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|seriesissue=''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''
|seriesissue=''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''
|prev=Volcanicus comic 1
|prev=Volcanicus comic 1
|next=Volcanicus comic 3
|next=Abominus comic 1
|image=Generations Selects Volcanicus comic 2.jpg
|image=Generations Selects Volcanicus comic 3.jpg
|caption=
|caption=
|title=
|title=
Line 12: Line 12:
|art by=
|art by=
|packaged with=
|packaged with=
|date=[[September 7]], [[2020]]
|date=[[September 25]], [[2020]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|manga=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|manga=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|colorist=[[Josh Perez]], [[Gufu Kandagawa]]
|colorist=[[Gufu Kandagawa]] (p1, 2, 5, 6, 8),<br>[[Josh Perez]] (p3, 4)<br>[[Ricken]] (p7, 10),<br>[[Kamizono]] (p9)
|color assist by=[[Lebanon Sugi]]
|editor=[[Kouji Nimura]]
|chronology=[[2050]]
|chronology=[[2050]]
}}
}}


'''While the Dinobots handle a Quintesson invasion, the Selectors rise up...'''
'''Firmly on the side of humanity, the Dinobots go to war with all other Transformers!'''


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
Events continue to unfold in [[2050]]...
At [[Earth Defense Command]] HQ, [[Marissa Faireborn]] and her fellow former [[Kiss Player]]s are flustered by the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]' decision to join the [[Selector]]s' rebellion, as per Commander [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders. [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] also takes his leave, to [[Shaoshao Li]]'s consternation. Elsewhere, the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] also leave their old friend [[Jumal]]'s company. Reconsidering, Hot Rod stays and orders the Technobots to combine into [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] and calculate [[human]]ity's chances of winning this war. Computicon concludes that, with both [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s having joined the Selectors' cause, the likelihood of man's victory is nearly... zero. But there's also another factor to consider—the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]].


''Reassembled by the [[Recreator]], [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] comes smashing down on the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. Gloating, the lead [[Quintesson]] explains that they invented the [[Primitive]] [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and gave them to the [[Decepticon]]s. They eventually returned to their creators and now fight on the Quintessons' behalf. Before Predaking can step on [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], [[Kakuryu (Victory)|Grimmaster]] combines into his Prime Mode and stops Predaking's foot in the air with his own body. Grimmaster thanks his leader for accepting a former Decepticon into the Dinobots' ranks and is summarily crushed by Predaking. Sapped of his stamina, Grimlock struggles, but he finds hope in an ethereal voice—the [[Primus|Oracle]]! The Oracle implores Grimlock to use the power of [[Angolmois Energy]] sleeping within the earth to bring forth his heart's strength. Grimlock does does, producing the [[Magma Blade]]s (which the other Dinobots are in awe of), and uses them to transform into the flying "Grimlock Wing Dragon Mode" and slice off one of Predaking's arms. But the Predacon combiner quickly grabs [[Slash (Generations)|Slash]] as a hostage. The still-living Grimmaster tosses his [[Energon Matrix]] to the Dinobots, granting them the ability to merge into the powerful [[Volcanicus (Generations)|Volcanicus]]! Predaking tries to attack the new combiner, but Volcanicus is too much for the Decepticon and forces him to disassemble, rescuing Slash in the process. The Predacons retreat and Slash notices that the Quintessons have fled as well.''
Optimus Prime, on behalf of the [[Cybertron Alliance]], makes an announcement to humanity that their demand is simple: Freedom for the Selectors and their own independent nation on [[Earth]]. This plan hits a snag as the Dinobots finally arrive at [[Neo Scramble City]], their tempers inflamed by the comatose [[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]]. The angered Dinobots head off to fight the combined Autobot-Decepticon army. One by one, Autobot and Decepticon alike fall to the might of the Dinobots. [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] attempts to use his upgraded body to fight [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], but even he isn't of much use against his bestial strength. Optimus Prime finally faces off against the Dinobot leader and begs him to stop...


''Volcanicus is soon contacted by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], who alerts the Dinobots to a revolt by the [[Selector]]s, assisted by the [[Decepticon]]s! [[Carly]] has been caught up in the initial attack and is badly hurt. Leaving Dinobot Island to Slash, Grimlock leads the other Dinobots to help out Carly.''
Sick of being told to calm down, [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] prepares a decapitating strike on [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], but finds that he cannot follow through, his [[Magma Blade (GS)|Magma Blade]] stopping inches before Optimus's neck. Optimus again tells him to calm down and think back to his original construction, reminding him that, fearing the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]' brute strength and primitive minds, the [[Autobot]]s installed a failsafe inside them that would allow for acts of rebellion and dissent, but prevent the taking of a life. [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] is furious at this revelation, arguing that it proves the Dinobots were built as slaves to the Autobots, making them no different from the [[human]]s or [[Quintesson]]s. Grimlock then chews out the already-shocked Prime, arguing that, since they were built stupid, the Dinobots never had any freedom or respect in the first place. The only people who had ever respected them were the humans, and that, Grimlock explains, is why they are fighting against the [[Cybertron Alliance]] as the humans' allies. Optimus falls to his knees, now fully cognizant of how many mistakes he's made. The fight is not over yet, however, as [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] arrives, having beaten the other four Dinobots and ready to take on Grimlock.  


''At [[Neo Scramble City]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] confronts [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and begs him to stop, as the war is long over. Megatron corrects his counterpart, pointing out that this is a ''revolution''. "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings", no? Megatron asks why the Selectors—super robots like them—don't deserve the same freedom from the humans as their freedom from the Quintessons. Optimus struggles to answer.''
Meanwhile, [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] finishes his calculation, revealing to [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] that the humans have a 90% chance of winning if the Dinobots side with them. He then disengages his combination and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] fly off to help Grimlock, noting that they could never betray their creator. Grimlock and the Technobots then combine into [[Volcaticon]], who asks Sky Lynx to team up with them, both being [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|dinosaur]]-type robots. Sky Lynx declines, calling Grimlock an idiot while he fights for all [[Selector]]s. From within the combination, Grimlock asserts that he'll just get smarter, downloading Computron's intelligence back into himself. The Technobots lock on to Sky Lynx's weaknesses and Volcaticon fires an electric pulse, splitting Sky Lynx apart and leaving him paralyzed, but very much alive. Grimlock then explains how he became intelligent by absorbing data from [[Vector Sigma]] all those years ago, then resolves to use his intellect to find a peaceful solution to the Selectors' rebellion.
 
However, a desperate [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] has already brought a [[Quintesson Judge (G1)|Quintesson Judge]] to the [[Mother Computer]], asking the computer whether or not they should form an alliance. The Mother Computer says they should, noting that as fellow creator species it was only a matter of time. The Quintesson is delighted and agrees to help, though Spike grimaces as it promises there will be a hefty fee for this assistance. Corrosive gas bombs are dropped on the assembled [[Transformer]]s, with Grimlock and Optimus both giving the command to take defensive positions. As Optimus grimly notes that they only have three minutes to survive, Rodimus points out [[Terrorcon (G1)|five incoming warriors]] coming from the moonlit sky...


==Featured characters==
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|h1=[[Cybertron Alliance]]|c1=
{{collist|2|
{{collist|4|
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (2)
'''[[Autobot]]s'''
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] (11)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (4)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Curse Armada Thrust]] (14)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (5)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (15)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (6)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (16)
*[[Kakuryu (Victory)|Grimmaster]] (9)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (17)
*[[Slash (Generations)|Slash]] (10)
*[[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (18)
*[[Volcanicus (Generations)|Volcanicus]] (11)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (19)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (32)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (27)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (33)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (33)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (34)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (34)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (35)
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (35)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (36)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (47)
*[[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]] (37)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (48)
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (38)
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (49)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (39)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (50)
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (40)
*[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (51)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (41)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (52)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (42)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (53)
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] (43)}}
*[[Groundshaker (Legends)|Groundshaker]] (54)
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (55)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (56)
*[[Trenchfoot]] (58)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (59)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (61)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (62)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (63)
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (64)
*[[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] (65)
*[[Lifeline (G1)|Lifeline]] (67)
*[[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] (68)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (72)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (73)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (78)
*[[Orthia]] (79)


|c2=
'''[[Decepticon]]s'''
{{collist|2|*[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] (1)
*[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] (30)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (12)
*[[Ion Storm]] (31)
*[[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (13)
*[[Nova Storm (G1)|Nova Storm]] (32)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (14)
*[[Red Wing (G1)|Red Wing]] (36)
*[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] (15)
*[[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] (37)
*[[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (16)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (38)
*[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] (21)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (39)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (22)
*[[Singe]] (40)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (23)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (41)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (24)
*[[Hairsplitter|Shrute]] (42)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (25)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (43)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (26)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (44)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (45)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (45)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (46)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (46)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (47)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (57)
*[[Nova Storm (G1)|Nova Storm]] (48)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (60)
*[[Ion Storm]] (49)}}
*[[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]] (66)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (69)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (70)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (71)
}}
 
|h2=[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]]'s Forces|c2=
{{collist|1|
*[[Volcaticon]] (75)
'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (22)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (23)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (24)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (25)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (26)
*[[Volcanicus (POTP)|Volcanicus]] (77)
 
'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]'''
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (7)
*[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (8)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (9)
*[[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (10)
*[[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (20)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (21)
}}


|h4=[[Human]]s|c4=
|h4=[[Human]]s|c4=
*[[Clouder]] (20)
*[[Atari Hitotonari]] (1)
*[[Carly|Carly Witwicky]] (30)
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (2)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (31)
*[[Shaoshao Li]] (3)
*Jumal's servant (12)
*[[Jumal]] (13)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (28)
*[[Carly (G1)|Carly Witwicky]] (29)


|h5=Others|c5=
|h5=Others|c5=
'''[[Selector]]s'''
*[[Soundbarrier]]s (4)
*[[Smashdown]] (5)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (6)
*[[Doublecrosser (Earthrise)|Doublecrosser]]s (74)
'''[[Quintesson]]s'''
'''[[Quintesson]]s'''
*[[Quintesson Bailiff|Bailiff]] (7)
*[[Quintesson Judge (G1)|Judge]] (76)
*[[Quintesson Judge|Judge]] (8)
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|?]] (80)
 
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|?]] (81)
'''[[Battle Master|Selector]]s'''
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|?]] (82)
*[[Soundbarrier]]s (17)
*[[Blot (G1)|?]] (83)
*[[Smashdown]] (18)
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|?]] (84)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (19)
*[[Doublecrosser]] (29)
}}
}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
===Continuity notes===
*The Predacons being Quintesson creations originates from the Decepticon-Quintesson alliance of 2010 in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]".
*''Armada'' Thrust is still present with the Aerialbots after having joined them in the [[LG53 Broadside|''Legends'' manga]].
*Clouder makes a brief appearance, having lasted worked in this continuity with the Autobots and allied humans in the [[Hope for the Next Generation|''United EX'' finale]] in [[2035]].
*[[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] riding [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]'s shuttle mode is a call-back to [[:File:Chaos RunamuckonBlastOff.jpg|Runamuck's testing of Death Crystals]] in the ''Transformers'' episode, "[[Chaos (episode)|Chaos]]".
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] are suddenly back to being Skywarp and Thundercracker without any explanation.
*Like the unexplained appearances of [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] in the [[Volcanicus comic 1|previous chapter]], [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] is shown here to be alive and well despite having been turned into a [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]] back in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*In the big charge, Ironhide and Chromia are giving one-another a thumbs up, in reference to their love for each other shown in "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]".
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] are shown building Grimlock, as seen in "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]". The failsafe originates in a dub change in "[[War of the Dinobots]]", where the Dinobots' inability to kill Optimus Prime is explained as the "safety circuits within their computers" being still functional, rather than their traces of their "Autobot training" remaining in their circuits.
*Grimlock explains how he once became a genius and created the Technobots, as seen in "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]". However, the [[anti-electron]]s that were the source of his intelligence go unmentioned, and the actual source of his new intellect is given as [[Vector Sigma]], Grimlock having downloaded its data through biting the malfunctioning generator shown in the episode. This seems to be a subtle explanation for why the Technobots were born as living beings with personalities, the residual energy of Vector Sigma granting them life as it did the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*Sky Lynx is once again included under a nebulous umbrella with the Dinobots; having previously been examined for [[dinosaur transform static]] in "[[Thief in the Night]]" and both being counted as members of the [[Primitive]]s in "[[Call of the Primitives]]".


===Transformers references===
===Transformers references===
*Zetar and Smokescreen's presence in the Autobot lineup on the final page is presumably inspired by their status as Hasbro ''Generations Selects'' toys also released by TakaraTomy Mall. Similarly, fellow domestic Japanese release [[Nightbird (G1)#Generations|Nightbird]] showed up in the preceding chapter.
*This story depicts many characters updated to new ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' toy bodies, with some returning to Japanese continuity after absences of many years.
*Notably, this is the Japanese continuity debut for the complete trio of Spinister, Singe, and Hairsplitter/Shrute, who were never released in Japan in the 1980s.
*Similarly, this issue marks the debuts of Red Wing, Sandstorm (the Seeker), Lifeline, and Trenchfoot.
*[[Volcaticon]] is controlled primarily by Grimlock, with his Technobot limbs retaining their own individual consciousness, similar to other Japanese-original [[combiner]]s showcased in this series, including [[King Poseidon]] and [[God Neptune]].  


===Errors===
===Errors===
*In one panel, Swoop is drawn with a completely red forehead.
* Swoop's forehead is frequently (but not always) colored red, rather than the toy's grey.
*Additionally, after receiving her orders from Grimlock, Slash's visor is blue instead of her usual red.
* [[Ion Storm#Toys|Ion Storm]] is [[Circular reporting|mistakenly colored]] in vehicle mode like ''Siege'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Thundercracker]], with red forward wingtips and vertical cockpit stripes, presumably due to [[:File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Rainmaker-3-pack-Ion-Storm.jpg|an erroneous stock photo]] supplied to everyone by Hasbro. The true Ion Storm toy [[:File:Siege-toy IonStorm.jpg|employs grey]] instead of Thundercracker's red.


==External links==
===Other notes===
*[https://takaratomymall.jp/img/goods/4904810172079/comics_first-vol02.pdf Volcanicus comic 2 at TakaraTomy Mall]
*While the five incoming warriors are once again left in shadow like the Dinobots at the end of [[God Neptune comic 2|the second God Neptune comic]], it's pretty obvious that they're the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], established as Quintesson creations in "[[The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 3]]".
*[https://mohairtranslations.wordpress.com/2020/09/07/translation-volcanicus-comic-1-and-2/ Translation: Volcanicus comic 1 and 2] at Mohair Translations


==References==
*[https://takaratomymall.jp/img/goods/4904810172079/comics_second-vol01.pdf Volcanicus comic 2 part 1 at TakaraTomy Mall]
*[https://takaratomymall.jp/img/goods/4904810172079/comics_second-vol02.pdf Volcanicus comic 2 part 2 at TakaraTomy Mall]
*[[Source:Volcanicus comic 2 translation|Volcanicus comic 2 translation]] by Mohair Translations
*[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_cIZuId1YtRGnGTKLUy8zhZT34xWznO5?usp=sharing Lettered version of the above translation] by Fanofcoolstuff27


[[Category:Generations Selects issues]]
[[Category:Generations Selects issues]]

Latest revision as of 21:05, 23 February 2026

Generations Selects Special Comic
Publisher TakaraTomy Mall
First published September 25, 2020
Manga Hayato Sakamoto
Colorist Gufu Kandagawa (p1, 2, 5, 6, 8),
Josh Perez (p3, 4)
Ricken (p7, 10),
Kamizono (p9)
Color assist by Lebanon Sugi
Editor Kouji Nimura
Continuity Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity
Chronology 2050

Firmly on the side of humanity, the Dinobots go to war with all other Transformers!

Synopsis

[edit]

At Earth Defense Command HQ, Marissa Faireborn and her fellow former Kiss Players are flustered by the Technobots' decision to join the Selectors' rebellion, as per Commander Optimus Prime's orders. Hot Rod also takes his leave, to Shaoshao Li's consternation. Elsewhere, the Aerialbots also leave their old friend Jumal's company. Reconsidering, Hot Rod stays and orders the Technobots to combine into Computron and calculate humanity's chances of winning this war. Computicon concludes that, with both Autobots and Decepticons having joined the Selectors' cause, the likelihood of man's victory is nearly... zero. But there's also another factor to consider—the Dinobots.

Optimus Prime, on behalf of the Cybertron Alliance, makes an announcement to humanity that their demand is simple: Freedom for the Selectors and their own independent nation on Earth. This plan hits a snag as the Dinobots finally arrive at Neo Scramble City, their tempers inflamed by the comatose Carly Witwicky. The angered Dinobots head off to fight the combined Autobot-Decepticon army. One by one, Autobot and Decepticon alike fall to the might of the Dinobots. Shockwave attempts to use his upgraded body to fight Grimlock, but even he isn't of much use against his bestial strength. Optimus Prime finally faces off against the Dinobot leader and begs him to stop...

Sick of being told to calm down, Grimlock prepares a decapitating strike on Optimus Prime, but finds that he cannot follow through, his Magma Blade stopping inches before Optimus's neck. Optimus again tells him to calm down and think back to his original construction, reminding him that, fearing the Dinobots' brute strength and primitive minds, the Autobots installed a failsafe inside them that would allow for acts of rebellion and dissent, but prevent the taking of a life. Rung is furious at this revelation, arguing that it proves the Dinobots were built as slaves to the Autobots, making them no different from the humans or Quintessons. Grimlock then chews out the already-shocked Prime, arguing that, since they were built stupid, the Dinobots never had any freedom or respect in the first place. The only people who had ever respected them were the humans, and that, Grimlock explains, is why they are fighting against the Cybertron Alliance as the humans' allies. Optimus falls to his knees, now fully cognizant of how many mistakes he's made. The fight is not over yet, however, as Sky Lynx arrives, having beaten the other four Dinobots and ready to take on Grimlock.

Meanwhile, Computron finishes his calculation, revealing to Hot Rod that the humans have a 90% chance of winning if the Dinobots side with them. He then disengages his combination and the Technobots fly off to help Grimlock, noting that they could never betray their creator. Grimlock and the Technobots then combine into Volcaticon, who asks Sky Lynx to team up with them, both being dinosaur-type robots. Sky Lynx declines, calling Grimlock an idiot while he fights for all Selectors. From within the combination, Grimlock asserts that he'll just get smarter, downloading Computron's intelligence back into himself. The Technobots lock on to Sky Lynx's weaknesses and Volcaticon fires an electric pulse, splitting Sky Lynx apart and leaving him paralyzed, but very much alive. Grimlock then explains how he became intelligent by absorbing data from Vector Sigma all those years ago, then resolves to use his intellect to find a peaceful solution to the Selectors' rebellion.

However, a desperate Spike has already brought a Quintesson Judge to the Mother Computer, asking the computer whether or not they should form an alliance. The Mother Computer says they should, noting that as fellow creator species it was only a matter of time. The Quintesson is delighted and agrees to help, though Spike grimaces as it promises there will be a hefty fee for this assistance. Corrosive gas bombs are dropped on the assembled Transformers, with Grimlock and Optimus both giving the command to take defensive positions. As Optimus grimly notes that they only have three minutes to survive, Rodimus points out five incoming warriors coming from the moonlit sky...

[edit]

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Cybertron Alliance Grimlock's Forces Humans Others

Selectors

Quintessons

Notes

[edit]

Continuity notes

[edit]

Transformers references

[edit]
  • This story depicts many characters updated to new War for Cybertron Trilogy toy bodies, with some returning to Japanese continuity after absences of many years.
  • Notably, this is the Japanese continuity debut for the complete trio of Spinister, Singe, and Hairsplitter/Shrute, who were never released in Japan in the 1980s.
  • Similarly, this issue marks the debuts of Red Wing, Sandstorm (the Seeker), Lifeline, and Trenchfoot.
  • Volcaticon is controlled primarily by Grimlock, with his Technobot limbs retaining their own individual consciousness, similar to other Japanese-original combiners showcased in this series, including King Poseidon and God Neptune.

Errors

[edit]

Other notes

[edit]

References

[edit]