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[[Image:MarvelUS-64.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Longtooth Ahab.]]
{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #64
{{Template:Comicnav | Generation 1 (Marvel Comics) | 64 | seriesname=Marvel U.S. | prev=Kings of the Wild Frontier | next=Dark Creation | series2=Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)#Marvel UK | seriesname2=Marvel UK | issuenumber2=Issue #286{{n-}}289 | prev2=External Forces! | next2=The Lesser Evil }}
|prev=Kings of the Wild Frontier.
|next=Dark Creation
|title="Deadly Obsession"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #286–289
|prev2=External Forces!
|next2=The Lesser Evil!
|image=MarvelUS-64.jpg
|caption=Primus have mercy on us all - Pretenders and Powermasters alike - for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|shippingdate=[[January 23]], [[1990]]
|onsaledate=[[February 13]], 1990
|coverdate=March 1990
|writer=[[Simon Furman]]
|penciler=[[José Delbo]]
|inker=[[Al Williamson]] (pages 1-4) & [[Dan Reed]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Jim Massara]]
|editor=[[Don Daley]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''Simon Furman rewrites Melville, as the Matrix Quest continues.'''
'''Simon Furman rewrites Melville, as the Matrix Quest continues.'''


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
On the mercury seas of [[Pequod]], the one-legged Autobot, Longtooth is closing in on his prey, the whale-like creature known as the [[Klud]] that tore away his leg. As he aims his harpoon gun at the creature, his fellow [[Autobot]] [[Pretender]]s Pincher and Doubleheader are racing to stop him in another craft. As they near their destination, Pincher thinks back on how things became so desperate...
[[File:Klud-us64.jpg|left|upright=0.9|thumb|Longtooth is issued a cetacean.]]
On the mercury seas of [[Pequod]], the one-legged [[Autobot]] [[Longtooth]] is closing in [[Fishing|on his prey]], the whale-like creature known as the [[Klud]] that tore away his leg. As he aims his [[harpoon]] gun at the creature, his fellow Autobot [[Pretender]]s [[Pincher (G1)|Pincher]] and [[Doubleheader]] are racing to stop him in another craft. As they near their destination, Pincher thinks back on how things became so desperate...


Two weeks earlier, the trio had begun their leg of the [[Matrix Quest]], leaving the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and eventually arriving at the harbor town of [[Gottlieb]] on Pequod. Only a little while ago, the Klud were believed to be extinct, and yet now one had turned up again, attacking boaters. The Pretenders decided to check it out, believing the creature's sudden return to life could have been caused by the Matrix's power.
Two weeks earlier, the trio had begun their leg of the [[Matrix Quest]], leaving the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and eventually arriving at the harbor town of [[Gottlieb]] on Pequod. Only a little while ago, the Klud were believed to be extinct, and yet now one had turned up again, attacking boaters. The Pretenders decided to check it out, believing the creature's sudden return to life could have been caused by the Matrix's power.


Back in the present, Thunderwing and his [[Decepticon]]s have found the creature as well, and opened fire on Longtooth to prevent him from killing. Ruckus sees fit to make a few jeering remarks about how Thunderwing seems more interested in saving a dumb creature than killing a dumb Autobot, and so Thunderwing knocks him across the bridge for his insubordination.
Back in the present, [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and his [[Decepticon]]s have found the creature as well, and open fire on Longtooth to prevent him from killing it. Ruckus sees fit to make a few jeering remarks about how Thunderwing seems more interested in saving a dumb creature than killing a dumb Autobot, and so Thunderwing knocks him across the bridge for his insubordination.


As Longtooth falls into the water after taking missile fire, his addled mind recollects the events after the Autobots began their quest for the Klud. They had come across the latest of the ships torn apart by the creature and, while Longtooth was making a forensic analysis of the remains, the Klud itself shot out of the water and took Longtooth's leg with it. As he fell into shock, Longtooth experienced a mental break, and began associating the Klud with "the destroyer of worlds". After some repairs, he stole a craft and went out hunting the Klud in the name of justice and vengeance. And now he had found it.
As Longtooth falls into the water after taking missile fire, his addled mind recollects the events after the Autobots began their quest for the Klud. They had come across [[The Orca|the latest of the ships]] torn apart by the creature and, while Longtooth was making a forensic analysis of the remains, the Klud itself shot out of the water and took Longtooth's leg with it. As he fell into shock, Longtooth experienced a mental break, and began associating the Klud with "the destroyer of worlds". After some repairs, he stole a craft and went out hunting the Klud in the name of justice and vengeance. And now he had found it.


Thunderwing sends Needlenose and Spinister out to deal with the Autobots while he attempts to make contact with the Klud. Exhibiting some unique mental powers, Thunderwing reaches out and makes contact with the beast's mind. He sees the creature swallow a scientist and his escape pod that were adrift at sea, and charged with Matrix energy. That lingering energy was enough to completely revitalize the Klud. Thunderwing also sees the escape pod is from the moon [[VsQs]], elsewhere in the system.
Thunderwing sends [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] and [[Spinister (G1)|Spinster]] out to deal with the Autobots while he attempts to make contact with the Klud. Exhibiting some unique mental powers, Thunderwing reaches out and makes contact with the beast's mind. He sees the creature swallow [[VsQs Exploration Team|an explorer]] and his escape pod that were adrift at sea, and charged with Matrix energy. That lingering energy was enough to completely revitalize the Klud. Thunderwing also sees the escape pod is from the moon [[VsQs]], elsewhere in the system.


With the Autobots and Decepticons engaged with each other, Longtooth has beaten down the Klud and is ready to pull the trigger on the creature, when Pincher comes forth and makes a last ditch attempt to save his fellow Autobot's soul. Pincher pleads at Longtooth to remember what he was, and what the Autobot code meant to him.  
With the Autobots and Decepticons engaged with each other, Longtooth has beaten down the Klud and is ready to pull the trigger on the creature, when Pincher comes forth and makes a last ditch attempt to save his fellow Autobot's soul. Pincher pleads at Longtooth to remember what he was, and what the Autobot code meant to him.  
Line 18: Line 38:
Thunderwing, content in the knowledge that the Matrix should be on VsQs, abruptly calls off the attack and demands his flyers return to the ship at once. Pincher watches them go, and also watches the Klud swim away, alive and well. In that, at least, he finds a victory.
Thunderwing, content in the knowledge that the Matrix should be on VsQs, abruptly calls off the attack and demands his flyers return to the ship at once. Pincher watches them go, and also watches the Klud swim away, alive and well. In that, at least, he finds a victory.


==Credits==
==Featured characters==
'''Script:''' [[Simon Furman]] <br>
{{featuredcharacters
'''Art:''' [[Jose Delbo]]<br>
|c1=
'''Inks:''' [[Al Williamson]]<br>
*[[Longtooth]] (1)
'''Colors:''' [[Nelson Yomtov]]<br>
*[[Pincher (G1)|Pincher]] (3)
'''Lettering:''' [[Jim Massara]]<br>
*[[Doubleheader]] (4)
*''Originally published:'' March, 1990
*[[Xaaron (G1)|Xaaron]] (5)
|c2=
*[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (7)
*[[Windsweeper]] (8)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (9)
*[[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] (10)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (11)
|c4=
*[[Klud]] (2)
*[[Harbor master]] (6)
}}
 
==Quotes==
"I trust the three of you realize how vital your mission is?"<br>
"Sure, '''Emirate Xaaron'''. If we don't find the Matrix, some bad guy's gonna '''eat us!''' Right?"<br>
"Ah ha. Your gift for '''understatement''', Longtooth, is quite '''spectacular!''' '''Unicron''' is not merely '''some''' bad guy -- he is '''the''' bad guy!"
:—'''Xaaron''' and '''Longtooth'''


===Major characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobot]]s
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticon]]s
! style="background:antiquewhite" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
* [[Longtooth]] (1)
* [[Pincher]] (2)
* [[Doubleheader]] (3)
* [[Emirate Xaaron]] (4)


| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
"'''Haw!''' It's come to something when '''Decepticon''' leaders start worrying about '''dumb animals!'''"<br>
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] (6)
"'''Ruckus -- ''SHUT UP!'''''" [''decks him'']
* [[Windsweeper]] (7)
: — '''Ruckus''' and '''Thunderwing'''
* [[Needlenose]] (8)
* [[Ruckus]] (9)
* [[Spinister]] (10)


| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" |
* [[Harbor Master]] (5)


|}
"What about you, '''Spinister?''' Perhaps '''you''' would like to '''question''' my orders?"<br>
[''glances at Ruckus''] "Hey, no. I've '''always''' been one for '''conservation of the species!"
: — '''Thunderwing''' and '''Spinister'''


==Errors==
* Jose Delbo apparently lost track of what was or wasn't a Pretender shell {{m-}} Pincher's robot mode is repeatedly drawn and colored with a human face.
* Pincher and Doubleheader's Pretender shells aren't seen again after they exit them, begging the question of why they didn't use them in the battle.


==Items of note==
"Through a blood-red haze of '''pain''' -- I saw it! --the '''leviathan''', the '''great beast'''... the ravager of worlds! And the veil parted, revealing my mission, my '''destiny!''' I was the '''voyager''', the '''redeemer!''' The great beast was the destroyer of worlds and I was their '''savior!''' Our ''fates'' were intertwined, our ''destinies'' locked in a ''collision course'' only one would survive!"
* ''Part 3 of the [[Matrix Quest]]''
: — being driven insane grants '''Longtooth''' a poetical streak
* This issue is the first U.S. appearance for Longtooth and Pincher.
 
==Notes==
===Artwork and technical errors===
* The first page announces this as "PART FOUR" of ''Matrix Quest'' instead of part 3.
* Page 4, panel 4: Pincher's Pretender shell chin strap is colored like flesh.
* Thunderwing's jet backpack is there half the time and missing the other half.
* Thunderwing is colored as if he's a fleshy yellow guy wearing armor, with his upper chest, shoulders and neck being exposed. Usually only his face is visible.
* José Delbo apparently lost track of what was or wasn't a Pretender shell—Pincher's robot mode is repeatedly drawn and colored with a human face.
* Pincher and Doubleheader's Pretender shells aren't seen again after they exit them, raising the question of why they didn't use them in the battle.
 
===Continuity errors===
*TBD
 
===Continuity notes===
* Thunderwing's affinity for the Matrix is first mentioned here.
* Thunderwing's affinity for the Matrix is first mentioned here.
* This may be the most flashback-intensive Transformer story ever; 6 of 20 pages are flashbacks {{m-}} including at one point a flashback within a flashback within a "several minutes earlier" which could technically be considered yet another flashback.   
* This may be the most flashback-intensive Transformer story ever; 6 of 20 pages are flashbacks—including at one point a flashback within a flashback within a "several minutes earlier" which could technically be considered yet another flashback.   
* In addition to the obvious ''[[Wikipedia:Moby-Dick|Moby-Dick]]'' homage, the story also heavily references the movie ''[[Wikipedia:Jaws (film)|Jaws]].''
* Xaaron refers back to Primus's awakening from "[[The Primal Scream|Primal Scream]]" in his mission briefing.
* ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' profiles for [[Crankcase]] and [[Needlenose]] are found after the main story.


==References==
===Real-life references===
* Xaaron refers back to Primus's awakening from U.S. #61 in his mission briefing.
* The issue is an homage to the Herman Melville classic ''{{w|Moby-Dick}}'', with Longtooth filling the role of the crazed, vengeance-obsessed Captain Ahab. In particular, it borrows the opening line ("Call me Ishmael") and the name of Ahab's whaling vessel (the Pequod)
* The story also heavily references the movie ''{{w|Jaws (film)|Jaws}}'', with a holiday ground being threatened by a killer beast, the creature's bite radius being a plot point, fortune hunters descending to hunt the creature, and the beleaguered harbor master trying to keep people from sailing into the dangerous waters (he even cops dialogue from oceanographer Hooper, saying that "This was no boat accident!" and "They're all going to die!") The ship that Longtooth steals to hunt the Klud is named "The Orca", the same as the shark-hunting fishing boat from the film.


===Covers===
===UK printing===
{{picsneeded|UK covers}}
'''Issue #286:'''
* '''U.S. cover:''' Longtooth Ahab by [[Ian Akin]]
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[The Lesser Evil!]]"
* '''UK issue 286 cover:''' Starscream and Grimlock defeat Bludgeon by [[Andrew Wildman]]
*'''Other strips:''' ''[[Action Force (comic)|G.I. Joe the Action Force]]'' - "Fair Trade" and ''[[Combat Colin]]''
* '''UK issue 287 cover:''' Springer and Superion by [[Stewart Johnson]]
*'''[[Transformers AtoZ|AtoZ]]:''' [[Twin Twist (G1)|Twin Twist]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]]
* '''UK issue 288 cover:''' Grimlock holding Irwin by [[Pete Knifton]]
'''Issue #287:'''
* '''UK issue 289 cover:''' Irwin trapped in Motormaster by Pete Knifton
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[Inside Story!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''G.I. Joe the Action Force'' - "Fair Trade" and ''Combat Colin''
*'''AtoZ:''' [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]
*[[Mystery!|<<]] [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] answers [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|a letter]] from Steven Mapes who, with his twin David, would go on to become ''Transformers'' rarity collectors, [[Unofficial conventions|convention organisers]], and webmasters of fansite [http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/ Transformers At The Moon.] [[Surrender!|>>]]
'''Issue #288:'''
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[Front Line! (issue)|Front Line!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''G.I. Joe the Action Force'' - "Fair Trade" and ''Combat Colin''
*'''AtoZ:''' [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]
'''Issue #289:'''
*'''Additional ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[End of the Road! (UK)|End of the Road!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''G.I. Joe the Action Force'' - "Fair Trade" and ''Combat Colin''
*'''AtoZ:''' [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]]


{{Columnlist|2|
===Other trivia===
[[Image:MarvelUK-286.jpg|thumb|200px|center|286 cover]]
* ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|Transformers Universe]]'' profiles for [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] and [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] are found after the main story.
[[Image:MarvelUK-287.jpg|thumb|200px|center|287 cover]]
* The [[letters page]] declared ''[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|The Transformers]]'' and Marvel Universes to be separate. It also politely asked the readers to forget about [[Prisoner of War!|issue #3]] (which guest-starred [[Spider-Man]] and had other Marvel cameos).
}}
* The face of Thunderwing's Pretender shell varies a lot depending on the artist; here, inker Dan Reed - notable for his UK work - gives it a heavily organic style. Next issue, penciler Geoff Senior will make it appear strictly robotic.
{{Columnlist|2|
 
[[Image:MarvelUK-288.jpg|thumb|200px|center|288 cover]]
===Foreign Localization===
[[Image:MarvelUK-289.jpg|thumb|200px|center|289 cover]]
'''Swedish'''
}}
*: ''Title (1990):'' "'''Sjöodjuret'''" ("The Sea Monster")
*: ''Title (2019):'' "'''Dödlig Besatthet'''" ("Deadly Obsession")
 
===Covers (5)===
*'''US cover:''' Longtooth Ahab, by [[José Delbo]] and [[Ian Akin]].
*'''UK issue #286 cover:''' Starscream and Grimlock defeat Bludgeon, by [[Andrew Wildman]].
*'''UK issue #287 cover:''' Springer and Superion, by [[Staz|Stewart Johnson]].
*'''UK issue #288 cover:''' Grimlock holding Irwin, by [[Pete Knifton]].
*'''UK issue #289 cover:''' Irwin trapped in Motormaster, by Pete Knifton.
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-64.jpg|'''US issue #64''' - Hop to it Longtooth!
File:MarvelUK-286.jpg|'''UK issue #286''' - ...and a million fangirls cried out.
File:MarvelUK-287.jpg|'''UK issue #287''' - Thanks Springer, what would we do without you?
File:MarvelUK-288.jpg|'''UK issue #288''' - Grimlock shows off his new dancing human toy.
File:MarvelUK-289.jpg|'''UK issue #289''' - That's a mighty big truck there!
</gallery>


===Advertisements===
===Advertisements===
* None yet identified.
====US====
*Trix cereal - inside front cover
*Instant Quaker Oatmeal presents ''Popeye'' - between pages 4 & 5 and between pages 5 & 6
*Acclaim Douple Player wireless head-to-head system - between pages 7 & 8
*Capcom ''Bionic Commando'' - between pages 8 & 9
*''Airwolf'' engine powered model helicopter - between pages 16 & 17
*''Wheels and Wings'' cards - between pages 17 & 18
*Star Signals and Checklist - between Hosehead and Nightbeat profiles
*''WCW'' video game for Nintendo - between story and Crankcase profiles
*[[Letters page|Transmissions]]
*Marvel subscription service
*Chips Ahoy! cookies - inside back cover
*Lucky Charms cereal (back cover)
 
====UK====
????
 
===Reprints===
*'''''[[Transformers: Matrix Quest]]'' TPB:''' Thunderwing, [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]], [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] and half of [[Primus]], by [[Andrew Wildman]].
*'''''Transformers: Matrix Quest'' HC:''' Thunderwing with the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]], by [[Pat Lee]].
*'''''[[Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm]]'':''' Optimus Prime, [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Skywarp]], by Andrew Wildman.
*'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 5|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5]]:''' panels from this issue, "[[Eye of the Storm]]", "[[Deadly Obsession]]" and "[[...All This and Civil War 2]]".
*'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 5|''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 5]] cover:''' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], by [[Guido Guidi]].
*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]], Volume 17: Matrix Quest:''''' Nightbeat and Prime's corpse by [[Makoto Ono]] and [[Geoff Senior]].
<gallery>
File:Titan-MatrixQuestSC.jpg|'''''Matrix Quest'' TPB''' (Titan Books, 2002)
File:Titan-MatrixQuestHC.jpg|'''''Matrix Quest'' hardback''' (Titan Books, 2002)
File:Best of Transformers.jpg|'''''Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm''''' (Titan Books, 2008)
File:Classic Transformers Vol5.jpg|'''''Classic Transformers'' Volume 5''' (IDW Publishing, 2009)
File:TFClassicsVol5.jpg|'''''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 5''' (IDW Publishing, 2013)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v17.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection vol. 17: Matrix Quest''''' (Hachette Partworks, Ltd., 2018)
</gallery>
 


[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Latest revision as of 00:14, 8 February 2026

« The Transformers (US) #64 »
« The Transformers (UK) #286–289 »

Primus have mercy on us all - Pretenders and Powermasters alike - for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.
"Deadly Obsession"
Publisher Marvel Comics
Shipping date January 23, 1990
On-sale date February 13, 1990
Cover date March 1990
Writer Simon Furman
Penciler José Delbo
Inker Al Williamson (pages 1-4) & Dan Reed
Colorist Nel Yomtov
Letterer Jim Massara
Editor Don Daley
Continuity Marvel Comics continuity

Simon Furman rewrites Melville, as the Matrix Quest continues.

Synopsis

[edit]
Longtooth is issued a cetacean.

On the mercury seas of Pequod, the one-legged Autobot Longtooth is closing in on his prey, the whale-like creature known as the Klud that tore away his leg. As he aims his harpoon gun at the creature, his fellow Autobot Pretenders Pincher and Doubleheader are racing to stop him in another craft. As they near their destination, Pincher thinks back on how things became so desperate...

Two weeks earlier, the trio had begun their leg of the Matrix Quest, leaving the Ark and eventually arriving at the harbor town of Gottlieb on Pequod. Only a little while ago, the Klud were believed to be extinct, and yet now one had turned up again, attacking boaters. The Pretenders decided to check it out, believing the creature's sudden return to life could have been caused by the Matrix's power.

Back in the present, Thunderwing and his Decepticons have found the creature as well, and open fire on Longtooth to prevent him from killing it. Ruckus sees fit to make a few jeering remarks about how Thunderwing seems more interested in saving a dumb creature than killing a dumb Autobot, and so Thunderwing knocks him across the bridge for his insubordination.

As Longtooth falls into the water after taking missile fire, his addled mind recollects the events after the Autobots began their quest for the Klud. They had come across the latest of the ships torn apart by the creature and, while Longtooth was making a forensic analysis of the remains, the Klud itself shot out of the water and took Longtooth's leg with it. As he fell into shock, Longtooth experienced a mental break, and began associating the Klud with "the destroyer of worlds". After some repairs, he stole a craft and went out hunting the Klud in the name of justice and vengeance. And now he had found it.

Thunderwing sends Needlenose and Spinster out to deal with the Autobots while he attempts to make contact with the Klud. Exhibiting some unique mental powers, Thunderwing reaches out and makes contact with the beast's mind. He sees the creature swallow an explorer and his escape pod that were adrift at sea, and charged with Matrix energy. That lingering energy was enough to completely revitalize the Klud. Thunderwing also sees the escape pod is from the moon VsQs, elsewhere in the system.

With the Autobots and Decepticons engaged with each other, Longtooth has beaten down the Klud and is ready to pull the trigger on the creature, when Pincher comes forth and makes a last ditch attempt to save his fellow Autobot's soul. Pincher pleads at Longtooth to remember what he was, and what the Autobot code meant to him.

Thunderwing, content in the knowledge that the Matrix should be on VsQs, abruptly calls off the attack and demands his flyers return to the ship at once. Pincher watches them go, and also watches the Klud swim away, alive and well. In that, at least, he finds a victory.

[edit]

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Others

Quotes

[edit]

"I trust the three of you realize how vital your mission is?"
"Sure, Emirate Xaaron. If we don't find the Matrix, some bad guy's gonna eat us! Right?"
"Ah ha. Your gift for understatement, Longtooth, is quite spectacular! Unicron is not merely some bad guy -- he is the bad guy!"

—Xaaron and Longtooth


"Haw! It's come to something when Decepticon leaders start worrying about dumb animals!"
"Ruckus -- SHUT UP!" [decks him]

— Ruckus and Thunderwing


"What about you, Spinister? Perhaps you would like to question my orders?"
[glances at Ruckus] "Hey, no. I've always been one for conservation of the species!"

— Thunderwing and Spinister


"Through a blood-red haze of pain -- I saw it! --the leviathan, the great beast... the ravager of worlds! And the veil parted, revealing my mission, my destiny! I was the voyager, the redeemer! The great beast was the destroyer of worlds and I was their savior! Our fates were intertwined, our destinies locked in a collision course only one would survive!"

— being driven insane grants Longtooth a poetical streak

Notes

[edit]

Artwork and technical errors

[edit]
  • The first page announces this as "PART FOUR" of Matrix Quest instead of part 3.
  • Page 4, panel 4: Pincher's Pretender shell chin strap is colored like flesh.
  • Thunderwing's jet backpack is there half the time and missing the other half.
  • Thunderwing is colored as if he's a fleshy yellow guy wearing armor, with his upper chest, shoulders and neck being exposed. Usually only his face is visible.
  • José Delbo apparently lost track of what was or wasn't a Pretender shell—Pincher's robot mode is repeatedly drawn and colored with a human face.
  • Pincher and Doubleheader's Pretender shells aren't seen again after they exit them, raising the question of why they didn't use them in the battle.

Continuity errors

[edit]
  • TBD

Continuity notes

[edit]
  • Thunderwing's affinity for the Matrix is first mentioned here.
  • This may be the most flashback-intensive Transformer story ever; 6 of 20 pages are flashbacks—including at one point a flashback within a flashback within a "several minutes earlier" which could technically be considered yet another flashback.
  • Xaaron refers back to Primus's awakening from "Primal Scream" in his mission briefing.

Real-life references

[edit]
  • The issue is an homage to the Herman Melville classic Moby-Dick, with Longtooth filling the role of the crazed, vengeance-obsessed Captain Ahab. In particular, it borrows the opening line ("Call me Ishmael") and the name of Ahab's whaling vessel (the Pequod)
  • The story also heavily references the movie Jaws, with a holiday ground being threatened by a killer beast, the creature's bite radius being a plot point, fortune hunters descending to hunt the creature, and the beleaguered harbor master trying to keep people from sailing into the dangerous waters (he even cops dialogue from oceanographer Hooper, saying that "This was no boat accident!" and "They're all going to die!") The ship that Longtooth steals to hunt the Klud is named "The Orca", the same as the shark-hunting fishing boat from the film.

UK printing

[edit]

Issue #286:

Issue #287:

Issue #288:

  • Additional Transformers story: "Front Line!"
  • Other strips: G.I. Joe the Action Force - "Fair Trade" and Combat Colin
  • AtoZ: Vortex and Warpath

Issue #289:

Other trivia

[edit]
  • Transformers Universe profiles for Crankcase and Needlenose are found after the main story.
  • The letters page declared The Transformers and Marvel Universes to be separate. It also politely asked the readers to forget about issue #3 (which guest-starred Spider-Man and had other Marvel cameos).
  • The face of Thunderwing's Pretender shell varies a lot depending on the artist; here, inker Dan Reed - notable for his UK work - gives it a heavily organic style. Next issue, penciler Geoff Senior will make it appear strictly robotic.

Foreign Localization

[edit]

Swedish

  • Title (1990): "Sjöodjuret" ("The Sea Monster")
    Title (2019): "Dödlig Besatthet" ("Deadly Obsession")

Covers (5)

[edit]
  • US cover: Longtooth Ahab, by José Delbo and Ian Akin.
  • UK issue #286 cover: Starscream and Grimlock defeat Bludgeon, by Andrew Wildman.
  • UK issue #287 cover: Springer and Superion, by Stewart Johnson.
  • UK issue #288 cover: Grimlock holding Irwin, by Pete Knifton.
  • UK issue #289 cover: Irwin trapped in Motormaster, by Pete Knifton.
  • US issue #64 - Hop to it Longtooth!
    US issue #64 - Hop to it Longtooth!
  • UK issue #286 - ...and a million fangirls cried out.
    UK issue #286 - ...and a million fangirls cried out.
  • UK issue #287 - Thanks Springer, what would we do without you?
    UK issue #287 - Thanks Springer, what would we do without you?
  • UK issue #288 - Grimlock shows off his new dancing human toy.
    UK issue #288 - Grimlock shows off his new dancing human toy.
  • UK issue #289 - That's a mighty big truck there!
    UK issue #289 - That's a mighty big truck there!

Advertisements

[edit]

US

[edit]
  • Trix cereal - inside front cover
  • Instant Quaker Oatmeal presents Popeye - between pages 4 & 5 and between pages 5 & 6
  • Acclaim Douple Player wireless head-to-head system - between pages 7 & 8
  • Capcom Bionic Commando - between pages 8 & 9
  • Airwolf engine powered model helicopter - between pages 16 & 17
  • Wheels and Wings cards - between pages 17 & 18
  • Star Signals and Checklist - between Hosehead and Nightbeat profiles
  • WCW video game for Nintendo - between story and Crankcase profiles
  • Transmissions
  • Marvel subscription service
  • Chips Ahoy! cookies - inside back cover
  • Lucky Charms cereal (back cover)

UK

[edit]

????

Reprints

[edit]
  • Matrix Quest TPB (Titan Books, 2002)
    Matrix Quest TPB (Titan Books, 2002)
  • Matrix Quest hardback (Titan Books, 2002)
    Matrix Quest hardback (Titan Books, 2002)
  • Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm (Titan Books, 2008)
    Best of Transformers: Eye of the Storm (Titan Books, 2008)
  • Classic Transformers Volume 5 (IDW Publishing, 2009)
    Classic Transformers Volume 5 (IDW Publishing, 2009)
  • The Transformers Classics, Vol. 5 (IDW Publishing, 2013)
    The Transformers Classics, Vol. 5 (IDW Publishing, 2013)
  • Definitive G1 Collection vol. 17: Matrix Quest (Hachette Partworks, Ltd., 2018)
    Definitive G1 Collection vol. 17: Matrix Quest (Hachette Partworks, Ltd., 2018)
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