Editing All Fall Down

{{disambig3|All Fall Down}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #66
|prev=Dark Creation
|next=Rhythms of Darkness!
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #294–297
|prev2=Dark Creation
|next2=Rhythms of Darkness!
|title="All Fall Down"
|image=MarvelUS-66.jpg
|caption=And Go Boom!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=March [[1990]]
|coverdate=May 1990
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|artist=[[Geoff Senior]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Jim Massara]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''Arise, Thunderwing!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Hooklineandsinker.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] has consumed the planet [[Ghennix]] on his journey to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and [[Primus]], and takes a moment to recreate three mechanical misfits as his new heralds, [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]]. Unable to teleport himself the full distance to Cybertron, Unicron requires an agent that can be sent ahead to sow fear and spread his name. He transports his heralds through the veil of time to fetch this agent.

Aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] realizes the full power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]... by using it as a club to smack down [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. As [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] leads a group of Autobots to Prime's aid, Thunderwing strikes down [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] with a single blast, killing him instantly. He then scatters the remaining [[Autobot]]s like bowling pins. Believing himself to be all-powerful and unstoppable, Thunderwing is surprised when Optimus breaks through his defenses and beats the Decepticon to the ground. As Prime is about to drop some heavy debris on Thunderwing, though, the crafty robot taunts him with the fact that he might damage the Matrix as well, his last hope. This momentary pause puts Optimus on the defensive, and Thunderwing returns the beating he had just received from Prime.

Barely conscious, Optimus Prime stalls for time by pulling out the old "Tell me your master plan" trick. The corrupted Matrix is smart enough to push Thunderwing into just killing the Autobot already, but Thunderwing ignores its influence to stroke his ego. Flashing back to [[VsQs]], Thunderwing explains how the tainted life-force cried out for help once [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] got ahold of it—it didn't want an end to its new sensations. Momentarily distracted, Thunderwing managed to impale the Matrix-spawn on a wall and end their fight. He chased down the [[Classic Pretender]]s and recovered the Matrix, leaving them to die in the crushing gravity of VsQs while he stole their ship to enter the Ark.

His tale completed, Thunderwing had yammered on long enough for Autobot reinforcements to arrive, and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] and [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] managed to get in a few good shots from behind. Fearing the loss of its vessel, the Matrix's corrupted essence finally manifested itself physically as a horned and fanged creature of smoky energy, rising up around Thunderwing to control and protect him.

Back on the shuttle, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and his fellow Matrix hunters are staring on in disbelief. After a power surge freed them from [[Mind Leech|captivity]] aboard the [[Thunderwing's ship|Decepticon ship]], they overheard Thunderwing's plan to infiltrate the Ark, and snuck aboard [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s ship in order to monkey up the plan somehow. Now the only trick is finding out how.

[[File:Arkshuttle7.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Would a fan even work in a vacuum?]]
On [[Earth]], [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|a shadowy figure dressed in purple who speaks only in the scientific method]] is spying on the exit of [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]'s [[New Jersey base|base]]. He witnesses [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] emerge and sneak off into the night, and makes plans to incorporate the treacherous Decepticon into his strategy.

Back on the Ark, Thunderwing's mind has been completely subsumed by the Matrix's dark essence, and he's dropping Autobots left and right. Optimus Prime tries to reach Thunderwing's mind and convince him he has been possessed, but he refuses to listen. Only when the Decepticon [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] speaks up and tries to tell him the same thing (and gets blasted for it by the Matrix) does Thunderwing realize he's losing control.

Meanwhile, Nightbeat has come up with a plan. He sends [[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] to the control station in the hangar to open the bay doors and turn off the artificial gravity, while Siren is to set the shuttle's self-destruct mechanism. Nightbeat personally aims the shuttle's grappling harpoon at Thunderwing and fires, catching him straight through the chest before he can finish off Prime. With the gravity off and the landing clamps released, the shuttle is sucked out into space with Thunderwing and the Matrix still attached to it. Nightbeat manages to jump to safety, and Hosehead restores the pressure and gravity to the hangar.

The fighting is over, as Thunderwing's Decepticons are in no mood for more combat. Beaten and demoralized, the Autobots collect their prisoners and count their losses, mourning the loss of the Matrix. Prime gives his best rousing speech of morale, but there are definitely darker days ahead...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (9)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Hot Rod]] (10)
*[[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] (11)
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (12)
*''[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]]'' (17)
*''[[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]]'' (18)
*''[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'' (19)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (21)
*[[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]] (22)
*[[Siren (G1)|Siren]] (23)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (26)
*[[Getaway]] (27)
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (28)
*[[Waverider]]? (29)
*[[Kup (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Kup]] (30)
}}
|c2=
*[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (7)
*[[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] (13)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (14)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (15)
*[[Windsweeper]] (16)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shadowy figure]] (24)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] (25)
|c4=
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] (1)
*[[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] (2–4)
*[[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] (5)
*[[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]]/[[Dark Matrix (G1)|Dark Matrix]] (6)
*''[[Matrixspawn]]'' (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"You '''still''' don't understand, do you? Your 'Matrix Quest' is over -- and '''I''' have won!"
: — '''Thunderwing''' 


"You're a '''fool''', Thunderwing! '''No being''' commands the Matrix! Not me, and '''certainly not you!'''...How long have you possessed the Matrix? '''Days? Hours?''' I carried it within me for '''four million years!'''"
: — '''Optimus Prime'''


"You dare to lay hands on me, Autobot?! '''No one''' touches the '''Lord High Commander''' of the Decepticon army! '''No one''' touches the '''Matrix master! No one!'''  You hear me? '''NO ONE!''' <font color="#FF0000">'''NO ONE!'''</font>
:— The rage of '''Thunderwing'''  


<font color="#006600">''Don't  listen to him, listen to '''us''' -- to the '''Matrix!''' Show us his death, show us goodness can '''perish!''' We desire... experience! '''Show us!'''''</font>
: — '''The Matrix''' 


"'''Yess!''' Was that not a beautiful deception? Did you know your warriors--"<br>
: <font color="#006600">'''''kill him'''''</font><br>
"'''Nnn.''' Y-your warriors.... your warriors actually beat me to the Matrix!"
: — '''Thunderwing''' can't even monologue without the '''Matrix''' interrupting


''Interogative: What am I '''doing''' here? Why have I traveled three thousand miles to sit in a swamp watching a patch of grass?'' 
: — '''Shockwave''' observes Scorponok's base


"'''Fools!''' Your weapons are '''useless''' against &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <font color="#006600"><small>us</small></font> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ...'''me''' &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <font color="#006600"><small>we</small></font>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  ...'''I''' cannot be harmed! '''I...''' <font color="#006600">We are '''power incarnate!''' We are '''unstoppable!'''"</font>
: — '''Thunderwing''' loses his battle for control of the '''Matrix'''


"Lord Thunderwing - '''hear me!''' You're in '''terrible danger!''' Though nothing would please me more than to see the hated Optimus Prime dead, you '''must''' stay your hand! He speaks '''true''' - the Matrix has '''possessed you!''' Obey it now and you will be forev--'''aaaagh!'''"<br>
" <font color="#006600">You dare tell us what we can or cannot do? You -- </font>  <font color="#003300">....you... </font> you... are a '''fellow Decepticon''' -- one of my loyal warriors! Spinister, I -- 
: '''Get'''
::'''out'''
:::'''of'''
::::'''my'''
:::::'''''HEAD!'''''"
: — '''Spinister''' tries to reach the Matrix-possessed '''Thunderwing'''


"We have faced the '''dark side''' of our own '''souls''' today and '''triumphed!''' What happened to the Matrix could happen to '''any''' of us! The capacity for '''evil''' is there within us '''all''', waiting for release. But so is the goodness of Primus -- a little piece our 'god' within us '''all!''' Every day we '''resist''', every day we fight for peace, for '''good''' -- '''we triumph!''' Whatever the '''future''' holds, we shall face it together, '''bonded as one!''' '''And we shall win!'''"
: — '''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Artwork and technical errors===
*Page 14: The vehicle-mode Autobot attacking the Matrix entity looks like it's supposed to be Waverider, but the only details that match are the top-mounted round thing that could be a gun, and the little side wings. The behind-and-below angle probably accounts for the discrepancy - it's likely no character model existed at that angle (if at all!), and Geoff Senior had to fill in the gaps from his imagination.
*Page 15: Kup (in the Matrix entity's grip) is colored brown.

===Continuity errors===

===Continuity notes===
*[[Ghennix]] is quoted as having 60 billion inhabitants. That's either a really big planet, some really tiny inhabitants, or a pretty densely populated world. Your choice.
*Hot Rod quotes "ten or more injured, three deactivated" in the fight, but no official roster is made. Landmine is clearly one of the deactivated, and Chromedome is later identified as having lost a leg in the battle. Joyride, Getaway, Blurr and Kup are all shown being struck down by Thunderwing, but reappear quickly in later issues and so probably weren't on the deactivated list. [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] does not reappear, though, making him one of the possibilities for deactivation here.
*Ruckus's damaging impact was shown in "[[Deadly Obsession]]", and the power surge it caused that freed the Headmasters happened in "[[Dark Creation]]".
*[[Shockwave (G1)|A shadowy figure]] questions why he traveled three thousand miles to [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s underground [[New Jersey base]] in the interlude halfway through the issue. The disused [[Fortress Sinister]], as it is located somewhere in the Oregon Cascades, would be close to that distance away.

===Real-life references===

===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: 27 active as Nightbeat's team joins (rejoins) the Ark crew; 8 rogue Micromasters; 1 in storage, 34 offline including 3 casualties of the Matrix battle, 25 presumed offline. (95 total)
*Decepticons: 23 active; 4 rogue Micromasters; 1 rogue Shockwave; 26 offline, 25 presumed offline. 3 offline/missing. (82 total)

===UK printing===
'''Issue #294:'''
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|G.I. Joe the Action Force]]'' - "Stiletto" and ''[[Combat Colin]]''
*...And Combat Colin was back in Black and White again.
'''Issue #295:'''
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "The Legacy of Unicron!"
*'''Other strips:''' ''G.I. Joe the Action Force'' - "Stiletto" and ''Combat Colin''
'''Issue #296:'''
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "The Legacy of Unicron!"
*'''Other strips:''' ''G.I. Joe the Action Force'' - "Stiletto" and ''Combat Colin''
'''Issue #297:'''
*'''Reprint ''Transformers'' story:''' "The Legacy of Unicron!"
*'''Other strips:''' ''G.I. Joe the Action Force'' - "Stiletto" and ''Combat Colin''

===Other trivia===
*''[[The Transformers Universe|Transformers Universe]]'' profiles for [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] are found after the main story.

===Covers (10)===
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-66.jpg|'''US issue #66''' - Check out his bling!
File:MarvelUK-294.jpg|'''UK issue #294''' - ...Maybe they can repair him with the free patch?
File:MarvelUK-295.jpg|'''UK issue #295''' - I know a good dentist, sir...
File:MarvelUK-296.jpg|'''UK issue #296''' - Silly Matrix, Kups are for kids!
</gallery>
*'''US cover:''' Thunderwing punching Prime in the face, by [[Ian Akin]].
*'''UK issue #294 cover:''' Dead Landmine, by [[Staz|Stewart Johnson]].
*'''UK issue #295 cover:''' Thunderwing's ugly mug, by Stewart Johnson.
*'''UK issue #296 cover:''' Kup vs the evil Matrix, by [[Stephen Baskerville]].
<gallery>
File:MarvelUK-297.jpg|'''UK issue #297''' - Can you say ''"ouch"''?
File:Titan-MatrixQuestSC.jpg|'''''Matrix Quest'' TPB'''
File:Titan-MatrixQuestHC.jpg|'''''Matrix Quest'' hardback'''
File:Best of Transformers.jpg|'''''Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm'''''
</gallery>
*'''UK issue #297 cover:''' Thunderwing speared, by Stephen Baskerville.
*'''''Matrix Quest'' TPB cover:''' Thunderwing, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]], [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] and half of [[Primus]], by [[Andrew Wildman]].
*'''''Matrix Quest'' hardback cover:''' Thunderwing with the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]], by [[Pat Lee]].
*'''''Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm'' cover:''' Optimus Prime, [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]], by Andrew Wildman.
<gallery>
File:Classic Transformers Vol5.jpg|'''''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5'''
File:TFClassicsVol6.jpg|'''''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 6'''
</gallery>
*'''''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5 cover:''' panels from this issue, "[[Eye of the Storm]]", "[[Deadly Obsession]]" and "[[...All This and Civil War 2]]".
*'''''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 6 cover:''' [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], by [[Guido Guidi]].

===Advertisements===
*None yet identified.

===Reprints===
*[[2002]] — ''[[Transformers: Matrix Quest]]''
*[[2008]] — ''[[Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm]]''
*[[2009]] — [[Classic Transformers Volume 5|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5]]
*[[2013]] — [[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 6|''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 6]]

[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]