisted on perpetuating it rather than admit failure. It is not death Megatron deserves, Starscream opines, but pity. Subsequently, the trial is put on hold for thirty minutes as Megatron requests a private conference with Magnus; during the downtime, Starscream gets news on his rising stock in the opinion polls from [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] and gloats at his moral besting of Megatron, while Optimus gets similarly positive news from [[Slamdance (G1)|Slamdance]] on how the trial is being received by the population.''

[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] is deep in thought over a holographic projection of [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s alternate mode in his quarters when [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] comes knocking, requesting his expert help in investigating the sudden change to [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s last message. The recording has since reverted to normal, and Nightbeat is a little incredulous, keen to blame Chromedome's grief for the supposed "message from beyond the grave"... until he turns around to see Rewind himself, standing in the doorway!

Mounted with a headcam to give Riptide and the others a live feed of his drunken dare, Trailcutter sneaks to the medibay, only to find it locked. Nautica, thinking the better of the prank, leaves the bar, at which point Tailgate introduces Skids to his new "finger in the head" move, accidentally knocking over the computer they are using to communicate with Trailcutter and breaking it. As such, they do not hear Trailcutter's surprising report that the medibay door has simply ''vanished'', allowing him access. As he begins to chug the supposed "superfuel" from a canister with Megatron's serial number on it, the captain himself arrives with a security team in response to silent alarms and instructs him to put the fuel down. Trailcutter seems ready for a fight but suddenly keels over, believing himself to be poisoned by the fuel, and triggers his "panic bubble"—a forcefield disconnected from his mental functions that fills the room and won't shut down for thirty minutes.

Chromedome and Nightbeat race back to Nightbeat's quarters; the vision of Rewind went unseen by Chromedome before it vanished, and Nightbeat believes it was a "[[data ghost]]", an impression left on the physical world by the metaphysical weight of the data that Rewind carried. Chromedome is apprehensive, reasoning that if Rewind has come back as a "ghost", then he is being haunted, but the pair are momentarily given another concern when Nightbeat opens the door to his hab-suite and discovers that the wall to the room has disappeared, exposing open space beyond!

After thirty minutes, Trailcutter's forcefield shuts down, and Megatron punishes him with a precision strike to the back of the head that permanently activates his [[fuel intake moderation chip]], leaving him forever unable to get drunk again, or take any pleasure in the act. Trailcutter is outraged, but Megatron ignores his anger and instead decides to offer him some focus by promoting him to director of security for the ship. That done, the pair turn their attention to the coffin... which has been broken open by Trailcutter's forcefield, and is leaking [[energon]]. Prising the lid off, the pair peer inside, and are greeted by the sight of Rodimus's corpse, with half its head missing!

''As court resumes, Ultra Magnus gives Optimus Prime some shocking news: Megatron now wishes to plead "not guilty"! And he's not the only 'bot who's had a change of heart, as somewhere else, in a darkened room, Rodimus looks over Atomizer's list...''

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in the flashback portion of the issue.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (1)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (3)
*[[Grotusque]] (4)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (5)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (8)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (9)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]]'' (12)
*''[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]'' (13)
*''[[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]]'' (14)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (15)
*''[[Atomizer]]'' (16)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (17)
*[[Doublecross]] (18)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (19)
*[[Nautica]] (20)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (21)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (22)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (23)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (26)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (28)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (30)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (31)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (32)
*''[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'' (33)
*''[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]'' (34)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (35)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (36)
*[[Aquafend]] (37)
*''[[Slamdance (G1)|Slamdance]]'' (39)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (2)
*[[Ten]] (10)
*''[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]'' (29)
*''[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]'' (38)
}}

==Quotes==

"If he's called Ten, why's he got '9' on his back?" 
"Because it's funny." 
"Is it?" 
"It is if you've got a sense of humor. You must've lost yours to '''cybercrosis'''."
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Swerve'''

"It's a '''scandal sheet''', Riptide. It uses gossip, mockery, and slander to titillate its readers, and whoever writes it should be ashamed of themselves. And 'Mags v. Megs' would've made a '''much''' better headline."
:—'''Nautica''' on the ''Lost Light Insider''

"I'm at the medibay door—they've done something to it. They've made it all '''lock-y.'''" 
"'Lock-y'? How many have you '''had'''?" 
"I think I want to '''punch''' it."
:—'''Trailcutter''' and '''Skids'''

"Trust me—every fiber of my being is telling me to put a stop to this. It's only through sheer '''force of will''' that I'm able to keep watching."
:—'''Skids'''

"Now, what am I actually '''looking for?''' A vat? A flask? A vial? My money's on a vial. Vials are '''sinister.'''"
:—'''Trailcutter'''

"Information carries weight. It's not corporeal, but it has '''presence'''. It can be '''felt'''. It hangs in the air like—like words. Like the morning after an argument! Actually, not like that. That's a bad analogy. I'm distracted. Shut up. Stop '''expecting things''' of me." 
"But why '''Rewind?'''" 
"Think about it! He was a walking archive—literally. A body of information. All that dense data squeezed into such a small space. Pressing down like a—like a—" 
"Like a gun to your head."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Chromedome'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Tailgate recovers from the cybercrosis he succumbed to back in [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]]. It was in that same issue that he overcame Tyrest with his "finger in the head" move, when he jammed his finger into the hole in [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]'s head.
*Tailgate describes Optimus Prime as a "roof-jumping, name-taking" hero, still basing his view of Prime on the story he was told in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|the "Shadowplay" trilogy]].
*Tailgate finally becomes a full-fledged Autobot, having been studying toward this end since [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]].
*Jackpot sings a line from the drinking song everyone performed in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|issue #27]].
*Though he appeared to die in [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|issue #24]] of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]], Grotusque put in a brief appearance in [[Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|''Robots in Disguise'' #27]]. His appearance in this issue confirms that wasn't an error and he's definitely alive, as he and his fellow [[Monsterbot]]s—not seen together since ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|Maximum Dinobots]]''—have joined the ''Lost Light''.
*From the description Rodimus and Atomizer give of Vos ("hooks for hands and feet!") it's evident that the Vos seen in the video they watched is a previous holder of the code-name, and not the [[Vos (DJD)|current, hookless Vos]] seen in [[Rules of Disengagement|issues #7]] and [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|#8]].
*Ratchet wants to ask Megatron a question "about <nowiki>[his]</nowiki> eyes"—he's referring to Megatron's rumored [[antimatter]] powers, which he and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] talked about back in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|issue #22]] of the ongoing, which manifest through his eyes per their previous usage in "[[Resurrection!]]", a [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] story.
*Nautica mentions ''The Ascetic Cybertronian,'' a work written by Dominus Ambus that was previously referenced by Alpha Trion in [[Spotlight: Orion Pax]].
*[[Ambulon (G1)|Ambulon]]'s belongings remain in the medibay, labelled as "untouched" following his death in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|issue #20]].
*Whatever is in Megatron's canister of green "superfuel", it's probably got something to do with his enigmatic comment last issue that he was going to recharge—"if you can call it that." Something's up with Megatron's fuel intake!
*Judging by his presence among the responders to Trailcutter's break-in, [[Aquafend]] remains part of the Lost Light's security personnel. From [[Interiors|issue #6]], we know he held such a position back in "Season 1" as well.
*The depth of the relationship between Rewind and [[Dominus Ambus]] has only been implied in the past; this issue confirms that the pair were [[Conjunx Endura]]e.
*Nightbeat referred to the "Big Three" mysteries waaaaaaay back in his ''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|Spotlight]]'' issue; this issue establishes that two of the three were the disappearances of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], which have since been found (though there's clearly still a lot more to Luna 1's story yet to be told).

===Transformers references===
*The ''Lost Light Insider'' uses Megatron's rarely-referenced nickname from his old [[The Transformers Universe|''Universe'' profile]], "The Slag Maker".

===Real-life references===
*The idea of Ten being programmed to obey Swerve's "three laws" ("no guns, no [[sword]]s, no [[briefcase]]s") is a humorous take on [[Wikipedia:Three Laws of Robotics|Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics"]].
*Nightbeat's quarters are in hab-suite 221, a reference to 221b Baker Street, home of famous detective [[Sherlock Holmes]].
*The concept of a "data ghost" as a lingering impression of a deceased person was also found in the 2008 Doctor Who episode [[Wikipedia:Silence in the Library|"Silence in the Library"]].
*The serial number on the can of "superfuel" reads "MEGS-071-980", an apparent reference to July 1980, the month in which Marvel's ''Shogun Warriors'' #18 was published, in which the name "Megatron" was first used by the company.

===Errors===
* Gripper is colored light yellow & black, where his toy is orange and black.
* In the second panel on page 6 there is "Trial Megatron (Day 3)." instead of "Trial of Megatron (Day 3).".

===Crew manifest===
*Trailcutter is now the ''Lost Light'' security chief, a position vacant since [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s boxing in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|#11]].
*Building upon last issue's adjustments to the crew:
**Confirmed previous crew: Tailgate, Cyclonus, Jackpot, Hoist, Trailcutter, Ratchet, Aquafend
**Confirmed(?) departures: Rodimus
***At least 18/79 original crew still on board, 3(?) departed
**Confirmed new arrivals: Hot Spot, Broadside, Grotusque, Doublecross, Streetwise, Repugnus
***At least 16 new crew members since second launch

===Other trivia===
[[File:MtMtE22and29-RungAltmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Nae difference, by the way!]]
*This issue features a new style of recap page, which sees Swerve address the readers directly to get them up to speed.
*The series roll call page is reintroduced, though lacking the short bios that characterized season one's "Meet the Crew" page.
*Roberts [https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/467438088604876800 confirmed on Twitter] that the projection Nightbeat is shown studying is supposed to be of Rung's alternate mode. Indeed, the projection's details and shapes are very clearly based on those of Rung's robot mode, reconfigured, with his head-crest, circular central chest design, "wasitcoat" details, pelvis, and shin-protrusions all evident. This had to ''be'' confirmed outside the comic, however, because it looks ''completely different'' to the mode as it appeared previously in [[Little Victories|issue #22]]. In the interest of fairness, we shan't list this under "Errors", 'cause the art here is by regular artist Alex Milne, while the alt mode's first appearance was by fill-in artist [[James Raiz]].

===Soundtrack===
*''[http://grooveshark.com/#!/search/song?q=The+Ladybug+Transistor+Words+Hang+in+the+Air Words Hang in the Air]'' by [[Wikipedia: The Ladybug Transistor|The Ladybug Transistor]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' Megatron and Tailgate, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Megatron on trial atop a field of skulls, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Incentive cover:''' Optimus, Rodimus, Cyclonus and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] under fire, by [[Marcelo Matere]] and Priscilla Tramontano. Noticeably unrelated to the content of the comic, this cover hearkens back to these characters' time together in the [[Dead Universe]] during "[[Dark Cybertron]]".
<gallery>
File:MTMTE29 cvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE29 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE29 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*''More than Meets the Eye'' #30
*''Robots in Disguise'' #29
*''Windblade'' #2
*IDW ''Littlest Pet Shop'' comic
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

==External links==
* [http://www.newsarama.com/21096-more-autobot-megatron-in-transformers-mtmte-29-preview.html Preview]

World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air

2014-05-17T09:47:52Z

Dubbilex: /* Other trivia */ Without knowing which design came first, I'm not sure we can call either an error. Milne's design sketch for Rung had a vehicle alt mode, so we know the current one wasn't there from day one.

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=29
|prev=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace
|next=World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3
|image=MTMTE29 subcvr.jpg
|title="World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 14]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=May 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Rebecca Huard]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''In the past, Megatron's trial takes a surprising turn, while in the here and now, a drunken prank exposes the alarming contents of the coffin.'''

==Synopsis==

Freshly awoken from his recuperation from [[cybercrosis]], his [[transformation cog]] fully functional, and an [[Autobot]] [[insignia]] newly emblazoned on his chest, a cheery [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] speeds through the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and greets [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] by leaping onto his back and poking him in the head—his new "signature move", he gleefully explains. A lot has gone on while he was offline, but the biggest surprise soon comes walking down the hallway: captain [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], wearing an Autobot symbol of his own, directing the transport of the mysterious coffin through the ship's corridors. Tailgate only has a moment to be amazed, though, before a drunken [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]]—supported by [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]]—staggers up to him, welcoming him back and lauding his brave actions against [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]. All together, Tailgate, beams, he's having pretty much the best day ever... until he finds his way barred by a battle-scarred [[Legislator]]!

''Six months ago, on [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]], Megatron's trial continues with [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] giving testimony regarding the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. Watching from a balcony, a glum [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] is approached by [[Atomizer]], who has brought something of interest: a list of everyone who voted against Rodimus when he recently evoked the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]], acquired through dubious means, which he hopes Rodimus will use to shape the crew of the ''Lost Light'' in to one that is entirely behind him before they depart. A hesitant Rodimus instructs him to destroy it, and Atomizer agrees... ''if'' Rodimus asks him one more time. The young captain pauses...''

As it turns out that the Legislator is the bouncer at [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s [[Swerve's|bar]]; the chatty proprietor explains that he reprogrammed him and named him "Ten" because it's the only word he can say. Elsewhere in the bar, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], [[Nautica]] and [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] read about Megatron and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s dispute over what to do with the coffin in the newest edition of the ''[[Lost Light Insider]]''. Riptide decides to have a little fun with the severely inebriated [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]], and alleges that Megatron keeps some kind of "superfuel" in the medibay, prompting the reluctant specialist to try stealing it.

''When [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starcream]] gets his turn on the witness stand, it is to speak in Megatron's defense—in a sense. Although he starts off with some unrepentant grandstanding, for which Magnus and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] reprimand him, he eventually delivers a speech that paints Megatron as a painfully inept leader who merely lit a fuse, and was unable to control of the explosion of war that resulted, but insisted on perpetuating it rather than admit failure. It is not death Megatron deserves, Starscream opines, but pity. Subsequently, the trial is put on hold for thirty minutes as Megatron requests a private conference with Magnus; during the downtime, Starscream gets news on his rising stock in the opinion polls from [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] and gloats at his moral besting of Megatron, while Optimus gets similarly positive news from [[Slamdance (G1)|Slamdance]] on how the trial is being received by the population.''

[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] is deep in thought over a holographic projection of [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s alternate mode in his quarters when [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] comes knocking, requesting his expert help in investigating the sudden change to [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s last message. The recording has since reverted to normal, and Nightbeat is a little incredulous, keen to blame Chromedome's grief for the supposed "message from beyond the grave"... until he turns around to see Rewind himself, standing in the doorway!

Mounted with a headcam to give Riptide and the others a live feed of his drunken dare, Trailcutter sneaks to the medibay, only to find it locked. Nautica, thinking the better of the prank, leaves the bar, at which point Tailgate introduces Skids to his new "finger in the head" move, accidentally knocking over the computer they are using to communicate with Trailcutter and breaking it. As such, they do not hear Trailcutter's surprising report that the medibay door has simply ''vanished'', allowing him access. As he begins to chug the supposed "superfuel" from a canister with Megatron's serial number on it, the captain himself arrives with a security team in response to silent alarms and instructs him to put the fuel down. Trailcutter seems ready for a fight but suddenly keels over, believing himself to be poisoned by the fuel, and triggers his "panic bubble"—a forcefield disconnected from his mental functions that fills the room and won't shut down for thirty minutes.

Chromedome and Nightbeat race back to Nightbeat's quarters; the vision of Rewind went unseen by Chromedome before it vanished, and Nightbeat believes it was a "[[data ghost]]", an impression left on the physical world by the metaphysical weight of the data that Rewind carried. Chromedome is apprehensive, reasoning that if Rewind has come back as a "ghost", then he is being haunted, but the pair are momentarily given another concern when Nightbeat opens the door to his hab-suite and discovers that the wall to the room has disappeared, exposing open space beyond!

After thirty minutes, Trailcutter's forcefield shuts down, and Megatron punishes him with a precision strike to the back of the head that permanently activates his [[fuel intake moderation chip]], leaving him forever unable to get drunk again, or take any pleasure in the act. Trailcutter is outraged, but Megatron ignores his anger and instead decides to offer him some focus by promoting him to director of security for the ship. That done, the pair turn their attention to the coffin... which has been broken open by Trailcutter's forcefield, and is leaking [[energon]]. Prising the lid off, the pair peer inside, and are greeted by the sight of Rodimus's corpse, with half its head missing!

''As court resumes, Ultra Magnus gives Optimus Prime some shocking news: Megatron now wishes to plead "not guilty"! And he's not the only 'bot who's had a change of heart, as somewhere else, in a darkened room, Rodimus looks over Atomizer's list...''

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in the flashback portion of the issue.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (1)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (3)
*[[Grotusque]] (4)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (5)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (8)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (9)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (11)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]]'' (12)
*''[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]'' (13)
*''[[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]]'' (14)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (15)
*''[[Atomizer]]'' (16)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (17)
*[[Doublecross]] (18)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (19)
*[[Nautica]] (20)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (21)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (22)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (23)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (25)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (26)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (28)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (30)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (31)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (32)
*''[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'' (33)
*''[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]'' (34)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (35)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (36)
*[[Aquafend]] (37)
*''[[Slamdance (G1)|Slamdance]]'' (39)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (2)
*[[Ten]] (10)
*''[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]'' (29)
*''[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]'' (38)
}}

==Quotes==

"If he's called Ten, why's he got '9' on his back?" 
"Because it's funny." 
"Is it?" 
"It is if you've got a sense of humor. You must've lost yours to '''cybercrosis'''."
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Swerve'''

"It's a '''scandal sheet''', Riptide. It uses gossip, mockery, and slander to titillate its readers, and whoever writes it should be ashamed of themselves. And 'Mags v. Megs' would've made a '''much''' better headline."
:—'''Nautica''' on the ''Lost Light Insider''

"I'm at the medibay door—they've done something to it. They've made it all '''lock-y.'''" 
"'Lock-y'? How many have you '''had'''?" 
"I think I want to '''punch''' it."
:—'''Trailcutter''' and '''Skids'''

"Trust me—every fiber of my being is telling me to put a stop to this. It's only through sheer '''force of will''' that I'm able to keep watching."
:—'''Skids'''

"Now, what am I actually '''looking for?''' A vat? A flask? A vial? My money's on a vial. Vials are '''sinister.'''"
:—'''Trailcutter'''

"Information carries weight. It's not corporeal, but it has '''presence'''. It can be '''felt'''. It hangs in the air like—like words. Like the morning after an argument! Actually, not like that. That's a bad analogy. I'm distracted. Shut up. Stop '''expecting things''' of me." 
"But why '''Rewind?'''" 
"Think about it! He was a walking archive—literally. A body of information. All that dense data squeezed into such a small space. Pressing down like a—like a—" 
"Like a gun to your head."
:—'''Nightbeat''' and '''Chromedome'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Tailgate recovers from the cybercrosis he succumbed to back in [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]]. It was in that same issue that he overcame Tyrest with his "finger in the head" move, when he jammed his finger into the hole in [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]'s head.
*Tailgate describes Optimus Prime as a "roof-jumping, name-taking" hero, still basing his view of Prime on the story he was told in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|the "Shadowplay" trilogy]].
*Tailgate finally becomes a full-fledged Autobot, having been studying toward this end since [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]].
*Jackpot sings a line from the drinking song everyone performed in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|issue #27]].
*Though he appeared to die in [[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|issue #24]] of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]], Grotusque put in a brief appearance in [[Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|''Robots in Disguise'' #27]]. His appearance in this issue confirms that wasn't an error and he's definitely alive, as he and his fellow [[Monsterbot]]s—not seen together since ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|Maximum Dinobots]]''—have joined the ''Lost Light''.
*From the description Rodimus and Atomizer give of Vos ("hooks for hands and feet!") it's evident that the Vos seen in the video they watched is a previous holder of the code-name, and not the [[Vos (DJD)|current, hookless Vos]] seen in [[Rules of Disengagement|issues #7]] and [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|#8]].
*Ratchet wants to ask Megatron a question "about <nowiki>[his]</nowiki> eyes"—he's referring to Megatron's rumored [[antimatter]] powers, which he and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] talked about back in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|issue #22]] of the ongoing, which manifest through his eyes per their previous usage in "[[Resurrection!]]", a [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] story.
*[[Ambulon (G1)|Ambulon]]'s belongings remain in the medibay, labelled as "untouched" following his death in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|issue #20]].
*Whatever is in Megatron's canister of green "superfuel", it's probably got something to do with his enigmatic comment last issue that he was going to recharge—"if you can call it that." Something's up with Megatron's fuel intake!
*The depth of the relationship between Rewind and [[Dominus Ambus]] has only been implied in the past; this issue confirms that the pair were [[Conjunx Endura]]e.
*Nightbeat referred to the "Big Three" mysteries waaaaaaay back in his ''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|Spotlight]]'' issue; this issue establishes that two of the three were the disappearances of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], which have since been found (though there's clearly still a lot more to Luna 1's story yet to be told).

===Transformers references===
*The ''Lost Light Insider'' uses Megatron's rarely-referenced nickname from his old [[The Transformers Universe|''Universe'' profile]], "The Slag Maker".

===Real-life references===
*The idea of Ten being programmed to obey Swerve's "three laws" ("no guns, no [[sword]]s, no [[briefcase]]s") is a humorous take on [[Wikipedia:Three Laws of Robotics|Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics"]].
*Nightbeat's quarters are in hab-suite 221, a reference to 221b Baker Street, home of famous detective [[Sherlock Holmes]].
*The concept of a "data ghost" as a lingering impression of a deceased person was also found in the 2008 Doctor Who episode [[Wikipedia:Silence in the Library|"Silence in the Library"]].
*The serial number on the can of "superfuel" reads "MEGS-071-980", an apparent reference to July 1980, the month in which Marvel's ''Shogun Warriors'' #18 was published, in which the name "Megatron" was first used by the company.

===Errors===
* Gripper is colored light yellow & black, where his toy is orange and black.
* In the second panel on page 6 there is "Trial Megatron (Day 3)." instead of "Trial of Megatron (Day 3).".

===Crew manifest===
*Trailcutter is now the ''Lost Light'' security chief, a position vacant since [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s boxing in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|#11]].
*Building upon last issue's adjustments to the crew:
**Confirmed previous crew: Tailgate, Cyclonus, Jackpot, Hoist, Trailcutter, Ratchet, Aquafend
**Confirmed(?) departures: Rodimus
***At least 18/79 original crew still on board, 3(?) departed
**Confirmed new arrivals: Hot Spot, Broadside, Grotusque, Doublecross, Streetwise, Repugnus
***At least 16 new crew members since second launch

===Other trivia===
[[File:MtMtE22and29-RungAltmode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Nae difference, by the way!]]
*This issue features a new style of recap page, which sees Swerve address the readers directly to get them up to speed.
*The series roll call page is reintroduced, though lacking the short bios that characterized season one's "Meet the Crew" page.
*Roberts [https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/467438088604876800 confirmed on Twitter] that the projection Nightbeat is shown studying is supposed to be of Rung's alternate mode. Indeed, the projection's details and shapes are very clearly based on those of Rung's robot mode, reconfigured, with his head-crest, circular central chest design, "wasitcoat" details, pelvis, and shin-protrusions all evident. This had to ''be'' confirmed outside the comic, however, because it looks ''completely different'' to the mode as it appeared previously in [[Little Victories|issue #22]]. In the interest of fairness, we shan't list this under "Errors", 'cause the art here is by regular artist Alex Milne, while the alt mode's first appearance was by fill-in artist [[James Raiz]].

===Soundtrack===
*''[http://grooveshark.com/#!/search/song?q=The+Ladybug+Transistor+Words+Hang+in+the+Air Words Hang in the Air]'' by [[Wikipedia: The Ladybug Transistor|The Ladybug Transistor]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Standard cover:''' Megatron and Tailgate, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Megatron on trial atop a field of skulls, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Incentive cover:''' Optimus, Rodimus, Cyclonus and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] under fire, by [[Marcelo Matere]] and Priscilla Tramontano. Noticeably unrelated to the content of the comic, this cover hearkens back to these characters' time together in the [[Dead Universe]] during "[[Dark Cybertron]]".
<gallery>
File:MTMTE29 cvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE29 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE29 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*''More than Meets the Eye'' #30
*''Robots in Disguise'' #29
*''Windblade'' #2
*IDW ''Littlest Pet Shop'' comic
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

==External links==
* [http://www.newsarama.com/21096-more-autobot-megatron-in-transformers-mtmte-29-preview.html Preview]

The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7

2014-03-21T11:32:42Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=25
|prev=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next=Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 7
|prev2=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next2=Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|caption=
|image=RID25 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Dead Are Not Enough" Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 22]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light''ers have a close encounter of the unexpected kind deep within Metroplex, while old allies are found and won back in the Dead Universe. All this, plus: Megatron vs. Galvatron! '''

==Synopsis==
The battle between the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew and the [[Ammonite]]s continues, with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] leading his crewmates in the fight. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] comes to the aid of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], but is mildly affronted to learn that the former-senator-turned-playwright doesn't know who he is. Moments later, the Ammonites appear to retreat, but [[Waverider]], observing from above, realizes they are actually heading for the dormant [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Within the Titan, meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s team discover that they have been protected against the explosion of the [[Rodpod]] by a wall that sprang up to shield them. Just as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is deducing that Metroplex's constantly-shifting interior was the reason for the confusing pattern of arrows they followed earlier, [[Brainstorm]] shushes him to point out that [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] has vanished. When [[Getaway]]'s communicator rings, they think Whirl is contacting them, but it's actually Swerve responding to Getaway's earlier message with some alarm. The metallurgist explains that the [[Admium]] flakes found in Metroplex's interior indicate he has contracted a contagious [[alchemical virus]] that is breaking down his metal... but that even this "death plague" is the least of the team's worries with the Ammonites bearing down on them!

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nova Prime]] uses his control over the collapsing reality to bring [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s captive team to his citadel, crafted in the image of his own head and protected by an army of undead [[Sweep]]s. He presents them with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the verge of death, who Nova has sliced open and transformed into a fledging [[space bridge]]. Mocking [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s suggestions for how they could overpower him and escape, Nova orders [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to take them to a cell. As he locks them up, Nightbeat explains that Nova intends to take their [[spark]]s to strengthen the space bridge and allow him to cross over. Remembering his previous reaction, Rodimus shows Nightbat the mysterious contents of his palm once more, explaining that in order to break Nova's control over him, they must force the detective to engage the part of his brain that Nova has shut off: the part that represents his true nature, the part that loves mystery. Rodimus challenges Nightbeat to solve the mystery of what lies in his hand: the numbers "89/101", carved into his palm. Rodimus permits him to ask one question, and Nightbeat struggles to think the conundrum through, finally succeeding in breaking Nova's control by deducing that the sum of the numbers represents the 190 active crew members of the ''Lost Light''. Nightbeat releases them, but Orion remains confused, and Rodimus grimly prepares to explain the truth to him...

In [[Crystal City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] angrily advocates pursuing the escaping [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, his ancient warrior spirit disgusted by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s passive, big-picture attitude. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] soon arrives in his stolen timeship, and while he and Shockwave prepare to discuss their plan, Galvatron brusquely takes up [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s given task of taking [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s body back to Shockwave's lab, distrustful of the current generation of Transformers. On the way, Galvatron and Waspinator find their way barred by [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], who demands they hand Megatron over. Galvatron is highly amused, and proceeds to beat the stuffing out of Bumblebee... until Megatron revives, takes down Waspinator despite lacking his own legs, and knocks Galvatron out with a barrage of [[fusion cannon]] fire. Bumblebee carries the Decepticon leader out of the city, and while the sight of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] burning in the distance affords Megatron no pleasure, he does smile at the thought of [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]'s suffering. And life is indeed hard for his traitorous lieutenant right now, as he sits in the ruins of Iacon and endures [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s vitriolic fire-and-brimstone pontifications.

Back inside Metroplex, Whirl rejoins the team, having tracked down their Ammonite stowaway and tortured him for information, discovering that the Ammonites were recruited by Shockwave in case "the dead were not enough". The Ammonite further explains that the Decepticon ordered them to track the ''Lost Light'' and prevent the crew from interfering with his plans in exchange for his bringing an end to the Ammonite/[[Terradore]] war; this confession triggers a failsafe that causes the little 'bot to involuntarily self-destruct. Deducing the connection between "the dead" and the Dead Universe and realizing Shockwave is behind everything, the Autobots are planning what to do next when a hooked cable suddenly drops through a hole in the ceiling and clocks Ultra Magnus on the head. Two figures slide down the cable, warning (with some uncertainty) the Autobots not to move: two figures that reveal themselves to be [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], a pair of [[Female Transformer|''female'' Transformers]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)
*[[Waverider]] (7)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (10)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Getaway]] (18)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (20)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (40)
*[[Nautica]] (44)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (45)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (29)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (30)
*[[Slog]] (32)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (33)
*[[Wildfly]] (35)
*[[Scowl]] (36)
*[[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] (37)
*[[Birdbrain]] (38)
*[[Bristleback]] (39)
|c4=
*[[Ammonite]]s (1)
*[[Sweep]]s (19)
*[[Nova Prime]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (26)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (31)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (34)
*[[Necrotitan]] (41)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (42)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (43)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Brainstorm:''' "Something's not right." 
'''Skids:''' "What it is, Brainstorm? '''Trouble?'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "The opposite. There's a sudden lack of tension in the room. I can't explain it." 
'''Ratchet:''' "It's '''Whirl.''' Where's he gone?" 
''(Getaway's communicator rings.)'' 
'''Ratchet:''' "I bet that's him, and I bet he's '''done something.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "If he needs help disposing of a body, tell him I'm not bailing him out. Not again."

"In my time, being a warrior meant something. How do you '''stand''' it, '''Shockwave?''' This '''planet''', and the '''cowards''' who live here." 
"I am a scientist, not a warrior. I suppose other principles govern my actions." 
"''Hmpf.'' A world ruled by scientists..."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Shockwave'''

"'''This''' scratch? I've had '''worse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''', on getting his legs ripped off

"Alrighty, then—stand still, face front, hands on heads, noses where I can see 'em. If any of you speak, shrug, or sniff in a way that says "Have-A-Go-Hero," I will—I will.... <whisper> Help me out here, I haven't threatened anyone in '''years'''". 
"That's why we agreed to leave the tough talk to me..." 
"I know, but I was first to hit ground! I had to say '''something''', Chromia!" 
"Tell you what—ignore what Nautica's saying—and just imagine what her wrench will do to your face if you don't surrender '''immediately'''."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia''' debate whose turn it is to be a badass

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Given that Hound has spent the last five years in IDW continuity filling out crowd scenes and little else, it may be surprising to see him taking charge of the ''Lost Light'' crew in Rodimus and Magnus's absence, but he was actually a unit commander back during [[Simon Furman]]'s tenure, first seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''.
*Swerve is wielding his [[My First Blaster]], previously seen in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|#18]].
*Unable to recall Swerve's name, Crosscut wonders if he's [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], the gag being that nobody outside of the "main guys" ever seems able to remember the psychiatrist's name.
*Back in [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|''More than Meets the Eye'' #10]] and before the [[Great War (G1)|war]] began, [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] showed [[Chromedome (G1)|Tumbler]] the image of a robot called Crosscut trapped in the [[Forever Glass]] of [[Moldavite VI]]. Whether that was ''this'' Crosscut, his [[Crosscut (Decepticon)|Decepticon namesake]] or another (as yet unseen) character remains to be seen.
*When Getaway asks Skids about the arrows in Metroplex's corridors, he nudges Skids on the chin, a physical action that was established as a quirk of their partnership back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|''More than Meets the Eye'' #20]].
*And speaking of Skids and distinctive acts of non-verbal communication, at one point when he's speaking, Brainstorm interrupts him by jabbing an index finger against the guy's mouth. Brainstorm did exactly the same to Ultra Magnus in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of Dark Cybertron.
*The presence of the Sweep army in the Dead Universe implicitly confirms that when Galvatron and his army were thwarted at the climax of "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" and disintegrated, they were just being sucked back into the Dead Universe.
*''Crew Manifest'' guest note! Rodimus unequivocally states that the ''Lost Light'' has 190 crew members up and walking around. This again contradicts his previous whimsical assessment of "300 give or take" from [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|''More than Meets the Eye'' #18]], but seems to match the 230 crew members quoted from [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]'s Letters page, assuming the larger number includes the Faders and other injured.
*Ammonite [[Paddox]] referred to the Terradores potentially teaming up with the "Dark Cyclops" back in [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]]. Looks like the Ammonites decided to beat their enemies to the punch.
*At one point, Ultra Magnus exclaims, "What in the blue blazes?" Between this and the "Holy moly" of four issues back, it would a tendency towards quaint, old fashioned expletives is one by-product of his attempts to loosen up his speech.
*Oh snap! Lady-types! Readers who haven't been following the IDW universe since its inception and aren't up on the history may not fully grasp the significance of Chromia and Nautica's introduction, since it's been a while since the relevant backstory has been touched upon: that being, per ''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]'', that [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is supposed to be the only known female Transformer to exist, having been created by one of Jhiaxus's experiments. As an added bonus, the potential embodied by the introduction of multiple new female Transformers is realized quite nicely by having the pair pass [[Wikipedia: Bechdel test|the Bechdel Test]] out of the gate (something only accomplished once before in IDW continuity, by [[Verity Carlo]] and her social worker in [[Infiltration issue 4|''Infiltration'' #4]]).

===Errors===
*Both Shockwave and the two sections of Megatron change position between panels while the group wait for the arrival of Jhiaxus.
*Nautica's line in the second-to-last page is attributed to Chromia's silhouette.

===Trivia===
*The title of this chapter was accidentally left out of the finished issue.
*Artist breakdown continues as as normal this issue, with Rojo on Cybertron, Ramondelli on the Dead Universe, and Raiz on the ''Lost Light'' crew.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus and Whirl in the darkened interior of Metroplex, with eyes watching them from the shadows, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Crosscut by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron versus Galvatron, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and Josh Perez
<gallery>
File:RID25 cvrA.jpg|
File:RID25 subcvr.jpg|
File:RID25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship Is Magic'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-robots-in-disguise-25/22283/news.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7

2014-03-21T11:30:08Z

Dubbilex: Undo revision 861599 by Dubbilex (talk)

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=25
|prev=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next=Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 7
|prev2=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next2=Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|caption=
|image=RID25 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Dead Are Not Enough" Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 22]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light''ers have a close encounter of the unexpected kind deep within Metroplex, while old allies are found and won back in the Dead Universe. All this, plus: Megatron vs. Galvatron! '''

==Synopsis==
The battle between the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew and the [[Ammonite]]s continues, with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] leading his crewmates in the fight. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] comes to the aid of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], but is mildly affronted to learn that the former-senator-turned-playwright doesn't know who he is. Moments later, the Ammonites appear to retreat, but [[Waverider]], observing from above, realizes they are actually heading for the dormant [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Within the Titan, meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s team discover that they have been protected against the explosion of the [[Rodpod]] by a wall that sprang up to shield them. Just as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is deducing that Metroplex's constantly-shifting interior was the reason for the confusing pattern of arrows they followed earlier, [[Brainstorm]] shushes him to point out that [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] has vanished. When [[Getaway]]'s communicator rings, they think Whirl is contacting them, but it's actually Swerve responding to Getaway's earlier message with some alarm. The metallurgist explains that the [[Admium]] flakes found in Metroplex's interior indicate he has contracted a contagious [[alchemical virus]] that is breaking down his metal... but that even this "death plague" is the least of the team's worries with the Ammonites bearing down on them!

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nova Prime]] uses his control over the collapsing reality to bring [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s captive team to his citadel, crafted in the image of his own head and protected by an army of undead [[Sweep]]s. He presents them with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the verge of death, who Nova has sliced open and transformed into a fledging [[space bridge]]. Mocking [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s suggestions for how they could overpower him and escape, Nova orders [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to take them to a cell. As he locks them up, Nightbeat explains that Nova intends to take their [[spark]]s to strengthen the space bridge and allow him to cross over. Remembering his previous reaction, Rodimus shows Nightbat the mysterious contents of his palm once more, explaining that in order to break Nova's control over him, they must force the detective to engage the part of his brain that Nova has shut off: the part that represents his true nature, the part that loves mystery. Rodimus challenges Nightbeat to solve the mystery of what lies in his hand: the numbers "89/101", carved into his palm. Rodimus permits him to ask one question, and Nightbeat struggles to think the conundrum through, finally succeeding in breaking Nova's control by deducing that the sum of the numbers represents the 190 active crew members of the ''Lost Light''. Nightbeat releases them, but Orion remains confused, and Rodimus grimly prepares to explain the truth to him...

In [[Crystal City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] angrily advocates pursuing the escaping [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, his ancient warrior spirit disgusted by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s passive, big-picture attitude. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] soon arrives in his stolen timeship, and while he and Shockwave prepare to discuss their plan, Galvatron brusquely takes up [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s given task of taking [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s body back to Shockwave's lab, distrustful of the current generation of Transformers. On the way, Galvatron and Waspinator find their way barred by [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], who demands they hand Megatron over. Galvatron is highly amused, and proceeds to beat the stuffing out of Bumblebee... until Megatron revives, takes down Waspinator despite lacking his own legs, and knocks Galvatron out with a barrage of [[fusion cannon]] fire. Bumblebee carries the Decepticon leader out of the city, and while the sight of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] burning in the distance affords Megatron no pleasure, he does smile at the thought of [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]'s suffering. And life is indeed hard for his traitorous lieutenant right now, as he sits in the ruins of Iacon and endures [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s vitriolic fire-and-brimstone pontifications.

Back inside Metroplex, Whirl rejoins the team, having tracked down their Ammonite stowaway and tortured him for information, discovering that the Ammonites were recruited by Shockwave in case "the dead were not enough". The Ammonite further explains that the Decepticon ordered them to track the ''Lost Light'' and prevent the crew from interfering with his plans in exchange for his bringing an end to the Ammonite/[[Terradore]] war; this confession triggers a failsafe that causes the little 'bot to involuntarily self-destruct. Deducing the connection between "the dead" and the Dead Universe and realizing Shockwave is behind everything, the Autobots are planning what to do next when a hooked cable suddenly drops through a hole in the ceiling and clocks Ultra Magnus on the head. Two figures slide down the cable, warning (with some uncertainty) the Autobots not to move: two figures that reveal themselves to be [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], a pair of [[Female Transformer|''female'' Transformers]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)
*[[Waverider]] (7)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (10)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Getaway]] (18)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (20)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (40)
*[[Nautica]] (44)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (45)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (29)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (30)
*[[Slog]] (32)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (33)
*[[Wildfly]] (35)
*[[Scowl]] (36)
*[[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] (37)
*[[Birdbrain]] (38)
*[[Bristleback]] (39)
|c4=
*[[Ammonite]]s (1)
*[[Sweep]]s (19)
*[[Nova Prime]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (26)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (31)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (34)
*[[Necrotitan]] (41)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (42)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (43)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Brainstorm:''' "Something's not right." 
'''Skids:''' "What it is, Brainstorm? '''Trouble?'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "The opposite. There's a sudden lack of tension in the room. I can't explain it." 
'''Ratchet:''' "It's '''Whirl.''' Where's he gone?" 
''(Getaway's communicator rings.)'' 
'''Ratchet:''' "I bet that's him, and I bet he's '''done something.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "If he needs help disposing of a body, tell him I'm not bailing him out. Not again."

"In my time, being a warrior meant something. How do you '''stand''' it, '''Shockwave?''' This '''planet''', and the '''cowards''' who live here." 
"I am a scientist, not a warrior. I suppose other principles govern my actions." 
"''Hmpf.'' A world ruled by scientists..."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Shockwave'''

"'''This''' scratch? I've had '''worse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''', on getting his legs ripped off

"Alrighty, then—stand still, face front, hands on heads, noses where I can see 'em. If any of you speak, shrug, or sniff in a way that says "Have-A-Go-Hero," I will—I will.... <whisper> Help me out here, I haven't threatened anyone in '''years'''". 
"That's why we agreed to leave the tough talk to me..." 
"I know, but I was first to hit ground! I had to say '''something''', Chromia!" 
"Tell you what—ignore what Nautica's saying—and just imagine what her wrench will do to your face if you don't surrender '''immediately'''."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia''' debate whose turn it is to be a badass

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Given that Hound has spent the last five years in IDW continuity filling out crowd scenes and little else, it may be surprising to see him taking charge of the ''Lost Light'' crew in Rodimus and Magnus's absence, but he was actually a unit commander back during [[Simon Furman]]'s tenure, first seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''.
*Swerve is wielding his [[My First Blaster]], previously seen in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|#18]].
*Unable to recall Swerve's name, Crosscut wonders if he's [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], the gag being that nobody outside of the "main guys" ever seems able to remember the psychiatrist's name.
*Back in [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|''More than Meets the Eye'' #10]] and before the [[Great War (G1)|war]] began, [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] showed [[Chromedome (G1)|Tumbler]] the image of a robot called Crosscut trapped in the [[Forever Glass]] of [[Moldavite VI]]. Whether that was ''this'' Crosscut, his [[Crosscut (Decepticon)|Decepticon namesake]] or another (as yet unseen) character remains to be seen.
*When Getaway asks Skids about the arrows in Metroplex's corridors, he nudges Skids on the chin, a physical action that was established as a quirk of their partnership back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|''More than Meets the Eye'' #20]].
*And speaking of Skids and distinctive acts of non-verbal communication, at one point when he's speaking, Brainstorm interrupts him by jabbing an index finger against the guy's mouth. Brainstorm did exactly the same to Ultra Magnus in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of Dark Cybertron.
*The presence of the Sweep army in the Dead Universe implicitly confirms that when Galvatron and his army were thwarted at the climax of "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" and disintegrated, they were just being sucked back into the Dead Universe.
*''Crew Manifest'' guest note! Rodimus unequivocally states that the ''Lost Light'' has 190 crew members up and walking around. This again contradicts his previous whimsical assessment of "300 give or take" from [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|''More than Meets the Eye'' #18]], but seems to match the 230 crew members quoted from [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]'s Letters page, assuming the larger number includes the Faders and other injured.
*Ammonite [[Paddox]] referred to the Terradores potentially teaming up with the "Dark Cyclops" back in [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]]. Looks like the Ammonites decided to beat their enemies to the punch.
*Oh snap! Lady-types! Readers who haven't been following the IDW universe since its inception and aren't up on the history may not fully grasp the significance of Chromia and Nautica's introduction, since it's been a while since the relevant backstory has been touched upon: that being, per ''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]'', that [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is supposed to be the only known female Transformer to exist, having been created by one of Jhiaxus's experiments. As an added bonus, the potential embodied by the introduction of multiple new female Transformers is realized quite nicely by having the pair pass [[Wikipedia: Bechdel test|the Bechdel Test]] out of the gate (something only accomplished once before in IDW continuity, by [[Verity Carlo]] and her social worker in [[Infiltration issue 4|''Infiltration'' #4]]).

===Errors===
*Both Shockwave and the two sections of Megatron change position between panels while the group wait for the arrival of Jhiaxus.
*Nautica's line in the second-to-last page is attributed to Chromia's silhouette.

===Trivia===
*The title of this chapter was accidentally left out of the finished issue.
*Artist breakdown continues as as normal this issue, with Rojo on Cybertron, Ramondelli on the Dead Universe, and Raiz on the ''Lost Light'' crew.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus and Whirl in the darkened interior of Metroplex, with eyes watching them from the shadows, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Crosscut by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron versus Galvatron, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and Josh Perez
<gallery>
File:RID25 cvrA.jpg|
File:RID25 subcvr.jpg|
File:RID25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship Is Magic'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-robots-in-disguise-25/22283/news.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7

2014-03-21T10:57:35Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=25
|prev=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next=Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 7
|prev2=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next2=Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|caption=
|image=RID25 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Dead Are Not Enough" Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 22]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light''ers have a close encounter of the unexpected kind deep within Metroplex, while old allies are found and won back in the Dead Universe. All this, plus: Megatron vs. Galvatron! '''

==Synopsis==

The battle between the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew and the [[Ammonite]]s continues, with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] leading his crewmates in the fight. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] comes to the aid of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], but is mildly affronted to learn that the former-senator-turned-playwright doesn't know who he is. Moments later, the Ammonites appear to retreat, but [[Waverider]], observing from above, realizes they are actually heading for the dormant [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Within the Titan, meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s team discover that they have been protected against the explosion of the [[Rodpod]] by a wall that sprang up to shield them. Just as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is deducing that Metroplex's constantly-shifting interior was the reason for the confusing pattern of arrows they followed earlier, [[Brainstorm]] shushes him to point out that [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] has vanished. When [[Getaway]]'s communicator rings, they think Whirl is contacting them, but it's actually Swerve responding to Getaway's earlier message with some alarm. The metallurgist explains that the [[Admium]] flakes found in Metroplex's interior indicate he has contracted a contagious [[alchemical virus]] that is breaking down his metal... but that even this "death plague" is the least of the team's worries with the Ammonites bearing down on them!

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nova Prime]] uses his control over the collapsing reality to bring [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s captive team to his citadel, crafted in the image of his own head and protected by an army of undead [[Sweep]]s. He presents them with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the verge of death, who Nova has sliced open and transformed into a fledging [[space bridge]]. Mocking [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s suggestions for how they could overpower him and escape, Nova orders [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to take them to a cell. As he locks them up, Nightbeat explains that Nova intends to take their [[spark]]s to strengthen the space bridge and allow him to cross over. Remembering his previous reaction, Rodimus shows Nightbat the mysterious contents of his palm once more, explaining that in order to break Nova's control over him, they must force the detective to engage the part of his brain that Nova has shut off: the part that represents his true nature, the part that loves mystery. Rodimus challenges Nightbeat to solve the mystery of what lies in his hand: the numbers "89/101", carved into his palm. Rodimus permits him to ask one question, and Nightbeat struggles to think the conundrum through, finally succeeding in breaking Nova's control by deducing that the sum of the numbers represents the 190 active crew members of the ''Lost Light''. Nightbeat releases them, but Orion remains confused, and Rodimus grimly prepares to explain the truth to him...

In [[Crystal City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] angrily advocates pursuing the escaping [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, his ancient warrior spirit disgusted by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s passive, big-picture attitude. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] soon arrives in his stolen timeship, and while he and Shockwave prepare to discuss their plan, Galvatron brusquely takes up [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s given task of taking [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s body back to Shockwave's lab, distrustful of the current generation of Transformers. On the way, Galvatron and Waspinator find their way barred by [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], who demands they hand Megatron over. Galvatron is highly amused, and proceeds to beat the stuffing out of Bumblebee... until Megatron revives, takes down Waspinator despite lacking his own legs, and knocks Galvatron out with a barrage of [[fusion cannon]] fire. Bumblebee carries the Decepticon leader out of the city, and while the sight of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] burning in the distance affords Megatron no pleasure, he does smile at the thought of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s suffering. And life is indeed hard for his traitorous lieutenant right now, as he sits in the ruins of Iacon and endures [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s vitriolic fire-and-brimstone pontifications.

Back inside Metroplex, Whirl rejoins the team, having tracked down their Ammonite stowaway and tortured him for information, discovering that the Ammonites were recruited by Shockwave in case "the dead were not enough". The Ammonite further explains that the Decepticon ordered them to track the ''Lost Light'' and prevent the crew from interfering with his plans in exchange for his bringing an end to the Ammonite/[[Terradore]] war; this confession triggers a failsafe that causes the little 'bot to involuntarily self-destruct. Deducing the connection between "the dead" and the Dead Universe and realizing Shockwave is behind everything, the Autobots are planning what to do next when a hooked cable suddenly drops through a hole in the ceiling and clocks Ultra Magnus on the head. Two figures slide down the cable, warning (with some uncertainty) the Autobots not to move: two figures that reveal themselves to be [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], a pair of [[Female Transformer|''female'' Transformers]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)
*[[Waverider]] (7)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (10)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Getaway]] (18)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (20)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (40)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (29)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (30)
*[[Slog]] (32)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (33)
*[[Wildfly]] (35)
*[[Scowl]] (36)
*[[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] (37)
*[[Birdbrain]] (38)
*[[Bristleback]] (39)
|c4=
*[[Ammonite]]s (1)
*[[Sweep]]s (19)
*[[Nova Prime]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (26)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (31)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (34)
*[[Necrotitan]] (41)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (42)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (43)
*[[Nautica]] (44)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (45)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Brainstorm:''' "Something's not right." 
'''Skids:''' "What it is, Brainstorm? '''Trouble?'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "The opposite. There's a sudden lack of tension in the room. I can't explain it." 
'''Ratchet:''' "It's '''Whirl.''' Where's he gone?" 
''(Getaway's communicator rings.)'' 
'''Ratchet:''' "I bet that's him, and I bet he's '''done something.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "If he needs help disposing of a body, tell him I'm not bailing him out. Not again."

"In my time, being a warrior meant something. How do you '''stand''' it, '''Shockwave?''' This '''planet''', and the '''cowards''' who live here." 
"I am a scientist, not a warrior. I suppose other principles govern my actions." 
"''Hmpf.'' A world ruled by scientists..."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Shockwave'''

"'''This''' scratch? I've had '''worse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''', on getting his legs ripped off

"Alrighty, then—stand still, face front, hands on heads, noses where I can see 'em. If any of you speak, shrug, or sniff in a way that says "Have-A-Go-Hero," I will—I will.... <whisper> Help me out here, I haven't threatened anyone in '''years'''". 
"That's why we agreed to leave the tough talk to me..." 
"I know, but I was first to hit ground! I had to say '''something''', Chromia!" 
"Tell you what—ignore what Nautica's saying—and just imagine what her wrench will do to your face if you don't surrender '''immediately'''."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia''' debate whose turn it is to be a badass

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Given that Hound has spent the last five years in IDW continuity filling out crowd scenes and little else, it may be surprising to see him taking charge of the ''Lost Light'' crew in Rodimus and Magnus's absence, but he was actually a unit commander back during [[Simon Furman]]'s tenure, first seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''.
*Swerve is wielding his [[My First Blaster]], previously seen in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|#18]].
*Unable to recall Swerve's name, Crosscut wonders if he's [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], the gag being that nobody outside of the "main guys" ever seems able to remember the psychiatrist's name.
*When Getaway asks Skids about the arrows in Metroplex's corridors, he nudges Skids on the chin, a physical action that was established as a quirk of their partnership back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|''More than Meets the Eye'' #20]].
*And speaking of Skids and distinctive acts of non-verbal communication, at one point when he's speaking, Brainstorm interrupts him by jabbing an index finger against the guy's mouth. Brainstorm did exactly the same to Ultra Magnus in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of Dark Cybertron.
*The presence of the Sweep army in the Dead Universe implicitly confirms that when Galvatron and his army were thwarted at the climax of "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" and disintegrated, they were just being sucked back into the Dead Universe.
*''Crew Manifest'' guest note! Rodimus unequivocally states that the ''Lost Light'' has 190 crew members up and walking around. This again contradicts his previous whimsical assessment of "300 give or take" from [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|''More than Meets the Eye'' #18]], but seems to match the 230 crew members quoted from [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]'s Letters page, assuming the larger number includes the Faders and other injured.
*Ammonite [[Paddox]] referred to the Terradores potentially teaming up with the "Dark Cyclops" back in [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]]. Looks like the Ammonites decided to beat their enemies to the punch.
*At one point, Ultra Magnus exclaims, "What in blue blazes?" Between this and the "Holy moly" of four issues back, it would appear quaint, old fashioned expletives are one by-product of his attempts to loosen up his speech.
*Oh snap! Lady-types! Readers who haven't been following the IDW universe since its inception and aren't up on the history may not fully grasp the significance of Chromia and Nautica's introduction, since it's been a while since the relevant backstory has been touched upon: that being, per ''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]'', that [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is supposed to be the only known female Transformer to exist, having been created by one of Jhiaxus's experiments. As an added bonus, the potential embodied by the introduction of multiple new female Transformers is realized quite nicely by having the pair pass [[Wikipedia: Bechdel test|the Bechdel Test]] out of the gate (something only accomplished once before in IDW continuity, by [[Verity Carlo]] and her social worker in [[Infiltration issue 4|''Infiltration'' #4]]).

===Errors===
*Both Shockwave and the two sections of Megatron change position between panels while the group wait for the arrival of Jhiaxus.
*Nautica's line in the second-to-last page is attributed to Chromia's silhouette.

===Trivia===
*The title of this chapter was accidentally left out of the finished issue.
*Artist breakdown continues as as normal this issue, with Rojo on Cybertron, Ramondelli on the Dead Universe, and Raiz on the ''Lost Light'' crew.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus and Whirl in the darkened interior of Metroplex, with eyes watching them from the shadows, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Crosscut by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron versus Galvatron, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and Josh Perez
<gallery>
Image:RID25 cvrA.jpg|
Image:RID25 subcvr.jpg|
Image:RID25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated ADventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship Is Magic'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-robots-in-disguise-25/22283/news.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11

2014-03-21T10:42:45Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=27
|prev=Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|next=Robots in Disguise issue 28
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 11
|prev2=The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10
|next2=Dark Cybertron Chapter 12
|caption=
|image=RID 27 cvrA.jpg
|title="Black Planet" Dark Cybertron Chapter 11
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 19]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=February 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Andrew Griffith]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The Autobots and Decepticons rally against the invading Ammonite hordes as Bumblebee and Megatron take the fight to Shockwave.'''

==Synopsis==

''Several months ago, shortly before the launch of the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]]—eager to further his research of the [[Dead Universe]]—carries out some tests on [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. A scanning device shows two lifesigns in the room: one for Brainstorm, one for Hardhead, proving that Hardhead is indeed alive once more after this experiences in the Dead Universe. Hardhead is incredulous, but just as Brainstorm is explaining the wily ways of the Dead Universe, a bolt of energy leaps from the corpse of [[Nova Prime]]—kept in Brainstorm's lab as another object of study—and strikes the scientist. He appears to be fine, but the dropped scanner, forgotten by the pair, now detects only ''one'' lifesign...''

In the present day, [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s [[Ammonite]] army descends upon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s begin fighting back immediately, but [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], seeing the futility of a counter-attack, begins issuing orders to have the planet evacuated. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] stops him with a grave realization: he has observed cosmological blueshift, which indicates that space and time are collapsing.

In [[Crystal City]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] reports [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]]'s apparent expiration to a disinterested Shockwave. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] presents Shockwave with the chronal drive, now containing the drained life-energy of the entire Dead Universe, and as Shockwave integrates it into his body, he momentarily becomes psychologically unstuck in time and is overwhelmed with visions of his past life. As he struggles to process the experience, Jhiaxus explains the plans with scientific relish to [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] as he dons a suit of armor, then orders [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] to join the battle in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]], meanwhile, observes that Galvatron has some life in him yet...

Back in Iacon, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] radios [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] in the hopes she can get [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] to join the fight, but the Titan proves to need no persuasion, and rises to the task. As Metroplex engages the Ammonite horde, aboard the ''Lost Light'', Bumblebee and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] assemble a team to head into Crystal City and take on Shockwave. They disembark the ship and meet with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who is a little surprised to see that Megatron's alliance with the Autobots is a legitimate one. A moment later, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] arrives with his own team, and explains that [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] can teleport them all into Crystal City; there is a little almost-good-natured back-and-forth trash-talk between everyone, including [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]]'s attempt to apologize for his actions post-resurrection, but all agree to leave proper arguments and discussions until all is said and done. With the appearance of Monstructor, a hesitant [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] is forced to once again combine with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], providing cover for Bumblebee and Megatron's team to get away. Alas, Skywarp proves unable to teleport such a large group, so [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] decides to stay behind, as does [[Getaway]]. Starscream dismisses the altruism, but Soundwave agrees, and he and his cassettes also decide to remain behind. A blast clips Scoop just as the group teleports out...

...and reappears in the Crystal City cavern, where [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] immediately begins celebrating the fact he survived the jump... juuuuust before Bludgeon runs him through with his sword. Magnus, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and Brainstorm keep the Master of [[Metallikato]] busy while Megatron and Bumblebee search for Shockwave, and Metalhawk leads [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] and Starscream—still stunned over Scoop's actions—to Jhiaxus's ship. The trio are confronted by the master scientist himself, fully clad in what he calls his [[reactive armor]]. He mocks Metalhawk and how easy it was to control him after his resurrection, then turns his scorn on Starscream, who angrily opens fire on the scientist. Though the blast from Starscream's cannons is impressive, Jhiaxus's reactive armor absorbs it and shifts into a form that matches its power, mimicking Starscream's own.

Megatron and Bumblebee arrive in Shockwave's command chamber, where a hesitant Dreadwing tries to tough-talk them, only to be blasted by Megatron. They come upon the limp form of Galvatron, who admits what his actions have wrought and submits himself to Megatron's wrath, but Bumblebee tries to talk the Decepticon leader out of slaying him, reminding him of his past to convince him that killing is not the way forward. Megatron lowers his cannon... and Bumblebee's chest explodes as Shockwave shoots him through the back. Megatron races to his fallen ally's side, but it is too late: Bumblebee is dead. With a howl of rage, Megatron lunges at Shockwave, but his old subordinate is surging with the power of the chronal drive and his ores, and seems unbeatable...

As Magnus and Skids continue their battle with Bludgeon, the samurai warrior proves unimpressed with Skids's adaptive powers and demonstrates the superiority of his natural skill over the theoretician's mimicry. Magnus, too, falls, distracted by a cry from Brainstorm, who has collapsed in pain... as a swirling portal opens within his chest and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] and his team emerge through it!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]'' (1)
*[[Brainstorm]] (2)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (4)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (7)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (8)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (9)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (10)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (12)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (13)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (14)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (15)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (17)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (18)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (19)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (22)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (23)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (26)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (27)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (35)
*[[Nautica]] (36)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (37)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (38)
*[[Windmill (G1)|Windmill]] (39)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] (40)
*[[Grotusque]] (41)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (43)
*[[Hurricane|Hurricane]] (44)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (45)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (46)
*[[Getaway]] (47)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (48)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (64)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] (69)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (70)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (71)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (72)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (6)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (11)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (29)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (30)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (32)
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (33)
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (34)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (42)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (49)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (50)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (51)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (52)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (53)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (57)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (59)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (60)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (61)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (63)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (65)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (66)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (67)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (68)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*''[[Nova Prime]]'s corpse'' (3)
*[[Ammonite]]s (5)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (28)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (31)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (54)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (55)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (56)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (58)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (62)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (73)
}}

==Quotes==

"'''Windblade?''' It's '''Magnus'''. There's no easy way to say this, but—the universe is ending." 
"Uh-huh." 
"You took that very well." 
"Yes, well, it takes more than—wait, did you say the universe is ending? The '''universe''' is '''ending?''' What kind of a person starts a conversation like '''that?'''"
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Windblade'''

"On that note... everybody ready to—what's the phrase? <nowiki>'</nowiki>'''Roll on out'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Cybertron is in your hands, Megatron. '''Ravage'''—my friends—" 
"Yeah, yeah, I '''get''' it. We're '''with''' you... just tell 'em '''some cassettes''' sent you, okay?"
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Ravage'''

"He's given up, Megatron. '''Leave it.'''" 
"He ripped me in half." 
"And in return you're going to '''kill''' him? Is that how your world works? Each blow invites a bullet? Each death answered by '''ten'''? Because look where it's got you. Look where it's got '''all''' of us. All those years ago, when you dreamed of a life outside of the energon mines—is '''this''' what you wanted to become? The type of person who would rather '''kill''' than '''not kill'''?" 
"He's '''your''' enemy as much as mine." 
"Good, bad, friends, enemies... if there's one thing I've learned since '''Metalhawk''' and the others came home, it's that the world's a lot more '''complicated''' than that—and so are '''you.''' So let him live—let him '''join us'''." 
''(Megatron relents and offers Galvatron his hand.)'' 
"See? We're stronger together than apart."
:—'''Bumblebee'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s last words to '''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The first page of this issue is set concurrently with the early stages of [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|''More than Meets the Eye'' #1]], prior to the launch of the ''Lost Light''. The news report playing in the background is Rodimus's speech from the first page of that issue.
*Hardhead is playing about with Brainstorm's security pass, also seen in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #1. He's evidently just heat-activated the [[rubsign]] on it.
*The launch site of the ''Lost Light'' (and the [[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]] before it) is revealed to be [[Rivets Field]], the hot spot named as the birthplace of [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] in ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|#21]].
*The [[cyberwraith]] that played a key role back in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] can be spotted on Brainstorm's workbench.
*Nova Prime's body appears here following his apparent death in ''[[Spotlight: Sideswipe]]'', still in his "Nemesis Prime" color scheme. It's never been explained until now how Nova went from this death to his reappearance in ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]''; his essence returned to the Dead Universe following the expiry of his physical shell.
*Brainstorm is revealed to have been "killed" by the Dead Universe, and has been in an undead state for the entirety of his involvement in ''More than Meets the Eye''. This is why the life-consuming [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] ignored him when he was confronted by it waaaay back in ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|#3]]; slyly alluding to Brainstorm's living-dead state two years ahead of this revelation, the scene even had Skids remark that he was "already dead".
*Even slier, recall Brainstorm's reluctance to go into the Dead Universe back in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Chapter 2]], evidently knowing the risks to him if he did.
*For maximum slyness, back in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|Chapter 6]], when a life signature reading was taken of the [[Rodpod]] and Metroplex, eight signs were detected, which the issue intimated consisted of one for each of the seven 'bots in the pod (including Brainstorm), and a stowaway Ammonite that the crew mistakenly thought was Metroplex. But Metroplex turned out to be alive, so that left a signature missing... ol' dead Brainstorm.
*Bumblebee has removed the protective faceplate from his new body, which we first learned he could do back in [[Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Chapter 5]].
*Ultra Magnus lets out a good old fashioned "Hell's bells!" thereby continuing his predilection for quaint expletives that began in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]].
* On page 9, Grotusque's distinctive form can be seen among the fighting bots. Whether this is an outright error or a retcon of his apparent death in "[[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations]]" remains to be seen.
*As Shockwave integrates the chronal drive into his body, he is assailed with a series of visions from throughout his life, showing us scenes of his friendship with Orion Pax, his undergoing [[Shadowplay]] and [[Empurata]], and his first meeting with Megatron; all newly-drawn by Griffith, but previously seen in, and with dialogue lifted from, "[[Chaos Theory Part 2|Chaos Theory]]", the [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|"Shadowplay" trilogy]], and [[Shockpoint|''Robots in Disguise'' #22]].
*We learned last chapter that all those turned by the Dead Universe have portals that link the worlds within them; at the time that seemed like it was merely intended to serve as an explanation for why Kup had a portal within him earlier in the story, but is now revealed to have been foreshadowing for the appearance of the portal within Brainstorm through which Prime's team emerge. That also makes it implicit that the "singing" the team heard while in the Dead Universe last chapter was the singing going on in [[Swerve's]], echoing through the portal in Brainstorm.

===Transformers references===
*Jetfire appears with the design of his upcoming new ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Leader-class figure.
*Stabbed by Bludgeon, Waspinator crumples and plaintively wonders why the universe hates him, repeating the famous character-defining quote he originally coined in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Deep Metal]]".
*When attacked by Starscream, Jhiaxus's reactive armor adopts the shape of Starscream's new body in an orange-and-white color scheme—this, of course, being what Jhiaxus's new ''Generations'' figure looks like. Or rather, ''sort of'' looks like—the color layout is different, and he appears without any of the mold changes the toy has that distinguish it from Starscream.

===Errors===
*Continuing the artistic error of the previous chapter, Bumblebee's new "Goldfire" body appears with design cues from the original comic design that were not part of the toy, when all previous appearances of the body have adhered to the toy design.
*During Shockwave's out-of-time experience (pages 6-7), the second word balloon ("Yes, yes... but... I planted a seed") should be tailless, as that line was not spoken at the same time and place as what the accompanying panel depicts.
*Hook is with the Decepticons on page 13, despite having combined into Devastator on the previous page; he's apparently been drawn in place of Scoop, who's missing from this panel.
*On page 14, Starscream says, "He's going get himself killed!" Presumably, there was supposed to be a "to" in there.
*On page 19, Galvatron calls Dreadwing "Dreadwin''d''".

===Trivia===
*Artist breakdown: All Andrew Griffith, all the time, baby!
*The idea of "Dark Cybertron" Jiminez/Fajardo covers corresponding to the toy they come with as gone right out the window over the last three issues, and this one's no different with [[Legends Class]] Cosmos taking the spotlight.
*Bumblebee's death was accidentally blown by the preview of Chapter 12 released through iTunes the week prior to this issue's release; although it had been cut down to only one page instead of the normal three to avoid any in-story spoilers, unfortunately, the ''recap'' page and its detailing of 'Bee's departure was ''not'' removed.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' A burning Autobot symbol forewarns of the "Death of a Hero", by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Cosmos by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Bludgeon by [[Marcelo Matere]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
<gallery>
File:RID 27 cvrA.jpg|
File:RID 27 subcvr.jpg|
File:RID 27 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Dark Cybertron Chapter 12|the final chapter]]
*''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[The War to End All Wars, Part 5|#100]]
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/20591-transformers-previews-dark-cybertron-penultimate-issue-regeneration-one-finale.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11

2014-03-21T02:15:22Z

Dubbilex: /* Errors */

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=27
|prev=Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|next=Robots in Disguise issue 28
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 11
|prev2=The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10
|next2=Dark Cybertron Chapter 12
|caption=
|image=RID 27 cvrA.jpg
|title="Black Planet" Dark Cybertron Chapter 11
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 19]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=February 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Andrew Griffith]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The Autobots and Decepticons rally against the invading Ammonite hordes as Bumblebee and Megatron take the fight to Shockwave.'''

==Synopsis==

''Several months ago, shortly before the launch of the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Brainstorm]]—eager to further his research of the [[Dead Universe]]—carries out some tests on [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. A scanning device shows two lifesigns in the room: one for Brainstorm, one for Hardhead, proving that Hardhead is indeed alive once more after this experiences in the Dead Universe. Hardhead is incredulous, but just as Brainstorm is explaining the wily ways of the Dead Universe, a bolt of energy leaps from the corpse of [[Nova Prime]]—kept in Brainstorm's lab as another object of study—and strikes the scientist. He appears to be fine, but the dropped scanner, forgotten by the pair, now detects only ''one'' lifesign...''

In the present day, [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s [[Ammonite]] army descends upon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s begin fighting back immediately, but [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], seeing the futility of a counter-attack, begins issuing orders to have the planet evacuated. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] stops him with a grave realization: he has observed cosmological blueshift, which indicates that space and time are collapsing.

In [[Crystal City]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] reports [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]]'s apparent expiration to a disinterested Shockwave. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] presents Shockwave with the chronal drive, now containing the drained life-energy of the entire Dead Universe, and as Shockwave integrates it into his body, he momentarily becomes psychologically unstuck in time and is overwhelmed with visions of his past life. As he struggles to process the experience, Jhiaxus explains the plans with scientific relish to [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] as he dons a suit of armor, then orders [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] to join the battle in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]], meanwhile, observes that Galvatron has some life in him yet...

Back in Iacon, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] radios [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] in the hopes she can get [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] to join the fight, but the Titan proves to need no persuasion, and rises to the task. As Metroplex engages the Ammonite horde, aboard the ''Lost Light'', Bumblebee and [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] assemble a team to head into Crystal City and take on Shockwave. They disembark the ship and meet with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who is a little surprised to see that Megatron's alliance with the Autobots is a legitimate one. A moment later, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] arrives with his own team, and explains that [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] can teleport them all into Crystal City; there is a little almost-good-natured back-and-forth trash-talk between everyone, including [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]]'s attempt to apologize for his actions post-resurrection, but all agree to leave proper arguments and discussions until all is said and done. With the appearance of Monstructor, a hesitant [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] is forced to once again combine with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], providing cover for Bumblebee and Megatron's team to get away. Alas, Skywarp proves unable to teleport such a large group, so [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] decides to stay behind, as does [[Getaway]]. Starscream dismisses the altruism, but Soundwave agrees, and he and his cassettes also decide to remain behind. A blast clips Scoop just as the group teleports out...

...and reappears in the Crystal City cavern, where [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] immediately begins celebrating the fact he survived the jump... juuuuust before Bludgeon runs him through with his sword. Magnus, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and Brainstorm keep the Master of [[Metallikato]] busy while Megatron and Bumblebee search for Shockwave, and Metalhawk leads [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] and Starscream—still stunned over Scoop's actions—to Jhiaxus's ship. The trio are confronted by the master scientist himself, fully clad in what he calls his [[reactive armor]]. He mocks Metalhawk and how easy it was to control him after his resurrection, then turns his scorn on Starscream, who angrily opens fire on the scientist. Though the blast from Starscream's cannons is impressive, Jhiaxus's reactive armor absorbs it and shifts into a form that matches its power, mimicking Starscream's own.

Megatron and Bumblebee arrive in Shockwave's command chamber, where a hesitant Dreadwing tries to tough-talk them, only to be blasted by Megatron. They come upon the limp form of Galvatron, who admits what his actions have wrought and submits himself to Megatron's wrath, but Bumblebee tries to talk the Decepticon leader out of slaying him, reminding him of his past to convince him that killing is not the way forward. Megatron lowers his cannon... and Bumblebee's chest explodes as Shockwave shoots him through the back. Megatron races to his fallen ally's side, but it is too late: Bumblebee is dead. With a howl of rage, Megatron lunges at Shockwave, but his old subordinate is surging with the power of the chronal drive and his ores, and seems unbeatable...

As Magnus and Skids continue their battle with Bludgeon, the samurai warrior proves unimpressed with Skids's adaptive powers and demonstrates the superiority of his natural skill over the theoretician's mimicry. Magnus, too, falls, distracted by a cry from Brainstorm, who has collapsed in pain... as a swirling portal opens within his chest and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] and his team emerge through it!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]'' (1)
*[[Brainstorm]] (2)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (4)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (7)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (8)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (9)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (10)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (12)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (13)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (14)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (15)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (17)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (18)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (19)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (22)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (23)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (26)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (27)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (35)
*[[Nautica]] (36)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (37)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (38)
*[[Windmill (G1)|Windmill]] (39)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]] (40)
*[[Grotusque]] (41)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (43)
*[[Hurricane|Hurricane]] (44)
*[[Rumbler (G1)|Rumbler]] (45)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (46)
*[[Getaway]] (47)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (48)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (64)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] (69)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (70)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (71)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (72)
{{!}}}
|c2=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (6)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (11)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (29)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (30)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (32)
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] (33)
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (34)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (42)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (49)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (50)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (51)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (52)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (53)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (57)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (59)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (60)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (61)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (63)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (65)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (66)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (67)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (68)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*''[[Nova Prime]]'s corpse'' (3)
*[[Ammonite]]s (5)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (28)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (31)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (54)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (55)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (56)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (58)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (62)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (73)
}}

==Quotes==

"'''Windblade?''' It's '''Magnus'''. There's no easy way to say this, but—the universe is ending." 
"Uh-huh." 
"You took that very well." 
"Yes, well, it takes more than—wait, did you say the universe is ending? The '''universe''' is '''ending?''' What kind of a person starts a conversation like '''that?'''"
:—'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Windblade'''

"On that note... everybody ready to—what's the phrase? <nowiki>'</nowiki>'''Roll on out'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Cybertron is in your hands, Megatron. '''Ravage'''—my friends—" 
"Yeah, yeah, I '''get''' it. We're '''with''' you... just tell 'em '''some cassettes''' sent you, okay?"
:—'''Soundwave''' and '''Ravage'''

"He's given up, Megatron. '''Leave it.'''" 
"He ripped me in half." 
"And in return you're going to '''kill''' him? Is that how your world works? Each blow invites a bullet? Each death answered by '''ten'''? Because look where it's got you. Look where it's got '''all''' of us. All those years ago, when you dreamed of a life outside of the energon mines—is '''this''' what you wanted to become? The type of person who would rather '''kill''' than '''not kill'''?" 
"He's '''your''' enemy as much as mine." 
"Good, bad, friends, enemies... if there's one thing I've learned since '''Metalhawk''' and the others came home, it's that the world's a lot more '''complicated''' than that—and so are '''you.''' So let him live—let him '''join us'''." 
''(Megatron relents and offers Galvatron his hand.)'' 
"See? We're stronger together than apart."
:—'''Bumblebee'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s last words to '''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The first page of this issue is set concurrently with the early stages of [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|''More than Meets the Eye'' #1]], prior to the launch of the ''Lost Light''. The news report playing in the background is Rodimus's speech from the first page of that issue.
*Hardhead is playing about with Brainstorm's security pass, also seen in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #1. He's evidently just heat-activated the [[rubsign]] on it.
*The launch site of the ''Lost Light'' (and the [[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]] before it) is revealed to be [[Rivets Field]], the hot spot named as the birthplace of [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] in ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|#21]].
*The [[cyberwraith]] that played a key role back in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Chapter 2]] can be spotted on Brainstorm's workbench.
*Nova Prime's body appears here following his apparent death in ''[[Spotlight: Sideswipe]]'', still in his "Nemesis Prime" color scheme. It's never been explained until now how Nova went from this death to his reappearance in ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]''; his essence returned to the Dead Universe following the expiry of his physical shell.
*Brainstorm is revealed to have been "killed" by the Dead Universe, and has been in an undead state for the entirety of his involvement in ''More than Meets the Eye''. This is why the life-consuming [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] ignored him when he was confronted by it waaaay back in ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|#3]]; slyly alluding to Brainstorm's living-dead state two years ahead of this revelation, the scene even had Skids remark that he was "already dead".
*Even slier, recall Brainstorm's reluctance to go into the Dead Universe back in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Chapter 2]], evidently knowing the risks to him if he did.
*For maximum slyness, back in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|Chapter 6]], when a life signature reading was taken of the [[Rodpod]] and Metroplex, eight signs were detected, which the issue intimated consisted of one for each of the seven 'bots in the pod (including Brainstorm), and a stowaway Ammonite that the crew mistakenly thought was Metroplex. But Metroplex turned out to be alive, so that left a signature missing... ol' dead Brainstorm.
*Bumblebee has removed the protective faceplate from his new body, which we first learned he could do back in [[Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|Chapter 5]].
* On page 9, Grotusque's distinctive form can be seen among the fighting bots. Whether this is an outright error or a retcon of his apparent death in "[[Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations]]" remains to be seen.
*As Shockwave integrates the chronal drive into his body, he is assailed with a series of visions from throughout his life, showing us scenes of his friendship with Orion Pax, his undergoing [[Shadowplay]] and [[Empurata]], and his first meeting with Megatron; all newly-drawn by Griffith, but previously seen in, and with dialogue lifted from, "[[Chaos Theory Part 2|Chaos Theory]]", the [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|"Shadowplay" trilogy]], and [[Shockpoint|''Robots in Disguise'' #22]].
*We learned last chapter that all those turned by the Dead Universe have portals that link the worlds within them; at the time that seemed like it was merely intended to serve as an explanation for why Kup had a portal within him earlier in the story, but is now revealed to have been foreshadowing for the appearance of the portal within Brainstorm through which Prime's team emerge. That also makes it implicit that the "singing" the team heard while in the Dead Universe last chapter was the singing going on in [[Swerve's]], echoing through the portal in Brainstorm.

===Transformers references===
*Jetfire appears with the design of his upcoming new ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Leader-class figure.
*Stabbed by Bludgeon, Waspinator crumples and plaintively wonders why the universe hates him, repeating the famous character-defining quote he originally coined in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Deep Metal]]".
*When attacked by Starscream, Jhiaxus's reactive armor adopts the shape of Starscream's new body in an orange-and-white color scheme—this, of course, being what Jhiaxus's new ''Generations'' figure looks like. Or rather, ''sort of'' looks like—the color layout is different, and he appears without any of the mold changes the toy has that distinguish it from Starscream.

===Errors===
*Continuing the artistic error of the previous chapter, Bumblebee's new "Goldfire" body appears with design cues from the original comic design that were not part of the toy, when all previous appearances of the body have adhered to the toy design.
*During Shockwave's out-of-time experience (pages 6-7), the second word balloon ("Yes, yes... but... I planted a seed") should be tailless, as that line was not spoken at the same time and place as what the accompanying panel depicts.
*Hook is with the Decepticons on page 13, despite having combined into Devastator on the previous page; he's apparently been drawn in place of Scoop, who's missing from this panel.
*On page 14, Starscream says, "He's going get himself killed!" Presumably, there was supposed to be a "to" in there.
*On page 19, Galvatron calls Dreadwing "Dreadwin''d''".

===Trivia===
*Artist breakdown: All Andrew Griffith, all the time, baby!
*The idea of "Dark Cybertron" Jiminez/Fajardo covers corresponding to the toy they come with as gone right out the window over the last three issues, and this one's no different with [[Legends Class]] Cosmos taking the spotlight.
*Bumblebee's death was accidentally blown by the preview of Chapter 12 released through iTunes the week prior to this issue's release; although it had been cut down to only one page instead of the normal three to avoid any in-story spoilers, unfortunately, the ''recap'' page and its detailing of 'Bee's departure was ''not'' removed.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' A burning Autobot symbol forewarns of the "Death of a Hero", by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Cosmos by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Bludgeon by [[Marcelo Matere]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
<gallery>
File:RID 27 cvrA.jpg|
File:RID 27 subcvr.jpg|
File:RID 27 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Dark Cybertron Chapter 12|the final chapter]]
*''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[The War to End All Wars, Part 5|#100]]
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/20591-transformers-previews-dark-cybertron-penultimate-issue-regeneration-one-finale.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8

2014-02-09T01:09:04Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */ Milne mentioned it in a podcast

{{Comicstory|
|series=mtmte|issueno=26
|prev=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next=Dark Cybertron Chapter 10
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 8
|prev2=The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|next2=Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|caption=
|image=MTMTE26 cvrA.jpg
|title="Burning Bright" Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[February 5]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=February 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]], and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The Autobots and Decepticons mobilize against the Necrotitan in Iacon, the ''Lost Light''ers work with Windblade's team to save Metroplex, and it's showdown time in the Dead Universe!'''

==Synopsis==

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] carries [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] toward [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. The [[Decepticon]] leader does not seem especially hopeful of their chances in defeating the [[Necrotitan]] razing the city, given that they can't ''kill'' it since it isn't ''alive'', but Bumblebee interprets this as a desire to not fight at all; in actuality, Megatron explains, he seeks to put saving the populace ahead of fighting their enemy.

In Iacon, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] has thrown in the towel, and congratulates [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] on out-scheming him. Rattrap, however, isn't very interested in taking charge of a burned-out city, and has allied with the combined [[Autobot]] and Decepticon forces under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s command. Recognizing that [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] is relying on them in-fighting, Prowl takes charge of the situation and decides to play things logically, organizing the treatment of the wounded, the evacuation of the survivors, and a counter-strike against the Titan by [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]].

Within [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Getaway]] defuses the standoff between his crewmates and the newly-arrived [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] by observing that the two [[female Transformer]]s are also wearing Autobot insignias. As the [[Ammonite]]s come smashing into the room, the two females lead [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Brainstorm]] back up the cable they entered the room on, while the others hold off their attackers. On the way, Nautica recognizes Ratchet from her recent studies; the medi-bot attempts to raise the subject of their gender, but Chromia's nonplussed response convinces him to table the matter. Following the arrows on Metroplex's walls—painted by Chromia and Nautica—they arrive in Metroplex's left shoulder blade, now housing his relocated [[brain module]] and Nautica and Chromia's leader, [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]].

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] leads [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s team through a [[Sweep]] horde to the chamber holding [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. As the weakening [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] stands guard, the others set to work freeing the old-timer, and [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] explains to Orion the meaning of the numbers on his hand. After he revealed to his crew his role in the presence of [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on their ship, he invoked the [[Crisis Act]] and had them vote on whether or not he should stay on as captain; the majority voted for him, but 89 wanted him out, and he carved the numbers on his hand as a personal reminder. Instead of the "standard Optimus pep talk" he is expecting, Rodimus is instead greeted with scorn from Orion, who angrily points out that if he was actually ashamed of his actions, he would have simply resigned, and that he only invoked the Crisis Act because he thought he would win. The team subsequently sets Kup free, but just as the old 'bot is giving a speech about how he's ready for anything, [[Nova Prime]] appears, hurls the unconscious Cyclonus into Kup, and challenges Orion to a showdown.

Windblade explains the current situation to Magnus's team; infected with the [[alchemical virus]], Metroplex transported himself to the alien planet they are now on, knowing its oceans would slow the disease's spread, then relocated his brain to hide it from any subsequent attempts on his life. As she and her team are only recent arrivals themselves, Windblade has been informed of this by Metroplex himself, who communicates in patterns of color and light that flash on his brain—the trio are actually members of [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s crew who came to Metroplex's aid at the request of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who was unable to help his longtime partner because he was "close to finding the Holy Grail". Remembering the ''[[Lost Light]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s own previous encounter with Thunderclash and how they used its quantum engines to give his ship the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' a power boost, Magnus organizes a repeat of that procedure, with Metroplex as the recipient of the quantum energy. Using the alien sea as a conduit for the energy, Magnus tries to wake Metroplex, calling on him to use the ship's power to teleport them all home.

Things aren't going too well back on Cybertron, where doctors [[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]] and [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] are arguing, the attack on the Necrotitan isn't even registering (much to [[Slag (G1)|Slug]]'s annoyance), and an [[energon]] leak in a burning building causes an explosion that takes out Arcee and Ironhide. Unable to follow the logic of Shockwave's moves, Prowl questions Soundwave in hopes of gaining more information, but the spymaster has no clue as to his goals, only a belief they can defeat him. Prowl, on the other hand, believes that they will need a miracle... at which point, having chosen his moment rather carefully for maximum drama, Megatron has Bumblebee carry him into view. Prowl is ready to start shooting, but Megatron offers up a plan: evacuate all survivors to [[Moonbase Two|Luna-2]], gather all other Decepticon soldiers out in space, and strike back. Bumblebee refuses to retreat, scoffing at Megatron's attestation that he fights for freedom, and insists they will make a stand... and just as his speech concludes, the familiar light of a quantum jump appears in the sky, and the ''Lost Light'' and a functioning Metroplex appear!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (6)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slug]] (7)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (9)
*[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] (10)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (12)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (13)
*[[Nautica]] (14)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (15)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (16)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Getaway]] (17)
*[[Brainstorm]] (18)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (19)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (20)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (21)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (22)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (24)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (26)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (28)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (29)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (30)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (32)
*[[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] (34)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (37)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (38)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (39)

|c4=
*[[Necrotitan]] (3)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (5)
*[[Ammonite]]s (23)
*[[Sweep]]s (25)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (27)
*[[Nova Prime]] (31)
*[[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]] (33)
*[[Sky-Byte (G2)|Sky-Byte]] (35)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (36)
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (40)

}}

==Quotes==

"Easy does it, Kup. Are you alright? Can you stand?" 
"Can I stand? Can I '''stand?''' Kid, I've been standin' since before it was '''fashionable.'''" 
"But are you '''feeling''' okay?" 
"I've had worse than '''this'''. I've been spiked by '''Squadron X''', dipped in the '''smeltin' pool''', framed for treason, shot into the sun—and I was the only 'bot still trapped inside the '''Nightmare Engine''' when everyone else '''woke up.''' I've seen off every rinky-dink, two-bit, catchpenny Decepticon rust-poker, and I got the dents in my knuckles to prove it. End of the day? I'm ready for anything you can throw at me."
:—'''Nightbeat''' sets up '''Kup''' up for a pretty badass speech.

"I get the feeling that every second we're not on Cybertron, we're playing into Shockwave's hands." 
''(pause)'' 
"Hand."
:—'''Ultra Magnus'''. Dohohohoho!

"Trion was '''flustered.''' He could feel Metroplex was '''hurting''' but couldn't go to his aid because... what was it he said, Chromia?" 
"I wasn't listening. He was being all '''faux-enigmatic''' and I wanted to lamp him."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia'''

'''Prowl:''' "Unless your faith can conjure up a '''miracle''', Cybertron is going to fall." 
'''Megatron:''' I've been called many things... but never '''that'''. Not by an '''Autobot''', anyway." 
'''Bumblebee:''' "He had me waiting there for like '''twenty seconds''' for a '''dramatic''' entrance."

"The '''people''' are my utmost concern. I've led an army battling for '''freedom''' for '''millions''' of years—" 
"No, that's '''not''' what you led '''at all'''. You were a gang of '''destroyers''', ravaging the galaxy in the name of a '''cause''' you'd '''forgotten'''—except when you needed an '''excuse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Bumblebee'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Nautica initially mistakes Ratchet for his fellow medical practitioner [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], who has put in previous appearances in issues [[Life After the Big Bang|#4]]-[[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|5]] and [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|#17]]-[[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|21]]. In fact, in real life Alex Milne based Pharma's head off of Ratchet's, giving an intentional similarity to signify their shared history.
*Overlord's rampage took place in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]]; Rodimus's involvement in his presence was revealed in issue #21. We didn't see him reveal this secret to the rest of the crew on-panel, but the voting was hinted at back in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of the event, when a large "VOTE" appeared on the ship's noticeboard.
*Kup references [[Squadron X]], the Decepticon commando group featured in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', and the mysterious [[Nightmare Engine]], also mentioned in that series and in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]].
*Thunderclash, the ''Vis Vitalis'', and the quantum engine boosting procedure appeared in [[Little Victories|issue #22]].
*Alpha Trion chronologically last appeared in the ''[[The Transformers: Ironhide|Ironhide]]'' mini-series, in which he was first seen working with Metroplex; ''[[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]]'' expanded on the pair's relationship to show how long they had been working together.
*Flatline is not impressed with Fixit's med-trailer, which we saw in ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Second Exodus|issue #18]].
*Flatline also references the plights of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who has been offline since [[The End of the Beginning of the World|''Robots in Disguise'' #12]], and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], who were gravely wounded in [[Plan for Everything|issue #15]].
*Megatron notes that he has other soldiers out in space in addition to the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]; it's unlikely he's referring to them specifically, but we saw that there were indeed groups of other Decepticons who hadn't returned to Cybertron when we met the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]] in [[Rules of Disengagement|issue #7]], and then later with the group occupying [[Temptoria]] in [[Before & After|issue #12]].

===Transformers references===
*[[Simon Furman]] created the idea of the Crisis Act in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Comics]] issue "[[The Pri¢e of Life!]]", in which Kup threatened to invoke it and relieve Optimus Prime of command. James Roberts made use of the concept once before, in his unofficial novel, ''Eugenesis'', in which it was Prowl's leadership put to the vote.

===Real-world references===
*This issue takes its title from the [[Wikipedia:William Blake|William Blake]] poem, "[[Wikipedia: The Tyger|The Tyger]]", which contains the line: "Tyger, Tyger, burning bright/In the forests of the night."
*Brainstorm scans Metroplex's brain module with a P.K.E. Meter from the [[wikipedia:Ghostbusters|Ghostbusters]] franchise.
*When she and Nautica are leading Ratchet and Ultra Magnus to Metroplex's brain, Chromia sarcastically refers to her commander, Windblade, as "She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" a reference to the character of Voldemort, the primary antagonist in the ''Harry Potter'' series, who is often referred to in-story as "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

===Errors===
*The final page informs readers the story "Continues in Transformers: Robots in Disguise #27!", but Chapter 9 is actually Transformers: Robots in Disguise #26.

===Trivia===
*Artist breakdown: No surprises here—Rojo on Cybertron, Raiz on the ''Lost Light'', Ramondelli on the Dead Universe.
*It's not clear which ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' toy this issue is going to come packaged with; Tailgate appears on the subscription cover, but he's a Legends-class toy, and only the Deluxe-class figures are coming with comics.
*This issue marks the first appearance of Windblade, the first "Fan-Built Bot", who will also be receiving a toy in the Generations line as part of Hasbro's [[Thrilling 30]] celebration.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Prowl and Soundwave stare up at the Necrotitan as Iacon burns, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' A rather beefy Tailgate by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Windblade, Nautica and Chromia, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
<gallery>
File:MTMTE26 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE26 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE26 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Finis Temporis: Dark Cybertron Chapter 9|''Robots in Disguise'' #26]]
*''Samurai Jack: Back to the Past!''
*''King of the Nerds''
*IDW: Getting Into Your Head for 15 Years (back cover)

==External links==

*[http://www.newsarama.com/20211-dark-cybertron-act-2-ends-in-transformers-mtmte-26-preview-sorry-no-dinobots-here.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7

2014-01-27T05:08:00Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=25
|prev=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next=Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 7
|prev2=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next2=Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|caption=
|image=RID25 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Dead Are Not Enough" Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 22]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light''ers have a close encounter of the unexpected kind deep within Metroplex, while old allies are found and won back in the Dead Universe. All this, plus: Megatron vs. Galvatron! '''

==Synopsis==

The battle between the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew and the [[Ammonite]]s continues, with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] leading his crewmates in the fight. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] comes to the aid of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], but is mildly affronted to learn that the former-senator-turned-playwright doesn't know who he is. Moments later, the Ammonites appear to retreat, but [[Waverider]], observing from above, realizes they are actually heading for the dormant [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Within the Titan, meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s team discover that they have been protected against the explosion of the [[Rodpod]] by a wall that sprang up to shield them. Just as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is deducing that Metroplex's constantly-shifting interior was the reason for the confusing pattern of arrows they followed earlier, [[Brainstorm]] shushes him to point out that [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] has vanished. When [[Getaway]]'s communicator rings, they think Whirl is contacting them, but it's actually Swerve responding to Getaway's earlier message with some alarm. The metallurgist explains that the [[Admium]] flakes found in Metroplex's interior indicate he has contracted a contagious [[alchemical virus]] that is breaking down his metal... but that even this "death plague" is the least of the team's worries with the Ammonites bearing down on them!

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nova Prime]] uses his control over the collapsing reality to bring [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s captive team to his citadel, crafted in the image of his own head and protected by an army of undead [[Sweep]]s. He presents them with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the verge of death, who Nova has sliced open and transformed into a fledging [[space bridge]]. Mocking [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s suggestions for how they could overpower him and escape, Nova orders [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to take them to a cell. As he locks them up, Nightbeat explains that Nova intends to take their [[spark]]s to strengthen the space bridge and allow him to cross over. Remembering his previous reaction, Rodimus shows Nightbat the mysterious contents of his palm once more, explaining that in order to break Nova's control over him, they must force the detective to engage the part of his brain that Nova has shut off: the part that represents his true nature, the part that loves mystery. Rodimus challenges Nightbeat to solve the mystery of what lies in his hand: the numbers "89/101", carved into his palm. Rodimus permits him to ask one question, and Nightbeat struggles to think the conundrum through, finally succeeding in breaking Nova's control by deducing that the sum of the numbers represents the 190 active crew members of the ''Lost Light''. Nightbeat releases them, but Orion remains confused, and Rodimus grimly prepares to explain the truth to him...

In [[Crystal City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] angrily advocates pursuing the escaping [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, his ancient warrior spirit disgusted by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s passive, big-picture attitude. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] soon arrives in his stolen timeship, and while he and Shockwave prepare to discuss their plan, Galvatron brusquely takes up [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s given task of taking [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s body back to Shockwave's lab, distrustful of the current generation of Transformers. On the way, Galvatron and Waspinator find their way barred by [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], who demands they hand Megatron over. Galvatron is highly amused, and proceeds to beat the stuffing out of Bumblebee... until Megatron revives, takes down Waspinator despite lacking his own legs, and knocks Galvatron out with a barrage of [[fusion cannon]] fire. Bumblebee carries the Decepticon leader out of the city, and while the sight of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] burning in the distance affords Megatron no pleasure, he does smile at the thought of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s suffering. And life is indeed hard for his traitorous lieutenant right now, as he sits in the ruins of Iacon and endures [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s vitriolic fire-and-brimstone pontifications.

Back inside Metroplex, Whirl rejoins the team, having tracked down their Ammonite stowaway and tortured him for information, discovering that the Ammonites were recruited by Shockwave in case "the dead were not enough". The Ammonite further explains that the Decepticon ordered them to track the ''Lost Light'' and prevent the crew from interfering with his plans in exchange for his bringing an end to the Ammonite/[[Terradore]] war; this confession triggers a failsafe that causes the little 'bot to involuntarily self-destruct. Deducing the connection between "the dead" and the Dead Universe and realizing Shockwave is behind everything, the Autobots are planning what to do next when a hooked cable suddenly drops through a hole in the ceiling and clocks Ultra Magnus on the head. Two figures slide down the cable, warning (with some uncertainty) the Autobots not to move: two figures that reveal themselves to be [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], a pair of [[Female Transformer|''female'' Transformers]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)
*[[Waverider]] (7)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (10)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Getaway]] (18)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (20)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (40)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (29)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (30)
*[[Slog]] (32)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (33)
*[[Wildfly]] (35)
*[[Scowl]] (36)
*[[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] (37)
*[[Birdbrain]] (38)
*[[Bristleback]] (39)
|c4=
*[[Ammonite]]s (1)
*[[Sweep]]s (19)
*[[Nova Prime]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (26)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (31)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (34)
*[[Necrotitan]] (41)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (42)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (43)
*[[Nautica]] (44)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (45)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Brainstorm:''' "Something's not right." 
'''Skids:''' "What it is, Brainstorm? '''Trouble?'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "The opposite. There's a sudden lack of tension in the room. I can't explain it." 
'''Ratchet:''' "It's '''Whirl.''' Where's he gone?" 
''(Getaway's communicator rings.)'' 
'''Ratchet:''' "I bet that's him, and I bet he's '''done something.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "If he needs help disposing of a body, tell him I'm not bailing him out. Not again."

"In my time, being a warrior meant something. How do you '''stand''' it, '''Shockwave?''' This '''planet''', and the '''cowards''' who live here." 
"I am a scientist, not a warrior. I suppose other principles govern my actions." 
"''Hmpf.'' A world ruled by scientists..."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Shockwave'''

"'''This''' scratch? I've had '''worse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''', on getting his legs ripped off

"Alrighty, then—stand still, face front, hands on heads, noses where I can see 'em. If any of you speak, shrug, or sniff in a way that says "Have-A-Go-Hero," I will—I will.... <whisper> Help me out here, I haven't threatened anyone in '''years'''". 
"That's why we agreed to leave the tough talk to me..." 
"I know, but I was first to hit ground! I had to say '''something''', Chromia!" 
"Tell you what—ignore what Nautica's saying—and just imagine what her wrench will do to your face if you don't surrender '''immediately'''."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia''' debate whose turn it is to be a badass

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Given that Hound has spent the last five years in IDW continuity filling out crowd scenes and little else, it may be surprising to see him taking charge of the ''Lost Light'' crew in Rodimus and Magnus's absence, but he was actually a unit commander back during [[Simon Furman]]'s tenure, first seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''.
*Swerve is wielding his [[My First Blaster]], previously seen in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|#18]].
*Unable to recall Swerve's name, Crosscut wonders if he's [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], the gag being that nobody outside of the "main guys" ever seems able to remember the psychiatrist's name.
*When Getaway asks Skids about the arrows in Metroplex's corridors, he nudges Skids on the chin, a physical action that was established as a quirk of their partnership back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|''More than Meets the Eye'' #20]].
*And speaking of Skids and distinctive acts of non-verbal communication, at one point when he's speaking, Brainstorm interrupts him by jabbing an index finger against the guy's mouth. Brainstorm did exactly the same to Ultra Magnus in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of Dark Cybertron.
*The presence of the Sweep army in the Dead Universe implicitly confirms that when Galvatron and his army were thwarted at the climax of "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" and disintegrated, they were just being sucked back into the Dead Universe.
*''Crew Manifest'' guest note! Rodimus unequivocally states that the ''Lost Light'' has 190 crew members up and walking around. This again contradicts his previous whimsical assessment of "300 give or take" from [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|''More than Meets the Eye'' #18]], but seems to match the 230 crew members quoted from [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]'s Letters page, assuming the larger number includes the Faders and other injured.
*Ammonite [[Paddox]] referred to the Terradores potentially teaming up with the "Dark Cyclops" back in [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]]. Looks like the Ammonites decided to beat their enemies to the punch.
*Oh snap! Lady-types! Readers who haven't been following the IDW universe since its inception and aren't up on the history may not fully grasp the significance of Chromia and Nautica's introduction, since it's been a while since the relevant backstory has been touched upon: that being, per ''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]'', that [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is supposed to be the only known female Transformer to exist, having been created by one of Jhiaxus's experiments. As an added bonus, the potential embodied by the introduction of multiple new female Transformers is realized quite nicely by having the pair pass [[Wikipedia: Bechdel test|the Bechdel Test]] out of the gate (something only accomplished once before in IDW continuity, by [[Verity Carlo]] and her social worker in [[Infiltration issue 4|''Infiltration'' #4]]).

===Errors===
*Both Shockwave and the two sections of Megatron change position between panels while the group wait for the arrival of Jhiaxus.
*Nautica's line in the second-to-last page is attributed to Chromia's silhouette.

===Trivia===
*The title of this chapter was accidentally left out of the finished issue.
*Artist breakdown continues as as normal this issue, with Rojo on Cybertron, Ramondelli on the Dead Universe, and Raiz on the ''Lost Light'' crew.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus and Whirl in the darkened interior of Metroplex, with eyes watching them from the shadows, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Crosscut by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron versus Galvatron, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and Josh Perez
<gallery>
Image:RID25 cvrA.jpg|
Image:RID25 subcvr.jpg|
Image:RID25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated ADventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship Is Magic'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-robots-in-disguise-25/22283/news.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7

2014-01-23T16:04:02Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=25
|prev=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next=Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 7
|prev2=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next2=Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|caption=
|image=RID25 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Dead Are Not Enough" Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 22]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light''ers have a close encounter of the unexpected kind deep within Metroplex, while old allies are found and won back in the Dead Universe. All this, plus: Megatron vs. Galvatron! '''

==Synopsis==

The battle between the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew and the [[Ammonite]]s continues, with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] leading his crewmates in the fight. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] comes to the aid of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], but is mildly affronted to learn that the former-senator-turned-playwright doesn't know who he is. Moments later, the Ammonites appear to retreat, but [[Waverider]], observing from above, realizes they are actually heading for the dormant [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Within the Titan, meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s team discover that they have been protected against the explosion of the [[Rodpod]] by a wall that sprang up to shield them. Just as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is deducing that Metroplex's constantly-shifting interior was the reason for the confusing pattern of arrows they followed earlier, [[Brainstorm]] shushes him to point out that [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] has vanished. When [[Getaway]]'s communicator rings, they think Whirl is contacting them, but it's actually Swerve responding to Getaway's earlier message with some alarm. The metallurgist explains that the [[Admium]] flakes found in Metroplex's interior indicate he has contracted a contagious [[alchemical virus]] that is breaking down his metal... but that even this "death plague" is the least of the team's worries with the Ammonites bearing down on them!

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nova Prime]] uses his control over the collapsing reality to bring [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s captive team to his citadel, crafted in the image of his own head and protected by an army of undead [[Sweep]]s. He presents them with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the verge of death, who Nova has sliced open and transformed into a fledging [[space bridge]]. Mocking [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s suggestions for how they could overpower him and escape, Nova orders [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to take them to a cell. As he locks them up, Nightbeat explains that Nova intends to take their [[spark]]s to strengthen the space bridge and allow him to cross over. Remembering his previous reaction, Rodimus shows Nightbat the mysterious contents of his palm once more, explaining that in order to break Nova's control over him, they must force the detective to engage the part of his brain that Nova has shut off: the part that represents his true nature, the part that loves mystery. Rodimus challenges Nightbeat to solve the mystery of what lies in his hand: the numbers "89/101", carved into his palm. Rodimus permits him to ask one question, and Nightbeat struggles to think the conundrum through, finally succeeding in breaking Nova's control by deducing that the sum of the numbers represents the 190 active crew members of the ''Lost Light''. Nightbeat releases them, but Orion remains confused, and Rodimus grimly prepares to explain the truth to him...

In [[Crystal City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] angrily advocates pursuing the escaping [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, his ancient warrior spirit disgusted by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s passive, big-picture attitude. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] soon arrives in his stolen timeship, and while he and Shockwave prepare to discuss their plan, Galvatron brusquely takes up [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s given task of taking [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s body back to Shockwave's lab, distrustful of the current generation of Transformers. On the way, Galvatron and Waspinator find their way barred by [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], who demands they hand Megatron over. Galvatron is highly amused, and proceeds to beat the stuffing out of Bumblebee... until Megatron revives, takes down Waspinator despite lacking his own legs, and knocks Galvatron out with a barrage of [[fusion cannon]] fire. Bumblebee carries the Decepticon leader out of the city, and while the sight of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] burning in the distance affords Megatron no pleasure, he does smile at the thought of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s suffering. And life is indeed hard for his traitorous lieutenant right now, as he sits in the ruins of Iacon and endures [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s vitriolic fire-and-brimstone pontifications.

Back inside Metroplex, Whirl rejoins the team, having tracked down their Ammonite stowaway and tortured him for information, discovering that the Ammonites were recruited by Shockwave in case "the dead were not enough". The Ammonite further explains that the Decepticon ordered them to track the ''Lost Light'' and prevent the crew from interfering with his plans in exchange for his bringing an end to the Ammonite/[[Terradore]] war; this confession triggers a failsafe that causes the little 'bot to involuntarily self-destruct. Deducing the connection between "the dead" and the Dead Universe and realizing Shockwave is behind everything, the Autobots are planning what to do next when a hooked cable suddenly drops through a hole in the ceiling and clocks Ultra Magnus on the head. Two figures slide down the cable, warning (with some uncertainty) the Autobots not to move: two figures that reveal themselves to be [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], a pair of [[Female Transformer|''female'' Transformers]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)
*[[Waverider]] (7)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (10)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Getaway]] (18)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (20)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (40)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (29)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (30)
*[[Slog]] (32)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (33)
*[[Wildfly]] (35)
*[[Scowl]] (36)
*[[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] (37)
*[[Birdbrain]] (38)
*[[Bristleback]] (39)
|c4=
*[[Ammonite]]s (1)
*[[Sweep]]s (19)
*[[Nova Prime]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (26)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (31)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (34)
*[[Necrotitan]] (41)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (42)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (43)
*[[Nautica]] (44)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (45)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Brainstorm:''' "Something's not right." 
'''Skids:''' "What it is, Brainstorm? '''Trouble?'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "The opposite. There's a sudden lack of tension in the room. I can't explain it." 
'''Ratchet:''' "It's '''Whirl.''' Where's he gone?" 
''(Getaway's communicator rings.)'' 
'''Ratchet:''' "I bet that's him, and I bet he's '''done something.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "If he needs help disposing of a body, tell him I'm not bailing him out. Not again."

"In my time, being a warrior meant something. How do you '''stand''' it, '''Shockwave?''' This '''planet''', and the '''cowards''' who live here." 
"I am a scientist, not a warrior. I suppose other principles govern my actions." 
"''Hmpf.'' A world ruled by scientists..."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Shockwave'''

"'''This''' scratch? I've had '''worse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''', on getting his legs ripped off

"Alrighty, then- stand still, face front, hands on heads. Noses where I can see 'em. If any of you speak, shrug, or ''sniff'' in a way that says "Have-A-Go-Hero", I will....-I will....''help me out here, I haven't threated anyone in years''". 
"''That's why we agreed to leave the tough talk to me''". 
"''I know, but I was first to hit ground, I had to say something, Chromia''! 
"Tell you what- ignore what Nautica's saying- and just imagine what her wrench will do to your face if you don't surrender immediately."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia''' debate whose turn it is to be a badass

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Given that Hound has spent the last five years in IDW continuity filling out crowd scenes and little else, it may be surprising to see him taking charge of the ''Lost Light'' crew in Rodimus and Magnus's absence, but he was actually a unit commander back during [[Simon Furman]]'s tenure, first seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''.
*Swerve is wielding his [[My First Blaster]], previously seen in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|#18]].
*Unable to recall Swerve's name, Crosscut wonders if he's [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], the gag being that nobody outside of the "main guys" ever seems able to remember the psychiatrist's name.
*When Getaway asks Skids about the arrows in Metroplex's corridors, he nudges Skids on the chin, a physical action that was established as a quirk of their partnership back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|''More than Meets the Eye'' #21]].
*Brainstorm interrupts Skids by pressing an index finger onto the latter's lips. He did exactly the same to Ultra Magnus in [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of Dark Cybertron.
*The presence of the Sweep army in the Dead Universe implicitly confirms that when Galvatron and his army were thwarted at the climax of "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" and disintegrated, they were just being sucked back into the Dead Universe.
*The Ammonites referred to potentially teaming up with the "Dark Cyclops" back in [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]].

===Errors===
*Nautica's line in the second-to-last page is attributed to Chromia's silhouette.

===Trivia===
*The title of this chapter was accidentally left out of the finished issue.
*Artist breakdown continues as as normal this issue, with Rojo on Cybertron, Ramondelli on the Dead Universe, and Raiz on the ''Lost Light'' crew.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus and Whirl in the darkened interior of Metroplex, with eyes watching them from the shadows, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Crosscut by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron versus Galvatron, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and Josh Perez
<gallery>
Image:RID25 cvrA.jpg|
Image:RID25 subcvr.jpg|
Image:RID25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated ADventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship Is Magic'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-robots-in-disguise-25/22283/news.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7

2014-01-23T16:02:25Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=25
|prev=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next=Dark Cybertron Chapter 9
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 7
|prev2=No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|next2=Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|caption=
|image=RID25 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Dead Are Not Enough" Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 22]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]], [[Atilio Rojo]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light''ers have a close encounter of the unexpected kind deep within Metroplex, while old allies are found and won back in the Dead Universe. All this, plus: Megatron vs. Galvatron! '''

==Synopsis==

The battle between the ''[[Lost Light]]'' crew and the [[Ammonite]]s continues, with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] leading his crewmates in the fight. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] comes to the aid of [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], but is mildly affronted to learn that the former-senator-turned-playwright doesn't know who he is. Moments later, the Ammonites appear to retreat, but [[Waverider]], observing from above, realizes they are actually heading for the dormant [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Within the Titan, meanwhile, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s team discover that they have been protected against the explosion of the [[Rodpod]] by a wall that sprang up to shield them. Just as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is deducing that Metroplex's constantly-shifting interior was the reason for the confusing pattern of arrows they followed earlier, [[Brainstorm]] shushes him to point out that [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] has vanished. When [[Getaway]]'s communicator rings, they think Whirl is contacting them, but it's actually Swerve responding to Getaway's earlier message with some alarm. The metallurgist explains that the [[Admium]] flakes found in Metroplex's interior indicate he has contracted a contagious [[alchemical virus]] that is breaking down his metal... but that even this "death plague" is the least of the team's worries with the Ammonites bearing down on them!

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Nova Prime]] uses his control over the collapsing reality to bring [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s captive team to his citadel, crafted in the image of his own head and protected by an army of undead [[Sweep]]s. He presents them with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the verge of death, who Nova has sliced open and transformed into a fledging [[space bridge]]. Mocking [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s suggestions for how they could overpower him and escape, Nova orders [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] to take them to a cell. As he locks them up, Nightbeat explains that Nova intends to take their [[spark]]s to strengthen the space bridge and allow him to cross over. Remembering his previous reaction, Rodimus shows Nightbat the mysterious contents of his palm once more, explaining that in order to break Nova's control over him, they must force the detective to engage the part of his brain that Nova has shut off: the part that represents his true nature, the part that loves mystery. Rodimus challenges Nightbeat to solve the mystery of what lies in his hand: the numbers "89/101", carved into his palm. Rodimus permits him to ask one question, and Nightbeat struggles to think the conundrum through, finally succeeding in breaking Nova's control by deducing that the sum of the numbers represents the 190 active crew members of the ''Lost Light''. Nightbeat releases them, but Orion remains confused, and Rodimus grimly prepares to explain the truth to him...

In [[Crystal City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] angrily advocates pursuing the escaping [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, his ancient warrior spirit disgusted by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'s passive, big-picture attitude. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] soon arrives in his stolen timeship, and while he and Shockwave prepare to discuss their plan, Galvatron brusquely takes up [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]'s given task of taking [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s body back to Shockwave's lab, distrustful of the current generation of Transformers. On the way, Galvatron and Waspinator find their way barred by [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], who demands they hand Megatron over. Galvatron is highly amused, and proceeds to beat the stuffing out of Bumblebee... until Megatron revives, takes down Waspinator despite lacking his own legs, and knocks Galvatron out with a barrage of [[fusion cannon]] fire. Bumblebee carries the Decepticon leader out of the city, and while the sight of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] burning in the distance affords Megatron no pleasure, he does smile at the thought of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s suffering. And life is indeed hard for his traitorous lieutenant right now, as he sits in the ruins of Iacon and endures [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]'s vitriolic fire-and-brimstone pontifications.

Back inside Metroplex, Whirl rejoins the team, having tracked down their Ammonite stowaway and tortured him for information, discovering that the Ammonites were recruited by Shockwave in case "the dead were not enough". The Ammonite further explains that the Decepticon ordered them to track the ''Lost Light'' and prevent the crew from interfering with his plans in exchange for his bringing an end to the Ammonite/[[Terradore]] war; this confession triggers a failsafe that causes the little 'bot to involuntarily self-destruct. Deducing the connection between "the dead" and the Dead Universe and realizing Shockwave is behind everything, the Autobots are planning what to do next when a hooked cable suddenly drops through a hole in the ceiling and clocks Ultra Magnus on the head. Two figures slide down the cable, warning (with some uncertainty) the Autobots not to move: two figures that reveal themselves to be [[Nautica]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], a pair of [[Female Transformer|''female'' Transformers]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (5)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (6)
*[[Waverider]] (7)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (10)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Getaway]] (18)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (20)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (22)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (25)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (40)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (28)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (29)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (30)
*[[Slog]] (32)
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] (33)
*[[Wildfly]] (35)
*[[Scowl]] (36)
*[[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] (37)
*[[Birdbrain]] (38)
*[[Bristleback]] (39)
|c4=
*[[Ammonite]]s (1)
*[[Sweep]]s (19)
*[[Nova Prime]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (26)
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (31)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (34)
*[[Necrotitan]] (41)
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (42)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (43)
*[[Nautica]] (44)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (45)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Brainstorm:''' "Something's not right." 
'''Skids:''' "What it is, Brainstorm? '''Trouble?'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "The opposite. There's a sudden lack of tension in the room. I can't explain it." 
'''Ratchet:''' "It's '''Whirl.''' Where's he gone?" 
''(Getaway's communicator rings.)'' 
'''Ratchet:''' "I bet that's him, and I bet he's '''done something.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "If he needs help disposing of a body, tell him I'm not bailing him out. Not again."

"In my time, being a warrior meant something. How do you '''stand''' it, '''Shockwave?''' This '''planet''', and the '''cowards''' who live here." 
"I am a scientist, not a warrior. I suppose other principles govern my actions." 
"''Hmpf.'' A world ruled by scientists..."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Shockwave'''

"'''This''' scratch? I've had '''worse.'''"
:—'''Megatron''', on getting his legs ripped off

"Alrighty, then- stand still, face front, hands on heads. Noses where I can see 'em. If any of you speak, shrug, or ''sniff'' in a way that says "Have-A-Go-Hero", I will....-I will....''help me out here, I haven't threated anyone in years''". 
"''That's why we agreed to leave the tough talk to me''". 
"''I know, but I was first to hit ground, I had to say something, Chromia''! 
"Tell you what- ignore what Nautica's saying- and just imagine what her wrench will do to your face if you don't surrender immediately."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Chromia''' debate whose turn it is to be a badass

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Given that Hound has spent the last five years in IDW continuity filling out crowd scenes and little else, it may be surprising to see him taking charge of the ''Lost Light'' crew in Rodimus and Magnus's absence, but he was actually a unit commander back during [[Simon Furman]]'s tenure, first seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''.
*Swerve is wielding his [[My First Blaster]], previously seen in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|#18]].
*Unable to recall Swerve's name, Crosscut wonders if he's [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], the gag being that nobody outside of the "main guys" ever seems able to remember the psychiatrist's name.
*When Getaway asks Skids about the arrows in Metroplex's corridors, he nudges Skids on the chin, a physical action that was established as a quirk of their partnership back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|''More than Meets the Eye'' #21]].
*Brainstorm interrupts Skids by pressing an index finger onto the latter's lips. He did exactly the same to Ultra Magnus in [[Winners and Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|Chapter 3]] of Dark Cybertron.
*The presence of the Sweep army in the Dead Universe implicitly confirms that when Galvatron and his army were thwarted at the climax of "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" and disintegrated, they were just being sucked back into the Dead Universe.
*The Ammonites referred to potentially teaming up with the "Dark Cyclops" back in [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]].

===Errors===
*Nautica's line in the second-to-last page is attributed to Chromia's silhouette.

===Trivia===
*The title of this chapter was accidentally left out of the finished issue.
*Artist breakdown continues as as normal this issue, with Rojo on Cybertron, Ramondelli on the Dead Universe, and Raiz on the ''Lost Light'' crew.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Ultra Magnus and Whirl in the darkened interior of Metroplex, with eyes watching them from the shadows, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Crosscut by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Megatron versus Galvatron, by [[Andrew Griffith]] and Josh Perez
<gallery>
Image:RID25 cvrA.jpg|
Image:RID25 subcvr.jpg|
Image:RID25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated ADventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: Friendship Is Magic'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-robots-in-disguise-25/22283/news.html Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6

2014-01-16T05:40:23Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory|
|series=mtmte|issueno=25
|prev=Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4
|next=Dark Cybertron Chapter 8
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]] Chapter 6
|prev2=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|next2=Dark Cybertron Chapter 7
|caption=
|image=MTMTE25 cvrA.jpg
|title="No Exit" Dark Cybertron Chapter 6
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 15]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=January 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]] and [[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Atilio Rojo]], [[James Raiz]], and [[Livio Ramondelli]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] and Livio Ramondelli
|letters by=[[Gilberto Lazcano]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}

'''The ''Lost Light'' crew explore the mysteries within Metroplex, the Necrotitan descends upon Iacon, and two Primes come face to face!'''

==Synopsis==

In the wastelands surrounding [[Crystal City]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] stand watch over those wounded by the [[Necrotitan]]'s death-wave. Although badly injured himself, [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] expresses his desire to have gone with the other [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s into the city; [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] talks him down, but arguing is certainly something Slag has the energy left to do, including the insistence that his name his now "Slug", after [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] told him his old name was "offensive". When the Necrotitan suddenly moves, a pair of binoculars donated by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] lets Swoop get a closer look at the action, as the small surviving crowd of 'Bots and 'Cons comes running towards them, the Titan hot on their trail and heading straight for [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]!

On an alien world, deep underwater, the [[Rodpod]] carries its small crew deeper into the eye socket of the unmoving [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. With [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] unsure if Metroplex is either alive or dead, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] scans for lifesigns and finds eight: a positive outcome, as there are only seven 'bots in the pod. [[Brainstorm]] analyzes the water on suspicion it may have reduced Metroplex to his sorry state, and, upon finding traces of what he believes to be [[Admium]], has [[Getaway]]—struggling to cope with the enormity of the situation—call [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] for his metallurgical expertise. Swerve is too busy fighting [[Ammonite]]s to answer his phone, but [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] rations that if they can save Metroplex, ''he'' can end the battle. That prospect suddenly looks a lot less likely when the Rodpod enters the Titan's brain chamber, and the crew find his [[brain module]] to be ''gone'', surgically removed. The pod heads for Metroplex's [[spark]] chamber to investigate further, even as the Titan's internal lights die out around it, his lifeforce ebbing away.

In Iacon, [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] seeks an update on the wounded from [[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]], though the medic at first misinterprets his request as a report on the spread of the mysterious "deathmark" left on his chest by the Necrotitan's wave. Medical aide [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] loses patience with Starscream and bellows a stream of insults at him before stalking off; Flatline's immensely obvious observations of the situation do nothing to improve Starscream's mood, but just as he is yelling at the doctor, the Nectrotitan comes stomping into the city, and fiery chaos ensues.

In the [[Dead Universe]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s team remained trapped in a containment field by [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], awaiting the arrival of [[Nova Prime]]. [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] tries headbutting his way out, to no avail, but Orion follows his lead, landing a hand-shattering haymaker on the cube wall. Orion appears to lose his composure, and begins screaming threats at Nightbeat, but when [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] tries to intercede, Pax punches ''him'' too—but only, he quickly explains in whispers, to keep Nightbeat distracted from the small crack he successfully made in the cube with his punch. Rodimus joins in the effort, raising his palms to the detective in an imploring gesture, but with unexpected results: the sight of the mysterious object in Rodimus's hand affects Nightbeat's mind, bringing him to his knees... just as Nova Prime arrives.

The Rodpod berths at a dry dock within Metroplex (unsurprising, Magnus notes, as he ''is'' a city), where the team finds a series of hand-painted arrows drawn on its walls and floors that lead them on a disorienting Escher-esque tour of the Titan's insides. Alas, the final arrow brings them right back to where they started, and when [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] starts to take out his frustrations on the Rodpod, Magnus stops him... but in the process gets closed enough to the pod to hear ''ticking''. Following a length of new cable running from the Rodpod with their eyes, the team spots a stowaway Ammonite—Perceptor's eighth lifesign—standing in a doorway, holding a detonator. Before any of them can move, the tiny 'bot pushes the switch, and the Rodpod explodes!

Nova Prime greets Orion as "Optimus Prime", waving aside Pax's attempted correction and instead musing that they are all trapped in the Dead Universe now, and that the two Primes may go down side by side. Spotting [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], Nova mocks his status as a perennial "hanger-on"... at which point Cyclonus gives Hardhead the word. The taciturn 'bot barrels into the cracked wall and smashes through, though the cube re-seals before the others can escape. Hardhead tries to take on Nova himself, but the ancient Prime simply catches his punch and crushes his protective force-field generator. As the others look on in horror, Hardhead is consumed by the Dead Universe, disintegrating and blowing away on the winds. Nova then informs Orion that he is taking him to meet a "friend" of his... a friend who turns into a [[space bridge]]... a friend we know as [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]!

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (2)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (3)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (5)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (6)
*[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] (7)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (9)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (12)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]('s insides, 13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Getaway]] (14)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (16)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (17)
*[[Brainstorm]] (18)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (19)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (20)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (22)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (27)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (29)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (30)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (31)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (33)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (4)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (10)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (11)
|c4=
*[[Necrotitan]] (1)
*[[Ammonite]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (23)
*[[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]] (24)
*[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (25)
*[[Octane (G1)|Tankor]] (26)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (28)
*[[Nova Prime]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==

"Well, '''something's''' not right." 
"Easy on the '''jargon,''' Ratchet, we didn't all go to medical school." 
"Sarcasm: the first sign of a damaged brain module. Other symptoms include me '''hitting you in the face.'''"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Whirl'''

"He's not even the first guy named Tankor to yell at me today."
:—'''Starscream''' on the quirks of Transformer naming. Like they say, all the good ones are taken.

'''Getaway:''' "Weird. Some kind of '''arrow'''..." 
'''Ratchet:''' "Hand drawn. And pointing towards the spark chamber..." 
'''Ultra Magnus:''' "And another one over there. Pointing in a different direction." 
'''Brainstorm:''' "What do we do, fearless leader? Follow them?" 
'''Ultra Magnus:''' "Well we certainly can't ignore them... it'd be like ignoring a '''traffic sign.'''" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "And that way anarchy lies..." 
''(The team sets off.)'' 
'''Whirl:''' "Come on, Perceptor!" 
'''Skids:''' "No one's locking the '''Rodpod?'''" 
'''Whirl:''' "Hopefully someone will steal it."

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===

*True to his word, we here see that Swerve has indeed made Orion Pax's distress call his ringtone, as he promised back in [[Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Chapter 1]].
*Ultra Magnus's deja vu is presumably in reference to the [[sparkeater]] incident from More Than Meets the Eye #3, where said sparkeater removed its victims' brain modules first in preparation for harvesting their sparks. Hence, Magnus's decision to check on Metroplex's spark upon noticing his brain was gone.
*To see ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' Tankor appearing in this issue in such a manner is perhaps a little disarming; he is, of course, only here because this issue is packed in with his new ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' toy. But! This is actually ''not'' his first appearance in IDW continuity! Given the timings involved, it can only have been an incredibly fortuitous coincidence, but Tankor first showed up in a crowd-scene cameo (as his original toy) back in the [[Primus: All Good Things|2012 ''Robots in Disguise'' annual]].
*The mysterious object on Rodimus's hand was alluded to back in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|Chapter 2]].
*Kup was last seen in [[The Transformers: Infestation issue 2|''Transformers: Infestation'' #2]], in which he was sucked into the Dead Universe through a magic portal.

===Transformers references===

*The story catches up to the "Roll Call" pages this issue, with Slag officially renaming himself "Slug", the name Hasbro now uses for versions of the character which originated with his [[Slug|Aligned universe counterpart]]. The full details of his change of heart aren't gone into, merely that Arcee told him that his name was offensive—a double-reference to its status as both a [[Slag (slang)|Transformer swear word]] and a disparaging term for a woman in the United Kingdom, the latter being the reason Hasbro shelved it as the character's name. The story has tactfully avoided actually ''using'' "Slag" in dialogue up until now, which is not a problem IDW stories have faced before, but ''Dark Cybertron'' is packed in with toys.

===Errors===
*On page 1, Sludge grunts to draw Swoop's attention, but Swoop's dialogue has him respond to Snarl, who's not in this scene. Actually, Sludge was sent back to the Autobots camp when the Titan first raised and should not be present. Snarl correctly replaces him a few panels later. (Sludge is also absent from the Dinobots listed on the roll call page. Cementing the fact that he "wasn't even supposed to be here today.")
*In the medibay scene, in panel one, ''Beast Machines'' Tankor is standing behind Starscream and Flatline, but in panel two, he's suddenly replaced with Generation 1 Tankor, aka [[Octane (G1)|Octane]]. Starscream proceeds to make a crack about there being more than one guy named Tankor, so this may not be an error, but the way the G1 character appears for only one panel in place of the ''Beast Machines'' character and isn't evident in the rest of the scene suggests not.
*The last panel of the first dry dock page: Presumably, the lines that begin with "Come on, Perceptor!" should not be coming from Perceptor himself. Whether the other balloon in that panel, trailing from Skids, is properly placed is not clear.

===Trivia===
*Artist breakdown: Per the established pattern, Rojo draws the scenes on Cybertron, Raiz covers the ''Lost Light'' crew, and Ramondelli the Dead Universe.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Orion and Rodimus in the grip of Nova Prime, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Tankor by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Cover RI:''' The Dinobots open fire, by [[Brendan Cahill]] and [[Josh Perez]]
<gallery>
File:MTMTE25 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE25 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE25 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Robots in Disguise'' #25]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures''
*''[[My Little Pony]]'' [[Monopoly]]
*''My Little Pony: Friends Forever'' (back cover)

==External links==

*[http://www.comicosity.com/preview-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-25 Preview]
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]

Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3

2013-12-21T07:03:06Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory|
|series=rid|issueno=23
|prev=Soundwaves (issue)
|next=Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]]
|prev2=Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2
|next2=Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4
|caption=
|image=RID23 cvrA.jpg
|title="Winners & Losers" Dark Cybertron Chapter 3
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 27]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=November 2013
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Atilio Rojo]] and [[James Raiz]]
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''The power of the Necrotitan lays waste to Cybertron, while the ''Lost Light'' is pulled off-mission on an unexpected Titan Quest.'''

==Synopsis==
With the population of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] looking to him for guidance in the face of the [[Necrotitan]]'s appearance—misinterpreted by all as the return of the [[Crystal City Metrotitan|previous Metrotitan]]—[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] takes a moment to visit [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]]'s body as it lies in state, once again talking out loud to his departed friend. Unfortunately for Starscream, he is entirely unaware that [[Rattrap]] is eavesdropping on him and has overheard him apologize to Metalhawk for killing him. Departing the mausoleum, Starscream tries to calm the throng of citizens outside, informing them he is going to speak to the Titan; Rattrap comes scampering up, feigning concern for Starscream, but Iacon's ruler isn't falling for the act. He's aware of Rattrap's scheming nature and respects it, proceeding to leave for the Titan after offering the ex-Autobot a nugget of wisdom: "don't make your first move until you're sure of your last one." Rattrap takes this to heart, and decides to visit [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] to get more information on the "Dark Cybertron" prophecy, talk of which which has somehow begun to spread among the populace despite Scoop's incarceration, and which he is starting to believe is much more than some random conspiracy theory, Scoop has realized that Starscream has an important role to play in the prophecy's catastrophic fulfilment, and in this, Rattrap sees an opportunity...

On the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] is distracted from the unease he feels with his new captaincy when the ship is unexpectedly pulled off course. Magnus and [[Getaway]] are summoned to [[Brainstorm]]'s lab to witness the cause of their sudden change of direction: [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s severed thumb, on board since before the [[Titan Hunters]]' [[The Reluctant Specialist|invasion of the ship]], is levitating, pulling on the craft, and Brainstorm theorises that Metroplex is trying to call them to him.

At the Necrotitan's feet, the battle between [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]]'s Autobots and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s Decepticons is brought to a halt by the appearance of Starscream overhead, heading for the Titan. [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] is infuriated by Bumblebee's willingness to compare notes with the Decepticons, insisting on immediate action, but before anyone can do anything, Starscream lands on the Titan's shoulder and tries to speak with it. The giant's eyes flare to life... and it emits a colossal energy wave that tears across the surface of the planet, devastating everything in its path. The shattered Autobots and Decepticons, many gravely wounded, try to take stock of the sudden, violent eruption, while Starscream rockets away, just ahead of the wave, trying to beat it back to Iacon. He calls for his subjects to flee, and tries to stand in the wave's path, but it sweeps over Iacon irresistibly, putting the city to ruin. The wave also has a second, unexpected effect: it brings Metalhawk back to life! The reanimated [[NAIL]] turns on Starscream, hungry for vengeance, but after trading a few blows, announces that now is not the time to settle old accounts. Instead, Metalhawk smashes into the vault holding the immobilized form of [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], deactivates the stasis field restraining the Decepticon leader, and absconds with his unconscious body. His departure is observed by Rattrap and a liberated Scoop, now conspiring against Starscream together, but for the moment, Scoop is more concerned with helping the victims of the disaster.

Back on the ''Lost Light'', [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] argues against looking for Metroplex, on the basis that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'s request for them to hunt down [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] takes precedence. Brainstorm and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], however, advocate following Metroplex's signal, and manage to bring Magnus around to their side. The ''Lost Light'' locks on to Metroplex's signal and [[quantum jump]]s to its source, materializing beneath a blood-red ocean on an unknown world, where it is immediately beset by a swarm of robotic lifeforms!

Metalhawk delivers Megatron to [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]], who clearly has plans for the [[space bridge]] technology contained within his former leader's body. As Megatron awakes, Shockwave is confident that he will help fulfil their plans, as doing so - even at the cost of "unimaginable pain" - will realize ''all'' their dreams...

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (8)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (10)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] (17)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (18)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (19)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (21)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (23)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (24)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (25)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (26)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (27)
*[[Brainstorm]] (28)
*[[Getaway]] (29)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (30)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (33)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (9)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (11)
*[[Needlenose]] (12)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (14)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (15)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (34)
|c4=
*[[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] (1)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]] (4)
*[[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] (5)
*[[Necrotitan]] (7)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (22)
*[[Sky-Byte (G2)|Sky-Byte]] (31)
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==

"Well then! Leadership. Leading. Being a leader. What's it like so far?" 
"Meh." 
"'Meh'?" 
"Sorry, '''Getaway'''—Earth word. Friend of mine used to say it a lot." 
"What does it mean?" 
"I think it means—I think it just means 'meh.'"
:—'''Getaway''' and '''Ultra Magnus'''

"Rung says that if I relax my self-imposed ban on idioms, metaphors, and slang it'll help '''soften my image.'''" 
"Whatever floats your boat." 
"No need to show off."
:—'''Magnus''' and '''Getaway'''

"Don't just let this—this—'''Decepticon''' control you!"
:—Attention '''Prowl''', this is the kettle. Stop calling me black.

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===

*Starscream killed Metalhawk in [[Heavy Is the Head|issue #16]]. We previously saw him visiting his dead body and talking to it in [[Three Monologues|issue #20]].
*Scoop's Targetmaster partners Tracer and Holepunch were conspicuous by their absence from his company in issue #20, but they appear among the citizens of Iacon on page 3. And ''right'' when word of something only Scoop knows about is spreading through the citizenry! What ''are'' the odds?
*While discussing conspiracies, Rattrap refers to the explosion of the [[Toraxxis mega-refinery]], which occurred in [[Rage (IDW)|''Monstrosity'' #4]]. Popular conspiracy theory apparently blames Optimus Prime for triggering the explosion, when it was actually [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s doing.
*He also notes another conspiracy theory: that Ultra Magnus is really a "[[Minimus Ambus|little guy]] in armor". Little does he know that ''that'' one is true, as we learned in [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|''More than Meets the Eye'' #19]]!
*Magnus refers to an unnamed friend from [[Earth]] from whom he learned the word "meh"; clearly, he's talking about [[Verity Carlo]], whose association with him was covered in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*While Magnus and Getaway walk down the corridor, we see the holographic equivalent of a bulletin board. Most of its signs are callback to concepts or character quirks from past issue of MTMTE and are fairly self-explanatory, with one notable exception: A "VOTE" sign in the center. So far, no voting has been seen or referenced in More Than Meets the Eye.
*Magnus's dislike of ambiguity in speech is flagged up by Getaway, previously explored in "[[Signal to Noise]]".
*The ''Lost Light'' brought Metroplex's thumb on board in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''.
*Turns out that when Megatron transferred his [[spark]] et al into his new body back in [[Before the Dawn|issue #14]], the space bridge technology that had been a defining feature of his previous form (seen in the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]]) was also transplanted along with it.

===Real-life references===
*Ravage paraphrases the classic opening from the 1950s ''[[Superman]]'' TV series—"Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!"—when he spots Starscream heading for the Titan: "'''Up'''. In the sky... it's a '''plane'''..."

===Trivia===
*As in Chapter 2, Rojo illustrates the scenes on Cybertron, while Raiz lends his lines to those on the ''Lost Light''.

===Errors===
*Starscream is misspelt as Star''cream'' on page 6. Perhaps that member of the Cybertronian electorate is just politically apathetic and unaware of his correct name?
*Metalhawk is missing the wrong arm on the last page.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Starscream on his knees in the ruins of Iacon, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Brainstorm, Ultra Magnus and Ratchet superimposed over a starscape, as the ''Lost Light'' flies off in the direction indicated by an image of Metroplex's hand, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Skywarp by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
<gallery>
Image:RID23 cvrA.jpg|
Image:RID23 subcvr.jpg|
Image:RID23 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*"[[Dark Cybertron]]" checklist, highlighting [[Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|''More than Meets the Eye'' #24]]
*Thanks to VIP Attendees to IDW Studios during [[BotCon 2013]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics'' Vol. 2
*IDW ''Ben 10'' comic (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content/transformers-robots-disguise-23-full-preview-7814/ Preview]

Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1

2013-11-17T16:09:08Z

Dubbilex: /* Real-world references */

{{Comicstory|seriesissue=''[[Dark Cybertron|The Transformers: Dark Cybertron]]'' #1
|prev=Soundwaves (issue)
|next=Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2
|prev2=Little Victories
|image=DarkCybertron_regcvr.jpg
|title="Dark Dawn" Dark Cybertron Chapter 1
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 6]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=October 2013
|written by=[[John Barber]] and [[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Phil Jimenez]] (layouts) [[Andrew Griffith]] (finishes) [[Brendan Cahill]] (prologue)
|colors by=[[Josh Perez]] (main story) [[John-Paul Bove]] (prologue}
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''While Orion Pax's team joins up with the ''Lost Light'' crew, Shockwave unleashes his undead Metrotitan on Cybertron.'''

==Synopsis==

''Six million years ago, the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark-1]]'' comes upon a mysterious swirling vortex on the fringes of the [[Benzuli Expanse]]. [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] is left baffled by the cosmic anomaly, but [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] is reminded of a legend that spoke of a parallel reality of unlife—a [[Dead Universe]]. Jhiaxus scoffs at the superstitious notion, but there is no denying that whatever the vortex is, it is indeed a gateway to another universe. At [[Nova Prime]]'s command, [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] sets the ship on a course toward the anomaly, but as it grows near, the anomaly reaches out and begins to pull the ship in. Nova Prime remains calm, but a distressed Jhiaxus quickly beams a final message back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], to his student [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]], urging him to carry on his work...''

In the present day, beneath the surface of Cybertron in [[Crystal City]], Shockwave gloats over the imminent fruition of long-germinating plans. Jhiaxus, reporting in from the vicinity of [[Gorlam Prime]], lets Shockwave know that the [[Necrotitan|Metrotitan]] awoken on the planet by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] is presently in mid-teleport to Cybertron, guided by [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], while [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]], at Shockwave's side, reports on the energy fluctuations that herald the Titan's arrival. As the colossal Transformer materializes, the [[Ore-2]] in its body begins to react with the [[Ore-14]] that lines the cavern walls, and the giant howls in agony.

In [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], a worried [[Rattrap]] interrupts [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] with some news, while the former Decepticon is busy familiarizing himself with his new body. Before Rattrap can share his fears, though, Starscream sees the source of his concern for himself: the sun, which had apparently risen some time ago, has not moved from its position in the sky since Starscream last saw it. Realizing that dawn is, in fact, hours away, Starscream scans the mysterious ball of light, and with a suspicion that he recognizes its energy signature growing, has Rattrap put in a call to the ''[[Lost Light]]''.

In the vicinity of Gorlam Prime, Orion Pax and his team aboard Pax's ship the ''[[Skyroller]]'' struggle to escape the gravity well of the collapsing planet as the expanding Ore-2 destroys it. Fortunately, responding to a distress call put out by Pax, the ''Lost Light'' [[quantum jump]]s onto the scene directly overhead. The ''Skyroller'' docks with the larger ship—which easily outpaces the pull of Gorlam Prime's collapse—and Pax's team are welcomed on board by [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], who, it turns out, specifically responded to the distress call because it was warning him ''away''. As members of the two crews quietly comment on how ''weird'' the others are, and [[Garnak]] has a happy reunion with his old captain Rodimus, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] inquires if Orion will be taking command of their ship. Orion haltingly confirms that he won't, and asks for a tour of the ''Lost Light'' instead; this takes the group to the bridge just as Starscream's transmission comes through. Studying the readings Starscream provides, Cyclonus confirms his fears: the light in the sky over Cybertron is a portal to the Dead Universe.

Back on Cybertron, [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] venture closer to the mysterious light, in which Arcee can sense Jhiaxus's hand. The Dinobots roar ahead into action despite the presence of no visible enemy to battle, but just as Prowl is starting to come around to their viewpoint, the ground beneath the Autobots' feet quakes... and the Metrotitan emerges, transformed by the fusion of ores into an undead behemoth!

A vision of the future assails Shockwave: he sees Galvatron battling [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]... Starscream disintegrating... Rodimus being crushed... [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] in chains... [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]... the ''Lost Light'' crashing... and Orion Pax staring down... himself? Though he reels from this premonition, Shockwave rights himself as Dreadwing continues to provide updates, informing him that the Metrotitan is functioning as a "conduit", but that a complication has arisen. This seems of little import to Shockwave—as does Dreadwing's disrespectful tone, which Waspinator chides him for—as he turns instead to bow deeply before a viewscreen that delivers a transmission from the other side of the Metrotitan's link: Nova Prime and Galvatron yet survive within the Dead Universe, and soon they will return to conquer ''all'' universes!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks or flash-forwards.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'' (17)
*''[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]'' (18)
*''[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'' (19)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (20)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (21)
*[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (23)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (24)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (25)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (26)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (27)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (29)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (30)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (31)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (32)
*[[Brainstorm]] (33)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (34)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (35)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (36)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (37)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (38)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (39)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (40)
*''[[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'' (42)
*''[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'' (43)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (8)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (9)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (11)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'' (41)
|c4=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] (2)
*''[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]]'' (3)
*[[Nova Prime]] (4)
*''[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]'' (5)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (6)
*''[[Tailpipe (G1)|Tailpipe]]'' (7)
*[[Necrotitan|Necrotitan]] (10)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (12)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (13)
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (14)
*[[Rattrap]] (15)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (16)
*[[Garnak]] (28)
{{!}}}
}}

==Quotes==

"Hey Pax—your distress call was so '''epic''' I've got it as my ringtone."
:—'''Swerve'''

"You remember last year, when Rodimus gave his big speech about a quest to find the '''Knights of Cybertron?''' I was '''this''' close to signing up." 
"''Made-up knights impossible to '''find'''—and so you decided to stay '''behind'''.''" 
"No... I made the mistake of looking at the '''crew manifest.''' Rodimus has got some '''reeeeeal''' weirdos on board..."
:—'''Hardhead''' and '''Wheelie'''

"...And this is where we spend most of our time, fine-tuning strategy, reflecting on our progress to date... and debating the pedagogical constraints of logic, grammar, and rhetoric." 
... 
"Has someone been '''drawing''' on the navicomp?"
:—'''Ultra Magnus'''

"'''Ironhide''', keep your '''lunkheads''' in line." 
"They ain't lunkheads, '''Prowl''', they're just '''brave'''." 
"Most lunkheads are."
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Ironhide''' on the Dinobots

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The Ark's approach to the Benzuli Expanse anomaly was previously seen in ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]]''. That issue gets a bit of a soft retcon here; it implied that Galvatron had sent the Ark-1 into the anomaly of his own accord, but here we see Nova Prime order him to set their course. The setting is also different - here, Galvatron is shown at the helm surrounded by the bridge officers, but there he was shown alone at a side console.
*Tailpipe was revealed to be among the crew of the Ark-1 in ''[[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|More than Meets the Eye'' #13]].
*It wasn't clear if the presence of an Autobot symbol on Blurr's chest was an error when he last appeared in [[Three Monologues|''Robots in Disguise'' #20]], but that puzzle seems to have been solved with this issue as it's now gone.
*The mysterious "sunrise" appeared at the end of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Second Exodus|#18]], [[Three Monologues|#20]] and [[Soundwaves (issue)|#22]].
*Orion Pax and company are escaping Gorlam Prime directly following on from the end of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Homecoming (IDW)|#19]].
*We join the ''Lost Light'' after the ship's departure from [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|#21]]; Rodimus notes that they're looking for [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]], who they met in the earlier-set [[Little Victories|issue #22]] - presumably because, with the destruction of their Matrix-half/map in #21, they have no way to search for the Knights of Cybertron.
*Garnak served under Rodimus in the "Space Opera" storyline that ran from from issues [[Space Opera Part 1: The Stars My Destination|#19]] to [[Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|#21]] of the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
*The ''Lost Light'' and Starscream previously made contact with each other in "[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]", the prose back-up story in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #21.
*Nova Prime last appeared in ''[[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|Heart of Darkness]]'' [[Heart of Darkness issue 4|#4]], in which he was reanimated by the [[D-Void]] and last seen being forced back through a portal to the Dead Universe. Likewise, Galvatron's last appearance—in [[Chaos Part Four: Genesis|issue #30]] of the ongoing series—saw him disintegrate when a portal to the Dead Universe began to open before him.
*Interestingly, Nova's dropped the "Nemesis Prime" moniker he went by in all previous appearances after becoming bearer of the [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]].

===Transformers references===
*Tailpipe is based on the [[Tailpipe (DOTM)|''Dark of the Moon'' character of the same name]].
*Rattrap professes to have a "ninth sense", the way a human would claim to have a sixth. This seems to hearken back to the "standard seven senses" that Transformers are constructed with (according to [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]'s profile in [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]s [[The Transformers Universe|''Transformers Universe'']]), but that would mean there's an eighth going unmentioned. Mistake? Maybe, but then again Bumblebee claimed to have ''nine'' senses in Marvel UK's [[Dinobot Hunt!]], suggesting a degree of variation between individuals, although taste, something most Transformers are shown to have nowadays, is not listed among the seven.
*Starscream's new body is, of course, the new ''[[Transformers: Generations]]'' toy based on [[Starscream (Armada)|''Armada'' Starscream]].

===Real-world references===
*Rattrap describes himself as a "stainless steel rat", after the title of the 1961 [[Wikipedia:The Stainless Steel Rat|Harry Harrison novel]]. The same reference was also made in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[The Agenda (Part III)]]".
*Whirl describes Cyclonus as "sworn to reject a world that hates and fears him." A very similar turn of phrase, "sworn to '''protect''' a world that hates and fears them," has been commonly used by Marvel Comics' X-Men books for the past few decades.

===Errors===
*The Metrotitan's color scheme has changed from the white, orange and blue deco it had in ''Robots in Disguise'' #19 to a desaturated white, blue and magenta, as a result of colorist Josh Perez's mistaken belief that it was suppose to be the same titan that appeared in the [[Primus: All Good Things|''Robots in Disguise'' 2012 annual]], which had those colors. Though similar to the colors of ''the'' [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]] from ''[[Transformers: Zone (franchise)|Zone]]'', this wasn't intended to mark them as the same character.

===Trivia===
*The inside-front cover of an IDW Transformers comic normally contains a "previously" text blurb, credits and a list of variant covers, but for this one-shot special, the "previously" section is expanded to two full pages, and is made up of re-used artwork from '''Robots in Disguise'' [[Shockwaves|#17]], #18, #19, and [[Soundwaves (issue)|#22]], and ''More than Meets the Eye'' #21 and #22. The credits and cover list come on page 3.
*While the Metrotitan's transformation into an undead horror seems like it's a reference to the old [[fandom]] misconception that ''Zone'' Metrotitan was a [[zombie]], it's actually a total coincidence.
*This issue's story is followed by a "Roll Call" page listing off the major players, a checklist of issues for the full "Dark Cybertron" event, and a "Thank You" to the VIP Attendees who visited the IDW studios at [[BotCon 2013]].
*In the "Roll Call" segment, Slag's name is given as "Slug", the controversy-dodging alternate name given to the character's [[Slug|Aligned continuity counterpart]]. Whether this change bleeds over into the story itself remains to be seen...

===Covers (5)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Orion Pax, Rodimus and Bumblebee charge forward, at the fore of a collage of characters from the story with Shockwave looming over all, by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]
*'''Sub cover:''' Shockwave's shadow is cast across Cybertron in front of a montage of the cast, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]. Retailers could order as many of this variant as they wished, with the notional intent that it only be available to customers with in-store subscriptions to the book.
*'''Cover RIA:''' Starscream in his new body, by Jiminez and Fajardo Jr.
*'''Cover RIB:''' Blank white cover for hand-drawn sketches by [[Andrew Griffith]]. The example sketch used to illustrate the cover in this issue's checklist is one of [[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]], drawn for fan [http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11401359/ Jasmine "Jazzfox" Smith] at [[Unofficial conventions|Auto Assembly 2013]].
*'''Cover RE:''' Orion Pax in an homage to [http://marvel.wikia.com/New_Mutants_Vol_1_87 ''New Mutants'' #87], by original ''New Mutants'' cover artist [[Rob Liefeld]], with colors by Fajardo Jr.

<gallery>
File:DarkCybertron_regcvr.jpg|
File:DarkCybertron_subcvr.jpg|
File:DarkCybertron_cvrRIA.jpg|
File:DarkCybertron_cvrRIB.jpg|
File:DarkCybertron_cvrRE.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*CGC
*''[[Transformers: The Art of Prime]]'' (back cover)

==External links==
* [http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=21683&ss=as Preview]
[[Category:IDW Generation 1 issues]]

Interiors

2013-10-20T07:35:41Z

Dubbilex: /* Notes */

{{Comicstory|
|series=mtmte|issueno=6
|prev=How Ratchet Got His Hands Back
|next=Rules of Disengagement
|caption="NO! SHOOT WHIRL, SHOOT WHIRL!"

|image=MTMTE6_cvrA.jpg
|title="Interiors"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 27]], [[2012]]
|coverdate=June 2012
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Nick Roche]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2012)]]
}}

'''A hostage situation grips the ''Lost Light'' as Fortress Maximus snaps, and not everyone escapes the experience unscathed...'''

==Synopsis==

After his vicious display on [[Delphi]], [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] is instructed to undergo mandatory psychological evaluation with [[Rung]]. The sessions go very poorly, as Maximus actively lies about what he remembers of his experiences at the hands of [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on [[Garrus-9]]—about how the deranged Decepticon never wanted [[Aequitas]], but what it served to hide—but Rung insists they continue.

Meanwhile, at [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s [[Swerve's|bar]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] is displaying his talent for identifying an Autobot based purely on the sound of their [[transformation]] and ducking [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]'s questions about how he and [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] met, while Tailgate himself bemoans his current education in the [[Autobot Code]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] gripes about Fortress Maximus's overblown reputation. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] soon arrives and arrests Swerve for running a speakeasy, assigning him the demeaning punishment of replacing every rivet on the exterior of the ship, after which Maximus himself enters the bar... and promptly shoots [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]!

Maximus proceeds to go on a rampage through the ''[[Lost Light]]'', shooting [[Boss (G1)|Boss]], [[Dogfight]], [[Turbine]] and [[Doubletap]] apparently at random, before holing himself up in Rung's office and impaling the psychiatrist's current patient, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], with a pipe. As [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] and Ultra Magnus watch through a security camera hacked by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and listen through an audio feed surreptitiously being broadcast by Rung through his thumb-microphone, Maximus beats the mocking Whirl into silence so he can issue his demands: take the ''Lost Light'' back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] so [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] can answer for taking three years to send help to Garrus-9, or the former warden starts killing hostages. Discovering that the conversation is being broadcast, Maximus rips off Rung's thumb, and Whirl resumes his taunting, deliberately trying to bait Maximus into killing him. He refuses to tell Maximus ''why'' he has a death wish, so Maximus threatens Rung instead, and Whirl is convinced to tell him his life story: how before the war, he defied Cybertronian convention by giving up his function to become a watchmaker, only to fall on hard times and wind up being press-ganged into the service of the [[Senate]]. He even reveals why he was kicked off the [[Wrecker]]s: he attempted to euthanize the comatose [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] using [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]'s [[Sparkeater (weapon)|Sparkeater weapon]].

As Whirl tells his story, Rodimus notices that Rung is tapping one of his model spaceships, indicating the windows. Catching his meaning, Rodimus contacts [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]], also on rivet duty with Swerve as punishment for bringing "snuff movie" data discs on board, and orders the pair to the window of Rung's office, from which a rivet gun can be used to take Maximus out. Before they can get there, however, Maximus flies into a fury upon realizing the ship has not yet changed course and prepares to kill Whirl. Rung tries to stop him, having come to the same conclusion that [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] have simultaneously reached by studying the uniform coloration of his Autobot victims: this is not about Prowl, it's about Overlord and the revenge Max will never get to have. At Rodimus's suggestion, Rewind projects footage of Maximus's torture and dismemberment at Overlord's hands through the porthole in order to shock and distract him, giving Swerve the chance to take the shot. Swerve protests, both because of his lack of skill and the fact that Rung, ever the dedicated carer, has knelt by the traumatised Maximus to calm him, but Rodimus insists that he try... and the deadly blast strikes not Maximus, but Rung, blowing his head open. Whirl uses the distraction to rip out the pipe pinning him, and takes Maximus down by impaling him with it.

A little later, after a speech has been delivered for Rung and Maximus has been locked in the ship's brig, Rodimus talks with Drift about recent events. Drift comments warily on the absence of [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], who, unbeknownst to either, has taken the deceased [[Ore]]'s drill-arm to widen the crack in the bottom of the ship through which he believes he can hear a voice. And through the crack, where by all rights there should only be empty space, he finds in a hidden chamber, in which, immobilized, his weapons systems removed, begging to be killed...

...hangs Overlord.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (1)
*[[Rung]] (2)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (4)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (5)
*[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] (6)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (7)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (13)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (14)
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Dogfight]] (16)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (17)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (18)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (19)
*[[Aquafend]] (20)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (21)
*[[Deftwing]] (22)
*[[Powerflash]] (23)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (24)
*[[Siren]] (25, voice only)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (26)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (27)
*[[Doubletap]] (28)
*[[Turbine]] (29)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (33)
*''[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]'' (34)
*[[Ore]] (35)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] (3)
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (10)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (11)
*''[[Heavies]]'' (30-31)
*''Senate thug'' (32)
}}

==Quotes==

"You were in charge when G9 was attacked." 
"Yes." 
"What happened next?" 
"You '''know''' what happened next. '''Everyone''' knows. Even '''Tailgate''' knows, and someone had to draw him a picture of '''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]]''' the other day..."
:—'''Rung''' and '''Fortress Maximus'''

"We just spent six hours discussing the relevance of a '''[[semicolon]].''' I say 'discussing'—it was more like a thrilling Magnus monologue. I say 'thrilling'—it was actually '''very, very boring'''." 
"And the semicolon?" 
"Ah! Turns out the semicolon isn't relevant '''at all'''."
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Chromedome'''

"I mean, 'Fortress Maximus'—come '''on'''. What kind of a name is that? But everyone's like, 'Oh, Fortress Maximus, you're my '''hero!''' You've got '''guns in your legs''' and you killed tons of 'Cons at Simanzi...' And I'm like 'That was a '''thousand years ago!'''<nowiki>'</nowiki> He's a '''relic!''' He's a '''has-been!''' He's—" 
"Just walked in." 
"Great to '''see''' you, Max! Come on over! We were just talking about '''Simanzi!''' With the '''thing''' and the—the '''stuff!''' So... oh '''wow!''' You've got guns in your '''legs!''' How's that working out for you? That's '''awesome,''' man. '''You're''' awesome."
:—'''Trailbreaker''' and '''Chromedome'''

"'''Seriously''', all of this is a bit—it's a bit '''pathetic''' though, isn't it? Even for an epic, epic '''failure''' like you. I mean, not only do you practically '''beg''' the Decepticons to take G9 off your hands, but you curl up into a ball the moment Overlor—" 
''(Fortress Maximus pistol-whips Whirl.)'' 
"Wow. If I'd known '''that''' was the best you've got, I'd have said something '''genuinely''' offensive."
:—'''Whirl'''

"You never told '''me''' any of that!" 
"Well '''you''' never threatened to shoot a '''friend''' of '''mine'''!"
:—'''Whirl''' shows '''Rung''' that he actually does care.

==Notes==
*This issue gets its title from the Woody Allen film of the same name. The script for the issue, which was sold for charity at Auto Assembly 2013, even asks for the title to be bracketed by quotation marks, in homage to Allen's films. However, whether through error or editorial disagreement, there are no quotation marks around the title in the published comic.
*The cast page at the end of the comic is updated this issue, removing Rung and adding First Aid, Trailbreaker and Pipes. Several of the brief write-ups have been modified to reflect what we've learned about the cast of late.
*Fortress Maximus's suffering at the hands of Overlord, of course, all occurred within the span of ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', off-panel between issues [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]] and [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|#3]].
*Skids is again missing his gun this issue, but the updated cast page makes a point of highlighting this, suggesting that instances in past issues where he wasn't holding it may not have all been the errors they appeared to be at the time.
*Trailbreaker's whole personality here might seem a bit new, as he's never acted like this in any fiction before, but it's all actually derived from his original bio, which described him as very self-conscious as a result of the fact he is exceptionally fuel-inefficient. Here, Roberts adapts the "fuel consumptive" idea to mean he needs to drink a lot of strong stuff regularly, which gets him inebriated, at which point he starts bitterly taking pops at other characters because of his own issues with himself. Trailbreaker's fondness for really hard "liquor" will reoccur in future issues.
*Fortress Maximus is revealed to have been part of the [[Simanzi Massacre]], an event in Cybertronian history mentioned in several places throughout James Roberts's previous IDW works.
*Brainstorm claimed that he tried to save Dogfight from Fort Max. In the panel in question, Brainstorm is ''actually'' cowering in fear.
*Whirl's brief involvement in "[[Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory]]" is alluded to, along with the circumstances that brought him to that point. In particular, it is noted that he used to be a flight instructor, and that he once changed his name: facts which combine to make it all but explicit that he was the "Jetstream" mentioned in [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]]'s backstory in "[[Bullets]]".
*The multi-coloured robot who appears prominently in Whirl's flashback, but is not directly named, is the leader of the Senate thugs who menaced [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] back in "[[Chaos Theory Part 2]]".
*Whirl makes a reference to the persuasive powers of someone or something called "[[Empurata]]", while casting a glance at his left hand. We'll find out what's going on with this in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]].
*Rewind was seen obtaining the incriminating data discs from [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]], who hinted at the perverse nature of their content. Red Alert implied he had found them [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|last issue]].
*Roadbuster's current assignment to watch over the recuperating Springer was the subject of "[[Zero Point]]".
*Roadbuster was noted to have been involved in some kind of "Sparkeater business" in "[[Bullets]]"; this issue implies that said business was his invention of the device seen here (or perhaps the repercussions of its creation). Logically, he must have named the weapon after the mythological Cybertronian [[Sparkeater (creature)|creature]], which we learned more about in [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]].

===Errors===
*The lettering on Tailgate's arm is written as "Waste Disposal" when it should read "Bomb Disposal". This is fixed for the trade, though how much of an error it really is is debatable given [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|what we learn later]].
*When Drift is in Rodimus' office at the end of the issue, he's holding one of Rung's model ships. It is however, mis-colored as part of his hands. This was also fixed for the trade.

===Crew Manifest===
*Dogfight, previously assigned to Delphi with known Fader [[Backstreet (G1)|Backstreet]] in ''[[Bullets]]'', is first seen with the crew this issue. This suggests the remaining staff and patients from Delphi were evacuated last issue, along with First Aid and [[Ambulon]]. Still, the fate of Delphi's Faders and other patients is not specifically addressed.
*5 deaths, 5 new arrivals (confirmed) since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2_yhViC8bY Sinister in a State of Hope]'' by [[Wikipedia:Loney, Dear|Loney, Dear]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKyNBdMlwg A Good Man Is Easy to Kill]'' by [[Wikipedia:Beulah (band)|Beulah]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gOpULt67dU Easter Parade]'' by [[Wikipedia:Emmy the Great|Emmy the Great]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Rung in the sights of Fortress Maximus's gun, by Alex Milne and [[Josh Perez]].
*'''Cover B:''' Fortress Maximus is hurled to a mob of Overlords, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Black and white lineart versions of Cover A.

<gallery>
Image:MTMTE6_cvrA.jpg|Eep!
Image:MTMTE6_cvrB.jpg|I'm getting too old for this sh...!
Image:MTMTE6_cvrRI.jpg|Scared colorless.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===

*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' #7
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series #5: Splinter''
*IDW's ''Mars Attacks'' comic
*IDW's ''Judge Dredd'' comic

Little Victories

2013-10-20T07:28:34Z

Dubbilex: /* Real-life references */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=22
|prev=More than Meets the Eye issue 21
|next=Dark Cybertron, Part 2
|seriesissue2=[[Dark Cybertron]]
|next2=Dark Cybertron, Part 1
|image=MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg
|title="Little Victories" A film by Rewind of Lower Petrohex
|caption=What a guy!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[October 9]], [[2013]] (iBooks) [[October 16]], [[2013]] (print)
|coverdate=October 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Rewind's recordings become a movie that charts the crew's adventures, including an intrusion into another robotic civil war, the mystery of Rung's alternate mode, and a visit from one of the greatest Autobots around!'''

==Synopsis==

In a series of brief talking-head segments, the crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' introduce themselves to the audience as a set of title cards appear between soundbytes: "Little Victories: A film by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] of Lower [[Petrohex]]". After everyone has given their names, Rewind turns his camera around to introduce his film, created at [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s request, through a combination of his perpetual recordings of the goings-on on the ship and footage from the many security cameras installed on the vessel by [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. To begin the movie proper, we see Rodimus requesting its filming, followed by a candid clip of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] expressing some concern at potentially looking ridiculous as a result of questionable editing decisions. Rodimus gives him permission to censor the finished product if necessary, and blacked-out sections of the film prove he wasn't shy about it.

While lounging around in the ship's oil reservoir, Rewind, [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] talk about the cool [[alternate mode]]s of their teammates, and the conversation turns to the mystery of what [[Rung]] turns into. Swerve wagers a hundred [[Shanix]] to the first person to figure it out, and starts trying by "accidentally" clonking him on the head in hopes of automatically triggering a transformation. Talking-head clips of Tailgate and Swerve reflecting on their wager turn to talk of hobbies, a topic that Rewind gets [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] to weigh in on; the theoretician lists "meeting new people", and recalls an encounter on [[Hedonia]]...

The film shifts to Hedonia, some time beforehand, and shows Skids and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] meeting the [[Ammonite]]s, a race of mechanical beings engaged in a civil war with their enemies the [[Terradore]]s. Whirl disparages their conflict in comparison with the Transformers' own, but it soon becomes apparent that the Ammonites trump the Cybertronians at every turn: their war has lasted ''sixteen'' million years rather than four, they have ten-changing "Decabots" instead of just [[Six Changer]]s, and while the Transformers are still trying to master [[Combiner]] technology, the Ammonites are ''all'' interchangeable combiners, and prove it by separating into their diminutive component 'bots. The two 'bots enjoy are enjoying a drink with their new rivals when a patron alerts the barman to the arrival of a huge Terradorian cruiser. As the Ammonites panic, Whirl strides outside and, with Skids looking on, quickly and easily murders the Terradore leader [[Imperius Drax]], smugly informing his new "friends" that ''that'' is how it's done.

Another talking-head segment follows, as Rewind asks each crew-member if they are "happy", to a variety of positive, confused, suspicious and veiled answers. A short scene of Tailgate trying and failing to trick Rung into transforming with an "alt-mode party" comes next, after which the movie shows Rodimus arriving in the ''Lost Light'' communication suite wearing a makeshift "[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]" helmet made from a bucket for a theme night as [[Swerve's]]. [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] informs him that they have received a message from [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]], captain of the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'', who is quickly proven by another series of soundbytes from the crew to be one of the most popular, awesome, super-cool and handsome Autobots in the whole entire universe. Rodimus, however, is not a fan, and an extremely passive-aggressive exchange of pleasantries follows as Thunderclash comes aboard with his first officer [[Paddox]]. Rodimus tries to show off his crew, but Thunderclash knows them all well: he actually gets a ''hug'' from Ultra Magnus when he compliments his writings on "the relationship between typograpy and military justice", he impresses [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] by respecting his religion with an appropriate greeting, and he turns out to be old friends from medical school with [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Rodimus ''just about'' holds himself together through all of this, but explodes when Thunderclash reveals that ''he'' is on a quest for the [[Knights of Cybertron]] too! He angrily demands to know what Thunderclash wants, and the film cuts away to segments from Ratchet and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] that explain that the ''Vis Vitalis'' is actually a huge, wireless life support machine that keeps the gravely-wounded Thunderclash alive, and that he has come to the ''Lost Light'' hoping for a ship-to-ship jumpstart to replenish his vessel's failing power supply.

A little later, Thunderclash walks [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] through how to use the [[quantum generator|quantum engines]] to accomplish the power-transfer, but just before the process is activated, Paddox suddenly pulls a gun on Thunderclash, revealing himself to be an Ammonite deep-cover agent! The Ammonites, it turns out, are actually the ''bad guys'' in their war, and following Whirl's assassination of the Terradores' leader, all Ammonites have been recalled for a big push back against the extreme tactics of his successor. "Paddox" intends to take the Autobots' quantum engines for the Ammonite war effort, but is abruptly taken out in the most unusual way possible: Swerve sneaks up and clobbers him over the head with... Rung in alternate mode. The film cuts away briefly for Rung to explain that even ''he'' doesn't know what his odd, cylindrical alternate mode is—he was classified as an "ornament" by the [[Functionism|Functionist]] council—then cuts back to Thunderclash thanking Rodimus for his efforts, and Rodimus quietly whispering to Rewind that he has begun to regret the candid nature of the movie...

''On [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], the [[Circle of Light]] boo the movie, which [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] is playing as part of a recruitment drive, hoping to get some of the Circle to join the ''Lost Light''. The Circle mock the movie and the entire ship's crew, accusing them all of being crazies and shirkers who never make any progress in their quest, and all leave, with some thinking of signing up with Thunderclash. Behind Skids, on the screen, the movie continues to roll on...''

A final talking-head segment sees Rewind ask each of the crewmembers what they hope is next for them. Some see the end in sight and some think the journey itself and the friends they've made are what it's all about, but Tailgate sums it up best when he says: "Who knows?" For the final scene of the movie, Rewind calls all his friends together for a group shot in Swerve's, not caring who stands where as along as everyone is together.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (1)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (2)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (4)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (6)
*[[Rung]] (7)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (9)
*[[Brainstorm]] (10)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (11)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (14)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (15)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (18)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (19)
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (20)
{{!}}}
|c2=
|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (8)
*Assorted [[Ammonite]]s (16)
*[[16444/9]] (17)
*[[Paddox]] (21)
*Multiple [[Circle of Light]] members (22)
}}

==Quotes==

"It's '''Whirl''', spelled: ''ker-klick! '''Choom!'''" 
:—'''Whirl''', on his own name

"So you think you're better at war than us? How long were you fighting?" 
"Four million years. You?" 
"Sixteen." 
"Sixteen years." 
"Sixteen million." 
<big>"'''Sixteen million years?!'''</big> Six-'''teen'''? That's ridiculous. That's a ridiculous number."
:—'''16444/9''' and '''Skids'''

"I once went toe-to-toe with a '''six-changer'''. Jet! Beast! Tank! Gun! '''And something else I can't remember!'''"
:—'''Whirl'''

''(Rodimus enters the communications room with a bucket on his head.)'' 
"I thought you didn't like hats." 
"'''Theme Night''' at Swerve's: 'People You'd Like to Punch.' I was a lone '''Megatron''' in a sea of '''Whirls'''."
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Rodimus'''

"What's the '''problem?''' Everyone on board the ''Lost Light'' is '''cracked in the head!'''" 
"Yeah, '''dysfunctional''' isn't the word! There isn't a '''normal''' 'bot among you!" 
"And that wouldn't be so bad if you actually '''made progress'''—but as far as I can make out, all you do is '''argue''', crack jokes, and get '''sidetracked''' doing pointless, silly things that only you find amusing!"
:—Various members of the '''Circle of Light''' get a bit meta on the comic. Er, the movie.

"In the future, I'd like to see a world without guns. Ha! No. Joking."
:—'''Brainstorm'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The fact that Rewind was making a documentary about life on the ''Lost Light'' was revealed in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]], in which [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] noted he was about to attend a screening of the rough cut. Obviously, this comic ''is'' that rough cut, since Rewind wasn't around to make any changes after that story was over.
*The scenes in the documentary take place over a wide span of time. The earliest takes place during issue #1, while the latest—consisting predominantly of Thunderclash's visit to the ship and a substantial number of the talking-head interview scenes—must occur in-between issues [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|#13]] (in which the crew visited Hedonia) and [[Remembrance Day|#14]]. The one present day scene, taking place outside the documentary, occurs between scenes in the [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|previous issue]], after Tyrest's defeat but before the ''Lost Light'' departs Luna-1.
* Ultra Magnus notes that he has received [[Novic Medal for Outstanding Valor|Novic Medal]], presumably named in reference to the legendary Nova Prime (Tailgate, still lying about his history, claims to have earned ''seven''). It was previously mentioned in [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]]'s bio in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*Rewind asks Magnus if he's received the [[Rodimus Star]], an accolade that hasn't appeared in the main ''More than Meets the Eye'' series itself, but which was introduced in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''.
* A number of moments from this issue were hinted at or even seen in previous issues, which took place later chronologically.
** Two of the panels in Rewind's farewell montage in issue [[The Gloaming|#16]] have their source in the events depicted this issue: Perceptor running out of his smoking lab (page 2, panel 5), from which dialogue was lifted directly, and Rung counting his model collection (page 5, panel 7). Back in #16, the scene of the former had camera read-out text when none of the others did. Now we know why.
** In issue [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|#19]], Tyrest brings up Ultra Magnus hugging someone.
** In issue #21, Magnus talks about Rodimus's immature reaction to a "Thunder--."
*Swerve claims to have been playing hand-grenade tag with [[Waverider]], a pastime for which the latter was put in the brig just prior to issue #13.
* The Raging Prism was mentioned back in #13, where some of the characters talked about visiting its "Temple" on Hedonia. It makes sense, then, that a Hedonian resident would make reference to it.
* One of the Ammonites exclaims, "By the Great Shattering." According to the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]], something called the Shattering caused the formation of the Galactic Council. And since we learn this issue that the Council formed in response to the Ammonite-Terradore war... Ta-da, it all adds up!
* For the first time, we have in-story acknowledgment that Tailgate and Rung are from the same era, confirming that the former's reference to Rungian analysis in issue #1 was no error.
* Tailgate's altmode appears for the first time, indicating that his t-cog had not yet succumbed to Cybercrosis.
* Upon seeing Rodimus's "Megatron" costume (a bucket on his head), Blaster remarks on his captain's dislike for hats, which was introduced in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 annual]].
* Tailgate's statement that he wants to hate Thunderclash is a reference to his tendency to resent 'bots of greatness, previously seen in his attitudes toward Dominus Ambus and pre-insanity Tyrest.
* Back in issue #16, Chromedome pointed out a constellation he and Rewind had dubbed the "Vis Vitalis". Given that this term refers to something decided non-physical (see real-life references, below), we can probably assume that the stars made a picture of Thunderclash's ship.
* Continuing the running joke of people getting his name wrong, Rung's old ID card spells his name R-O-N-G.
* Chromedome finally learns to make the sound "pfft", having struggled to do so for ''four million years'' across issues [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|#9]] and [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|#11]].

===Transformers references===
*The Rung toy Swerve is trying to figure out on this issue's B cover comes with a set of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]-style [[instructions]]. It has articulated eyebrows and a "listening mode"!
*Swerve tries to make Rung reflexively transform by striking his [[neural cluster]], a weak spot on Transformers mentioned in the Marvel UK story "[[Fire on High!]]".
*The Ammonites and Terradores are designated "Evil" and "Heroic", just like the "Heroic Autobots" and "Evil Decepticons" in classic Transformers marketing.

===Real-life references===
*The title of this issue appears in white Windsor typeface on a plain black background, in homage to the [http://fontsinuse.com/uses/2147/woody-allen-film-titles-1977-2012 title cards] of many [[Wikipedia: Woody Allen|Woody Allen]] films. It also uses Allen's trademark quotation marks.
*The panels "censored" by Ultra Magnus, meanwhile, use a font for their captions based on that used in the TV series ''[[Wikipedia:Arrested Development (TV series)|Arrested Development]]'', of which James Roberts is an avowed fan.
*The "Vis Vitalis" is a classical alchemical principle that proposes the existence of "life force" possessed by living creatures.

===Other trivia===
*Because this issue was written to be packed in with the ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Skids toy, it had to be written ''well'' in advance, before even #16 was penned, hence its standalone, not-too-continuity-heavy nature.
*The digital version of this issue was inadvertently released a week early through iBooks. It wasn't taken down, but nobody really noticed until a few days before it's print release.
*This issue is labelled as a "[[Dark Cybertron]]" prelude, and has a redesigned inside front cover to go along with this branding.
*This issue's visiting guest Autobot has his named parsed as "Thunder Clash" on the cover, as it was on his original toy, but as "Thunderclash" in the story itself, as pretty much every [[Thunderclash (disambiguation)|other use of the name]] is.
*Paddox remarks that the new leader of the Terradores may even reach out to the "Dark Cyclops" as a means of winning the war. Instinct, together with ''More than Meets the Eye''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s general tone, might suggest that he's talking about ''Whirl'', as if he became a legendary/mythic figure after killing the Terradore leader, but this ''is'' branded as a "Dark Cybertron" prelude, so might he be referring to [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]...?
*No "Meet the Crew" feature is included this issue, but then, the first two pages of the story cover that all pretty well themselves!

===Errors===
*What little can be seen of Trailcutter's vehicle mode is noticeably off-model on page 11, resembling his traditional Earth pickup truck mode far more than it ought to.
*On page 17, panel 5, "actually" is misspelled "actaually".
*Back in issue 13, as the Autobots were departing Hedonia, Whirl remarked that they hadn't killed anybody, which this issue proves to be incorrect. The error was caught well in advance of the publication of this issue (since it was written so far ahead of time), and the offending line was removed from the trade paperback reprinting of issue #13.
*Tailgate's alt mode has an Autobrand, despite his never having undergone a true initiation.

===Crew manifest===
*No updates!

===Soundtrack===

*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3eM2R1aCKQ I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous]'' by [[Wikipedia: Frank Turner|Frank Turner]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YMYC0pS4Ws Goodnight Kiss]'' by [[Wikipedia: Black Box Recorder|Black Box Recorder]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB2TEElBU64 End Credits]'' by [[Wikipedia: Jesse Hartman|Laptop]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Rung holds a datapad bearing Thunder Clash's image, signed by the 'bot himself, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Cover B:''' Swerve tries to puzzle out the transformation of a Rung toy, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Burcham.
*'''Cover RI:''' Skids, by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg|The totally modest Thunderclash.
File:MTMTE22 cvrB.jpg|Swerve feels [[fandom|our]] pain.
File:MTMTE22 cvrRI.jpg|Guess which cover comes with the Skids toy?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[Dark Cybertron, Part 1|The Transformers: Dark Cybertron'' #1]]
*''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Dark Cybertron, Part 2|#23]]
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Dark Cybertron, Part 3|#23]]
*''Robots in Disguise'' [[Soundwaves (issue)|#24]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part Five|#95]]
*IDW ''Samurai Jack'' comic
*''[[My Little Pony]]'' Annual 2013
*''[[Star Trek]]: Khan''(back cover)

==External links==
* [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/comics-16/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eyes-22-full-preview-178599/ Preview]
* [http://boards.idwpublishing.com/3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15275&p=353870#p353870 James Roberts reflects on the creative process of this issue on the IDW forums]

Little Victories

2013-10-16T10:41:19Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=22
|prev=More than Meets the Eye issue 21
|next=More than Meets the Eye issue 23
|image=MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg
|title="Little Victories"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[October 16]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=October 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Rewind films the everyday life of the crew.'''

==Synopsis==
TBD

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (1)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (2)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (4)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (6)
*[[Rung]] (7)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (9)
*[[Brainstorm]] (10)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (11)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (14)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (15)
*[[Ambulon]] (8)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
{{!}}}
|c2=

|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[1644419]] (16)
*Multiple [[Ammonite]] members (17)
}}

==Quotes==

TBD

==Notes==
* TBD
===Continuity notes===
* The scenes in Rewind's documentary take place over a wide span of time. The earliest takes place during issue #1, while the latest must occur in-between issues [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|#13]] and [[Remembrance Day|#14]]. The one present day scene, taking place outside the documentary, occurs between scenes in the [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|previous issue]], after Tyrest's defeat but before the Light Lost departs Luna-1.
* The "Novic" in "Novic Medal" is presumably in reference to legendary Nova Prime.
* A number of moments from this issue were hinted at or even seen in previous issues, which took place later chronologically.
** Two of the panels in Rewind's farewell montage in issue [[The Gloaming|#16]] have their source in the events depicted this issue: Perceptor running out of his smoking lab and Rung counting his model collection. Back in #16, the scene of the former had camera read-out text when none of the others did. Now we know why.
** In issue [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|#19]], Tyrest brings up Utra Magnus hugging someone.
** In issue #21, Magnus talks about Rodimus's immature reaction to a "Thunder--."
* The Raging Prism was mentioned back in #13, where some of the characters talked about visiting its "Temple" on Hedonia. It makes sense, then, that a Hedonian resident would make reference to it.
* One of the Ammonites exclaims, "By the Great Shattering." According to the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]], something called the Shattering caused the formation of the Galactic Council. And since we learn this issue that the Council formed in response to the Ammonite-Terradore war... Ta-da, it all adds up!
* For the first time, we have in-story acknowledgment that Tailgate and Rung are from the same era, confirming that the former's reference to Rungian analysis in issue #1 was no error.
* Tailgate's statement that he wants to hate Thunderclash is a reference to his tendency to resent 'bots of greatness, previously seen in his attitudes toward Dominus Ambus and pre-insanity Tyrest.
* The Vis Vitalis was previously mentioned in issue #16.
* Continuing the running joke of people getting his name wrong, Rung's old ID card spells his name R-O-N-G.
* Chromedome finally learns to make the sound "pfft." We saw him wondering how as far back as during the pre-War flashbacks in Shadowplay.

===Transformers references===
* TBD

===Real-life references===
* TBD

===Errors===
* Page 17, panel 5: "Actually" is spelled "actaually."

===Crew manifest===
* TBD

===Soundtrack===
* TBD

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Rung holding an autographed photo of Thunderclash, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''Cover B:''' Swerve with a toy Rung, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Burcham.
*'''Cover RI:''' Skids, by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg|The modest Thunderclash.
File:MTMTE22 cvrB.jpg|Swerve feels [[fandom|our]] pain.
File:MTMTE22 cvrRI.jpg|Guess which cover comes with the Skids toy?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Three Monologues|#20]]
* TBD (back cover)

==External links==
* [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/comics-16/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eyes-22-full-preview-178599/ Preview]

Little Victories

2013-10-16T10:36:54Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=22
|prev=More than Meets the Eye issue 21
|next=More than Meets the Eye issue 23
|image=MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg
|title="Little Victories"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[October 16]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=October 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Rewind films the everyday life of the crew.'''

==Synopsis==
TBD

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (1)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (2)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (4)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (6)
*[[Rung]] (7)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (9)
*[[Brainstorm]] (10)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (11)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (14)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (15)
*[[Ambulon]] (8)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
{{!}}}
|c2=

|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[1644419]] (16)
*Multiple [[Ammonite]] members (17)
}}

==Quotes==

TBD

==Notes==
* TBD
===Continuity notes===
* The scenes in Rewind's documentary take place over a wide span of time. The earliest takes place during issue #1, while the latest must occur in-between issues [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|#13]] and [[Remembrance Day|#14]]. The one present day scene, outside the documentary, takes place between scenes in the [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|previous issue]], after Tyrest's defeat but before the Light Lost departs Luna-1.
* The "Novic" in "Novic Medal" is presumably in reference to legendary Nova Prime.
* A number of moments from this issue were hinted at or even seen in previous issues, which took place later chronologically.
** Two of the panels in Rewind's farewell montage in issue [[The Gloaming|#16]] have their source in the events depicted this issue: Perceptor running out of his smoking lab and Rung counting his model collection. Back in #16, the scene of the former had camera read-out text when none of the others did. Now we know why.
** In issue [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|#19]], Tyrest brings up Utra Magnus hugging someone.
** In issue #21, Magnus talks about Rodimus's immature reaction to a "Thunder--."
* The Raging Prism was mentioned back in #13, where some of the characters talked about visiting its "Temple" on Hedonia. It makes sense, then, that a Hedonian resident would make reference to it.
* One of the Ammonites exclaims, "By the Great Shattering." According to the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]], something called the Shattering caused the formation of the Galactic Council. And since we learn this issue that the Council formed in response to the Ammonite-Terradore war... Ta-da, it all adds up!
* For the first time, we have in-story acknowledgment that Tailgate and Rung are from the same era, confirming that the former's reference to Rungian analysis in issue #1 was no error.
* Tailgate's statement that he wants to hate Thunderclash is a reference to his tendency to resent 'bots of greatness, previously seen in his attitudes toward Dominus Ambus and pre-insanity Tyrest.
* The Vis Vitalis was previously mentioned in issue #16.
* Continuing the running joke of people getting his name wrong, Rung's old ID card spells his name R-O-N-G.
* Chromedome finally learns to make the sound "pfft." We saw him wondering how as far back as during the pre-War flashbacks in Shadowplay.

===Transformers references===
* TBD

===Real-life references===
* TBD

===Errors===
* Page 17, panel 5: "Actually" is spelled "actaually."

===Crew manifest===
* TBD

===Soundtrack===
* TBD

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Rung holding an autographed photo of Thunderclash, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''Cover B:''' Swerve with a toy Rung, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Burcham.
*'''Cover RI:''' Skids, by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg|The modest Thunderclash.
File:MTMTE22 cvrB.jpg|Swerve feels [[fandom|our]] pain.
File:MTMTE22 cvrRI.jpg|Guess which cover comes with the Skids toy?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Three Monologues|#20]]
* TBD (back cover)

==External links==
* [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/comics-16/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eyes-22-full-preview-178599/ Preview]

Little Victories

2013-10-16T10:36:18Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=22
|prev=More than Meets the Eye issue 21
|next=More than Meets the Eye issue 23
|image=MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg
|title="Little Victories"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[October 16]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=October 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[James Raiz]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Rewind films the everyday life of the crew.'''

==Synopsis==
TBD

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (1)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (2)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (4)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (6)
*[[Rung]] (7)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (9)
*[[Brainstorm]] (10)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (11)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (12)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (14)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (15)
*[[Ambulon]] (8)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
{{!}}}
|c2=

|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[1644419]] (16)
*Multiple [[Ammonite]] members (17)
}}

==Quotes==

TBD

==Notes==
* TBD
===Continuity notes===
* The scenes in Rewind's documentary take place over a wide span of time. The earliest takes place during issue #1, while the latest must occur in-between issues [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|#13]] and [[Remembrance Day|#14]]. The one present day scene, outside the documentary, takes place between scenes in the [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|previous issue]], after Tyrest's defeat but before the Light Lost departs Luna-1.
* The "Novic" in "Novic Medal" is presumably in reference to legendary Nova Prime.
* A number of moments from this issue were hinted at or even seen in previous issues, which took place later chronologically.
** Two of the panels in Rewind's farewell montage in issue [[The Gloaming|#16]] have their source in the events depicted this issue: Perceptor running out of his smoking lab and Rung counting his model collection. Back in #16, the scene of the former had camera read-out text when none of the others did. Now we know why.
** In issue [[Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|#19]], Tyrest brings up Utra Magnus hugging someone.
** In issue #21, Magnus talks about Rodimus's immature reaction to a "Thunder--."
* The Raging Prism was mentioned back in #13, where some of the characters talked about visiting its "Temple" on Hedonia. It makes sense, then, that a Hedonian resident would make reference to it.
* One of the Ammonites exclaims, "By the Great Shattering." According to the [[Primus: You, Me and Other Revelations|Annual]], something called the Shattering caused the formation of the Galactic Council. And since we learn this issue that the Council formed in response to the Ammonite-Terradore war... Ta-da, it all adds up!
* For the first time, we have in-story acknowledgment that Tailgate and Rung are from the same era, confirming that the former's reference to Rungian analysis in issue #1 was no error.
* Tailgate's statement that he wants to hate Thunderclash is a reference to his tendency to resent 'bots of greatness, previously seen in his attitudes toward Dominus Ambus and pre-insanity Tyrest.
* The Vis Vitalis was previously mentioned in issue #16.
* Continuing the running joke of people getting his name wrong, Rung's old ID card spells his name R-O-N-G.
* Chromedome finally learns to make the sound "pfft." We saw him wondering how as far back as during the pre-War flashbacks in Shadowplay.

===Transformers references===
* TBD

===Real-life references===
* TBD

===Errors===
* Page 17, panel 5: "Actually" is spelled "actaually."

===Crew manifest===
* TBD

===Soundtrack===
* TBD

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Rung holding an autographed photo of Thunderclash, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''Cover B:''' Swerve with a toy Rung, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Burcham.
*'''Cover RI:''' Skids, by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE22 cvrA.jpg|The modest Thunderclash.
File:MTMTE22 cvrB.jpg|Swerve feels [[fandom|our]] pain.
File:MTMTE22 cvrRI.jpg|Guess which cover comes with the Skids toy?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Three Monologues|#20]]
* TBD (back cover)

==External links==
* [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/comics-16/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eyes-22-full-preview-178599/ Preview]

Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life

2013-09-28T10:33:04Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=21
|prev=Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely
|next=The Sound of Breaking Glass
|image=MTMTE21 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|published in=[[More than Meets the Eye issue 21|''More than Meets the Eye'' #21]]
|date=[[September 25]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=September 2013
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]] with [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''The last of the answers comes out and new mysteries are born as the ''Lost Light''ers race to stop Tyrest's killswitch. But the shadow of death looms large over the crew... will everyone make it out alive?'''

==Synopsis==
With only inches to spare, [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] is stopped by from passing through his portal by [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] leaping onto his back, immune to Tyrest's paralytic thought weapon thanks to [[cybercrosis]]-induced loss of hearing on the signal's frequency. Tailgate hits the switch on Tyrest's staff that deactivates the signal, freeing the other Autobots from its effects, but is then seized by the deranged Chief Justice, who threatens his life if [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] does not let him enter the portal. Tailgate urges Rodimus to open fire since he is soon to die anyway, but the quandry is soon removed from Rodimus's hands: Tyrest is shot in the back by [[Minimus Ambus]]!

Outside, [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] responds to [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]'s call for challengers, but the resultant duel goes poorly for him. When Star Saber asks him what he fights for, however, Cyclonus replies that it's personal, and drives his single horn into Star Saber's eye. The blinded Saber drops Cyclonus, but manages to teleport away before a killing blow can be struck.

With Tyrest dispatched, Ambus—now in a truly diminutive state, not even as tall as Rodimus's waist—explains that the form they have seen him in up until now was another suit of armor, and that he was knocked unconscious when its head was crushed. As everyone tries to deal with the [[universal killswitch|killswitch]] and its victims, [[Pharma]] tries to make a run for the portal, only to discover than he cannot pass through it. [[Rung]] concludes it operates on [[Aequitas]] technology, barring entry to those who carry some form of guilt, but [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], at peace with himself for the first time after the mystery of his missing memories has been solved, finds he can step through. Pharma is unfazed by the whole affair, and his incessant smugness is the final straw for [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], who blows his head off in a moment of unchecked anger.

Across the room, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] wires Rodimus into the killswitch, intending to use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-half within him to reinstate the "sparkcode" common to all constructed-cold Transformers that the killswitch is scrambling, thereby undoing its effects... but in the process destroying the Matrix map, and potentially Rodimus himself as well. With this hanging over them, Ambus confesses that he did indeed lure the ''Lost Light'' to Luna 1, having opted to let his Magnus Armor manually return to Tyrest rather than teleport away, thereby allowing them to follow it. Unaware of the Chief Justice's insanity, he assumed Tyrest would discipline Rodimus for the reckless leadership that Ambus had been unable to deal with. Rodimus, however, admits to being responsible for much worse than poor leadership: he had actually conspired with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and the others to bring [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on board the vessel, goaded into doing so when Prowl accused him of being afraid. Rodimus vows not to die in an act of self-sacrifice, so that he can make recompense for his misdeeds. The switch is then thrown, the Matrix shatters... and those affected begin to recover!

Outside, the [[Legislator]]s abruptly cease their battle with the Circle of Light, detecting the activation of a new imperative: the crippled Tyrest has managed to activate Part 1, Section 1 of the [[Tyrest Accord]], recalling the robots to defend his broken form. Unaware of this, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] begins celebrations, congratulating Cyclonus and asking if their deal to let bygones be bygones still stands. Cyclonus grimly agrees... though not before a brief, silent fantasy of pushing Whirl into the [[smelting pool]] below.

On the other side of the portal, a confusing sight greets Skids: a great city stands in the distance, and four moons float the sky above, as does a huge, multi-coloured [[spark]]. The orb of energy communicates with Skids in a synesthetic medley of sensations that he cannot comprehend, but his struggle for understanding is cut off by a cry for help from Rung from the other side of the portal. Skids sprints back through to the control room, now flooded with Legislators, and dives into battle... though nobody notices the tendrils that follow him out of the portal and drag Pharma's headless body back through. Informed of Tyrest's law-amending computer by Ambus, Tailgate saves the day by scampering to the console and putting his knowledge of the [[Autobot Code]] to use re-writing section 500, remembering at the last moment the pivotal relevance of a semi-colon. His amendment repeals the law—"'''all''' of it"—causing the Legislators to cease functioning, but the victorious Tailgate then collapses.

The next day, back on the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Cyclonus stands vigil over Tailgate, who is only minutes from death. Tailgate sadly confides that he was only two weeks old when he became trapped under the [[Mitteous Plateau]], and that he has wanted to do something important with his life ever since... but having now done so, he finds it all a bit underwhelming. He asks Cyclonus to kill him quickly, to spare him the agony of his final moments, but Cyclonus refuses. A communique from [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] brings Cyclonus rushing, but the call proves to have been premature: Tailgate's spark has contracted beyond the point the cybercrosis cure Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] have divined from Pharma's medi-bay would work. Cyclonus returns to Tailgate's side, and silently impales the little bot on his [[Great Sword]].

Some time later, the ''Lost Light'' departs [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], having gleaned all they could from what remained there. Rodimus and Ambus—now back in his armor and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] once again—talk things out, listing off damage the adventure has caused, including [[Brainstorm]]'s retreat into his laboratory with the [[Point One Percenter]] spark. The pair idly wonder how Luna 1 was able to remain missing for so long... never having seen the set of five gigantic planetary turbines on the moon's dark side, surrounding a strange gear-like heiroglyph that was among the images projected by the giant spark Skids encountered...

Later still, Magnus speaks with a repaired, refurbished Cyclonus, and asks for an update... on Tailgate. Cyclonus—now with his missing horn replaced, a gift created for him by Tailgate—explains that he is recovering well, his spark having been re-energized to a point where the cure could be implemented thanks to a transfusion of energy from Cyclonus, through the Great Sword, as suggested by Whirl just as Cyclonus was returning to Tailgate's room. Impressed by Cyclonus's actions, Magnus formally welcomes him on board.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
*[[Pharma]] (6)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (9)
*[[Minimus Ambus]] (10)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (11)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (16)
*[[Getaway]] (17)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (18)
*[[Rung]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] (22)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (23)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (24)
|c4=
*[[Legislator]]s (1)
*Multiple [[Circle of Light]] members (2)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (3)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[The Pet]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (25)

}}

==Quotes==

"I've never bought into the notion of '''Primal Infallibility;''' I think that sometimes, God gets it wrong. He lets the best of us get sick and die while '''degenerates''' like you go on forever. But I think Primus is smiling on me today, Star Saber: he's letting me correct one of his mistakes."
:—'''Cyclonus'''

"But we're '''friends'''! You should have '''told''' me! You should've said '''something'''..." 
"I know, but—what would you have done?" 
"I dunno—made you settle your tab?"
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Tailgate''' on cybercrosis

"Righto then, nurse: arrest me. Tell me off and lock me up. I've been a '''bad Autobot'''." 
"You're smiling. Everything you did at '''Delphi'''—all those patients you killed—and you're '''smiling?'''" 
"I know, I know—I'm incorrigible."
:—'''Pharma''' and '''First Aid'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Tailgate's loss of hearing on the higher frequencies was foreshadowed in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], when Ratchet listed it off as one of the effects of his disease.
*When listing off Rodimus's assorted stunts and goofs, Minimus recalls him using Rung as bait during the Sparkeater affair (from [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]]), the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] hostage situation ([[Interiors|issue #6]]), Cyclonus's arrest ([[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|issue #10]]), the meeting with the [[Galactic Council]] ([[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 annual]]), and a previously-unseen incident involving someone named "Thunder-" something. Given the next-issue preview at the end of this issue shows Rung holding a picture of [[Thunder Clash]], I think we can all see where that's going.
*Tailgate's recognition of the importance of the semi-colon comes from his lectures on the Autobot Code courtesy of Ultra Magnus, which he specifically called out way back in issue #6.
*Cyclonus has been singing to Tailgate as he lies dying; they shared a song together back in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]].
*The panel of Cyclonus running out of Tailgate's room parallels Tailgate's panicked rush out of the medical bay in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]].
*Tailgate was seen making something back in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]]. Here, we find out it was a new horn to replace Cyclonus's missing one, lost back in the [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|first issue]].
*Seeing how Tailgate was only a fortnight old before he was trapped underground and left offline for about six million years, this might explain why his [[holomatter]] avatar back in issue [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]] was a baby.
*On Tailgate's deathbed, the writing on his arm says "Waste Disposal" instead of "Bomb Disposal." While a previous instance of such in [[Interiors|issue #6]] was an art mistake, this one is much more likely to be intentional, a signifier that he's decided to accept reality before the end. On Twitter, James Roberts mentioned that there was a cut line from an earlier draft about Tailgate wanting an "honest death."
*Swerve mentioned that he ought to be trying to cure cybercrosis in the [[Primus:_You,_Me,_and_Other_Revelations|Annual]], as an example of better things he could be doing with his life.
* After discovering the hot spot back in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], Brainstorm was quick to point out that he was anti-apartheid and supported "equal rights for knock offs!", implying that he was forged. Before the killswitch is turned off in this issue, we see that Brainstorm is also suffering from its effects, meaning that he was in fact constructed cold.

===Transformers references===
*When blasted by Ambus, Tyrest lets loose a "SHEEAAAGH!", a cry-of-pain sound effect that's one of [[Simon Furman]]'s [[Furmanism|trademarks]].
*Similarly, Tailgate notes he doesn't want to "[[Furmanism#DIE_SCREAMING|die screaming]]", another Furmanism.

===Real-life references===
*Tailgate calls cybercrosis "The Big C", a common real-life euphemism for cancer.
*Rodimus is literally [[Jesus|put on a cross to use the power of their creator to wipe away the consequences of sin, at the potential cost of his own life]]. He's even wearing a "crown".
*When Brainstorm is shown in his workshop with the harvested Point One Percenter, a model of the U.S.S. Sulaco from the film ''[[wikipedia: Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' is featured prominently amongst the equipment on his desk.

===Trivia===
*The release of this issue was preceded by a three-week "Countdown to 21" Twitter campaign, during which James Roberts tweeted various teasers and factoids about this issue at a (notional) rate of one a day. In addition to the soundtrack tunes, listed below, and various teases about the content of the story, we learned that the issue was originally going to be titled "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out".

===Crew manifest===
*Minimus Ambus is fine!
*Tailgate's cybercrosis is successfully treated!
*Everybody lives, Rose! Just this once—everybody lives!
*14 deaths, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue in particular:

*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h0p5RSa3_c Sunshine (Adagio in G Minor)]'' by [[Wikipedia: John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntmKugLGUw Nobody Loves Us]'' by [[Wikipedia: Morrisey|Morrisey]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rfEas8T6tM Longest Day]'' by [[Wikipedia: Soulsavers|Soulsavers]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83KR_UBWdPI No Cars Go]'' by [[Wikipedia: Arcade Fire|Arcade Fire]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDTZZ7LdDR8 Dreaming of You]'' by [[Wikipedia: The Real Tuesday Weld|The Real Tuesday Weld]]

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/21345/news.html Preview]

Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life

2013-09-28T10:31:47Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=21
|prev=Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely
|next=The Sound of Breaking Glass
|image=MTMTE21 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|published in=[[More than Meets the Eye issue 21|''More than Meets the Eye'' #21]]
|date=[[September 25]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=September 2013
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]] with [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''The last of the answers comes out and new mysteries are born as the ''Lost Light''ers race to stop Tyrest's killswitch. But the shadow of death looms large over the crew... will everyone make it out alive?'''

==Synopsis==
With only inches to spare, [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] is stopped by from passing through his portal by [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] leaping onto his back, immune to Tyrest's paralytic thought weapon thanks to [[cybercrosis]]-induced loss of hearing on the signal's frequency. Tailgate hits the switch on Tyrest's staff that deactivates the signal, freeing the other Autobots from its effects, but is then seized by the deranged Chief Justice, who threatens his life if [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] does not let him enter the portal. Tailgate urges Rodimus to open fire since he is soon to die anyway, but the quandry is soon removed from Rodimus's hands: Tyrest is shot in the back by [[Minimus Ambus]]!

Outside, [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] responds to [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]'s call for challengers, but the resultant duel goes poorly for him. When Star Saber asks him what he fights for, however, Cyclonus replies that it's personal, and drives his single horn into Star Saber's eye. The blinded Saber drops Cyclonus, but manages to teleport away before a killing blow can be struck.

With Tyrest dispatched, Ambus—now in a truly diminutive state, not even as tall as Rodimus's waist—explains that the form they have seen him in up until now was another suit of armor, and that he was knocked unconscious when its head was crushed. As everyone tries to deal with the [[universal killswitch|killswitch]] and its victims, [[Pharma]] tries to make a run for the portal, only to discover than he cannot pass through it. [[Rung]] concludes it operates on [[Aequitas]] technology, barring entry to those who carry some form of guilt, but [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], at peace with himself for the first time after the mystery of his missing memories has been solved, finds he can step through. Pharma is unfazed by the whole affair, and his incessant smugness is the final straw for [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], who blows his head off in a moment of unchecked anger.

Across the room, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] wires Rodimus into the killswitch, intending to use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-half within him to reinstate the "sparkcode" common to all constructed-cold Transformers that the killswitch is scrambling, thereby undoing its effects... but in the process destroying the Matrix map, and potentially Rodimus himself as well. With this hanging over them, Ambus confesses that he did indeed lure the ''Lost Light'' to Luna 1, having opted to let his Magnus Armor manually return to Tyrest rather than teleport away, thereby allowing them to follow it. Unaware of the Chief Justice's insanity, he assumed Tyrest would discipline Rodimus for the reckless leadership that Ambus had been unable to deal with. Rodimus, however, admits to being responsible for much worse than poor leadership: he had actually conspired with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and the others to bring [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on board the vessel, goaded into doing so when Prowl accused him of being afraid. Rodimus vows not to die in an act of self-sacrifice, so that he can make recompense for his misdeeds. The switch is then thrown, the Matrix shatters... and those affected begin to recover!

Outside, the [[Legislator]]s abruptly cease their battle with the Circle of Light, detecting the activation of a new imperative: the crippled Tyrest has managed to activate Part 1, Section 1 of the [[Tyrest Accord]], recalling the robots to defend his broken form. Unaware of this, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] begins celebrations, congratulating Cyclonus and asking if their deal to let bygones be bygones still stands. Cyclonus grimly agrees... though not before a brief, silent fantasy of pushing Whirl into the [[smelting pool]] below.

On the other side of the portal, a confusing sight greets Skids: a great city stands in the distance, and four moons float the sky above, as does a huge, multi-coloured [[spark]]. The orb of energy communicates with Skids in a synesthetic medley of sensations that he cannot comprehend, but his struggle for understanding is cut off by a cry for help from Rung from the other side of the portal. Skids sprints back through to the control room, now flooded with Legislators, and dives into battle... though nobody notices the tendrils that follow him out of the portal and drag Pharma's headless body back through. Informed of Tyrest's law-amending computer by Ambus, Tailgate saves the day by scampering to the console and putting his knowledge of the [[Autobot Code]] to use re-writing section 500, remembering at the last moment the pivotal relevance of a semi-colon. His amendment repeals the law—"'''all''' of it"—causing the Legislators to cease functioning, but the victorious Tailgate then collapses.

The next day, back on the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Cyclonus stands vigil over Tailgate, who is only minutes from death. Tailgate sadly confides that he was only two weeks old when he became trapped under the [[Mitteous Plateau]], and that he has wanted to do something important with his life ever since... but having now done so, he finds it all a bit underwhelming. He asks Cyclonus to kill him quickly, to spare him the agony of his final moments, but Cyclonus refuses. A communique from [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] brings Cyclonus rushing, but the call proves to have been premature: Tailgate's spark has contracted beyond the point the cybercrosis cure Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] have divined from Pharma's medi-bay would work. Cyclonus returns to Tailgate's side, and silently impales the little bot on his [[Great Sword]].

Some time later, the ''Lost Light'' departs [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], having gleaned all they could from what remained there. Rodimus and Ambus—now back in his armor and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] once again—talk things out, listing off damage the adventure has caused, including [[Brainstorm]]'s retreat into his laboratory with the [[Point One Percenter]] spark. The pair idly wonder how Luna 1 was able to remain missing for so long... never having seen the set of five gigantic planetary turbines on the moon's dark side, surrounding a strange gear-like heiroglyph that was among the images projected by the giant spark Skids encountered...

Later still, Magnus speaks with a repaired, refurbished Cyclonus, and asks for an update... on Tailgate. Cyclonus—now with his missing horn replaced, a gift created for him by Tailgate—explains that he is recovering well, his spark having been re-energized to a point where the cure could be implemented thanks to a transfusion of energy from Cyclonus, through the Great Sword, as suggested by Whirl just as Cyclonus was returning to Tailgate's room. Impressed by Cyclonus's actions, Magnus formally welcomes him on board.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
*[[Pharma]] (6)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (9)
*[[Minimus Ambus]] (10)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (11)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (16)
*[[Getaway]] (17)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (18)
*[[Rung]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] (22)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (23)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (24)
|c4=
*[[Legislator]]s (1)
*Multiple [[Circle of Light]] members (2)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (3)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[The Pet]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (25)

}}

==Quotes==

"I've never bought into the notion of '''Primal Infallibility;''' I think that sometimes, God gets it wrong. He lets the best of us get sick and die while '''degenerates''' like you go on forever. But I think Primus is smiling on me today, Star Saber: he's letting me correct one of his mistakes."
:—'''Cyclonus'''

"But we're '''friends'''! You should have '''told''' me! You should've said '''something'''..." 
"I know, but—what would you have done?" 
"I dunno—made you settle your tab?"
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Tailgate''' on cybercrosis

"Righto then, nurse: arrest me. Tell me off and lock me up. I've been a '''bad Autobot'''." 
"You're smiling. Everything you did at '''Delphi'''—all those patients you killed—and you're '''smiling?'''" 
"I know, I know—I'm incorrigible."
:—'''Pharma''' and '''First Aid'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Tailgate's loss of hearing on the higher frequencies was foreshadowed in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], when Ratchet listed it off as one of the effects of his disease.
*When listing off Rodimus's assorted stunts and goofs, Minimus recalls him using Rung as bait during the Sparkeater affair (from [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]]), the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] hostage situation ([[Interiors|issue #6]]), Cyclonus's arrest ([[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|issue #10]]), the meeting with the [[Galactic Council]] ([[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 annual]]), and a previously-unseen incident involving someone named "Thunder-" something. Given the next-issue preview at the end of this issue shows Rung holding a picture of [[Thunder Clash]], I think we can all see where that's going.
*Tailgate's recognition of the importance of the semi-colon comes from his lectures on the Autobot Code courtesy of Ultra Magnus, which he specifically called out way back in issue #6.
*Cyclonus has been singing to Tailgate as he lies dying; they shared a song together back in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]].
*The panel of Cyclonus running out of Tailgate's room parallels Tailgate's panicked rush out of the medical bay in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]].
*Tailgate was seen making something back in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]]. Here, we find out it was a new horn to replace Cyclonus's missing one, lost back in the [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|first issue]].
*Seeing how Tailgate was only a fortnight old before he was trapped underground and left offline for about six million years, this might explain why his [[holomatter]] avatar back in issue [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]] was a baby.
*On Tailgate's deathbed, the writing on his arm says "Waste Disposal" instead of "Bomb Disposal." While the previous instance of such was an art mistake, this one is much more likely to be intentional, signifying that he's decided to accept reality before the end. On Twitter, James Roberts mentioned that there was a cut line from an earlier draft about Tailgate wanting an "honest death."
*Swerve mentioned that he ought to be trying to cure cybercrosis in the [[Primus:_You,_Me,_and_Other_Revelations|Annual]], as an example of better things he could be doing with his life.
* After discovering the hot spot back in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], Brainstorm was quick to point out that he was anti-apartheid and supported "equal rights for knock offs!", implying that he was forged. Before the killswitch is turned off in this issue, we see that Brainstorm is also suffering from its effects, meaning that he was in fact constructed cold.

===Transformers references===
*When blasted by Ambus, Tyrest lets loose a "SHEEAAAGH!", a cry-of-pain sound effect that's one of [[Simon Furman]]'s [[Furmanism|trademarks]].
*Similarly, Tailgate notes he doesn't want to "[[Furmanism#DIE_SCREAMING|die screaming]]", another Furmanism.

===Real-life references===
*Tailgate calls cybercrosis "The Big C", a common real-life euphemism for cancer.
*Rodimus is literally [[Jesus|put on a cross to use the power of their creator to wipe away the consequences of sin, at the potential cost of his own life]]. He's even wearing a "crown".
*When Brainstorm is shown in his workshop with the harvested Point One Percenter, a model of the U.S.S. Sulaco from the film ''[[wikipedia: Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' is featured prominently amongst the equipment on his desk.

===Trivia===
*The release of this issue was preceded by a three-week "Countdown to 21" Twitter campaign, during which James Roberts tweeted various teasers and factoids about this issue at a (notional) rate of one a day. In addition to the soundtrack tunes, listed below, and various teases about the content of the story, we learned that the issue was originally going to be titled "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out".

===Crew manifest===
*Minimus Ambus is fine!
*Tailgate's cybercrosis is successfully treated!
*Everybody lives, Rose! Just this once—everybody lives!
*14 deaths, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue in particular:

*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h0p5RSa3_c Sunshine (Adagio in G Minor)]'' by [[Wikipedia: John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntmKugLGUw Nobody Loves Us]'' by [[Wikipedia: Morrisey|Morrisey]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rfEas8T6tM Longest Day]'' by [[Wikipedia: Soulsavers|Soulsavers]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83KR_UBWdPI No Cars Go]'' by [[Wikipedia: Arcade Fire|Arcade Fire]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDTZZ7LdDR8 Dreaming of You]'' by [[Wikipedia: The Real Tuesday Weld|The Real Tuesday Weld]]

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/21345/news.html Preview]

Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life

2013-09-27T01:45:00Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=21
|prev=Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely
|next=The Sound of Breaking Glass
|image=MTMTE21 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|published in=[[More than Meets the Eye issue 21|''More than Meets the Eye'' #21]]
|date=[[September 25]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=September 2013
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]] with [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''The last of the answers comes out and new mysteries are born as the ''Lost Light''ers race to stop Tyrest's killswitch. But the shadow of death looms large over the crew... will everyone make it out alive?'''

==Synopsis==
With only inches to spare, [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] is stopped by from passing through his portal by [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] leaping onto his back, immune to Tyrest's paralytic thought weapon thanks to [[cybercrosis]]-induced loss of hearing on the signal's frequency. Tailgate hits the switch on Tyrest's staff that deactivates the signal, freeing the other Autobots from its effects, but is then seized by the deranged Chief Justice, who threatens his life if [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] does not let him enter the portal. Tailgate urges Rodimus to open fire since he is soon to die anyway, but the quandry is soon removed from Rodimus's hands: Tyrest is shot in the back by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]]!

Outside, [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] responds to [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]'s call for challengers, but the resultant duel goes poorly for him. When Star Saber asks him what he fights for, however, Cyclonus replies that it's personal, and drives his single horn into Star Saber's eye. The blinded Saber drops Cyclonus, but manages to teleport away before a killing blow can be struck.

With Tyrest dispatched, Ambus—now in a truly diminutive state, not even as tall as Rodimus's waist—explains that the form they have seen him in up until now was another suit of armor, and that he was knocked unconscious when its head was crushed. As everyone tries to deal with the [[universal killswitch|killswitch]] and its victims, [[Pharma]] tries to make a run for the portal, only to discover than he cannot pass through it. [[Rung]] concludes it operates on [[Aequitas]] technology, barring entry to those who carry some form of guilt, but [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], at peace with himself for the first time after the mystery of his missing memories has been solved, finds he can step through. Pharma is unfazed by the whole affair, and his incessant smugness is the final straw for [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], who blows his head off in a moment of unchecked anger.

Across the room, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] wires Rodimus into the killswitch, intending to use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-half within him to reinstate the "sparkcode" common to all constructed-cold Transformers that the killswitch is scrambling, thereby undoing its effects... but in the process destroying the Matrix map, and potentially Rodimus himself as well. With this hanging over them, Ambus confesses that he did indeed lure the ''Lost Light'' to Luna 1, having opted to let his Magnus Armor manually return to Tyrest rather than teleport away, thereby allowing them to follow it. Unaware of the Chief Justice's insanity, he assumed Tyrest would discipline Rodimus for the reckless leadership that Ambus had been unable to deal with. Rodimus, however, admits to being responsible for much worse than poor leadership: he had actually conspired with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and the others to bring [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] on board the vessel, goaded into doing so when Prowl accused him of being afraid. Rodimus vows not to die in an act of self-sacrifice, so that he can make recompense for his misdeeds. The switch is then thrown, the Matrix shatters... and those affected begin to recover!

Outside, the [[Legislator]]s abruptly cease their battle with the Circle of Light, detecting the activation of a new imperative: the crippled Tyrest has managed to activate Part 1, Section 1 of the [[Tyrest Accord]], recalling the robots to defend his broken form. Unaware of this, [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] begins celebrations, congratulating Cyclonus and asking if their deal to let bygones be bygones still stands. Cyclonus grimly agrees... though not before a brief, silent fantasy of pushing Whirl into the [[smelting pool]] below.

On the other side of the portal, a confusing sight greets Skids: a great city stands in the distance, and four moons float the sky above, as does a huge, multi-coloured [[spark]]. The orb of energy communicates with Skids in a synesthetic medley of sensations that he cannot comprehend, but his struggle for understanding is cut off by a cry for help from Rung from the other side of the portal. Skids sprints back through to the control room, now flooded with Legislators, and dives into battle... though nobody notices the tendrils that follow him out of the portal and drag Pharma's headless body back through. Informed of Tyrest's law-amending computer by Ambus, Tailgate saves the day by scampering to the console and putting his knowledge of the [[Autobot Code]] to use re-writing section 500, remembering at the last moment the pivotal relevance of a semi-colon. His amendment repeals the law—"'''all''' of it"—causing the Legislators to cease functioning, but the victorious Tailgate then collapses.

The next day, back on the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Cyclonus stands vigil over Tailgate, who is only minutes from death. Tailgate sadly confides that he was only two weeks old when he became trapped under the [[Mitteous Plateau]], and that he has wanted to do something important with his life ever since... but having now done so, he finds it all a bit underwhelming. He asks Cyclonus to kill him quickly, to spare him the agony of his final moments, but Cyclonus refuses. A communique from [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] brings Cyclonus rushing, but the call proves to have been premature: Tailgate's spark has contracted beyond the point the cybercrosis cure Ratchet and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] have divined from Pharma's medi-bay would work. Cyclonus returns to Tailgate's side, and silently impales the little bot on his [[Great Sword]].

Some time later, the ''Lost Light'' departs [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], having gleaned all they could from what remained there. Rodimus and Ambus—now back in his armor and Ultra Magnus once again—talk things out, listing off damage the adventure has caused, including [[Brainstorm]]'s retreat into his laboratory with the [[Point One Percenter]] spark. The pair idly wonder how Luna 1 was able to remain missing for so long... never having seen the set of five gigantic planetary turbines on the moon's dark side, surrounding a strange gear-like heiroglyph that was among the images projected by the giant spark Skids encountered...

Later still, Magnus speaks with a repaired, refurbished Cyclonus, and asks for an update... on Tailgate. Cyclonus—now with his missing horn replaced, a gift created for him by Tailgate—explains that he is recovering well, his spark having been re-energized to a point where the cure could be implemented thanks to a transfusion of energy from Cyclonus, through the Great Sword, as suggested by Whirl just as Cyclonus was returning to Tailgate's room. Impressed by Cyclonus's actions, Magnus formally welcomes him on board.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
*[[Pharma]] (6)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (7)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (8)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (9)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (10)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (11)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm]] (15)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (16)
*[[Getaway]] (17)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (18)
*[[Rung]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (20)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] (22)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (23)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (24)
|c4=
*[[Legislator]]s (1)
*Multiple [[Circle of Light]] members (2)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (3)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[The Pet]] (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (25)

}}

==Quotes==

"I've never bought into the notion of '''Primal Infallibility;''' I think that sometimes, God gets it wrong. He lets the best of us get sick and die while '''degenerates''' like you go on forever. But I think Primus is smiling on me today, Star Saber: he's letting me correct one of his mistakes."
:—'''Cyclonus'''

"But we're '''friends'''! You should have '''told''' me! You should've said '''something'''..." 
"I know, but—what would you have done?" 
"I dunno—made you settle your tab?"
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Tailgate''' on cybercrosis

"Righto then, nurse: arrest me. Tell me off and lock me up. I've been a '''bad Autobot'''." 
"You're smiling. Everything you did at '''Delphi'''—all those patients you killed—and you're '''smiling?'''" 
"I know, I know—I'm incorrigible."
:—'''Pharma''' and '''First Aid'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Tailgate's loss of hearing on the higher frequencies was foreshadowed in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], when Ratchet listed it off as one of the effects of his disease.
*When listing off Rodimus's assorted stunts and goofs, Minimus recalls him using Rung as bait during the Sparkeater affair (from [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]]), the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] hostage situation ([[Interiors|issue #6]]), Cyclonus's arrest ([[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|issue #10]]), the meeting with the [[Galactic Council]] ([[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 annual]]), and a previously-unseen incident involving someone named "Thunder-" something. Given the next-issue preview at the end of this issue shows Rung holding a picture of [[Thunder Clash]], I think we can all see where that's going.
*Tailgate's recognition of the importance of the semi-colon comes from his lectures on the Autobot Code courtesy of Ultra Magnus, which he specifically called out way back in issue #6.
*Cyclonus has been singing to Tailgate as he lies dying; they shared a song together back in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]].
*The panel of Cyclonus running out of Tailgate's room parallels Tailgate's panicked rush out of the medical bay in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]].
*Tailgate was seen making something back in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]]. Here, we find out it was a new horn to replace Cyclonus's missing one, lost back in the [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|first issue]].
*Seeing how Tailgate was only a fortnight old before he was trapped underground and left offline for about six million years, this might explain why his [[holomatter]] avatar back in issue [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]] was a baby.
*Swerve mentioned that he ought to be trying to cure cybercrosis in the [[Primus:_You,_Me,_and_Other_Revelations|Annual]], as an example of better things he could be doing with his life.
* After discovering the hot spot back in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], Brainstorm was quick to point out that he was anti-apartheid and supported "equal rights for knock offs!", implying that he was forged. Before the killswitch is turned off in this issue, we see that Brainstorm is also suffering from its effects, meaning that he was in fact constructed cold.

===Transformers references===
*When blasted by Ambus, Tyrest lets loose a "SHEEAAAGH!", a cry-of-pain sound effect that's one of [[Simon Furman]]'s [[Furmanism|trademarks]].
*Similarly, Tailgate notes he doesn't want to "[[Furmanism#DIE_SCREAMING|die screaming]]", another Furmanism.

===Real-life references===
*Tailgate calls cybercrosis "The Big C", a common real-life euphemism for cancer.
*Rodimus is literally [[Jesus|put on a cross to use the power of their creator to wipe away the consequences of sin, at the potential cost of his own life]].
*When Brainstorm is shown in his workshop with the harvested Point One Percenter, a model of the U.S.S. Sulaco from the film ''[[wikipedia: Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' is featured prominently amongst the equipment on his desk.

===Trivia===
*The release of this issue was preceded by a three-week "Countdown to 21" Twitter campaign, during which James Roberts tweeted various teasers and factoids about this issue at a (notional) rate of one a day. In addition to the soundtrack tunes, listed below, and various teases about the content of the story, we learned that the issue was originally going to be titled "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out".

===Crew manifest===
*Minimus Ambus is fine!
*Tailgate's cybercrosis is successfully treated!
*Everybody lives, Rose! Just this once—everybody lives!
*14 deaths, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue in particular:

*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h0p5RSa3_c Sunshine (Adagio in G Minor)]'' by [[Wikipedia: John Murphy (composer)|John Murphy]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntmKugLGUw Nobody Loves Us]'' by [[Wikipedia: Morrisey|Morrisey]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rfEas8T6tM Longest Day]'' by [[Wikipedia: Soulsavers|Soulsavers]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83KR_UBWdPI No Cars Go]'' by [[Wikipedia: Arcade Fire|Arcade Fire]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDTZZ7LdDR8 Dreaming of You]'' by [[Wikipedia: The Real Tuesday Weld|The Real Tuesday Weld]]

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/21345/news.html Preview]

Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely

2013-09-08T05:11:54Z

Dubbilex: Undo revision 825427 by Charles RB Different set of memories. There are the ones destroyed, and the ones buried by 'anterior amnesia.' Chromedome saw the latter.

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=20
|prev=Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self
|next=Remain in Light 5 of 5
|image=MTMTE20 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[August 28]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=August 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]] with Alex Milne
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]] with [[John-Paul Bove]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Kevin Smead]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Skids's secret is revealed as Tyrest's plan enters its endgame.'''

==Synopsis==

Chaos and confusion reign on multiple fronts all across [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] lies dead, [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] and company meet [[Getaway]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] struggles to save [[Ambulon]], and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and the [[Circle of Light]] clash with the [[Legislator]] army. An impressed [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] congratulates Cyclonus on his ability to power a [[Great Sword]] with his [[spark]], an indicator of the strength of his faith, leaving Whirl incredulous with his belief that Whirl and Cyclonus are friends.

In the prison cell, Getaway tries to remind Skids of who he is with a friendly punch, an old act of intimacy between the two, but with no success. He relates [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]]'s plan to Rodimus, explaining that the Chief Justice's portal—pieced together from the inner workings of the dead [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]]—supposedly leads to [[Cyberutopia]], and Rodimus resolves that they will all go through it together after they stop Tyrest. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] points out that they will need to ''escape'' before they can do that, prompting [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] to wonder where Ambus has gone. A confused Getaway tells them that Ambus was responsible for luring them to Luna 1, and that he wants them to be there.

In Tyrest's control room, as [[Pharma]] salivates over the [[universal killswitch]], Tyrest reminds him that he was only saved from [[Messatine]] to be one of the switch's test subjects. Pharma proved that forged Transformers were immune to the switch, so Tyrest abducted the Circle of Light to be his next guinea pigs, successfully killing the constructed cold Circle members with it. Tyrest is alerted to the Circle's escape by [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] and approves Saber's request to intervene. Star Saber teleports into the midst of the battle and is soon confronted by Dai Atlas, furious over his betrayal: Saber is revealed to have been a former Circle of Light member who deactivated [[Crystal City]]'s defenses when the Legislators attacked. With the final insult that his faith is real and that Dai Atlas's was only an affectation, Star Saber stabs and kills his opponent.

Back in the cell, Swerve calls upon Getaway to finally fill Skids in on his missing memories. Getaway explains that they were both members of Autobot [[Special Operations]], a covert organization headed by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], and had been tasked with tracking down the obviously-unstable Tyrest with the intent of using a [[Institute|New Institute]] "[[nudge gun]]" to implant a foreign thought in Tyrest's brain, convincing him to retire. Unfortunately, the gun's "thought bullet" failed to work on Tyrest's damaged [[brain module]], and their actions only convinced him of the rightness of his crusade. Both deemed guilty of thought warfare, Getaway was captured by the Legislators, but Skids was able to escape, leaping aboard a shuttle made of Legislators, trapping them in that form with some [[mode lock]]s. Per his orders, Skids activated a homing device that would lead him to his nearest handlers (the [[Duobot]]s), and used the nudge gun's second charge to wipe his own mind of any incriminating knowledge of his covert actions (including knowledge of the gun itself). Skids wonders how he is able to retain memories of Getaway now, and Chromedome theorizes that the trace memory he detected months before is acting as a foundation for new memories. [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], meanwhile, is more interested in Getaway's expertise as an escapologist; although he has been unable to escape up until now, the assorted bits and pieces the other Autobots have brought with them give Getaway all he needs. The clasps of [[Brainstorm]]'s [[Malevolent Counterintuitive Pathogen|briefcase]] and Chromedome's finger-needles are combined to create spring-loaded syringes that topple their Legislator guard from afar, while [[Rung]]'s [[energon]] sticks are used to short out their cell bars, setting them free.

Meanwhile, Ratchet continues to toil over Ambulon's bisected form, refusing help from [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]. The frustrated junior medic allows some long-standing resentment to boil over, accusing Ratchet of refusing to believe that anyone will ever be as good as him. Ratchet insists that First Aid cannot save Ambulon any more than he can... because he is already dead. Ratchet has, in fact, converted his remains into a giant cannon that he uses to destroy the Legislator guarding them. First Aid tries to apologize, but Ratchet agrees with his accusations and promises to make him Chief Medical Officer if they survive their ordeal, though he insists they will do so without killing Pharma. Moving out, the pair are met by Rodimus's team; Tailgate tells Ratchet about Tyrest's miracle medibay and the potential it holds to cure his [[cybercrosis]], but Ratchet fears that only Pharma will be able to use the facility's equipment to accomplish the feat. The group proceed to storm Tyrest's control room, where they discover Ambus's body; when Rodimus rushes Tyrest, Pharma opens fire, a stray blast severing the handcuffs that hold Brainstorm's briefcase to his wrist. Tyrest order him to cease fire, and reveals another secret weapon: a "weapon of mass suggestion" based on the thought bullet, a suggestion beamed directly into the Autobots' minds that makes their bodies think they cannot move. With his foes rendered paralytic, Tyrest throws the killswitch...

All across the universe, constructed cold Transformers feel the painful effects of the switch, from the ''[[Lost Light]]'' to the ''[[Peaceful Tyranny]]'', from [[Gorlam Prime]] all the way to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] itself, Autobot or Decepticon, in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] or out in the wilderness. On the planet [[Constancy]], [[Fulcrum]] has just sprung [[Misfire]] from death row, only for them to be made late for their extraction by Misfire's need for a detour to grab some energon. When their fellow [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]] fail to appear with their ship, Fulcrum tries radioing them, but there is no response, as they all too have fallen victim to the killswitch's effects.

As a forged Transformer, Rodimus is unaffected by the switch and vows vengeance on Tyrest, even if he has to tear Cyberutopia apart to get it. No sooner have those words passed his lips than Tyrest's portal opens, and the Chief Justice, imagining he can hear the [[Knights of Cybertron]] and the [[Guiding Hand]] singing to him of his victory from the other side, walks through...

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (1)
*[[Getaway]] (2)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (3)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (4)
*[[Rung]] (5)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (6)
*[[Ambulon]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (10)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (16)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (18)
*[[Pharma]] (19)
*[[Brainstorm]] (22)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (24)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (25)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (26)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (27)
*[[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (28)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (29)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (30)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (40)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] (23)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (31)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (32)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (33)
*[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]] (36)
*[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] (37)
*[[Fulcrum]] (38)
*[[Misfire]] (39)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (41)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (42)
*[[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (43)

|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (7)
*[[Legislator]]s (11)
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] (12)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (13)
*Multiple [[Circle of Light]] members (15)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (17)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (20)
*''[[K'gard]]'' (21)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (34)
*[[Rattrap]] (35)
}}

==Quotes==

"Let me '''help...!'''" 
"You can't." 
"Dammit, Ratchet, you think it's '''cheating?''' You think you '''lose the game''' if someone else has a go?" 
"Don't be ridiculous." 
"This is all your fault. You and your stupid hands and your—'''obsession''' with carrying on. "Ratchet, Chief Medical Officer '''In Perpetuity.'''" Because no one will ever be as good as '''you''', will they? Certainly not me." 
"Oh, we're having that conversation '''now''', are we?" 
"I'm just '''saying''' I can help you fix Ambulon!" 
"And '''I'm''' saying you '''can't!'''" 
"'''WHY CAN'T I?'''" 
"Because he died half an hour ago." 
:—'''First Aid''' and '''Ratchet'''

"First we find Pharma and put a bullet in his spark, right?" 
"'''No.''' If we kill him, we're no better than him. If we kill him, he wins." 
"Yeah, except—we '''are''' better than him and he '''doesn't''' win. He doesn't '''anything'''. He's '''dead'''. That's the point."
:—'''First Aid''' and '''Ratchet'''

"Your life is in the palm of my hand, Dai Atlas. Before I '''squeeze''', I offer up one last shining truth: '''Primus hates you.'''"
:—'''Star Saber'''

"Oh '''Rodimus'''. Do you know what I did to the last person who threatened me?" 
''(gestures to Ambus's dead body)'' 
"I turned him into a '''tripping hazard'''."
:—'''Tyrest'''

"The '''portal opens''' and the '''Primal Pantheon''' beckons. Primus! The Guiding Hand! The Knights of Cybertron! Can you hear them '''singing?''' ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Tyrest, come closer, come closer, come closer/Tyrest, come closer, come closer... you've won.<nowiki>'</nowiki>''"
:—'''Tyrest'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The mechanics of Great Swords were covered in the [[The Transformers: Drift|''Drift'']] mini-series.
*We get confirmation that, following Drift's forced amputation of hands back in [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]], Pharma opted to allow himself to hit the ground, rather than transform and activate the [[Red Rust|virus]] within him.
*When comparing Special Ops to the [[Wrecker]]s, Getaway notes that "not every problem can be solved with brain bullets and bravado", alluding to [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]'s [[Cerebro-sensitive bullet]]s from ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*When talking about associates of Tyrest, Captain [[K'gard]] of the [[Galactic Council]] from [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the 2012 annual]] (or another of his species wearing the same silly hat) is shown in flashback.
*All the wacky stuff Skids turned up with when he made his debut in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]] is explained at last, from the mode locks holding his Legislator-shuttle together, to the warp portal he emerged through and why it wasn't just coincidence he appeared near the ''Lost Light'', to his mysterious gun, now named a "nudge gun". Brainstorm dubbed it a "binary gun" and identified it as Institute tech back in [[Rules of Disengagement|issue #7]].
*Also, this explains why Skids could not remember who Prowl was back in [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]].
*As the effects of the killswitch spread across the galaxy, outside of cameos by regular ''More than Meets the Eye'' cast members, we see Hardhead and Orion Pax, who have just left Gorlam Prime after the events of ''[[Homecoming (IDW)|Robots in Disguise'' #19]], Prowl, Soundwave, Ravage and Blitzwing, out in the wilderness on Cybertron after [[Second Exodus|''Robots in Disguise'' #18]], and Starscream and Rattrap, together after their alliance in [[Three Monologues|''Robots in Disguise'' #20]]. We also check in with the Decepticon Justice Division and the Scavengers, last seen in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*The Scavengers are visiting Galactic Council outpost 113, another of James Roberts's [[113 (disambiguation)|references]] to the number.
*A quick checklist, based on the visible effects of the killswitch:
**Rodimus, Skids, Fortress Maximus, Orion Pax, Soundwave, Blitzwing, Rattrap, Tarn, Fulcrum, Misfire and Grimlock were forged.
**Getaway, Chromedome, Blaster, Mainframe, Red Alert, Hardhead, Prowl, Ravage, Starscream, Kaon, Krok, Spinister and Crankcase were constructed cold.
* Getaway's methods of escaping from prison (Brainstorm's briefcase, Chromedome's needles) are very similar to Tailgate's escape suggestions two issues earlier. (Of course coming from him, they were ignored!)

===Transformers references===
*Getaway flippantly numbers one of Tyrest's many rants as 332, a nod to the total number of issues of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|Marvel UK Generation 1 comic]].
*The issue makes it seem like the identity of the head of Autobot Special Ops is going to go unsaid, until Rodimus flatly makes it clear he's figured out it's Prowl. The issue gives plenty of hints prior to that, though, noting a need for precision, guile and subtlety, and the fact that the Duobots also work for him. In a particularly wicked crack, Getaway notes that Tyrest's questionable actions have made his boss "prickly", a reference to... a-heh, well, have a look at [[Prowl (G1)|his TFWiki article]] and you'll get it.
*Knocked to the ground by Starscream's flailings are a model of his original F-15 alternate mode and his crown from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', previously seen in his quarters in ''[[The End of the Beginning of the World|Robots in Disguise'' #11]].

===Real-life references===
*This issue's sub-title comes from the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvLIm2rh2K8 song of the same name] by Savoy Grand.

===Errors===
*On page 4, "smidgen" is misspelled "smidgem".

===Crew manifest===
*Ambulon dies of his injuries.
*Minimus Ambus ''really really'' seems to be dead, but we're still not ''quite'' buying it.
*Many, many crewmembers start to experience the effects of the killswitch.
*14 deaths, one ''apparently'' dead, one in terminal condition, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue in particular:

*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8nibIN7i6M Hello]'' by [[Wikipedia: Shakespears Sister|Shakespears Sister]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Rodimus cradles Tailgate as Legislators close in, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Tyrest just after drilling a hole into his brain, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Joana Lafuente]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Swerve, by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[Romulo Fajardo Jr.]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE20 cvrA.jpg|Rodimus loves him some Tailgate.
File:MTMTE20 cvrB.jpg|Need any more proof that Tyrest is bat-shit insane?
File:MTMTE20 cvrRI.jpg|I want you... to buy this issue!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Three Monologues|#20]]
*''[[The Transformers: Monstrosity|Monstrosity]]'' [[Monstrosity issue 3|#3]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part Four|#94]]
*''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles''
*''KISS Kids''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: The Magic Begins'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/21091/news.html Preview]

Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self

2013-08-15T22:07:15Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=19
|prev=Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus
|next=Remain in Light 4 of 5
|image=MTMTE19 cvrRI.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 31]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=July 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Kevin Smead]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Answers come thick and fast as the history of Ultra Magnus is revealed, Tyrest's plan is laid bare, Ratchet gets in over his head, and Cyclonus and Whirl get ready to stage a daring rescue.'''

==Synopsis==

''Carried to [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] by his stolen shuttle, the comatose [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s body is recovered by [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] and brought to [[Pharma]], who is able to save his shrinking spark. Awakening, Magnus is immediately punched in the face by Tyrest; the Chief Justice is angry over Magnus's slide from fearsome lawman to public joke, which he considers the product of a nervous breakdown caused by Magnus applying the weight of the rules of war to those of everyday life in order to cope with the onset of peacetime. Tyrest deactivates Magnus's armor, which falls away from his body and reveals his true form, Minimus Ambus, within. When Ambus mistakes the [[Legislator]]s for his replacement, Tyrest corrects him by introducing his new enforcer: [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]].''

Ambus explains the history of the Ultra Magnus identity to a confused [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], which originated with a no-nonsense law enforcer whose reputation inspired Tyrest to keep his legend alive after his passing with a suit of armor cast in his likeness. Tyrest selected multiple 'bots to wear the armor, take the name, and serve as his enforcer, each one's body returned to Tyrest after they died by a recall trigger in the armor so the identity could be passed on to the next. Ambus was particularly suited to the job, as he is a kind of [[Point One Percenter]] known as a "loadbearer", possessing a [[spark]] with a particularly strong animating force that allows his body to integrate the Magnus armor where a normal 'bot could not. This talk of the strength of Ambus's spark prompts [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] to ask how he can still be alive, given his fatal condition when last they saw him, and seems to find hope for his own worsening [[Cybercrosis]] in Ambus's explanation of Tyrest's miracle-working doctor. At Rodimus's further inquiry, Ambus continues to explain that the ''Lost Light''ers are to be put to death for "harboring a criminal suspect", and that he had himself placed in the cell so he could record their conversation and prove to Tyrest that they were ignorant of the criminal: [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. Having been unaware of Tyrest's alliance with [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] or the presence of the [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]], and baffled by their supposed crimes against creation, Ambus lets himself out to investigate. A moment after he leaves, the unconscious [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] appear in the cell in a flash of light.

Meanwhile, just outside the prison—revealed to be suspended over a giant [[smelting pool]]—[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] concoct a strategy to rescue their teammates. Though Cyclonus is reluctant to bring their time on Luna 1 to an end yet, he nevertheless follows Whirl to a nearby armory, where the cyclopean Autobot rambles about his worldview and coping strategies while struggling with some door handles. Cyclonus opens the door for him, but as he steps back, a Legislator suddenly impales him from behind. Whirl springs into action, chopping the Legislator to bits with one of the many swords in the armory, blaming his own reflexes for saving Cyclonus's life. The pair investigate further, and soon discover the swords' captive owners, the [[Circle of Light]]. The Circle are quickly freed, and they all tool up for an attack on the wall of Legislators guarding the prison.

In Tyrest's medibay, the unhinged [[Pharma]] espouses the virtues of facility's bleeding-edge tech, with which he professes he can perform supposedly impossible medical procedures. Observing that Pharma has not taken back his original hands, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] tries taunting him, accusing him of not being ''able'' to remove them from his body. Ratchet proposes a contest: the pair will work on two patients with the same injury, and the first to complete the surgery wins the hands. Pharma agrees and reattaches Ratchet's head and spark to his body, but Ratchet awakens to see with horror that his deranged counterpart has selected [[Ambulon]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to be their patients. Pharma ignores his attempts to beg off the contest, and announces he will be cutting them in half. Ratchet assures them that bisection from the waist is an easy fix... until Pharma buries his chainsaw in Ambulon ''lengthways'', splitting him from head to crotch!

Back in the prison, Swerve has come around and explained to Rodimus and the others about the capture of the ''Lost Light'', and that he and Skids were taken by Star Saber, who they know as a holy warrior from Cybertron's past who tried to orchestrate the genocide of unbelievers. Theorizing on Skids's possible crime, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] recalls his "invisible gun", believing he must have stolen it. Jut as Skids starts to awaken, Star Saber himself arrives outside their cell with another prisoner in tow, and Chromedome realizes something: when he read Skids's memories months ago and detected only a "need to escape", he had actually been sensing a ''name''. The name of Skids's old partner, who stands before them in chains now: [[Getaway]]!

Elsewhere, Ambus confronts Tyrest and demands answers, which Tyrest flatly supplies. He was one of those appointed by [[Nova Prime]] to develop the means by which Transformers were "constructed cold", in response to Nova's (correct) fear that the pulsewaves that generated new "forged" sparks would eventually stop. But contrary to what the public believes, constructed Transformers were ''not'' brought to life using the energy of other sparks: their sparks were, in fact, generated from the [[Matrix of Leadership]] by Tyrest and his team's manipulations of the talisman, before a team member had an attack of conscience and hid it away. Years later, during the [[Aequitas]] trials, Tyrest realized that every single Autobot prosecuted had been constructed cold, and came to believe that he had perverted the forces of creation and was responsible for spawning a tainted, evil subspecies. Wracked with guilt, he began drilling holes in his armor in a form of self-flagellation, eventually drilling one into his own brain that caused an "epiphany". Tyrest believed he had found the location of the [[Knights of Cybertron]] and their [[Cyberutopia]], and now plans to use his [[space bridge]] to join them there after atoning for his sins: destroying every Matrixed spark through the activation of a universal killswitch. Ambus refuses to allow Tyrest to complete his plan, so Tyrest implements the newest amendment to his self-titled accord—pre-emptive execution—and has a Legislator crush Ambus's head to powder.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus/Minimus Ambus]] (2)
*[[Pharma]] (3)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (4)
*[[Rung]] (7)
*[[Brainstorm]] (8)
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'' (9)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (10)
*''[[Delta Magnus]]'' (11)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (12)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (14)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Ambulon]] (18)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (21)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (22)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (23)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (24)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (25)
*[[Getaway]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (1)
*[[Legislator]]s (5)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (6)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] (20)
*''[[Nova Prime]]'' (27)
*''Matrix thief'' (28)
}}

==Quotes==

"How many Decepticons did you kill back there? Y'know, overall." 
"I wasn't keeping count. 
... 
Six. You?" 
"Dunno. More than six."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus'''

"This medibay, Ratchet—it's an '''embarrassment of riches.''' Every piece of ''avant garde'' Cybertronian technology that Magnus has ever repossessed... it's all here. Stuff I've never even '''seen''' before." 
"You always did like your instruments." 
"Ah, but it's not just the instruments—it's the way they're played. A skilled musician can make sounds no one's ever '''heard''' before."
:—'''Pharma''' shows off to '''Ratchet'''

"You think—wait. You think I wired '''your''' hands—the ones I attached to '''my''' body—you think I '''wired them to explode?'''" 
"I... think it's a possibility, yes." 
"Or maybe... maybe you're scared of '''failure.''' Maybe you're afraid you won't be able to pick the lock or loosen the wiring, so you want '''help.''' I get it, Pharma. It took me a while, but—it makes sense now. '''I'm better than you.'''" 
"A better doctor? '''Please.''' I overtook you years ago. I don't need my hands back to slap you down."
:—'''Ratchet''' goads '''Pharma'''

"I don't understand why you don't get yourself '''fixed.''' If not the face, then the claws." 
"You wanna know a '''secret''', hornhead? Life's messed up. '''I'm''' messed up. I've done bad things and I '''continue''' to do bad things, because the voice telling me '''not to'''...? He's not said much for a while. And y'know what keeps me going? <big>'''ANGER.'''</big> Anger's an '''insulator'''. Stops life getting '''too close'''. If I got myself "fixed," maybe the anger would leave me—and then I really '''would''' be screwed."
:—'''Cyclonus''' gets the inside scoop on '''Whirl'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s worldview

"So here's the plan: I'll watch your back and you watch mine. And if we make it out of this alive, then all scores are '''settled,''' okay? No more trying to kill me. What do you say?" 
"I say focus on the fight."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus''' prepare for battle

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===

*The screen in Tyrest's "Repository" reads "Tyrest Accord Section 19 (80) 4: Thought Warfare". This clause was mentioned back in [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]], at which time it was obvious Tailgate had drawn the connection with the chants of "1984" (here revealed to be more like "nineteen, eighty, four") uttered by the Legislators as they hunted Skids in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]]. It's obvious at this point that this is the crime Skids is guilty of.
*[[Delta Magnus]] is shown as a former comrade of the original Ultra Magnus; he was previously mentioned in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]]. He's only called "Delta" here, but his similarity to Ultra Magnus (see Transformers references, below) makes his identity evident, and indicates that they are both related and members of the "House of Magnus" Tyrest mentions in this issue.
*Minimus Ambus's description of how people perceived the original Ultra Magnus ("People loved and feared him in equal measure.") strongly resembles Whirl's own feelings about him, as expressed in [[Spotlight: Trailcutter]].
*In retrospective, there have been a number of hints in past IDW comics as to Ultra Magnus's true nature:
**He was mentioned to have miraculously recovered from a [[zero point]] in the prose story, uh, [[Zero Point]]. We can now surmise the truth behind that.
**In [[Interiors|issue #6]], Skids mentions that he used to be more prone to wisecracks.
**In the MTMTE[[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]], he prescriptively describes himself using the third person, twice.
**[[The Gloaming|Issue #16]]: See below.
*The series of flashbacks shown in issue #16 are revealed not to be the past experiences of Minimus Ambus, but the deaths of the multiple previous holders of the Ultra Magnus name. In addition to the three scenes from that issue ([[Clemency]], [[Simanzi]] and the [[Battle for Hell's Point]]), another Magnus's death is mentioned in connection with something called "the [[Fast-Folding Sun]]". It is now clear that Magnus displaying traits he was actively known for not possessing in these scenes was not intended to chart the evolution of his personality, but were actually hints that the 'bots within the armor were not the same as the present-day Magnus. Only two of them are named: [[Suture]] and [[Datum]], the latter being the Magnus who fell from ''[[Hell's Point]]''.
*It is revealed that the Magnus armor has a trigger that returns it to Tyrest upon the wearer's death; the comatose Magnus clenching his fist in the final moments of issue #16 is now revealed to be the activation of that trigger, rather than an expression of rage at the announcement of Drift's betrayal, as the visual juxtaposition of the scene intimated at the time. Similarly, the slow clenching of Magnus's fist across the flashback sequence in #16 was not a metaphorical representation of his fading life, but each of the past Magnuses (Magni?) tripping the trigger themselves.
*The Ultra Magnus armor is revealed to contain [[attention deflector]]s to prevent anyone from discovering the 'bot inside; these devices were just introduced last issue.
*Tailgate is able to recall that "harboring a criminal suspect" violates section 17 (21) of the Tyrest Accord, thanks to the education Magnus gave him in the code starting back in issue #5. This was the number the Legislators were chanting as they attacked the ''Lost Light'' across the last two issues.
*When Rodimus is speculating on the identity of the criminal aboard the ''Lost Light'', he lists off known unstable crew members Whirl and [[Atomizer]]. Two new names are revealed: [[Lancet]] and [[Ammo]]; given that his name starts with A, Ammo is more than likely one of the undesirables listed off by Magnus way back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]].
*Though the cast themselves never seemed to quite become aware of it, a flash of images revealed to the audience that the Circle of Light had been captured by the Legislators in [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the 2012 ''More than Meets the Eye'' annual]].
*Skids's mysterious "invisible gun" hasn't been mentioned in a good long time; here, Chromedome recounts its debut from issue #2.
*Chromedome read Skids's memories back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*Getaway's only appearances in IDW continuity before now was a brief crowd-filling cameo in ''[[Spotlight: Blaster]]''.
*The mysterious history of the Matrix of Leadership is finally explained in full, after [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]] revealed that it was replaced at some point with a fake. Here we learn that Nova Prime did indeed hold the real thing, after some doubt had been cast on that matter. The identity of the robot who steals the Matrix is unknown, but it is noted that he hid the talisman in the [[Undergrid]], where it would then be found by Orion Pax in [[Transformation (issue)|''Autocracy'' #9]].
*Tyrest lists off some of Ultra Magnus's experiences that led to the enforcer no longer being respected, including [[Nanocon|Nanocons]], which forced him to smile in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|annual]], Hedonia, which he got drunk on in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]], doorframe audits, which were mentioned by Rung in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]], and his constant obsession with badges. ''Hugging'', however, has yet to be seen.
* On the Letters Page Roberts establishes that the G1 version of [[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] is a crew member of the Lost Light.
* In [[Stick Together|#issue 3]] of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'', Wheeljack noted that the now-reborn Cybertron was emitting energy pulses from Vector Sigma which he believed were meant to re-ignite the moons. It is possible that these were the life-giving pulsewaves described here.

===Transformers references===

*Delta Magnus is visually based on the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Powered Convoy" toy, the figure which would be recolored to become the original Generation 1 Ultra Magnus toy.
*Tyrest's fears that Matrixed sparks are predisposed to sin is reminiscent of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Marvel G2]] comics, who actually ''were'' amoral and ruthless because [[Budding|the method of their creation]] had led to the dilution of Primus' essence within them.
*The Legislators being mindless drones created from the recycled bodies of their victims is reminiscent of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron's]] [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon forces]] being created in a similar manner.

===Real-life references===

*This issue's subtitle is taken from [[Wikipedia:R. D. Laing|R. D. Laing]]'s ''The Divided Self'', a seminal work on understanding madness. On the surface, the title's usage can obviously simply refer to the dual identity of Minimus Ambus/Ultra Magnus, but on a deeper level, aspects of the work's examination of insanity (broadly, the manifestation of an alternate self to cope with doubt in the place one's real self has in the world) are also incorporated into the story. Plus, in a more literal sense, Ratchet's condition and the fate of poor Ambulon.
*Pharma's claim of being "a doctor, not a bomb-disposal expert" is reminiscent of Dr. McCoy of ''[[Star Trek]]'' fame.
*The decision to present the normally squeaky-clean hero of heroes, Star Saber, as a hideous fascist is pretty clearly drawn from Roberts's days as part of the Transmasters UK fanfic group, which depicted the character in this way.

===Errors===

*Pages 4-5, panel 8: "Soldier" is misspelled "solider."
*Page 18, panel 4: Tyrest says, "Only us higher beings are troubled..." which technically should be "Only we higher beings..." While plenty of people disregard this rule in casual conversation, the high-falutin' Chief Justice really doesn't seem the type.

===Crew manifest===
*Contrary to Rodimus's claim of 300 "give or take" last issue, on the letter's page James Roberts says the crew has about 230, including Delphi's Faders.
*Tailgate's cybercrosis continues to advance, as he can now barely move.
*Minimus Ambus and Ambulon both suffer arguably fatal injuries, but are not yet confirmed deceased. (You're not fooling us again, [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism#Crew Manifest|Red Alert]]!)
*12 deaths, three in terminal condition, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Star Saber, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Cyclonus and Whirl, ready for action with some scavenged swords, by [[Sean Chen]] and [[Tom Chu]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Ultra Magnus's empty helmet, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE19 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE19 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE19 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Homecoming (IDW)|#19]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part 3|#93]]
*''KISS Kids''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: The Magic Begins'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/20857/news.html Preview]

Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus

2013-08-12T21:43:23Z

Dubbilex: Undo revision 820879 by Xaaron (Talk) It seems to be deliberate misdirection. Plenty of other red herrings mentioned in this wiki.

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=18
|prev=Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon
|next=Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self
|image=MTMTE18 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus"
|caption=Don't let them take Skids, or he might do this to you.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 19]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=June 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Toni Korde]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''While the Legislators lay siege to the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus's team are imprisoned on Luna 1 with a mysterious cell-mate and are confronted by the mastermind behind their plight.'''

==Synopsis==
A seemingly-unending army of [[Legislator]]s has invaded the ''[[Lost Light]]'', teleporting aboard and striking at the [[Autobot]]s all throughout the ship simultaneously. Both [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], battling on separate fronts, recognize the robots from their last encounter with them, and while Swerve is able to use the impressive armament built into his [[Swerve's|bar]] by [[Brainstorm]]—as well as the comical but effective "[[My First Blaster]]" the scientist made specially for him—to dispatch his lone attacker, Skids finds his super-learning abilities pushed to the limit by the much larger force he faces...

Down on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], while [[Pharma]] takes the incapacitated [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] prisoner, the rest of [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s team retreat from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]]'s forces, save for [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], who disobey orders and counterattack. In fleeing, the others discover the awesome sight of a [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitan]] graveyard, and Rodimus orders them to fly inside the titans' giant bodies in hopes of losing their pursuers. Weaving through a Metrotitan's cavernous interior, Rodimus is able to dispatch the [[Decepticon]]s on his tail... but unfortunately, his comrades are not so lucky and are taken captive by Lockdown's men, forcing Rodimus to surrender.

Rodimus and company are escorted to a prison on the moon's surface, where they discover a silent [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] who pays them no attention, a mysterious ancient [[space bridge]], and meet face-to-face with Lockdown's true master: [[Tyrest (G1)|Chief Justice Tyrest]], primary lawmaker of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], failed arbiter of peace, broker of the [[Tyrest Accord]], and creator of the [[Aequitas]] computer, who vanished from public view years ago. Tyrest charges them all with "crimes against creation" (prompting a tirade of verbal abuse from Rodimus) and confines them to a cell with another Autobot named [[Minimus Ambus|Ambus]]. After Rodimus relates their plight, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] inquires of their cell-mate if he is [[Dominus Ambus|''Dominus'' Ambus]], [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s old partner, but the moustachoied 'bot explains that he is Dominus's [[spark]]-brother ''Minimus'' Ambus, a trader imprisoned for selling enriched [[nucleon]]. Rodimus notes Ambus's lack of an Autobot [[Insignia|badge]], prompting [[Rung]] to offer him his, but Ambus politely refuses. [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], meanwhile, is especially eager to find a way to escape, given his impending death by [[cybercrosis]], and hopes Brainstorm or Chromedome can use their special abilities to bust them loose, but Ambus warns that escape attempts will be seen as admissions of guilt, and Rodimus agrees, noting they need to figure out the bigger picture first.

Back aboard the ''Lost Light'', Skids tears into wave after wave of Legislators, fighting with a righteous fury sparked by the blame he assigns himself: there's no question that the Legislators are here for him, and the rest of the ship's crew, who took him in without question, are suffering as a result. Swerve races to the oil reservoir to aid his friend, arriving just as the doors open and a torrent of fuel spills out... followed presently by a battered, weakened, but victorious Skids. Just as Skids steps through the doors, however, another [[Star Saber (Victory)|large red, white and blue robot]] materializes behind him and stabs him through the torso with a gigantic sword. Swerve opens fire, but fails to land a single shot, and is promptly knocked out by the newcomer.

Elsewhere, Ratchet awakens to see Pharma leering down at him. After showing off his new hands, which can "turn into anything", the deranged doctor gestures to a large yellow box in the middle of the room, and challenges Ratchet to guess what is inside it. Intent on not humoring Pharma, Ratchet claims he does not care and refuses to play the twisted game, so Pharma simply opens it to reveal... Ratchet's body! With great horror, the medic realizes he is nothing but a decapitated head and spark hanging from a med-slab!

Back in the prison, Rung hands out [[Energon goodie|energon sticks]] to calm everyone's nerves, and tells Tailgate—who remembers Tyrest from [[Nova Prime]]'s days—about the history of their jailor. Rodimus takes over to recap Tyrest's role in the Aequitas trials, even as both Rung and Ambus try to quiet him, knowing that the trials are top secret and not to be talked about. Ambus conspicuously tries to change the subject, asking questions about Skids, and Rung offers him an energon stick, only to deliberately drop the box as he hands him one. Ambus becomes angry, quickly picking up the scattered sticks... which serves as the last piece of evidence Rung needs. Ignoring Ambus's plaintive requests to stop, Rung explains that he has observed many familiar characteristics in Ambus: a certain way of speaking, an intolerance for mess, and a fixation on the psychiatrist's Autobot badge, which he deliberately positioned at an angle when he reattached it after Ambus turned it down. Rung gives Ambus the chance to tell the others the truth for himself, and he reluctantly agrees. Minimus Ambus ''is'' his true name, he explains, but the crew of the ''Lost Light'' have always known him as... Ultra Magnus!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (1)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Ambulon]] (5)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (6)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (11)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (12)
*[[Dipstick]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (15)
*[[Pharma]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (20)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (23)
*[[Brainstorm]] (24)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (25)
*[[Rung]] (26)
*[[Minimus Ambus]] (28)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (32)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (35)
*[[Deftwing]] (37)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] (18)
*"[[Vehicon (G1)|Vehicons]]" (19)
*[[Chop Shop]] (29)
*[[Venom (G1)|Venom]] (30)
*[[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] (31)
*[[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] (33)
*"[[Insecticon-like Titan Hunter]]" (34)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'' (39)
*''[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'' (40)
|c4=
*[[Legislator]]s (2)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (21)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (22)
*[[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]] (27)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (36)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (38)
}}

==Quotes==
"Now, I didn't say it to '''Fort Max'''—and I didn't say it to '''Whirl'''—and I didn't even say it to '''Cyclonus''' when he had his '''Dead Universe flashback'''. But you, my friend—to you I say:" 
''(CH-CHUK)'' 
"'''Get the hell out of my bar.'''" 
''(Swerve blasts the Legislator.)'' 
<big>'''"♪ HOORAY! ♩ YOU SCORED A DIRECT ♫ HIT! ♪"'''</big>
:—'''Swerve'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s badass speech is a little deflated by his '''My First Blaster'''

"The last time I danced this dance some piece of scum had just '''destroyed my memories'''. I woke up with blowtorch in my hand and nothing in my head, and your friends were all over me. So you'll forgive me if I put '''two and two together'''—and make '''fist!'''" 
''(THWOK)'' 
"Okay, that didn't really work, did it, the whole 'two and two' thing. It should be 'four'—you're expecting me to say 'four,' but I said... 'cos it coincided with me '''punching you''', yeah? Forget it."
:—'''Skids'''

"Pharma, we really must sit down some time so I can explain to you why we all hate you. We'll start with your '''personality''' and go from there."
:—Even '''Lockdown''' hates Pharma

"If I still kept a journal of all my moves, '''that''' would be on the front cover." 
"'''Excellent, excellent''' effort. It's just a shame none of your friends are as much of a show-off as you are." 
"Yeah, well, none of my friends have flames on their chest. It's a lot to live up to."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Lockdown'''

"Ah, enriched nucleon...! The magic ingredient! Two drops turns '''hand gun''' into a '''banned gun'''." 
"You should really stop and listen to yourself sometimes."
:—'''Brainstorm''' and '''Perceptor'''

"'''Brainstorm!''' How about cobbling together some kinda superweapon out of—out of the '''ceiling''' or something? You're always telling us what a genius you are..." 
"I don't respond well to pressure." 
"Well, why not open your '''magic briefcase''' and make all the naughty people in the universe disappear?" 
"Don't. Mock. The briefcase."
:—'''Tailgate''' appealing to '''Brainstorm''', to no avail

"What about you, Domey? The Legislators round the corner—could you extend the needles in your fingers far enough to reach their necks and '''brainwash''' them into letting us go?" 
"Short answer: No. Long answer: No, don't be an idiot." 
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Chromedome'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*In addition to being hilarious, Swerve's need for "My First Blaster" reminds us of his poor marksmanship and weapons-handling, established in past instances such as when he accidentally shot Rung in [[Interiors|issue #6]] and blew his own face off in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*Fortress Maximus's oft-mentioned "guns on his legs" finally see some action.
*The Metrotitans were introduced in [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the ''More than Meets the Eye'' 2012 annual]] (in which Rodimus's crew also went on a voyage through the innards of one). That they should turn up in the same place as Lockdown's group is no surprise, since the Decepticon squad were established to be hunters of Titans when they debuted in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''.
[[File:RemainInLight2-ChromedomeAltMode.jpg|thumb|Two motorbikes welded together with a cockpit.]]
*After commenting last issue on the oddness of using M.A.R.B.s to get around when they have perfectly good alt modes, Chromedome joins thought to deed this issue, ditching his M.A.R.B. to transform and roll out when being chased. In doing so, he also gives readers their first ''good'' look at his alt mode, previously only seen in the distance in the MTMTE [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]].
*Chief Justice Tyrest was introduced by Roberts in ''[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #5]], named after the [[Tyrest Accord]] first established in ''[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]'', though in-story it's the other way around.
*Chromedome takes umbrage at Tailgate calling him "Domey"; that was [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s nickname for him.
*Pharma is revealed to have worked with Ratchet at the [[Deltaran Medical Facility]]; the facility was first mentioned in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|"Chaos Theory," Part 1]], and the fact that Ratchet worked there was revealed in [[Omega's Conundrum|''Spotlight: Orion Pax'']].
*Tailgate gets very sarcastic about Tyrest's aspirations as Rung relates his backstory; he did the same thing about Dominus Ambus when Chromedome told his story in issue #12.
*Tyrest's "judging machine", [[Aequitas]], was the central macguffin of ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*It's fitting that Rung should recognize Ambus as Magnus through observation of traits in his speech; issue #13's "[[Signal to Noise]]" featured an exchange between the two characters in which Rung commented on the observations he'd made on Magnus's way of talking over time.
*Minimus Ambus is one of the only Autobots to have red eyes, a trait that is predominantly associated with Decepticons. This, in conjunction with his ''literal'' mustache-twirling and his oh-so-convenient reasons for being Autobrand-free, could lead a reader to speculate he's more sinister than he lets on -- a red herring for his ''actual'' secret, as it turns out.

===Transformers references===
*It might be nothing more than coincidence, but with Roberts, we'll hedge our bets—[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] appear in a single-panel scene together in the midst of the Legislators' attack, recalling their brief but memorable bromantic partnership in Marvel UK's "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]".
*In-keeping with the Titan Hunters' established trait of having members based on characters from other continuity families (specifically ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Lugnut (TF 2010)|Lugnut]] and "[[Blitzving]]" in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''), their ranks in this issue include warriors based on ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (both car and jet versions) and at least one [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]].
*The Legislators are noted to be "copycats" of the [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids, Autobot battle drones that originated in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK Generation 1 series]], who put in a brief appearance in IDW continuity in a flashback in [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]].

===Real-life references===
[[File:MyFirstBlaster.jpg|thumb|Ribbed for reasons]]
*'My First Blaster' sports a bright orange barrel, a trait required on real-life toy guns [[for safety reasons]], and notorious in Transformers [[fandom]] for plaguing [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron toys]] with gun [[alternate mode]]s.
*Following on from [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]]'s [[Nightmare Fuel]] and [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]]'s [[Mood Whiplash]], this issue gives us another drink that takes its name from a [http://www.tvtropes.com TVTropes] page: the [[Berzerker Button]] (though the trope is just called "[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BerserkButton Berzerk Button]", no "er").
*Tyrest's failed "two-city state solution" is a reference to the fabled "[[Wikipedia:Two-state solution|two state solution]]" in Israel and Palestine's eternally moribund peace process.
*Brainstorm's briefcase has a built-in "[[attention deflector]]" that prevents people from noticing it, a concept reminiscent of both "[[wikipedia:Somebody Else's Problem|Somebody Else's Problem]] fields" from Douglas Adams' [[wikipedia:Life, the Universe and Everything|third ''Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'' book]] and their homage "[[Wikipedia:List_of_Doctor_Who_items#Perception_filter|perception filters]]" from modern ''[[Wikipedia:Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' (of which Roberts is a noted fan).
*Tyrest's base of operations is designed after the Hall of Justice from the 2012 movie, ''[[wiki:Dredd|Dredd]]''. <ref name="milne moonbase">http://traffic.libsyn.com/moonbase2/interview_alex.mp3 Moonbase2 interviews Alex Milne</ref>
*The shot of the crew of the Lost Light dodging the [[Titan Hunters]] in the Metrotitan graveyard is inspired by the aesthetics of seminal sci-fi anime, ''[[wiki:Akira|Akira]]''. <ref name="milne moonbase" />

===Errors===
*Page 14, panel 2: "Identifier" is misspelled "identifer."

===Crew manifest===
*[[Deftwing]]'s corpse appears, having become a victim of the Legislators off-panel.
*Rodimus gives the crew count as "three hundred, give or take", which seems on the generous side, given that it was 200-ish at outset.
*Ultra Magnus is ''who what now??''
*12 deaths, one in terminal condition, Ultra Magnus is... ''what???'' ...5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue alone:
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QB5gDqFau8 Winterlight]'' by [[Wikipedia: Clearlake (band)|Clearlake]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuwAoLpbjaA El Presidente]'' by [[Wikipedia: Drugstore (band)|Drugstore]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysJijpSPOGY Afterglow]'' by Holm

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Skids battles a throng of Legislators, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Gears, Hound and Huffer defending themselves, by [[Sean Chen]] and [[Tom Chu]]. In what's probably a slightly embarassing snafu for Hasbro, Chen has drawn Huffer and Gears based on the [[knockoff|unofficial "third party" toys]] based on the characters, "Rager" and "Cogz".
*'''Cover RI:''' A Legislator looms over the fallen Ambulon and First Aid, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Perez.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE18 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE18 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE18 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Second Exodus|#18]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part 2|#92]]
*''Falling Skies''
*''The X-Files: Season 10'' #1 (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=16950 Preview]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-18-creator-commentary/27617/ Creator Commentary, with James Roberts]

==References==
<references/>

Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus

2013-08-11T23:09:15Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */ Visors aren't eyes, though that does still leave Fort Max. I'll make the statement less absolute.

Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus

2013-08-08T23:05:07Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=18
|prev=Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon
|next=Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self
|image=MTMTE18 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus"
|caption=Don't let them take Skids, or he might do this to you.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 19]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=June 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Toni Korde]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''While the Legislators lay siege to the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus's team are imprisoned on Luna 1 with a mysterious cell-mate and are confronted by the mastermind behind their plight.'''

==Synopsis==
A seemingly-unending army of [[Legislator]]s has invaded the ''[[Lost Light]]'', teleporting aboard and striking at the [[Autobot]]s all throughout the ship simultaneously. Both [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], battling on separate fronts, recognize the robots from their last encounter with them, and while Swerve is able to use the impressive armament built into his [[Swerve's|bar]] by [[Brainstorm]]—as well as the comical but effective "[[My First Blaster]]" the scientist made specially for him—to dispatch his lone attacker, Skids finds his super-learning abilities pushed to the limit by the much larger force he faces...

Down on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], while [[Pharma]] takes the incapacitated [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] prisoner, the rest of [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s team retreat from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]]'s forces, save for [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], who disobey orders and counterattack. In fleeing, the others discover the awesome sight of a [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitan]] graveyard, and Rodimus orders them to fly inside the titans' giant bodies in hopes of losing their pursuers. Weaving through a Metrotitan's cavernous interior, Rodimus is able to dispatch the [[Decepticon]]s on his tail... but unfortunately, his comrades are not so lucky and are taken captive by Lockdown's men, forcing Rodimus to surrender.

Rodimus and company are escorted to a prison on the moon's surface, where they discover a silent [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] who pays them no attention, a mysterious ancient [[space bridge]], and meet face-to-face with Lockdown's true master: [[Tyrest (G1)|Chief Justice Tyrest]], primary lawmaker of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], failed arbiter of peace, broker of the [[Tyrest Accord]], and creator of the [[Aequitas]] computer, who vanished from public view years ago. Tyrest charges them all with "crimes against creation" (prompting a tirade of verbal abuse from Rodimus) and confines them to a cell with another Autobot named [[Minimus Ambus|Ambus]]. After Rodimus relates their plight, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] inquires of their cell-mate if he is [[Dominus Ambus|''Dominus'' Ambus]], [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s old partner, but the moustachoied 'bot explains that he is Dominus's [[spark]]-brother ''Minimus'' Ambus, a trader imprisoned for selling enriched [[nucleon]]. Rodimus notes Ambus's lack of an Autobot [[Insignia|badge]], prompting [[Rung]] to offer him his, but Ambus politely refuses. [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], meanwhile, is especially eager to find a way to escape, given his impending death by [[cybercrosis]], and hopes Brainstorm or Chromedome can use their special abilities to bust them loose, but Ambus warns that escape attempts will be seen as admissions of guilt, and Rodimus agrees, noting they need to figure out the bigger picture first.

Back aboard the ''Lost Light'', Skids tears into wave after wave of Legislators, fighting with a righteous fury sparked by the blame he assigns himself: there's no question that the Legislators are here for him, and the rest of the ship's crew, who took him in without question, are suffering as a result. Swerve races to the oil reservoir to aid his friend, arriving just as the doors open and a torrent of fuel spills out... followed presently by a battered, weakened, but victorious Skids. Just as Skids steps through the doors, however, another [[Star Saber (Victory)|large red, white and blue robot]] materializes behind him and stabs him through the torso with a gigantic sword. Swerve opens fire, but fails to land a single shot, and is promptly knocked out by the newcomer.

Elsewhere, Ratchet awakens to see Pharma leering down at him. After showing off his new hands, which can "turn into anything", the deranged doctor gestures to a large yellow box in the middle of the room, and challenges Ratchet to guess what is inside it. Intent on not humoring Pharma, Ratchet claims he does not care and refuses to play the twisted game, so Pharma simply opens it to reveal... Ratchet's body! With great horror, the medic realizes he is nothing but a decapitated head and spark hanging from a med-slab!

Back in the prison, Rung hands out [[Energon goodie|energon sticks]] to calm everyone's nerves, and tells Tailgate—who remembers Tyrest from [[Nova Prime]]'s days—about the history of their jailor. Rodimus takes over to recap Tyrest's role in the Aequitas trials, even as both Rung and Ambus try to quiet him, knowing that the trials are top secret and not to be talked about. Ambus conspicuously tries to change the subject, asking questions about Skids, and Rung offers him an energon stick, only to deliberately drop the box as he hands him one. Ambus becomes angry, quickly picking up the scattered sticks... which serves as the last piece of evidence Rung needs. Ignoring Ambus's plaintive requests to stop, Rung explains that he has observed many familiar characteristics in Ambus: a certain way of speaking, an intolerance for mess, and a fixation on the psychiatrist's Autobot badge, which he deliberately positioned at an angle when he reattached it after Ambus turned it down. Rung gives Ambus the chance to tell the others the truth for himself, and he reluctantly agrees. Minimus Ambus ''is'' his true name, he explains, but the crew of the ''Lost Light'' have always known him as... Ultra Magnus!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (1)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Ambulon]] (5)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (6)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (11)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (12)
*[[Dipstick]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (15)
*[[Pharma]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (20)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (23)
*[[Brainstorm]] (24)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (25)
*[[Rung]] (26)
*[[Minimus Ambus]] (28)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (32)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (35)
*[[Deftwing]] (37)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] (18)
*"[[Vehicon (G1)|Vehicons]]" (19)
*[[Chop Shop]] (29)
*[[Venom (G1)|Venom]] (30)
*[[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] (31)
*[[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] (33)
*"[[Insecticon-like Titan Hunter]]" (34)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'' (39)
*''[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'' (40)
|c4=
*[[Legislator]]s (2)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (21)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (22)
*[[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]] (27)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (36)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (38)
}}

==Quotes==
"Now, I didn't say it to '''Fort Max'''—and I didn't say it to '''Whirl'''—and I didn't even say it to '''Cyclonus''' when he had his '''Dead Universe flashback'''. But you, my friend—to you I say:" 
''(CH-CHUK)'' 
"'''Get the hell out of my bar.'''" 
''(Swerve blasts the Legislator.)'' 
<big>'''"♪ HOORAY! ♩ YOU SCORED A DIRECT ♫ HIT! ♪"'''</big>
:—'''Swerve'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s badass speech is a little deflated by his '''My First Blaster'''

"The last time I danced this dance some piece of scum had just '''destroyed my memories'''. I woke up with blowtorch in my hand and nothing in my head, and your friends were all over me. So you'll forgive me if I put '''two and two together'''—and make '''fist!'''" 
''(THWOK)'' 
"Okay, that didn't really work, did it, the whole 'two and two' thing. It should be 'four'—you're expecting me to say 'four,' but I said... 'cos it coincided with me '''punching you''', yeah? Forget it."
:—'''Skids'''

"Pharma, we really must sit down some time so I can explain to you why we all hate you. We'll start with your '''personality''' and go from there."
:—Even '''Lockdown''' hates Pharma

"If I still kept a journal of all my moves, '''that''' would be on the front cover." 
"'''Excellent, excellent''' effort. It's just a shame none of your friends are as much of a show-off as you are." 
"Yeah, well, none of my friends have flames on their chest. It's a lot to live up to."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Lockdown'''

"Ah, enriched nucleon...! The magic ingredient! Two drops turns '''hand gun''' into a '''banned gun'''." 
"You should really stop and listen to yourself sometimes."
:—'''Brainstorm''' and '''Perceptor'''

"'''Brainstorm!''' How about cobbling together some kinda superweapon out of—out of the '''ceiling''' or something? You're always telling us what a genius you are..." 
"I don't respond well to pressure." 
"Well, why not open your '''magic briefcase''' and make all the naughty people in the universe disappear?" 
"Don't. Mock. The briefcase."
:—'''Tailgate''' appealing to '''Brainstorm''', to no avail

"What about you, Domey? The Legislators round the corner—could you extend the needles in your fingers far enough to reach their necks and '''brainwash''' them into letting us go?" 
"Short answer: No. Long answer: No, don't be an idiot." 
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Chromedome'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*In addition to being hilarious, Swerve's need for "My First Blaster" reminds us of his poor marksmanship and weapons-handling, established in past instances such as when he accidentally shot Rung in [[Interiors|issue #6]] and blew his own face off in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*Fortress Maximus's oft-mentioned "guns on his legs" finally see some action.
*The Metrotitans were introduced in [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the ''More than Meets the Eye'' 2012 annual]] (in which Rodimus's crew also went on a voyage through the innards of one). That they should turn up in the same place as Lockdown's group is no surprise, since the Decepticon squad were established to be hunters of Titans when they debuted in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''.
[[File:RemainInLight2-ChromedomeAltMode.jpg|thumb|Two motorbikes welded together with a cockpit.]]
*After commenting last issue on the oddness of using M.A.R.B.s to get around when they have perfectly good alt modes, Chromedome joins thought to deed this issue, ditching his M.A.R.B. to transform and roll out when being chased. In doing so, he also gives readers their first ''good'' look at his alt mode, previously only seen in the distance in the MTMTE [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]].
*Chief Justice Tyrest was introduced by Roberts in ''[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #5]], named after the [[Tyrest Accord]] first established in ''[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]'', though in-story it's the other way around.
*Chromedome takes umbrage at Tailgate calling him "Domey"; that was [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s nickname for him.
*Pharma is revealed to have worked with Ratchet at the [[Deltaran Medical Facility]]; the facility was first mentioned in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|"Chaos Theory," Part 1]], and the fact that Ratchet worked there was revealed in [[Omega's Conundrum|''Spotlight: Orion Pax'']].
*Tailgate gets very sarcastic about Tyrest's aspirations as Rung relates his backstory; he did the same thing about Dominus Ambus when Chromedome told his story in issue #12.
*Tyrest's "judging machine", [[Aequitas]], was the central macguffin of ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*It's fitting that Rung should recognize Ambus as Magnus through observation of traits in his speech; issue #13's "[[Signal to Noise]]" featured an exchange between the two characters in which Rung commented on the observations he'd made on Magnus's way of talking over time.
*Minimus Ambus is the only Autobot to have red eyes, a trait that is otherwise exclusively reserved for Decepticons. This, in conjunction with his ''literal'' mustache-twirling and his oh-so-convenient reasons for being Autobrand-free, could lead a reader to speculate he's more sinister than he lets on -- a red herring for his ''actual'' secret, as it turns out.

===Transformers references===
*It might be nothing more than coincidence, but with Roberts, we'll hedge our bets—[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] appear in a single-panel scene together in the midst of the Legislators' attack, recalling their brief but memorable bromantic partnership in Marvel UK's "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]".
*In-keeping with the Titan Hunters' established trait of having members based on characters from other continuity families (specifically ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Lugnut (TF 2010)|Lugnut]] and "[[Blitzving]]" in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''), their ranks in this issue include warriors based on ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (both car and jet versions) and at least one [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]].
*The Legislators are noted to be "copycats" of the [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids, Autobot battle drones that originated in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK Generation 1 series]], who put in a brief appearance in IDW continuity in a flashback in [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]].

===Real-life references===
[[File:MyFirstBlaster.jpg|thumb|Ribbed for reasons]]
*'My First Blaster' sports a bright orange barrel, a trait required on real-life toy guns [[for safety reasons]], and notorious in Transformers [[fandom]] for plaguing [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron toys]] with gun [[alternate mode]]s.
*Following on from [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]]'s [[Nightmare Fuel]] and [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]]'s [[Mood Whiplash]], this issue gives us another drink that takes its name from a [http://www.tvtropes.com TVTropes] page: the [[Berzerker Button]] (though the trope is just called "[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BerserkButton Berzerk Button]", no "er").
*Tyrest's failed "two-city state solution" is a reference to the fabled "[[Wikipedia:Two-state solution|two state solution]]" in Israel and Palestine's eternally moribund peace process.
*Brainstorm's briefcase has a built-in "[[attention deflector]]" that prevents people from noticing it, a concept reminiscent of both "[[wikipedia:Somebody Else's Problem|Somebody Else's Problem]] fields" from Douglas Adams' [[wikipedia:Life, the Universe and Everything|third ''Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'' book]] and their homage "[[Wikipedia:List_of_Doctor_Who_items#Perception_filter|perception filters]]" from modern ''[[Wikipedia:Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' (of which Roberts is a noted fan).
*Tyrest's base of operations is designed after the Hall of Justice from the 2012 movie, ''[[wiki:Dredd|Dredd]]''. <ref name="milne moonbase">http://traffic.libsyn.com/moonbase2/interview_alex.mp3 Moonbase2 interviews Alex Milne</ref>
*The shot of the crew of the Lost Light dodging the [[Titan Hunters]] in the Metrotitan graveyard is inspired by the aesthetics of seminal sci-fi anime, ''[[wiki:Akira|Akira]]''. <ref name="milne moonbase" />

===Errors===
*Page 14, panel 2: "Identifier" is misspelled "identifer."

===Crew manifest===
*[[Deftwing]]'s corpse appears, having become a victim of the Legislators off-panel.
*Rodimus gives the crew count as "three hundred, give or take", which seems on the generous side, given that it was 200-ish at outset.
*Ultra Magnus is ''who what now??''
*12 deaths, one in terminal condition, Ultra Magnus is... ''what???'' ...5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue alone:
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QB5gDqFau8 Winterlight]'' by [[Wikipedia: Clearlake (band)|Clearlake]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuwAoLpbjaA El Presidente]'' by [[Wikipedia: Drugstore (band)|Drugstore]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysJijpSPOGY Afterglow]'' by Holm

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Skids battles a throng of Legislators, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Gears, Hound and Huffer defending themselves, by [[Sean Chen]] and [[Tom Chu]]. In what's probably a slightly embarassing snafu for Hasbro, Chen has drawn Huffer and Gears based on the [[knockoff|unofficial "third party" toys]] based on the characters, "Rager" and "Cogz".
*'''Cover RI:''' A Legislator looms over the fallen Ambulon and First Aid, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Perez.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE18 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE18 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE18 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Second Exodus|#18]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part 2|#92]]
*''Falling Skies''
*''The X-Files: Season 10'' #1 (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=16950 Preview]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-18-creator-commentary/27617/ Creator Commentary, with James Roberts]

==References==
<references/>

Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus

2013-08-08T23:04:41Z

Dubbilex: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=18
|prev=Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon
|next=Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self
|image=MTMTE18 cvrA.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus"
|caption=Don't let them take Skids, or he might do this to you.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 19]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=June 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Toni Korde]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''While the Legislators lay siege to the ''Lost Light'', Rodimus's team are imprisoned on Luna 1 with a mysterious cell-mate and are confronted by the mastermind behind their plight.'''

==Synopsis==
A seemingly-unending army of [[Legislator]]s has invaded the ''[[Lost Light]]'', teleporting aboard and striking at the [[Autobot]]s all throughout the ship simultaneously. Both [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], battling on separate fronts, recognize the robots from their last encounter with them, and while Swerve is able to use the impressive armament built into his [[Swerve's|bar]] by [[Brainstorm]]—as well as the comical but effective "[[My First Blaster]]" the scientist made specially for him—to dispatch his lone attacker, Skids finds his super-learning abilities pushed to the limit by the much larger force he faces...

Down on the surface of [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], while [[Pharma]] takes the incapacitated [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] prisoner, the rest of [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s team retreat from [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]]'s forces, save for [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]], who disobey orders and counterattack. In fleeing, the others discover the awesome sight of a [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitan]] graveyard, and Rodimus orders them to fly inside the titans' giant bodies in hopes of losing their pursuers. Weaving through a Metrotitan's cavernous interior, Rodimus is able to dispatch the [[Decepticon]]s on his tail... but unfortunately, his comrades are not so lucky and are taken captive by Lockdown's men, forcing Rodimus to surrender.

Rodimus and company are escorted to a prison on the moon's surface, where they discover a silent [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] who pays them no attention, a mysterious ancient [[space bridge]], and meet face-to-face with Lockdown's true master: [[Tyrest (G1)|Chief Justice Tyrest]], primary lawmaker of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], failed arbiter of peace, broker of the [[Tyrest Accord]], and creator of the [[Aequitas]] computer, who vanished from public view years ago. Tyrest charges them all with "crimes against creation" (prompting a tirade of verbal abuse from Rodimus) and confines them to a cell with another Autobot named [[Minimus Ambus|Ambus]]. After Rodimus relates their plight, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] inquires of their cell-mate if he is [[Dominus Ambus|''Dominus'' Ambus]], [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s old partner, but the moustachoied 'bot explains that he is Dominus's [[spark]]-brother ''Minimus'' Ambus, a trader imprisoned for selling enriched [[nucleon]]. Rodimus notes Ambus's lack of an Autobot [[Insignia|badge]], prompting [[Rung]] to offer him his, but Ambus politely refuses. [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], meanwhile, is especially eager to find a way to escape, given his impending death by [[cybercrosis]], and hopes Brainstorm or Chromedome can use their special abilities to bust them loose, but Ambus warns that escape attempts will be seen as admissions of guilt, and Rodimus agrees, noting they need to figure out the bigger picture first.

Back aboard the ''Lost Light'', Skids tears into wave after wave of Legislators, fighting with a righteous fury sparked by the blame he assigns himself: there's no question that the Legislators are here for him, and the rest of the ship's crew, who took him in without question, are suffering as a result. Swerve races to the oil reservoir to aid his friend, arriving just as the doors open and a torrent of fuel spills out... followed presently by a battered, weakened, but victorious Skids. Just as Skids steps through the doors, however, another [[Star Saber (Victory)|large red, white and blue robot]] materializes behind him and stabs him through the torso with a gigantic sword. Swerve opens fire, but fails to land a single shot, and is promptly knocked out by the newcomer.

Elsewhere, Ratchet awakens to see Pharma leering down at him. After showing off his new hands, which can "turn into anything", the deranged doctor gestures to a large yellow box in the middle of the room, and challenges Ratchet to guess what is inside it. Intent on not humoring Pharma, Ratchet claims he does not care and refuses to play the twisted game, so Pharma simply opens it to reveal... Ratchet's body! With great horror, the medic realizes he is nothing but a decapitated head and spark hanging from a med-slab!

Back in the prison, Rung hands out [[Energon goodie|energon sticks]] to calm everyone's nerves, and tells Tailgate—who remembers Tyrest from [[Nova Prime]]'s days—about the history of their jailor. Rodimus takes over to recap Tyrest's role in the Aequitas trials, even as both Rung and Ambus try to quiet him, knowing that the trials are top secret and not to be talked about. Ambus conspicuously tries to change the subject, asking questions about Skids, and Rung offers him an energon stick, only to deliberately drop the box as he hands him one. Ambus becomes angry, quickly picking up the scattered sticks... which serves as the last piece of evidence Rung needs. Ignoring Ambus's plaintive requests to stop, Rung explains that he has observed many familiar characteristics in Ambus: a certain way of speaking, an intolerance for mess, and a fixation on the psychiatrist's Autobot badge, which he deliberately positioned at an angle when he reattached it after Ambus turned it down. Rung gives Ambus the chance to tell the others the truth for himself, and he reluctantly agrees. Minimus Ambus ''is'' his true name, he explains, but the crew of the ''Lost Light'' have always known him as... Ultra Magnus!

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (1)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (3)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (4)
*[[Ambulon]] (5)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (6)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (11)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (12)
*[[Dipstick]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (15)
*[[Pharma]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (20)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (23)
*[[Brainstorm]] (24)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (25)
*[[Rung]] (26)
*[[Minimus Ambus]] (28)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (32)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (35)
*[[Deftwing]] (37)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] (18)
*"[[Vehicon (G1)|Vehicons]]" (19)
*[[Chop Shop]] (29)
*[[Venom (G1)|Venom]] (30)
*[[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] (31)
*[[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] (33)
*"[[Insecticon-like Titan Hunter]]" (34)
*''[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'' (39)
*''[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]]'' (40)
|c4=
*[[Legislator]]s (2)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (21)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (22)
*[[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]] (27)
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (36)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (38)
}}

==Quotes==
"Now, I didn't say it to '''Fort Max'''—and I didn't say it to '''Whirl'''—and I didn't even say it to '''Cyclonus''' when he had his '''Dead Universe flashback'''. But you, my friend—to you I say:" 
''(CH-CHUK)'' 
"'''Get the hell out of my bar.'''" 
''(Swerve blasts the Legislator.)'' 
<big>'''"♪ HOORAY! ♩ YOU SCORED A DIRECT ♫ HIT! ♪"'''</big>
:—'''Swerve'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s badass speech is a little deflated by his '''My First Blaster'''

"The last time I danced this dance some piece of scum had just '''destroyed my memories'''. I woke up with blowtorch in my hand and nothing in my head, and your friends were all over me. So you'll forgive me if I put '''two and two together'''—and make '''fist!'''" 
''(THWOK)'' 
"Okay, that didn't really work, did it, the whole 'two and two' thing. It should be 'four'—you're expecting me to say 'four,' but I said... 'cos it coincided with me '''punching you''', yeah? Forget it."
:—'''Skids'''

"Pharma, we really must sit down some time so I can explain to you why we all hate you. We'll start with your '''personality''' and go from there."
:—Even '''Lockdown''' hates Pharma

"If I still kept a journal of all my moves, '''that''' would be on the front cover." 
"'''Excellent, excellent''' effort. It's just a shame none of your friends are as much of a show-off as you are." 
"Yeah, well, none of my friends have flames on their chest. It's a lot to live up to."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Lockdown'''

"Ah, enriched nucleon...! The magic ingredient! Two drops turns '''hand gun''' into a '''banned gun'''." 
"You should really stop and listen to yourself sometimes."
:—'''Brainstorm''' and '''Perceptor'''

"'''Brainstorm!''' How about cobbling together some kinda superweapon out of—out of the '''ceiling''' or something? You're always telling us what a genius you are..." 
"I don't respond well to pressure." 
"Well, why not open your '''magic briefcase''' and make all the naughty people in the universe disappear?" 
"Don't. Mock. The briefcase."
:—'''Tailgate''' appealing to '''Brainstorm''', to no avail

"What about you, Domey? The Legislators round the corner—could you extend the needles in your fingers far enough to reach their necks and '''brainwash''' them into letting us go?" 
"Short answer: No. Long answer: No, don't be an idiot." 
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Chromedome'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*In addition to being hilarious, Swerve's need for "My First Blaster" reminds us of his poor marksmanship and weapons-handling, established in past instances such as when he accidentally shot Rung in [[Interiors|issue #6]] and blew his own face off in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*Fortress Maximus's oft-mentioned "guns on his legs" finally see some action.
*The Metrotitans were introduced in [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the ''More than Meets the Eye'' 2012 annual]] (in which Rodimus's crew also went on a voyage through the innards of one). That they should turn up in the same place as Lockdown's group is no surprise, since the Decepticon squad were established to be hunters of Titans when they debuted in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''.
[[File:RemainInLight2-ChromedomeAltMode.jpg|thumb|Two motorbikes welded together with a cockpit.]]
*After commenting last issue on the oddness of using M.A.R.B.s to get around when they have perfectly good alt modes, Chromedome joins thought to deed this issue, ditching his M.A.R.B. to transform and roll out when being chased. In doing so, he also gives readers their first ''good'' look at his alt mode, previously only seen in the distance in the MTMTE [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|Annual]].
*Chief Justice Tyrest was introduced by Roberts in ''[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #5]], named after the [[Tyrest Accord]] first established in ''[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]'', though in-story it's the other way around.
*Chromedome takes umbrage at Tailgate calling him "Domey"; that was [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]]'s nickname for him.
*Pharma is revealed to have worked with Ratchet at the [[Deltaran Medical Facility]]; the facility was first mentioned in [[Chaos Theory Part 1|"Chaos Theory," Part 1]], and the fact that Ratchet worked there was revealed in [[Omega's Conundrum|''Spotlight: Orion Pax'']].
*Tailgate gets very sarcastic about Tyrest's aspirations as Rung relates his backstory; he did the same thing about Dominus Ambus when Chromedome told his story in issue #12.
*Tyrest's "judging machine", [[Aequitas]], was the central macguffin of ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*It's fitting that Rung should recognize Ambus as Magnus through observation of traits in his speech; issue #13's "[[Signal to Noise]]" featured an exchange between the two characters in which Rung commented on the observations he'd made on Magnus's way of talking over time.
*Minimus Ambus' eyes is the only Autobot to have red eyes, a trait that is otherwise exclusively reserved for Decepticons. This, in conjunction with his ''literal'' mustache-twirling and his oh-so-convenient reasons for being Autobrand-free, could lead a reader to speculate he's more sinister than he lets on -- a red herring for his ''actual'' secret, as it turns out.

===Transformers references===
*It might be nothing more than coincidence, but with Roberts, we'll hedge our bets—[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] appear in a single-panel scene together in the midst of the Legislators' attack, recalling their brief but memorable bromantic partnership in Marvel UK's "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]".
*In-keeping with the Titan Hunters' established trait of having members based on characters from other continuity families (specifically ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Lugnut (TF 2010)|Lugnut]] and "[[Blitzving]]" in ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]''), their ranks in this issue include warriors based on ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (both car and jet versions) and at least one [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]].
*The Legislators are noted to be "copycats" of the [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids, Autobot battle drones that originated in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK Generation 1 series]], who put in a brief appearance in IDW continuity in a flashback in [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]].

===Real-life references===
[[File:MyFirstBlaster.jpg|thumb|Ribbed for reasons]]
*'My First Blaster' sports a bright orange barrel, a trait required on real-life toy guns [[for safety reasons]], and notorious in Transformers [[fandom]] for plaguing [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron toys]] with gun [[alternate mode]]s.
*Following on from [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]]'s [[Nightmare Fuel]] and [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]]'s [[Mood Whiplash]], this issue gives us another drink that takes its name from a [http://www.tvtropes.com TVTropes] page: the [[Berzerker Button]] (though the trope is just called "[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BerserkButton Berzerk Button]", no "er").
*Tyrest's failed "two-city state solution" is a reference to the fabled "[[Wikipedia:Two-state solution|two state solution]]" in Israel and Palestine's eternally moribund peace process.
*Brainstorm's briefcase has a built-in "[[attention deflector]]" that prevents people from noticing it, a concept reminiscent of both "[[wikipedia:Somebody Else's Problem|Somebody Else's Problem]] fields" from Douglas Adams' [[wikipedia:Life, the Universe and Everything|third ''Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'' book]] and their homage "[[Wikipedia:List_of_Doctor_Who_items#Perception_filter|perception filters]]" from modern ''[[Wikipedia:Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' (of which Roberts is a noted fan).
*Tyrest's base of operations is designed after the Hall of Justice from the 2012 movie, ''[[wiki:Dredd|Dredd]]''. <ref name="milne moonbase">http://traffic.libsyn.com/moonbase2/interview_alex.mp3 Moonbase2 interviews Alex Milne</ref>
*The shot of the crew of the Lost Light dodging the [[Titan Hunters]] in the Metrotitan graveyard is inspired by the aesthetics of seminal sci-fi anime, ''[[wiki:Akira|Akira]]''. <ref name="milne moonbase" />

===Errors===
*Page 14, panel 2: "Identifier" is misspelled "identifer."

===Crew manifest===
*[[Deftwing]]'s corpse appears, having become a victim of the Legislators off-panel.
*Rodimus gives the crew count as "three hundred, give or take", which seems on the generous side, given that it was 200-ish at outset.
*Ultra Magnus is ''who what now??''
*12 deaths, one in terminal condition, Ultra Magnus is... ''what???'' ...5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), one boxed, and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

For this issue alone:
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QB5gDqFau8 Winterlight]'' by [[Wikipedia: Clearlake (band)|Clearlake]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuwAoLpbjaA El Presidente]'' by [[Wikipedia: Drugstore (band)|Drugstore]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysJijpSPOGY Afterglow]'' by Holm

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Skids battles a throng of Legislators, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Gears, Hound and Huffer defending themselves, by [[Sean Chen]] and [[Tom Chu]]. In what's probably a slightly embarassing snafu for Hasbro, Chen has drawn Huffer and Gears based on the [[knockoff|unofficial "third party" toys]] based on the characters, "Rager" and "Cogz".
*'''Cover RI:''' A Legislator looms over the fallen Ambulon and First Aid, by [[Nick Roche]] and Josh Perez.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE18 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE18 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE18 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Second Exodus|#18]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part 2|#92]]
*''Falling Skies''
*''The X-Files: Season 10'' #1 (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=16950 Preview]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-18-creator-commentary/27617/ Creator Commentary, with James Roberts]

==References==
<references/>

Reproduction

2013-08-08T22:27:40Z

Dubbilex: /* IDW Generation 1 continuity */

[[Image:MangaDinoforceBabies.jpg|right|250px|thumb|HOW IS BABBY FORMED?]]
Various reproduction methods for the Transformers species have been demonstrated across various continuities.

==Mechanical construction==
Sometimes, new Transformers are simply built from scratch, and that's all it takes. A suitable Transformer body is constructed, and when finished and turned on, it just springs to life.
===Generation 1===
====Cartoon continuity====
Three notable examples of this type of reproduction appear in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]: when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and company create the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}{{storylink|War of the Dinobots}} when the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s turn an [[Earth]] city into [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}} and when the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] creates the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}}

[[Image:SOSDinobots buildingSludge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]
The Dinobots are initially very simple mentally and are ordered to be deactivated because they are too dangerous. Wheeljack then develops a set of crown-like devices to place on the Dinobots which greatly enhances their intellect, although they are still "dumb" and child-like compared to the other Autobots. The Technobots, on the other hand, are immediately fully functional, and some of them are even ''smarter'' than average Transformers. If one were to take these facts as canonically meaningful (rather than simply the whims of the writers of those episodes), it could be guessed that programming a functional Transformer brain from scratch is extremely difficult, such that even Wheeljack is not up to the job. Temporarily super-genius Grimlock may be the only one capable. However, one must also note that the Dinobots were built and programmed to be as similar to dinosaurs as possible, including the limited intelligence; the Technobots, however, were built by Grimlock with intelligence in mind, as it was the only way to counter [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]' brute power.

At least on the surface, this "built from scratch" approach runs counter to claims in other episodes of the show that [[Vector Sigma]] is needed to create new Transformer life. (See below.) However, since Vector Sigma is presented as being a supercomputer and not a "magical" device like the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comics']] [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]], it could fall in with the speculative statements above regarding Grimlock and Wheeljack. Perhaps Vector Sigma is simply an advanced enough computer that it is capable of constructing a working mind.

====IDW Generation 1 continuity====
[[File:Chromedome_and_Rodimus_with_a_spark.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

Cybertronians are created through at least two methods, they are either "Forged" or "Constructed Cold." Forging was the natural way for Cybertronians to be created. An energy pulse from Vector Sigma would flash actoss the world, igniting a hot spot where new sparks would emerge from the planet. There would be great rejoycing and ceremony and the sparks and base substance would be sought out and harvested from the living metal of Cybertron or its moons. Cold Construction was a method created later when [[Nova Prime]] learned natural spark creation was slowing and might someday end. He created it as a way of bolstering the population. The general population was told that it functioned through splitting a Forged spark to create a new life. This was a lie. In actuality Nova was taping the Matrix in secret to turn out vast numbers of new sparks to fuel his plans for a Galactic Empire. Cold Cast bodies were created quickly and cheaply and were generally mass produced and "inferior."

The initial result of cold construction was apartheid against "knock offs", with some city-states 'proving' that they were substandard. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} Religion was brought into it: the fact that many of the best medics were forged (due to the fluidity and dexterity of their hands) was taken as proof of the god [[Adaptus]]. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} By the time [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] was first arrested, the apartheid was ''officially'' considered a thing of the past, cough cough. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}}

[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] and [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] were constructed cold before the war {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4}} {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} while [[Fulcrum]] was forged after it began, during the Decepticon's height{{storylink|Scavengers (Part_2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD}}. [[Whirl_(G1)|Whirl]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Pharma]] are pre-war forged. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} Overlord is a known "point one percenter" {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}, as are Minimus Ambus, Impactor, and Roller {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}}, while Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Scorponok, and Shockwave are implied to be. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}}

[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]], and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] are created by Decepticon scientists after many failed attempts. The failed attempts lived on and were collectively known as [[Insecticon swarm|"the swarm"]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron}}

==Infusion==
[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Go on, rub it and make a wish...]]
In other stories, once a new Transformer body has been built, it must still be infused with life (what the fiction from the Beast era and after would gloss as a [[spark]]) from a "god-like" outside source. In the Generation 1 cartoon, this source is Vector Sigma; in the Marvel comics, it is the Creation Matrix, which houses the essence of [[Primus]], the Transformers' creator-god. In the [[Beast Era|Beast era]] cartoons, sparks arrive from the [[Allspark]], perhaps through Vector Sigma. (In many continuities, each Transformer's life force is a fragment of Primus's own.) The [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] continuities function with the [[AllSpark]] being the source of infusion as well, though in that case, "living" and "sentient" are not quite the same thing. (See: [[AllSpark Mutation]].)

[[Image:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]
In the [[The Transformers Adventure Game Books|''Transformers'' Adventure Game Book]] "[[Desert of Danger]]", Hot Rod refers to his creation after the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] left Cybertron as when he was "matrixed". How exactly this would have happened if Optimus Prime was aboard the Ark with the Matrix at the time is unknown, but one option might be the [[Matrix Flame]].

The Matrix Flame is an artifact which allows Transformers on Cybertron to access the power of the Matrix even when it is no longer on Cybertron. Literally a flame, it is used to breathe life in the super warrior [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the UK comics. The flame is somehow linked to the Matrix, and when the Matrix is transported to another dimension during "[[Target: 2006]]", the flame goes out, forcing the Autobots on Cybertron to investigate.

The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guide provides yet another method of infusion. According to the guide's entry on [[protoform]]s in issue #8, in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity]], Transformers generally begin life as a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits—a [[Protoform]]. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel. They can be built to certain specifications or be fairly general, allowing the robot to form naturally upon introduction of a spark. Sparks, and hence life, usually come from the Matrix, ''BUT'', if the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive, requiring restrictively high amounts of energon.

[[Image:Allspark movie.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"RESISTANCE IS FERTILE."]]
The Movie continuity's [[AllSpark]] works by infusion as well, just on an even more impressive scale. It is capable of infusing any inanimate machine with life and simultaneously altering its structure so that it is capable of transforming into a Cybertronian-style robot. The AllSpark fragments spread across Detroit in the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity show the same ability to alter non-living machines into new Transformers (as well as unrelated powers like slowing time and remote controlling other Cybertronians.) Although, outside of the toy biographies for certain characters, the AllSpark in the movie merely creates non-sentient, animalistic life-forms out of ordinary machines, rather than fully developed Cybertronians, suggesting some kind of evolutionary development towards sentience.

'''''See also:''' [[Sacred implement]]''
{{-}}

==Resurrection==
[[Image:Pmoptimusprimedeath.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Don't worry kids, he gets better. Again.]]
Though not quite the same as reproduction, a copy of the mind or essence of a previously living Transformer may be introduced into a new body and, through some vague process, return that Transformer to life. This occurs when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] creates the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] in the Generation 1 cartoon, and in the comic when Prime uses copies of the minds of existing Cybertronians to create the second-series Autobot cars on [[Earth]]. Another example from the comic occurs when Optimus Prime himself is returned to life merely by inputting a human's [[floppy disk]] copy of his mind into a new body.

A variation on this theme is [[Unicron]]'s ability to create new Robotic life. In the cartoon continuity, Unicron rebuilds [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], though it is unclear if these are the same being. Less ambiguous is the creation of [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the [[Sweep]]s from the apparently dead remains of [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. In Marvel comic book continuity, Unicron exhibits a similar ability, fashioning three servants named [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] from the remains of non-Cybertronian robots attempting to flee him. Some fans have speculated that the creation of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] by super-genius [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was aided in some fashion by Unicron's presence.

In his ending to the ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals]]'' video game, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] uses "a prototype cloning device, based on transreplication technology" to clone the deactivated Generation 1 Decepticons on the Ark into new protoform bodies, thus reviving them without altering the timeline (and erasing himself) by effectively doubling each robot.

This is included as a means of reproduction because it seems likely from the dialogue that the Autobot cars created via copied minds by Prime on Earth still existed on Cybertron when he left, meaning that if they survived the intermediate 4 million years, two of each of these individuals now exist.

In the [[Unicron Trilogy]] story "[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]", [[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combine energy from their [[Spark frame|spark frames]] in order to create a new body for the mind/soul of [[Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] is destroyed in battle. This leads to an interesting relationship between Twirl and Falcia. (See "Familial relationships", below.)

==Budding==
[[Image:G2issue5-PowerandtheGlory-BuddingSteps.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like ''Aliens versus Predator'' all over again.]]
The [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] introduced the concept of asexual "budding". Bubbles and lesions of apparently liquid metal form on a robot's chest, accompanied by energy discharge. The process grows more intense, until a large mass of liquid metal bursts free from the chest and slowly forms into a [[protoform]]-like blank figure, and then solidifies into a full Transformer. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle.

[[Image:TNA.gif|left|150px|thumb|With the right early screening, even pegwarming might some day be preventable.]]
It was revealed that (in the Marvel continuity at least) early Transformers reproduced this way until they reached the population level Primus desired. At this turning point, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased. When the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronians]] (possibly under influence of the [[Liege Maximo]]) rediscovered and revived the process sometime during the 4 million years after the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s loss, the successive generations of robots produced were increasingly less sentient and emotional (as Primus's lifeforce was apparently spread thinner and thinner between them), and the lifeform called the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] was created as a byproduct.

It is established here that Transformers do have genetic material (the Transformer equivalent of DNA) within their cellular structures. (Yes, they also apparently have cellular structures—who knew?) This genetic material is passed down from "parent" to "child" through budding. Its make-up is seen in the picture at left. (Apparently, its design is not taught in the Transformer equivalent of high school Biology, as Megatron does not recognize what he's looking at until Perceptor explains.) This genetic material and basic Transformer cellular structure is also passed to the Swarm. Later, in [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]], Transformer genetic material is given the designation [[CNA]], and it is what is altered by the malevolent Jhiaxus to create female Transformers.

The other notable fact is that Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring, thus even though they are galaxies apart, the Generation 1 Decepticon [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his descendant [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]] is destroyed, and the Liege Maximo says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.

==Sexual reproduction==
[[Image:Tfreprod marvel28.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Film the birth?" "No, got some great footage of the conception, though!"]]
Despite most continuities having male and female genders (gender being a mental and social classification, as opposed to "sexes", a physical distinction) and a definite, strong history of [[transformer romance]] existing between these genders, there is little canonical evidence for Transformers reproducing sexually. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[Human|humans]] reproducing sexually in most Transformers media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.)

In the Generation 1 cartoon, the male Transformer - [[female Transformer]] romance could perhaps be explained as an artifact of [[Quintesson]] mental programming very closely echoing the organic life forms the Transformers were built to serve.

On only two occasions in Generation 1 do we get a hint of male and female Transformer romance leading to the formation of family units and the creation of offspring. The first is subtle: [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s backstory in some versions mentions his crashing on Quintessa with his parents. The second is more explicit: At the end of the Japanese [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (manga)|''Victory'' manga]], we find out that [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting all this time for the sake of their/the families living on top of the [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]], among which the [[Dinoforce]]'s [[Baby Dinoforce|children]]. Awww.

Apart from this, the best case for sexual reproduction in the species could probably be made from ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', where [[Rattrap]] makes numerous off-color remarks throughout the series, especially directed at [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. These comments strongly hint at something sex-like among Transformers, though it could, of course, be merely recreational rather than reproductive.

It is unknown what effect the ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' [[reformatting]] of Transformers into [[technorganic]] beings, which are equal parts organic life and mechanical structure down to a cellular level, has on their reproductive options. It is conceivable but unexplored whether this new form of Transformer life could reproduce sexually.

During a dream-like vision, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt meet in an ethereal state, and the two appear to "merge" their sparks, which may be as close to sexual intercourse as Transformers get, perhaps a more spiritual act than physical.

[[Image:Sariprime.jpg|right|120px|thumb|At that moment, Optimus realizes that there are some questions best left unanswered.]]
The [[Transformers (film)|2007 motion picture]] once again brings up questions about the possibility of a less-than-mechanical form of reproduction. The first and most obvious of these implications comes from [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet's]] less-than-tactful observation of "the [[Sam Witwicky|boy]] want[ing] to mate with the [[Mikaela Banes|female]]." Although his grasp of the concept could stem merely from a familiarity with organic species in general, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime's]] mention of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] killing their father, in some related material, does suggest Transformers have some understanding of family units. In [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 4| the fourth issue of ''Revenge of the Fallen'']], [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] refers to [[Sam Witwicky|Sam's]] parents as his "protoform batch initiators." Make that of what you will.

In the ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, it seems clear that Transformers do not reproduce sexually. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] appears stunned when [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] tells him where human babies come from, and later brings up the inconsistency when Sari's own origins are revealed.

On the flip-side, in IDW continuity, female Transformers are specifically created by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. By altering fundamental [[CNA]], Jhiaxus introduced gender to the species from a malevolent curiosity about what would happen. The depth of the change in this case is unknown; is it limited to appearance and mentality or does it go deeper? If he was truly trying to see how females would affect the evolution of the species it is possible Arcee was created with the capability for some analog of sexual reproduction in mind, but given his abandonment of the experiment and Arcee's resultant unbalanced mental state it seems unlikely the depth of the change will be explored.

In the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'' episode]] "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]", [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] joked with [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]], asking him if he had heard that humans multiplied. Ratchet was expecting her and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] to bring back two humans. When they brought back three, Arcee had implied that the teenagers had reproduced since then.
{{-}}

==Familial relationships==
[[Image:PrimeDirective4 Cover SunstreakerSideswipe.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Doublemint Twins they're not.]]
One confusing aspect of this apparent lack of sexual reproduction is the canonical use of genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. The most common of these is when two Transformers regard each other as siblings: "brothers" (e.g. Generation 1's [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] or ''Robots in Disguise'''s [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]) or "sisters" ([[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]).

Again, the Dreamwave ''More than Meets the Eye'' guide provides a partial possible answer. According to the guide, when a spark naturally splits as it's being introduced to a protoform, it creates two robots who are "brothers", such as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. When such a spark division is artificially induced, the pair created are referred to as "[[Cloning|clones]]". (This definition of "brother" may or may not apply to RID Prime and Magnus, whose brotherhood was said to result from the special circumstance of having been created simultaneously by Alpha Trion).

However, the "[[Beast Era]]" widened the issue of reproduction with Rattrap referring to his "great-aunt" [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and in general the practice of Maximals and Predacons referring to the Autobots and Decepticons as their respective "ancestors", as well as themselves as being their "descendants", implying a direct genetic (for want of a better term) lineage. Various sources of debatable canonicity suggest that [[Optimus Primal]] is specifically descended from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], usually through the phrase "[his] ancestor Optimus Prime".

In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. One possible explanation might be a situation such as when [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] is brought to life in ''Beast Wars''. Her [[spark]] and [[protoform]] are heavily damaged, and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] allows some of his parts to be used as replacements while [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] guides the procedure. To compare to humans, this is something like assisting with childbirth and donating blood or organs. It is unlikely that this happened enough to cause "descendants" as they are described, however. The term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.

[[Image:Linkage7_Twirl-Baby.jpg|250px|right|thumb|So, think Social Services handle cases like these often?]]
Other family designations exist as well. [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] has "parents" that were lost in his crash on [[Quintessa]], according to some background material. The aforementioned Mini-Con Twirl very specifically calls Falcia her "mother" (which Falcia ''hates'') and seems to treat Redline like a father, since the two's spark frame energies went into constructing her physical form. In the ''Armada'' cartoon, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] refers to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] as his brother after Hot Shot saves his life, suggesting at least an understanding of the concept; on the other hand, the ''Armada'' cartoon is originally Japanese, and in Japan, "brother" and "sister" can be used as terms of affection or respect to an unrelated person. The [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe has also used the term "cousin" for certain Transformers on occasion. The Japanese Generation 1 ''Victory'' manga features Decepticon wives and children. Even the live-action movie features an Optimus and Megatron who are brothers, and it is mentioned in the related Nintendo DS game that Megatron "took the spark" of their father.

'''''See also:''' [[Relatives]]''
{{-}}

==Toys==
[[Image:Classics cosmos concept.gif|right|250px|thumb|Echography of a sadly aborted Transformer.... Yes, those things happen.]]
In the real-life continuity, when two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!
{{-}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]

Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self

2013-08-05T09:14:51Z

Dubbilex:

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=19
|prev=Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus
|next=Remain in Light 4 of 5
|image=MTMTE19 cvrRI.jpg
|title="Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 31]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=July 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editorial assistant=[[Kevin Smead]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}

'''Answers come thick and fast as the history of Ultra Magnus is revealed, Tyrest's plan is laid bare, Ratchet gets in over his head, and Cyclonus and Whirl get ready to stage a daring rescue.'''

==Synopsis==

''Carried to [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] by his stolen shuttle, the comatose [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s body is recovered by [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] and brought to [[Pharma]], who is able to save his shrinking spark. Awakening, Magnus is immediately punched in the face by Tyrest; the Chief Justice is angry over Magnus's slide from fearsome lawman to public joke, which he considers the product of a nervous breakdown caused by Magnus applying the weight of the rules of war to those of everyday life in order to cope with the onset of peacetime. Tyrest deactivates Magnus's armor, which falls away from his body and reveals his true form, Minimus Ambus, within. When Ambus mistakes the [[Legislator]]s for his replacement, Tyrest corrects him by introducing his new enforcer: [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]].''

Ambus explains the history of the Ultra Magnus identity to a confused [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]], which originated with a no-nonsense law enforcer whose reputation inspired Tyrest to keep his legend alive after his passing with a suit of armor cast in his likeness. Tyrest selected multiple 'bots to wear the armor, take the name, and serve as his enforcer, each one's body returned to Tyrest after they died by a recall trigger in the armor so the identity could be passed on to the next. Ambus was particularly suited to the job, as he is a kind of [[Point One Percenter]] known as a "loadbearer", possessing a [[spark]] with a particularly strong animating force that allows his body to integrate the Magnus armor where a normal 'bot could not. This talk of the strength of Ambus's spark prompts [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] to ask how he can still be alive, given his fatal condition when last they saw him, and seems to find hope for his own worsening [[Cybercrosis]] in Ambus's explanation of Tyrest's miracle-working doctor. At Rodimus's further inquiry, Ambus continues to explain that the ''Lost Light''ers are to be put to death for "harboring a criminal suspect", and that he had himself placed in the cell so he could record their conversation and prove to Tyrest that they were ignorant of the criminal: [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. Having been unaware of Tyrest's alliance with [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] or the presence of the [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitans]], and baffled by their supposed crimes against creation, Ambus lets himself out to investigate. A moment after he leaves, the unconscious [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] appear in the cell in a flash of light.

Meanwhile, just outside the prison—revealed to be suspended over a giant [[smelting pool]]—[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] concoct a strategy to rescue their teammates. Though Cyclonus is reluctant to bring their time on Luna 1 to an end yet, he nevertheless follows Whirl to a nearby armory, where the cyclopean Autobot rambles about his worldview and coping strategies while struggling with some door handles. Cyclonus opens the door for him, but as he steps back, a Legislator suddenly impales him from behind. Whirl springs into action, chopping the Legislator to bits with one of the many swords in the armory, blaming his own reflexes for saving Cyclonus's life. The pair investigate further, and soon discover the swords' captive owners, the [[Circle of Light]]. The Circle are quickly freed, and they all tool up for an attack on the wall of Legislators guarding the prison.

In Tyrest's medibay, the unhinged [[Pharma]] espouses the virtues of facility's bleeding-edge tech, with which he professes he can perform supposedly impossible medical procedures. Observing that Pharma has not taken back his original hands, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] tries taunting him, accusing him of not being ''able'' to remove them from his body. Ratchet proposes a contest: the pair will work on two patients with the same injury, and the first to complete the surgery wins the hands. Pharma agrees and reattaches Ratchet's head and spark to his body, but Ratchet awakens to see with horror that his deranged counterpart has selected [[Ambulon]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to be their patients. Pharma ignores his attempts to beg off the contest, and announces he will be cutting them in half. Ratchet assures them that bisection from the waist is an easy fix... until Pharma buries his chainsaw in Ambulon ''lengthways'', splitting him from head to crotch!

Back in the prison, Swerve has come around and explained to Rodimus and the others about the capture of the ''Lost Light'', and that he and Skids were taken by Star Saber, who they know as a holy warrior from Cybertron's past who tried to orchestrate the genocide of unbelievers. Theorizing on Skids's possible crime, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] recalls his "invisible gun", believing he must have stolen it. Jut as Skids starts to awaken, Star Saber himself arrives outside their cell with another prisoner in tow, and Chromedome realizes something: when he read Skids's memories months ago and detected only a "need to escape", he had actually been sensing a ''name''. The name of Skids's old partner, who stands before them in chains now: [[Getaway]]!

Elsewhere, Ambus confronts Tyrest and demands answers, which Tyrest flatly supplies. He was one of those appointed by [[Nova Prime]] to develop the means by which Transformers were "constructed cold", in response to Nova's (correct) fear that the pulsewaves that generated new "forged" sparks would eventually stop. But contrary to what the public believes, constructed Transformers were ''not'' brought to life using the energy of other sparks: their sparks were, in fact, generated from the [[Matrix of Leadership]] by Tyrest and his team's manipulations of the talisman, before a team member had an attack of conscience and hid it away. Years later, during the [[Aequitas]] trials, Tyrest realized that every single Autobot prosecuted had been constructed cold, and came to believe that he had perverted the forces of creation and was responsible for spawning a tainted, evil subspecies. Wracked with guilt, he began drilling holes in his armor in a form of self-flagellation, eventually drilling one into his own brain that caused an "epiphany". Tyrest believed he had found the location of the [[Knights of Cybertron]] and their [[Cyberutopia]], and now plans to use his [[space bridge]] to join them there after atoning for his sins: destroying every Matrixed spark through the activation of a universal killswitch. Ambus refuses to allow Tyrest to complete his plan, so Tyrest implements the newest amendment to his self-titled accord—pre-emptive execution—and has a Legislator crush Ambus's head to powder.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashback.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus/Minimus Ambus]] (2)
*[[Pharma]] (3)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] (4)
*[[Rung]] (7)
*[[Brainstorm]] (8)
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]]'' (9)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (10)
*''[[Delta Magnus]]'' (11)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (12)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (14)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
*[[Ambulon]] (18)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (21)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (22)
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (23)
*[[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] (24)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (25)
*[[Getaway]] (26)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]] (1)
*[[Legislator]]s (5)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (6)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] (13)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] (20)
*''[[Nova Prime]]'' (27)
*''Matrix thief'' (28)
}}

==Quotes==

"How many Decepticons did you kill back there? Y'know, overall." 
"I wasn't keeping count. 
... 
Six. You?" 
"Dunno. More than six."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus'''

"This medibay, Ratchet—it's an '''embarrassment of riches.''' Every piece of ''avant garde'' Cybertronian technology that Magnus has ever repossessed... it's all here. Stuff I've never even '''seen''' before." 
"You always did like your instruments." 
"Ah, but it's not just the instruments—it's the way they're played. A skilled musician can make sounds no one's ever '''heard''' before."
:—'''Pharma''' shows off to '''Ratchet'''

"You think—wait. You think I wired '''your''' hands—the ones I attached to '''my''' body—you think I '''wired them to explode?'''" 
"I... think it's a possibility, yes." 
"Or maybe... maybe you're scared of '''failure.''' Maybe you're afraid you won't be able to pick the lock or loosen the wiring, so you want '''help.''' I get it, Pharma. It took me a while, but—it makes sense now. '''I'm better than you.'''" 
"A better doctor? '''Please.''' I overtook you years ago. I don't need my hands back to slap you down."
:—'''Ratchet''' goads '''Pharma'''

"I don't understand why you don't get yourself '''fixed.''' If not the face, then the claws." 
"You wanna know a '''secret''', hornhead? Life's messed up. '''I'm''' messed up. I've done bad things and I '''continue''' to do bad things, because the voice telling me '''not to'''...? He's not said much for a while. And y'know what keeps me going? <big>'''ANGER.'''</big> Anger's an '''insulator'''. Stops life getting '''too close'''. If I got myself "fixed," maybe the anger would leave me—and then I really '''would''' be screwed."
:—'''Cyclonus''' gets the inside scoop on '''Whirl'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s worldview

"So here's the plan: I'll watch your back and you watch mine. And if we make it out of this alive, then all scores are '''settled,''' okay? No more trying to kill me. What do you say?" 
"I say focus on the fight."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus''' prepare for battle

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===

*The screen in Tyrest's "Repository" reads "Tyrest Accord Section 19 (80) 4: Thought Warfare". This clause was mentioned back in [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]], at which time it was obvious Tailgate had drawn the connection with the chants of "1984" uttered by the Legislators as they hunted Skids in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]]. It's obvious at this point that this is the crime Skids is guilty of.
*[[Delta Magnus]] is shown as a former comrade of the original Ultra Magnus; he was previously mentioned in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]]. He's only called "Delta" here, but his similarity to Ultra Magnus (see Transformers references, below) makes his identity evident, and indicates that they are both related and members of the "House of Magnus" Tyrest mentions in this issue.
*Minimus Ambus's description of how people perceived the original Ultra Magnus ("People loved and feared him in equal measure.") strongly resembles Whirl's own feelings about him, as expressed in [[Spotlight: Trailcutter]].
*The series of flashbacks shown in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]] are revealed not to be the past experiences of Minimus Ambus, but the deaths of the multiple previous holders of the Ultra Magnus name. In addition to the three scenes from that issue ([[Clemency]], [[Simanzi]] and the [[Battle for Hell's Point]]), another Magnus's death is mentioned in connection with something called "the [[Fast-Folding Sun]]". It is now clear that Magnus displaying traits he was actively known for not possessing in these scenes was not intended to chart the evolution of his personality, but were actually hints that the 'bots within the armor were not the same as the present-day Magnus. Only two of them are named: [[Suture]] and [[Datum]], the latter being the Magnus who fell from ''[[Hell's Point]]''.
*Futhermore, Ultra Magnus was mentioned to have miraculously recovered from a [[zero point]] in the prose story, uh, [[Zero Point]]. We can now surmise the truth behind that.
*It is revealed that the Magnus armor has a trigger that returns it to Tyrest upon the wearer's death; the comatose Magnus clenching his fist in the final moments of issue #16 is now revealed to be the activation of that trigger, rather than an expression of rage at the announcement of Drift's betrayal, as the visual juxtaposition of the scene intimated at the time. Similarly, the slow clenching of Magnus's fist across the flashback sequence in #16 was not a metaphorical representation of his fading life, but each of the past Magnuses (Magni?) tripping the trigger themselves.
*The Ultra Magnus armor is revealed to contain [[attention deflector]]s to prevent anyone from discovering the 'bot inside; these devices were just introduced last issue.
*Tailgate is able to recall that "harboring a criminal suspect" violates section 17 (21) of the Tyrest Accord, thanks to the education Magnus gave him in the code starting back in issue #5. This was the number the Legislators were chanting as they attacked the ''Lost Light'' across the last two issues.
*When Rodimus is speculating on the identity of the criminal aboard the ''Lost Light'', he lists off known unstable crew members Whirl and [[Atomizer]]. Two new names are revealed: [[Lancet]] and [[Ammo]]; given that his name starts with A, Ammo is more than likely one of the undesirables listed off by Magnus way back in [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]].
*Though the cast themselves never seemed to quite become aware of it, a flash of images revealed to the audience that the Circle of Light had been captured by the Legislators in [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|the 2012 ''More than Meets the Eye'' annual]].
*Skids's mysterious "invisible gun" hasn't been mentioned in a good long time; here, Chromedome recounts its debut from issue #2.
*Chromedome read Skids's memories back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]].
*Getaway's only appearances in IDW continuity before now was a brief crowd-filling cameo in ''[[Spotlight: Blaster]]''.
*The mysterious history of the Matrix of Leadership is finally explained in full, after [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]] revealed that it was replaced at some point with a fake. Here we learn that Nova Prime did indeed hold the real thing, after some doubt had been cast on that matter. The identity of the robot who steals the Matrix is unknown, but it is noted that he hid the talisman in the [[Undergrid]], where it would then be found by Orion Pax in [[Transformation (issue)|''Autocracy'' #9]].
*Tyrest lists off some of Ultra Magnus's experiences that led to the enforcer no longer being respected, including [[Nanocon|Nanocons]], which forced him to smile in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|annual]], Hedonia, which he got drunk on in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]], doorframe audits, which were mentioned by Rung in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]], and his constant obsession with badges. ''Hugging'', however, has yet to be seen.
* On the Letters Page Roberts establishes that the G1 version of [[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] is a crew member of the Lost Light.
* In [[Stick Together|#issue 3]] of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'', Wheeljack noted that the now-reborn Cybertron was emitting energy pulses from Vector Sigma which he believed were meant to re-ignite the moons. It is possible that these were the life-giving pulsewaves described here.

===Transformers references===

*Delta Magnus is visually based on the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Powered Convoy" toy, the figure which would be recolored to become the original Generation 1 Ultra Magnus toy.
*Tyrest's fears that Matrixed sparks are predisposed to sin is reminiscent of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Marvel G2]] comics, who actually ''were'' amoral and ruthless because the method of their creation had led to the dilution of Primus' essence within them.
*The Legislators being mindless drones created from the recycled bodies of their victims is reminiscent of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron's]] [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon forces]] being created in a similar manner.

===Real-life references===

*This issue's subtitle is taken from [[Wikipedia:R. D. Laing|R. D. Laing]]'s ''The Divided Self'', a seminal work on understanding madness. On the surface, the title's usage can obviously simply refer to the dual identity of Minimus Ambus/Ultra Magnus, but on a deeper level, aspects of the work's examination of insanity (broadly, the manifestation of an alternate self to cope with doubt in the place one's real self has in the world) are also incorporated into the story. Plus, in a more literal sense, Ratchet's condition and the fate of poor Ambulon.
*Pharma's claim of being "a doctor, not a bomb-disposal expert" is reminiscent of Dr. McCoy of ''[[Star Trek]]'' fame.
*The decision to present the normally squeaky-clean hero of heroes, Star Saber, as a hideous fascist is pretty clearly drawn from Roberts's days as part of the Transmasters UK fanfic group, which depicted the character in this way.

===Errors===

*Pages 4-5, panel 8: "Soldier" is misspelled "solider."
*Page 18, panel 4: Tyrest says, "Only us higher beings are troubled..." which technically should be "Only we higher beings..." While plenty of people disregard this rule in casual conversation, the high-falutin' Chief Justice really doesn't seem the type.

===Crew manifest===
*Contrary to Rodimus's claim of 300 "give or take" last issue, on the letter's page James Roberts says the crew has about 230, including Delphi's Faders.
*Minimus Ambus and Ambulon both suffer arguably fatal injuries, but are not yet confirmed deceased. (You're not fooling us again, [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism#Crew Manifest|Red Alert]]!)
*12 deaths, two crew members in terminal condition, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), and one banishment since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
For all of "Remain in Light":
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjmGZfHHC80 A Dazzling End]'' from the ''[[Doctor|Doctor Who]]'' Series 4 soundtrack, by [[wikipedia:Murray Gold|Murray Gold]]
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPJAX7Cu-4k The Universal]'' by [[Wikipedia:Blur (band)|Blur]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Star Saber, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Cover B:''' Cyclonus and Whirl, ready for action with some scavenged swords, by [[Sean Chen]] and [[Tom Chu]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Ultra Magnus's empty helmet, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]

<gallery>
File:MTMTE19 cvrA.jpg|
File:MTMTE19 cvrB.jpg|
File:MTMTE19 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Homecoming (IDW)|#19]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part 3|#93]]
*''KISS Kids''
*''[[My Little Pony]]: The Magic Begins'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/transformers-more-than-meets-the/20857/news.html Preview]