maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}
[[{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
#| }}{{#if: |issues:}}{{#ifeq: | Category
[[Category:IDW {{#switch:{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}}}
{{#switch:prime
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:primeadaptation
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:ragedinobots
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
ragedinobots}}=Prime
{{#switch:rid2015
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
rid2015}}=Robots in Disguise (2015)
{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=War for Cybertron
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Fall of Cybertron
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)|primeadaptation|prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Prime
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Prime – Rage of the Dinobots
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|maximum dinobots=Maximum Dinobots
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|all hail megatron=All Hail Megatron
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)|the transformers (idw)=IDW The Transformers
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|last stand of the wreckers=Last Stand of the Wreckers
transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|drifteos|drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: origins and empires|transformers drift: origins & empires|origins and empires|origins & empires=Drift
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|heart of darkness=Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye=IDW More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise|ongoing2|exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=IDW Robots in Disguise (2012)
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron
the transformers: windblade|windblade2|windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=Windblade
transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe
sotw|wreckers2|sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=Sins of the Wreckers
lost light|transformers lost light|the transformers lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=Lost Light
till all are one|Till All Are One|transformers till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=Till All Are One
revolution=Revolution
revolutionaries=Revolutionaries
action man=Action Man
gijoe5|g.i. joe vol 5|g.i. joe vol. 5|g.i. joe volume 5|g.i. joe (vol. 5)|g.i. joe (volume 5)=G.I. Joe vol. 5
g.i. joe idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
first strike=First Strike
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
rom=ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs. transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Requiem of the Wreckers
Bob Harvey (interior pencils and cover painting)}}
Illustrated by
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Illustration by
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Illustrations by
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Finished pencils
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Finishes by
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Inker
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Guest inker
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Inkers
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Inks
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Inks by
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Ink finishes
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Ink assist by
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Additional inks
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Inking
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Backgrounds
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Backgrounds by
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Colorist
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Colorists
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Colourist
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Colourists
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Color
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Colors
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Color art
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Colored by
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Color by
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Colors by
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Color art by
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Colors assist by
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Color assists
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Color assistance by
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Additional colors
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Additional colors by
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Color assist by
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Colour/Computer FX
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Computer coloring/effects
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Color Reconstruction
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Flats
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Flats by
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MTMTE Profiles
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Letterer
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Letterers
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Lettering
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Letters
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Letters by
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Lettered by
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Lettering|Production
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Editors
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Editing
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Edits by
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Compiled and Edited by
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Original series editor
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Original Edits by
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Editorial Assistance provided by
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Story consultant
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Design by
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Designed by
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Collection Edits by
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Graphic design by
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Collection Design by
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/ Layout}}
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Contributing editors
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Managing editor
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Editor-in-chief|Editor in chief}}
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Dinosaur consultant
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Cover
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ist}}{{#if: | by}}
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and Elements }}by
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Inside cover
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Apologies to
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Continuity
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Chronology
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ISBN
ISBN 0 552 525014}}
TPB ISBN
ISBN }}
UPC
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Page count
72pp}}
Price
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Packaged with
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Printed in
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Animation
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{{#switch:{{#sub:xx|2|14}}|dark cybertron=}}
Lord Zarak plans to steal from a oil rig to fuel the Decepticons' plans of conquest. You must team up with the Autobot Highbrow to save your home planet of Nebulos!
You are a young Nebulan. You work as a technician on an oil rig which is built on the edge of the great swamp that covers much of the southern continent of Nebulos. An important job, as this rig taps into the oil deposits that supply most of the planet’s fuel needs. One evening, at the end of the week, when the rest of your coworkers have already left for the Nebulan "weekend," you notice a flashing light in the radio room. Someone is attempting to initiate contact with the oil rig.
Once you answer the call, the symbol of the heroic Autobots appears on the viewscreen. You hear a voice that identifies itself as Highbrow, and requests immediate assistance. The Autobot has crash-landed in the swamp, and is rapidly sinking in quicksand. You jot down Highbrow’s coordinates. Though he is only a few kilometres away, the situation seems very urgent.
Head out right away to come to Highbrow’s aid?page 15
Attempt to find other people to go with you first?page 23
You grab a hover-scull from storage, to easily skim over the swamp’s rough terrain. It is nearly sunset when you locate the sinking Autobot, and you find him submerged almost all the way to his head in the quicksand. If you do not act quickly, he will sink forever.
Hover over Highbrow and try to pull him out of the quicksand?page 36
Fetch the end of some creepers for him to grab onto?page 42
Try pushing a log out to him so he can haul himself free?page 49
You hover over Highbrow and attempt to pull him out of the quicksand.
Using a rope to secure Highbrow’s head to the scull, and set your vehicle’s jets to full throttle. But the scull’s jets are not powerful enough to haul Highbrow out of the quicksand, and he continues to sink. The mud is up to his mouth now.
Fetch the end of some creepers for Highbrow to grab onto?page 42
Push a log out to Highbrow so he can haul himself free?page 56
You fetch some creepers for Highbrow to grab onto.
These plants are nearly as strong as steel cables. You choose two of which look particularly thick, and pull them over towards the sinking Autobot. He struggles to grasp the creepers, but once he has them firmly in his hands, he is able to haul himself out of the mud pit, and assume his helicopter mode. page 64
Highbrow notices that the wind generated by his twin rotors is too powerful for you to stand, and so finds a patch of firm ground to land onto and resume his robot mode. Highbrow apologizes, and notices that your hover-scull was damaged by his rotor-draft. You assure him that you can fix the device later, and that you are simply glad that he is no longer in danger. Highbrow sincerely thanks you for rescuing him, and asks if you are willing to lend him a helping hand once more.
You ask the Autobot to fill you in on what is going on, and how you can help. In response, Highbrow opens a storage compartment built into his leg. He tells you that any one of these items can help you function as a very effective assistant. But he warns you that the items are bulky, and you shouldn’t attempt to carry more than one. Additionally, if you do choose to carry one of these items, they risk impeding your ability to quickly progress through the swamp. Which (if any) of the items will you take?
The device is nearly as big as you are. Highbrow explains that it is atomically powered in order for it to penetrate the foil leaves of the jungle. The radio needs to be so large in order to safely shield its user from its power source. You strap the radio onto your back, and Highbrow tells you that you may use it to signal him at any time. page 70
Highbrow explains that he has been sent to investigate and halt nearby Decepticon activity before any innocent civilians are put in harm’s way. His fellow Autobot Brainstorm was to accompany him, but Brainstorm overheated his power-lines and had to stop at a nearby city for repairs. Grot[sic], Highbrow’s Nebulan companion, stayed behind to help Brainstorm. Arcana, the Autobot-Nebulan alliance’s biomechanics engineer, was able to build Highbrow a spare head for him to use while his Headmaster partner is away. Although you are a little confused by the enormous influx of new information that Highbrow is delivering, you understand the general idea of the situation at hand. You are to be Higbrow’s temporary Nebulan partner; you won’t transform to become his head, but can help Highbrow on other important tasks he wouldn’t be able to accomplish on his own.
Suggest that Highbrow take to the air while you reconnoitre on foot?page 2
Highbrow takes to the air while you explore the swamp on foot.
Because, like most Nebulan life-forms, the jungle’s foliage has a silicate metabolism, Highbrow’s sensors cannot penetrate it. You will explore the swamp on foot, and call to Highbrow for help if ever you need it. As Highbrow soars higher in his helicopter mode, he warns you not to try and take on the Decepticons on your own. page 24
You move quickly through the jungle while Highbrow tracks your movements as best he can from the air. About an hour into your search, you see a light approaching you, accompanied by the sound of a small motor. You deduce that there is a hovercraft coming towards you.
Do you have the radio, and wish to use it to call Highbrow?page 31
Do you have the laser cannon, and want to get ready to fire it at whoever is approaching?page 44
Do you not have, or don’t want to use, either of these items?page 38
You tell your Autobot companion about the hovercraft as quietly as possible, and he soon answers that he can see the incoming vehicle from his viewpoint. Highbrow tells you he has cut his rotors, and is now gliding down in order to take the hovercraft’s driver by surprise. Two Nebulans then enter the clearing before you; a tall lordly figure and his thuggish henchman. The lord draws a plasma gun and points it towards you. You realize that you do not have the time to turn and run before he pulls the trigger. page 54
Suddenly, the two Nebulans are knocked unconscious after being hit by a painful shower of luminous raindrops. Highbrow, having changed to robot mode in mid-air, lands next to you, and tells you that the projectiles that hit your aggressors were courtesy of his corrosive rainmaker rifles. page 47
Looking over the unconscious Nebulans, Highbrow identifies them as the evil Lord Zarak and Krunk. He notes that Krunk is especially nasty, having been binary-bonded to the Decepticon Snapdragon. And Zarak’s presence indicates that whatever the Decepticons are up to, it must be something important. You ask Highbrow what you should do with your prisonners? page 62
Highbrow tells you his plan while he repairs the evil Nebulan’s hovercraft. While up in the air, he spotted a city. He has concluded that it is a Decepticon base, and where Zarak and Krunk were headed towards it. Highbrow ties and gags Zarak and Krunk, props them up on the once-more functional hovercraft, and guides it forwards towards the city as a makeshift decoy. Zarak wakes up on route, but can only grunt indignantly. Less than a quarter of an hour later, you have reached the city. page 68
The city is a sprawling complex of purple and green metal. The Nebulan Grax waits at the base of a ramp leading into the city. Highbrow tells you that he is a unscrupulous industrialist who sees the Autobots as a threat to free enterprise. Seeing the incoming hovercraft’s light piercing the night, Grax greets his master, Lord Zarak. Two Decepticons emerge from the city; Skullcruncher and Snapdragon. Highbrow tells you that though the two robots will be more difficult to deal with, taking care of Grax will be an easy job. He uses a nearby log to jam the hovercraft’s accelerator full on. Not expecting this turn of events, Grax is knocked into the city’s metal wall by the hovercraft. page 5
Recognizing the incoming Highbrow, Skullcruncher and Snapdragon spring into action. Snapdragon unleashes a blast of his gyro-gun onto Highbrow before the Autobot can use his own weapons, causing Highbrow to collapse dizzily to the ground. Meanwhile, the Nebulans have recovered. Krunk and Grax join their respective Decepticon companions, and Zarak rushes into the city, calling for Scorponok to awaken and destroy his enemies. The entire city then rises up and transforms into a gigantic robot scorpion. With Highbrow not yet recovered from the Decepticon’s attack, it’s up to you to make the next move.
Only for the blast to ineffectually glance off his metal armour. You do not get the chance for a second shot as Scorponok’s pincer closes in around you...
Just as he is readying another blast from his gyro-gun. In a stroke of luck, Snapdragon is thrown off-balance by the shot and blasts Scorponok with his gyro-gun’s disorienting ray. Scorponok loses his balance and topples onto Skullcruncher, pinning him to the ground. Highbrow recovers, and while Snapdragon is still struggling from being hit, lays a mighty punch onto the Decepticon. You cheer as Snapdragon collapses into the mud. page 72
Once his fellow Autobots arrive to help him with the battle’s aftermath, Highbrow returns you to the oil rig. You ask Highbrow what will happen to the Decepticon captive, only to be informed that they will be exchanged for Autobot prisoners of war. Highbrow tells you that today’s victory was quite minor, but you tell him that it counted for a lot more than Highbrow gives it credit. The Decepticons have been stopped from gaining access to the local oil wells, and possibly killing all those who work at the rig. This cheers Highbrow up, who in turn tells you that victory wouldn’t have been possible without your help.
Aiming at Snapdragon, you pull the weapon’s trigger. Snapdragon is flung against Scorponok with tremendous force. While you hold your magnetic ray in Scorponok and Snapdragon’s direction, Highbrow rushes forwards to deal with Skullcruncher. Highbrow jams one of his rainmaker rifles into Skullcruncher’s alligator maw, causing its ammo pod to burst. A torrent of corrosive acid streams down Skullcruncher’s throat, prompting him to revert to robot mode. Highbrow then holds Skullcruncher at gunpoint with his second rifle, and forces the Decepticon to surrender. page 72
You find yourself without a weapon with which you can help Highbrow.
The ground quakes as Scorponok edges closer. You run to Highbrow’s side, but are too small and weak to help him get up. You look up to see Lord Zarak at Scorponok’s controls. He makes one of Scorponok’s pinchers reach towards you. You cannot get out of the way without leaving Highbrow behind. The pincher begins to close around you. This is...
You get ready to fire the laser cannon towards whoever is approaching.
When the hovercraft comes into view, you see that a tall Nebulan nobleman and his guard are sitting within. They address one another as "Lord Zarak" and "Krunk," respectively. When he sees you, armed with the laser cannon, Zarak orders Krunk to accelerate forwards. He means to run you down before you can use the laser! page 32
You have difficulty pointing the heavy laser cannon towards the incoming hovercraft as it speeds towards you. Then, a flash of sapphire-blue laser light shoots out of your weapon, melting the front portion of the hovercraft. The hovercraft’s motor cuts, the vehicle spins out of control, and hits a tree-trunk, sending its occupants flying out. page 47
Since you do not know who is in the incoming vehicle, you decide to stay out of sight.
Running on, you find a crumbling stone doorway half-sunk in the swamp. It is one of Nebulos’s ancient ruins. You look over your shoulder and see that the hovercraft is still headed in your direction. You could hide in the ruins, but the darkness beyond the doorway has an ominous feel to it…
The inside of the ancient structure has a gloomy ambience to it, which sets your nerves on edge. The hovercraft speeds past the ruins’ entrance. You catch a brief glimpse of its occupants; a nobleman and his bodyguard. Once the noise of the hovercraft’s engine fades away, you notice another sound; a ghostly wailing echoing out from somewhere within the ruins.
Driven on by curiosity, you step deeper into the ancient tunnel before you. After what seems like an eternity, you emerge from the tunnel into a large underground chamber. A grey-blue light shines through cracks in the walls before you, and the moaning sound has become louder.
Return to the entrance and continue exploring the swamp?page 3
If you have the radio, do you call Highbrow?page 11
You head out of the ruins and continue to explore the swamp.
Trudging through the marshy terrain, you eventually begin to see lights shining through the trees. You signal up to Highbrow and move to investigate. In a clearing before you is a city of purple and green metal. No-one seems to be around.
You watch the city from the cover of a fern thicket.
Minutes later, you see two robots lumber into the clearing. Each of the robots is accompanied by a Nebulan, with a third Nebulan leading the group. Highbrow informs you of their identity; the leader is Lord Zarak, the robots are Decepticons called Snapdragon and Skullcruncher. Snapdragon is accompanied by Krunk, and Skullcruncher is accompanied by the industrialist, Grax. If Grax is involved, Hightower continues, it must signify that they are after the nearby oil. Highbrow then comes to a snap decision, and rushes out into the clearing. page 5
You step into a control room, and begin to look for clues to the Decepticons’ plan. When you accidentally brush against a bank of switches, an overhead screen lights up. On it are the words "Transform Sequence - Manual Override." Under the screen, you notice a red button with a safety over-lock.
The onscreen message begins to flash as a siren begins to wail. You decide to run towards the exit as the city begins to quake, only for a steel door to close before you. It turns out that the city itself is the giant Decepticon Scorponok, and the button you just pressed has initiated his transformation to robot mode. You are now trapped, and about to be crushed between shifting joints and gears as Scorponok assumes his robot form.
You use the radio transmitter to contact Highbrow.
You ask your Autobot friend whether or not you should initiate the transformation sequence. Highbrow warns you against doing so, explaining you are within the giant Decepticon Scorponok. He tells you to get out before his voice trails off to static. Having heard enough to know it is unwise to stay put, you head back for the city’s main ramp. page 6
You find Highbrow waiting for you outside the city. He tells you that you need not search for the Decepticons any further, as they will soon come to this location. The both of you hide in nearby bushes. page 48
You place the circuit jammer under a control panel.
You suspect that this "city" is in fact the giant Decepticon Scorponok. If that is the case, the jammer will prevent him from taking part in any battle you and Highbrow might have to fight. You head out of the city to meet up with Highbrow, only to find him surrounded by Snapdragon, Skullcruncher, and their Nebulan companions. Do you have the magnetic pistol from the ancient ruins?
Snapdragon takes to the air, and Skullcruncher begins to taunt Highbrow. He notes that if Highbrow takes flight, Snapdragon’s gyro-guns will send him tumbling down, and if he stays ground-bound, he will fall victim to Skullcruncher’s own metal-softening rays.
He complies, and sprays Snapdragon with acid. The Decepticon screeches down and crashes into the undergrowth. Highbrow then turns to strike Skullcruncher next, but the crocodilian Decepticon bathes the Autobot in his metal-softening rays. Skullcruncher then begins to encroach towards Highbrow, telling him he will make a nice chewy meal. You don’t get a chance to help Highbrow, as Snapdragon is behind you, having returned to his robot form after crash-landing. He is scarred by his acid bath, and covered in mud, but still plenty capable of destroying you. As he stoops down to seize you, you realize this is…
Highbrow aims his rifle slightly wide, and waits until Skullcruncher deploys his metal-softening rays to fire. Skullcruncher easily dodges Highbrow’s shot, but in the process his beam lands upon Snapdragon instead of its intended target. His wings and fuselage weakened by Skullcruncher’s beam, Snapdragon plummets down and crashes. Highbrow then sends twin jets of scorching acid into Skullcruncher’s face, causing the Decepticon to buckle and curl up in pain. The battle is won. page 72
You walk towards a heavy stone door, which slides open as you approach. You are unsure if it is magic, or ancient machinery that made the door move by itself. The moaning rises in pitch, and suddenly a giant spider scuttles forwards through the doorway. The only way to get through the doorway is to get past the giant spider.
If you have the laser cannon, do you wish to use it now?page 26
Do you try to dodge past the spider into the next room?page 51
You use the laser cannon against the giant spider.
Oddly, the laser passes straight through the spider, as though it wasn’t there. A muffled explosion resounds from the room beyond, and the spider disappears. Looking into the next room, you find the burnt-out projector that was projecting the hologram of the spider. The wailing you heard earlier has also stopped, as it was the high-pitched whine of the projector’s power supply. Searching the room, you find a strange pistol that emits a beam of soft white light. Testing it out on scraps of rusted machinery laying about, you discover that this is a magnetic pistol, with the power to magnetize any piece of metal touched by its beam. The magnetic charge it creates is so strong that not even the mighty Autobot Hardhead could hope to part metal magnetized by this weapon. You pocket the pistol and rush back outside to continue your exploration of the swamp. page 3
You try to dodge past the spider into the next room.
To your horror, you slip and tumble directly towards the spider’s glistening mandibles! But when you find yourself on the floor, the spider is nowhere to be seen. You look up and see an image projector set into the far wall. You can clearly see its beam shoot out through the air, and project the holographic image of the spider in the doorway. You further discover that the wailing sound you heard earlier is the high-pitched whine of the projector’s power supply. You search the room and eventually come across an odd pistol. Instead of firing projectiles, it produces a beam of soft white light. Sweeping the beam across the room, you discover its unique property. Whenever the beam touches a piece of metal, it magnetizes it. The charge of the pieces of metal magnetized this way is so great that even the renowned strength of the HorrorconApeface would not be enough to pry them apart. You pocket the pistol and return outside to continue searching the swamp. page 3
You hide nearby in the swamp instead. The hovercraft soon glides into view. Within it are two Nebulans; a tall imperious-looking figure, and his burly, battle-scarred henchman. The grander one orders his subordinate to pause, while they let Highbrow pass overhead. Highbrow is searching the swamp with his searchlight, but fails to spot the hover-car. The grander figure, "Lord Zarak," then orders his henchman to drive towards the "Scorpion Base." When the henchman turns on the vehicle’s, he inadvertently illuminates your hiding spot, bringing you into clear view! page 10
Immediately assuming you are a spy for the Autobots, Zarak orders "Krunk" to deal with you. Krunk throws the hover-car’s joystick forward, veering in your direction. He is going to run you down!
But you do not move quickly enough! Krunk only needs to nudge the hover-car’s joystick to have you in his sights once more. And you do not have the time to dodge aside on his second pass. As the hover-car’s headlights blind you, your adventure has come to...
You throw yourself flat just before the hovercraft collides with you.
You feel the hovercraft passing over you with a painful jolt. Thankfully, you will have no more than a few bruises for the incident. Krunk and Zarak stop and glance back in your direction. You remain still in the swamp’s muddy water. Zarak congratulates Krunk on killing you, but threatens his goon that any damage done to the vehicle’s paintwork will come out of his pay. They hear Highbrow returning, and quickly depart. Once Zarak and Krunk have fled the scene, you get back up and wave down Highbrow. Seeing what condition you are in, Highbrow transforms and lands next to you. You tell Highbrow what happened. Highbrow tells you that the two criminals you encountered are Lord Zarak, leader of the evil Nebulans, and his bodyguard Krunk. He then decides that the two of you would be better off if you stuck together. page 17
Highbrow doesn’t think the two of you will make much headway, as he has to walk slowly in order to avoid pockets of quicksand. Nonetheless, the two of you prefer to play it safe in case you are attacked by Decepticons. page 40
You soon come to a futuristic city made out of purple and green metal inside of a clearing. Pipes are running out of the city and into the ground, as though someone is planning on drilling for oil. Though the city appears as though it is a veritable fortress, no one is manning it currently. Highbrow suggest the two of you wait in hiding until the Decepticons turn up. page 48
You climb into Highbrow’s helicopter cockpit, and take to the air.
Highbrow turns on a spotlight on his undercarriage so that you can both see better into the swamp as the sun’s light begins to fade. But because of the "organ-metallic" nature of Nebulos’s bioforms, Highbrow’s scanning systems won’t be able to penetrate the canopy bellow. You have difficulty spotting anything from this height yourself. You conclude that one or both of you will have to continue on foot to explore the area properly.
Should Highbrow set you down and proceed in the air by himself?page 24
Should the both of you land and continue your search together?page 17
The device consists of several gold hoops. You take it and coil it over your shoulder. Highbrow points out a panel attached to the junction between two hoops. At the moment, the panel reads: "Autobot: HIGHBROW." Highbrow the panel will change accordingly if any other Transformer come into range. page 70
The device consists of three large steel globes joined by crystalline rods. Highbrow tells you the jammer contains a magnetic limpet that will adhere to the armour of a Transformer. Once in place, the jammer will prevent a Transformer from assuming another mode. He tells you that he once used it against the Decepticon Cyclonus to prevent him from taking flight and battling both himself and Brainstorm. page 70
It is about the size of a bazooka. Highbrow explains that Transformers usually power their weapons off of atomic batteries built into their bodies. This laser cannon has an internal power supply, which is what makes it so heavy. Although the cannon might not be powerful enough to take out any Decepticon, it should buy you some time if you encounter one. page 70
You ask Highbrow how he came to be stuck in the quicksand.
Highbrow is embarrassed to admit that he simply lost his balance while he was flying and hit the mud. He admits he was lucky that you came along, and asks once more for your help.
You apologize to him, but admit that you don’t think you’d be much help in any case. Highbrow says that you might have been more help than you’d imagine as he begins to lift off. He claims that it is not only strength that wins a battle, and that very few people are without fear. But if one has courage, they can overcome fear, and everything else. You wave goodbye as Highbrow flies away, still convinced that you would not have been much help on his mission. page 46
As you try to make your way back towards the oil rig, you find yourself lost in the swamp. You hear Highbrow flying overhead, continuing his search for the Decepticons. Then, you spot two figures in a hover-car, hiding from Highbrow as he passes overhead. The two Nebulans, calling each other "Krunk" and "Lord Zarak" decide that you are an Autobot spot, and steer their vehicle in your direction. They mean to run you down!
Highbrow tells you that the Decepticons are after the oil that lies beneath the surrounding jungle. Lord Zarak, leader of the Nebulan collaborators, has ordered them to obtain it. Unlike the Nebulan’s drilling rigs, Decepticon technology has no regard for nature, and will destroy the entire jungle if need be. They are also likely to destroy oil rigs like the one at which you work to prevent the Autobots from obtaining any oil themselves. The situation certainly sounds dire, and you realize that many of your friends that work at the oil rig could be killed if Zarak’s plan is carried out.
You push a log towards Highbrow so he can haul himself free.
You steer your hover-cull around the edge of the clearing to find a suitable log. You settle on one that is both sturdy and light enough for you to shift. But when you return to Highbrow, you find that he has already sunk beneath the quicksand. Maybe other Autobots will come to rescue him, but your part in this adventure is over.
You try pushing a log to Highbrow so he can haul himself free.
You find one that is both sturdy enough for Highbrow to haul himself out, and light enough for you to bring it over to him. You haul one end to him, then anchor the other end by landing the hover-scull onto it. Highbrow begins to free himself from the mire, but the log then slips from under the scull. You are alarmed by this development, but now that Highbrow has his arms free, he is able to deploy his rotor blades, and lift himself out of the mud. page 64
You attempt to find others who will help you rescue Highbrow.
You find a few senior technicians and oilmen playing cards in the rig’s lounge area. But they are so enraptured in their game that they pay you no heed.
They finally give in, and agree to come along with you to rescue the Autobot in distress. But by the time you arrive at Highbrow’s last coordinates, there is no sign of him. You do not know whether Highbrow sank to the bottom of the quicksand pit, or if he managed to escape on his own. In either case, this is the end of your adventure.
As you head towards the recreation lounge, a supervisor stops you. He tells you that your coworker, Klab had to go home sick. He then assigns you to take over his post in the monitoring room. You begrudgingly return to the monitoring room and sit down with a book. Yawning, you wonder what’s the point of security on an oil rig. page 39
You suddenly bolt upright, having fallen asleep while on monitor duty. Looking over the screen before you, you notice that in the supply room are two figures rifling through the stores.
But by the time anyone can scramble to stop them, the intruders have left the premises. The Chief Engineer inspects supply room, and finds that all of the trilithium power crystals have been stolen. This will hold up drilling by a month. Although the Chief Engineer considers reprimanding you for falling asleep on the job, he admits that at least you did well to raise the alarm as quickly as you did. Although you are spared disciplinary actions, you have also missed out on a great adventure.
You go down to the supply room yourself, pausing only to grab a flashlight.
Looking through the store room, you find that several crates have gone missing. You sweep your flashlight about the marshlands outside, only for its light to be blotted out by the thick mist that has settled. Then you hear nearing throb of helicopter rotors. You watch as the vehicle drops to hover beside the rig, scanning the marsh with its searchlight. Guessing the helicopter is also looking for the figures who broke into the supply room, you attract its attention by waving your arms. As the helicopter looms nearer, you notice that there is no pilot in the cockpit. page 67
The helicopter lands and transforms into a robot. The robot introduces himself as Highbrow, the electronics and surveillance expert among the Headmaster Autobots. He tells you he knows that a theft has taken place at your oil rig. He had sent out a message earlier, warning that such a thing might happen, but it was not answered. He then arrived on scene too late to apprehend the thieves. Checking the stores, you take note that three crates of expensive trilithium crystals are missing. You realize that you will be in a lot of trouble when your superiors find out you were sleeping while on monitor duty. Highbrow suggests that you should come along with him, and help him recover the stolen crystals, before anyone notices they have gone missing.
You explain that although you will be disciplined for allowing the crystals to be stolen, the consequences might be worse if you also abandon your post. You watch Highbrow lumber off into the marsh. You can only wish him luck, as you are sure he must be outnumbered by the evil Decepticons waiting for him in the night.
On page 48, you make a reference to the story of Jonah and the whale. Who knew Nebulans were versed in biblical literature?
Whatever path you choose, you never recover the stolen crystals (if any crystals are stolen at all).
In all depictions of Highbrow, the highly toy-accurate illustrations always show him with the flip-down panel of his chest opened, showing off his Tech Spec readouts.
All Nebulans are depicted as being robotic, or as Highbrow describes Nebulon's organisms, "organ-metallic".
The words "jungle" and "swamp" are used interchangeably throughout the whole book. Maybe on Nebulon they're the same thing?
The one time Gort's name is mentioned in the book, it is spelt "Grot". Curiously, the identical aberration occurs multiple times in the Transformers Annual 1987, which was also produced in the UK the same year. Could one could have influenced the other, or did both publications receive the erroneous spelling from the same inaccurate source?
One volume in the wildly popular Fighting Fantasy series of multipath adventure books, published three years before Swamp of the Scorpion, is called, um... Scorpion Swamp. Perhaps the latter was unknown to the producers of the Transformers gamebook, and the alliteration of the same pair of words in both titles was simply too irresistible to each author, independently – but by golly it's a coincidence if so. (There is even an overlap in the shape of Swamp of the Scorpion artist Bob Harvey, who illustrated several gamebooks in both series – including 1986's Demons of the Deep, the second Fighting Fantasy title written by Scorpion Swamp author Steve Jackson.)
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