Escalation issue 3: Difference between revisions

From MediaWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
← Older edit
undoUsfmm (talk | contribs)
10,286 edits
Starfield (talk | contribs)
15,417 edits
→Items of note: Changed Soviet Union note.
Usfmm (talk | contribs)
10,286 edits
No edit summary
 
(34 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Comicstory|
{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Escalation (IDW)|The Transformers: Escalation]]'' #3
|series=escalation|issueno=3
|prev=Escalation issue 2
|prev=Escalation issue 2
|next=Escalation issue 4
|next=Escalation issue 4
Line 10: Line 10:
|story by=[[Simon Furman]]
|story by=[[Simon Furman]]
|art by=[[E. J. Su]]
|art by=[[E. J. Su]]
|colors by=[[Zac Atkinson]]
|colors by=[[Zac Atkinson (colorist)|Zac Atkinson]]
|letters by=[[Neil Uyetake]]
|letters by=[[Neil Uyetake]]
|edits by=[[Chris Ryall]] & [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]]
|edits by=[[Chris Ryall]] & [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Escalation]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Escalation]]
}}
}}
'''As Optimus Prime calls in reinforcements, the Decepticons heat things up in Eastern Europe.'''


'''As Optimus Prime calls in reinforcements, the Decepticons heat things up in <s>the [[Soviet Union]]</s> <s>[[Russia]]</s> Eastern Europe.'''
==Synopsis==
[[File:Escalation3-Massdisplacement.jpg|left|upright=1.67|thumb|I'll do whatever I have to that makes it more like 1984!]]
In the former [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] breakaway state of [[Brasnya]], rebel leader [[Georgi Koska]] assures his subordinate [[Alexi]] that they will be taking action against the [[Russia]]ns soon. Koska drives off alone to rendezvous with his real master, [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]. The [[Decepticon]] leader transforms and, with the help of [[Ore-13]], reveals his new [[alternate mode]] of a [[Size changing|human-sized handgun]]. In Koska's hands, Megatron orders his [[facsimile construct]] to fire at the Russians' primary [[oil]] pipeline, therefore agitating Brasnya's political enemies. Megatron then orders [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] to take off and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] to engage his [[chameleon mesh]], which renders him invisible. The trap is baited and set.


== Synopsis ==
On the ''[[Ark-19]]'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] lets his troops know that he's calling in reinforcements. The situation on Earth has escalated to a point that requires more force. [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] disagrees, but Prime overrules him. At this point, [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] breaks the chain of command and asks Prime if he can search for [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]], who is still missing. The [[Autobot]] leader says no without giving an explanation and walks off. Prowl orders everyone else to their duties, and then gets into Ironhide's face for going over his head again.
[[Image:Massdisplacement.jpg|left|300px|thumb|I'll do whatever I have to to make it more like 1984!]]
In the former Soviet breakaway state of [[Brasnya]], rebel leader [[Georgi Koska]] assures his subordinate Alexi that they will be taking action against the Russians soon. Koska drives off alone to rendezvous with his real master, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. The Decepticon leader transforms and, with the help of [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]], reveals his new alt-mode of a [[Size changing|human-sized handgun]]. In Koska's hands, Megatron orders his [[Facsimile construct|facsimile construct]] to fire at the Russians' primary oil pipeline, therefore agitating Brasnya's political enemies. Megatron then orders [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to take off and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] to engage his [[chameleon mesh]], which renders him invisible. The trap is baited and set.


On the ''[[Ark-19]]'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] lets his troops know that he's calling in reinforcements. The situation on Earth has escalated to a point that requires more force. Prowl disagrees, but Prime overrules him. At this point, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] breaks the chain of command and asks Prime if he can search for Sunstreaker, who is still missing. The Autobot leader says no without giving an explanation and walks off. Prowl orders everyone else to their duties, and then gets into Ironhide's face for going over his head, again.  
In Brasnya, Koska's rebel forces attack a Russian convoy, further escalating the tensions between nations, which is exactly what Megatron wants.


In Brasnya, Koska's rebel forces attack a Russian convoy, further escalating the tensions between nations, which is exactly what Megatron wants.  
At Autobot HQ, [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] walks in on [[Verity Carlo]] and [[Jimmy Pink]] looking over the faked remains of Sunstreaker. Jimmy uses his mechanic's expertise to find a possible clue to the people behind the kidnapping. He suggests that they investigate further for clues in cyberspace, but Ratchet isn't sure. He mulls over bringing this evidence to Prowl, but decides to do the work himself with the [[human]]s since Prowl will likely ignore him. However, someone is eavesdropping on this conversation.


Back at Autobot HQ, Ratchet walks in on Verity and Jimmy looking over the faked remains of Sunstreaker. Jimmy uses his mechanic's expertise to find a possible clue to the people behind the kidnapping. He suggests that they investigate further for clues in cyberspace, but Ratchet isn't sure. He mulls over bringing this evidence to Prowl, but decides to do the work himself with the humans since Prowl will likely ignore him. However, someone is eavesdropping on this conversation.
Russians roll into Brasnya where Koska's forces and the Decepticons are waiting. The previous battle between the humans catches the attention of the Autobots, mainly due to the power of Megatron's blasts. Prowl pinpoints Megatron's location in the hands of Koska, and Prime comments on the rarity and energy requirement needed for this method of mass displacement, hinting that he's using Ore-13. He and Prowl agree on their next course of action: head to Brasnya to confront the Decepticons.


Russians roll into Brasnya where Koska's forces and the Decepticons are waiting. The previous battle between the humans catches the attention of the Autobots, mainly due to the power of Megatron's blasts. Prowl pinpoints Megatron's location in the hands of Koska, and Prime comments on the rarity and energy requirement needed for this method of mass displacement, hinting that he's using Ore-13. He and Prowl agree on their next course of action: head to Brasnya to confront the Decepticons.  
A convoy of Brasnyan tanks arrive in the area and the soldiers hold positions. They do not expect a battle and hope that the politicians will settle the conflict. However, Megatron has other plans. Blitzwing attacks the convoy and the Brasnyan commander interprets it as a Russian attack. The fight between the humans has begun.


A convoy of Brasnyan tanks arrive in the area and the soldiers hold positions. They do not expect a battle and hope that the politicians will settle the conflict. However, Megatron has other plans. Blitzwing attacks this convoy and the Brasnyan commander interprets it as a Russian attack. The fight between the humans has begun.  
Optimus Prime, Prowl, [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]], and Prime's [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]] arrive in Brasnya via [[orbital jump|orbital bounce]]. Their plan is for Prime to draw Megatron out while the others capture Koska, the Decepticon facsimile. Blitzwing sights Prime driving through the countryside and alerts Megatron, who calls in Skywarp and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] to assist.


Prime, Prowl, Jazz, Wheeljack and Prime's [[Combat Deck|trailer]] arrive in Brasnya via [[orbital jump|orbital bounce]]. Their plan is for Prime to draw Megatron out while the others capture Koska, the Decepticon facsimile. Blitzwing sights Prime driving through the countryside and alerts Megatron, who calls in Skywarp and Astrotrain to assist.  
In Earth orbit aboard ''[[Ark-32]]'', [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], and [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] await orders.


In Earth orbit aboard ''[[Ark-32]]'', [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] await orders.
Ratchet, Jimmy, and Verity are searching auto supply records and find the lead they need to search for Sunstreaker and [[Hunter O'Nion]]. But Ironhide steps out from the shadows and says they can't go anywhere... without him.


Ratchet, Jimmy and Verity are searching auto supply records and find the lead they need to search for Sunstreaker and Hunter. But Ironhide steps out from the shadows and says they can't go anywhere... without him.
==Featured characters==
{{-}}
 
== Featured characters ==
{{featuredcharacters
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c1=
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (6)
* [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] (6)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (17)
* [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (18)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (8)
* [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (9)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (10)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] (10)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (9)
* [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] (11)
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (16)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (7)
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (17)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (12)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (11)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (19)
|c2=
|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (4)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (4)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] (5)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (5)
|c3=
|c3=
* [[Alexi]] (2)
* [[Alexi]] (2)
* [[Breski]] (15)
* [[Verity Carlo]] (13)
* [[Verity Carlo]] (14)
* [[Jimmy Pink]] (14)
* [[Todorof]] (15)
* [[Breski]] (16)
|h4=[[Facsimile construct|Facsimilies]]|c4=
* [[Georgi Koska]] (1)
* [[Georgi Koska]] (1)
* [[Jimmy Pink]] (13)
}}
}}


== Errors ==
==Notes==
* Skywarp is colored like [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] throughout the entire issue.
===Continuity notes===
* Nightbeat's appearance here follows directly from the end of [[Spotlight: Nightbeat]].
* Blitzwing has the ability to vanish into thin air using something called "chameleon mesh".
* '''First appearances:''' Hardhead
 
===Transformers references===
* This issue marks the first official use of the term [[Size changing|mass displacement]]. Size changing had been common in older Generation 1 fiction, but was rarely explicitly acknowledged, let alone given any attempt at explanation.
 
===Real-life references===
* Ratchet and the humans trace the Ultralite alloy to Beaver, Utah, and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
* Seeing Fort Wayne on a map and crying out "Road trip!" is a pretty explicit call-back to the original home of BotCon.
 
===Errors===
* This issue and the [[Escalation issue 4|following one]] identify [[Brasnya]] as a "(breakaway) soviet state", with the opposing army repeatedly being called "soviets". This appears to imply that the [[Soviet Union]] still exists in the present-day setting of ''Escalation'', despite the [[Cold War (history)|Cold War]] being over for well over a decade by this point in the real world. [[Escalation issue 5|Issues #5]] and [[Escalation issue 6|#6]] then suddenly call Brasnya a "(former) Russian state", thereby seemingly fixing the error. This was later confirmed by Simon Furman at the German C.O.N.S. convention in July 2012.
* Skywarp is colored like [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] throughout the entire issue.


== Items of note ==
===Other trivia===
* The comic refers to the [[Soviet Union]] in the present tense. No explanation has been given for why IDW appeared to forget the Cold War was over. In the sixth issue, Brasnya is referred to instead as a "former Russian state".
* This issue marks the first official use of the term '''[[Size changing|mass displacement]]'''.
* The "Decepticomments" section has readers' mail answered by [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] and an ad for [[Escalation issue 4|''Escalation'' #4]].
* The "Decepticomments" section has readers' mail answered by [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] and an ad for [[Escalation issue 4|''Escalation'' #4]].
* Alexi refers disparagingly to "the federalists" in the capital, either referring to a capital-F political party or a derogatory term due to their rumoured deal with the Russian Federation.


===Covers (3)===
===Covers (3)===
Line 77: Line 90:
* '''Cover B:''' Megatron holding hologram globe; art by [[Klaus Scherwinski]].
* '''Cover B:''' Megatron holding hologram globe; art by [[Klaus Scherwinski]].
* '''Cover RI-A:''' cover A, uncolored
* '''Cover RI-A:''' cover A, uncolored
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Escalation 3a.jpg|Cover A
File:Escalation 3a.jpg|Cover A
Image:Escalation 3b.jpg|No, not iconic at all.
File:Escalation 3b.jpg|No, not iconic at all.
Image:Escalation 3ria.jpg|Cover RI-A
File:Escalation 3ria.jpg|Cover RI-A
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Advertisements===
===Advertisements===
* 2-page "IDWords" section about the [[Movie Prequel (2007)|Movie Prequel]] comic
* 2-page "IDWords" section about the [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]] comic
* Optimus Prime [[Alternators]] toy
* Optimus Prime ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' toy
* 4-page preview of ''Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Space Between''
* 4-page preview of ''[[Star Trek]]: The Next Generation: The Space Between''
* [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] with Kung Fu Grip
* [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] with Kung Fu Grip
* ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' 20th Anniversary Special Edition DVD (back cover)
* ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' 20th Anniversary Special Edition DVD (back cover)


 
===Reprints===
[[Category:IDW Generation 1 issues]]
<small>In addition to [[The Transformers: Escalation#Collections|collections of the full series]].</small>
* N/A

Latest revision as of 23:42, 20 April 2023

« The Transformers: Escalation #3 »

Must... have... MP-05!
Publisher IDW Publishing
First published January 24, 2007
Cover date January 2007
Story by Simon Furman
Art by E. J. Su
Colors by Zac Atkinson
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Edits by Chris Ryall & Dan Taylor
Continuity 2005 IDW continuity
Chronology Escalation

As Optimus Prime calls in reinforcements, the Decepticons heat things up in Eastern Europe.

Synopsis

[edit]
I'll do whatever I have to that makes it more like 1984!

In the former Soviet breakaway state of Brasnya, rebel leader Georgi Koska assures his subordinate Alexi that they will be taking action against the Russians soon. Koska drives off alone to rendezvous with his real master, Megatron. The Decepticon leader transforms and, with the help of Ore-13, reveals his new alternate mode of a human-sized handgun. In Koska's hands, Megatron orders his facsimile construct to fire at the Russians' primary oil pipeline, therefore agitating Brasnya's political enemies. Megatron then orders Skywarp to take off and Blitzwing to engage his chameleon mesh, which renders him invisible. The trap is baited and set.

On the Ark-19, Optimus Prime lets his troops know that he's calling in reinforcements. The situation on Earth has escalated to a point that requires more force. Prowl disagrees, but Prime overrules him. At this point, Ironhide breaks the chain of command and asks Prime if he can search for Sunstreaker, who is still missing. The Autobot leader says no without giving an explanation and walks off. Prowl orders everyone else to their duties, and then gets into Ironhide's face for going over his head again.

In Brasnya, Koska's rebel forces attack a Russian convoy, further escalating the tensions between nations, which is exactly what Megatron wants.

At Autobot HQ, Ratchet walks in on Verity Carlo and Jimmy Pink looking over the faked remains of Sunstreaker. Jimmy uses his mechanic's expertise to find a possible clue to the people behind the kidnapping. He suggests that they investigate further for clues in cyberspace, but Ratchet isn't sure. He mulls over bringing this evidence to Prowl, but decides to do the work himself with the humans since Prowl will likely ignore him. However, someone is eavesdropping on this conversation.

Russians roll into Brasnya where Koska's forces and the Decepticons are waiting. The previous battle between the humans catches the attention of the Autobots, mainly due to the power of Megatron's blasts. Prowl pinpoints Megatron's location in the hands of Koska, and Prime comments on the rarity and energy requirement needed for this method of mass displacement, hinting that he's using Ore-13. He and Prowl agree on their next course of action: head to Brasnya to confront the Decepticons.

A convoy of Brasnyan tanks arrive in the area and the soldiers hold positions. They do not expect a battle and hope that the politicians will settle the conflict. However, Megatron has other plans. Blitzwing attacks the convoy and the Brasnyan commander interprets it as a Russian attack. The fight between the humans has begun.

Optimus Prime, Prowl, Jazz, Wheeljack, and Prime's trailer arrive in Brasnya via orbital bounce. Their plan is for Prime to draw Megatron out while the others capture Koska, the Decepticon facsimile. Blitzwing sights Prime driving through the countryside and alerts Megatron, who calls in Skywarp and Astrotrain to assist.

In Earth orbit aboard Ark-32, Nightbeat, Hardhead, and Hot Rod await orders.

Ratchet, Jimmy, and Verity are searching auto supply records and find the lead they need to search for Sunstreaker and Hunter O'Nion. But Ironhide steps out from the shadows and says they can't go anywhere... without him.

[edit]

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Humans Facsimilies

Notes

[edit]

Continuity notes

[edit]
  • Nightbeat's appearance here follows directly from the end of Spotlight: Nightbeat.
  • Blitzwing has the ability to vanish into thin air using something called "chameleon mesh".
  • First appearances: Hardhead

Transformers references

[edit]
  • This issue marks the first official use of the term mass displacement. Size changing had been common in older Generation 1 fiction, but was rarely explicitly acknowledged, let alone given any attempt at explanation.

Real-life references

[edit]
  • Ratchet and the humans trace the Ultralite alloy to Beaver, Utah, and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Seeing Fort Wayne on a map and crying out "Road trip!" is a pretty explicit call-back to the original home of BotCon.

Errors

[edit]
  • This issue and the following one identify Brasnya as a "(breakaway) soviet state", with the opposing army repeatedly being called "soviets". This appears to imply that the Soviet Union still exists in the present-day setting of Escalation, despite the Cold War being over for well over a decade by this point in the real world. Issues #5 and #6 then suddenly call Brasnya a "(former) Russian state", thereby seemingly fixing the error. This was later confirmed by Simon Furman at the German C.O.N.S. convention in July 2012.
  • Skywarp is colored like Thundercracker throughout the entire issue.

Other trivia

[edit]
  • The "Decepticomments" section has readers' mail answered by Dan Taylor and an ad for Escalation #4.
  • Alexi refers disparagingly to "the federalists" in the capital, either referring to a capital-F political party or a derogatory term due to their rumoured deal with the Russian Federation.

Covers (3)

[edit]
  • Cover A: Blitzwing grabbing for Koska, who's firing Megatron; art by E. J. Su.
  • Cover B: Megatron holding hologram globe; art by Klaus Scherwinski.
  • Cover RI-A: cover A, uncolored
  • Cover A
    Cover A
  • No, not iconic at all.
    No, not iconic at all.
  • Cover RI-A
    Cover RI-A

Advertisements

[edit]

Reprints

[edit]

In addition to collections of the full series.

  • N/A
Retrieved from "https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Escalation_issue_3&oldid=1688216"