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|caption=Never buy a used Autobot without a Carfax™ history report.
|caption=Never buy a used Autobot without a Carfax™ history report.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=May 1987
|shippingdate=[[May 26]], [[1987]]
|onsaledate=[[June 16]], 1987
|coverdate=September 1987
|coverdate=September 1987
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
Line 19: Line 20:
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
}}
'''When the Throttlebots are captured by a used car salesman, both RAAT and the Combaticons arrive to collect them.'''
'''When the Throttlebots are captured by a used car salesman, both RAAT and the Combaticons arrive to collect them.'''


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
[[Image:Skates.png|left|150px|thumb|It's nice that you've noticed the traffic violation, but shouldn't you be more concerned about the giant robot legs?]]
[[File:Skates.png|left|upright=1.3|thumb|It's nice that you've noticed the traffic violation, but shouldn't you be more concerned about the giant robot legs?]]
The [[Throttlebot]]s are under attack from the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]. Although they are able to fight Vortex off with the help of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] riding [[Chase (G1)|Chase]] and [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] like roller skates, they attract unwanted human attention. When the Throttlebots stop for fuel at a [[Blackrock Industries|Blackrock]] service station, the [[Greeley|owner]] is able to report them to awaiting [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] troops, who immediately attack. Although the Throttlebots are able to escape from RAAT, the battle gives Vortex the opportunity to track the Throttlebots once again. Meanwhile, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] sends the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to retrieve Blaster and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]].
The [[Throttlebot]]s are under attack from the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]. Although they are able to fight Vortex off with the help of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] riding [[Chase (G1)|Chase]] and [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] like roller skates, they attract unwanted human attention. When the Throttlebots stop for fuel at a [[Blackrock Enterprises|Blackrock]] service station, the [[Greeley|owner]] is able to report them to awaiting [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] troops, who immediately attack. Although the Throttlebots are able to escape from RAAT, the battle gives Vortex the opportunity to track the Throttlebots once again. Meanwhile, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] sends the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to retrieve Blaster and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]].


Unable to refuel, the Throttlebots stop at [[Big Steve's Used Cars|a used car lot]] for the night. When the owner, [[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]], tries to have the damaged Rollbar towed, the Throttlebots reveal themselves to Big Steve to stop him. Big Steve promptly reports the Throttlebots to the authorities and fills the Throttlebots' fuel tanks with soda to immobilize them.
Unable to refuel, the Throttlebots stop at [[Big Steve's Used Cars|a used car lot]] for the night. When the owner, [[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]], tries to have the damaged Rollbar towed, the Throttlebots reveal themselves to Big Steve to stop him. Big Steve promptly reports the Throttlebots to the authorities and fills the Throttlebots' fuel tanks with [[soft drink|soda]] to immobilize them.


When RAAT arrives to collect the Throttlebots, they are intercepted by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who intend to destroy the Throttlebots themselves. The Protectobots soon arrive on the scene and prepare to do battle. Big Steve attempts to save his lot by proposing that the opposing teams bid on who gets to take the Throttlebots. The auction is short-lived, however, as [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] radios [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], commanding him to kill Big Steve. Blaster sees Swindle prepare to fire and manages to throw off Swindle's aim just in time. The battle starts anew, and in the confusion, RAAT manages to take the Throttlebots away.   
When RAAT arrives to collect the Throttlebots, they are intercepted by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], who intend to destroy the Throttlebots themselves. The Protectobots soon arrive on the scene and prepare to do battle. Big Steve attempts to save his lot by proposing that the opposing teams bid on who gets to take the Throttlebots. The auction is short-lived, however, as [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] radios [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], commanding him to kill Big Steve. Blaster sees Swindle prepare to fire and manages to throw off Swindle's aim just in time. The battle starts anew, and in the confusion, RAAT manages to take the Throttlebots away.   


The Combaticons eventually retreat, and Blaster ensures that Big Steve doesn't get to profit from his friends' misfortune by destroying a check RAAT had paid him for the information leading to their capture. Blaster is then arrested by the Protectobots for rebelling against Grimlock's command. He is to be returned to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to be tried and executed...
With Blaster fighting alongside the Protectobots, the Combaticons are soon forced into a retreat. A peeved Blaster ensures that Big Steve doesn't get to profit from his friends' misfortune by destroying a check RAAT had paid him for the information leading to their capture. Blaster is anxious to set out after RAAT, but Hot Spot informs him that the Protectobots were not sent to rescue Blaster, but to arrest him for rebelling against Grimlock's command. He is to be returned to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] for trial and execution!


==Featured characters==
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c1=
* [[Wide Load]] (2)
{{collist|2|
* [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (3)
*[[Wideload (G1)|Wide Load]] (2)
* [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] (4)
*[[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (3)
* [[Chase (G1)|Chase]] (5)
*[[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] (4)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] (6)
*[[Chase (G1)|Chase]] (5)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (7)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] (6)
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] (8)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (7)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (10)
*[[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] (8)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (11)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (11)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (12)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] (12)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (13)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (13)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (14)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (14)
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (22)
*[[Slag (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Slag]] (15)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (23)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (25)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (24)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (26)
 
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (27)
}}
|c2=
|c2=
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (1)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (1)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (18)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (21)
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (19)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (22)
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (20)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (23)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (21)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (24)
 
|c3=
|c3=
*[[Greeley]] (9)
*[[Greeley]] (9)
*[[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]] (15)
*RAAT troopers (10)
*[[Clifford]] (16)
*[[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]] (16)
*[[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] (17)
*[[Clifford]] (17)
*California State Police officers (18)
*Big Steve's customers (19)
*[[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] (20)
}}
}}
==Quotes==
"When was the last time you polished your '''feet''', Blaster?!"
:—'''Chase''' does not enjoy being a rollerskate.
"Perfect! Stuck in a jam from that near-accident and without Blaster - these Autobots are the kind of target practice I '''like''' - the kind that '''scream!''' Ha ha!"
:—'''Vortex''' is one messed up mofo.
"It's ready, Commander '''Grimlock'''."<br>
"Ready? '''What''' is ready, '''Wheeljack?'''"<br>
"Er, '''this''' - the '''Geothermal Generator'''. Remember? We've been building it for months. It taps heat from beneath this volcano and converts it to '''energon cubes'''. No longer will we be dependent on '''humans''' for fuel supplies."<br>
"Bah! Me '''Grimlock!''' What Grimlock wants, Grimlock '''takes!'''"
:—'''Wheeljack''' gets no appreciation from '''Grimlock''' as usual.
"I am '''Onslaught''', leader of the Combaticons! Although my scout, Vortex, was temporarily sidetracked by an electro-scrambler attack, he trailed these Autobots here! Now, fleshlings, either move aside or join the Autobots...'''in death!'''"<br>
"[Thinking] ''Sheesh! I can kiss those 300Gs goodbye!''"
:—'''Onslaught''' threatens '''Big Steve''', who really needs to sort out his priorities!
"You don't understand, Blaster - Grimlock didn't send us here to '''rescue''' you. He sent us here to ''arrest'' you for rebelling against his command...and to bring you back to the Ark for '''trial''' and '''execution!'''"
:—'''Hot Spot'''


==Notes==
==Notes==
* This is the last time we see evidence of the Blackrock-Autobot fuel arrangement that was forged in "[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!]]".
===Artwork and technical errors===
* On page 7, Grimlock refers to the mission he sent Blaster and Goldbug on in "[[Mechanical Difficulties!]]" to retrieve the tools stolen by the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]] in "[[Funeral for a Friend!]]".
*The cover depicts [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] standing behind Onslaught. Presumably this should have been [[Brawl (G1)|Braw'''l''']], since Braw'''n''' was not only not present at the battle but was actually out of commission at the time.
* The UK version has extra dialogue referring to the Throttlebots' encounter with the Combaticons in "[[Ladies' Night]]".
*Page 10, panel 3: Blaster says, "Under no cicumstances reveal your true identities!" The word should be "ci'''r'''cumstances". (Also, the Throttlebots completely ignore this order a few hours later.) (The spelling was corrected in ''[[Transformers: Classics]]''.)
*Hot Spot's name is spelled as "Hotspot" as Blaster thanks him. (This is also corrected in ''Transformers: Classics''.)
*Page 12, panel 1: The only time Goldbug appears in robot mode in this issue, he is given his toy color scheme (blue head, yellow hands and forearms). While this ''is'' of course the correct color as per his toy, it's at odds with most of his other appearances in the Marvel comics, which consistently give him his original Bumblebee color scheme with blue hands and forearms and a yellow head. (He does again have his toy colors in his next appearance in [[Toy Soldiers!|issue #37]], as well as in the Marvel UK Annual story [[Vicious Circle!]])
 
===Continuity errors===
*When Rollbar is driving on the wrong (left) side of the road, Blaster instructs him to, "Pull over to the ''left!''" to avoid oncoming traffic. Rollbar instead swerves ''right'' (probably because going left wouldn't have helped at all).
*Putting sugar in a regular car's gas tank does not actually incapacitate it, and even if it did, it's doubtful that the same tactic would work on an Autobot's more advanced engine.
 
===Continuity notes===
*This is the last time we see evidence of the Blackrock-Autobot fuel arrangement that was forged in "[[DIS-Integrated Circuits!]]".
*On page 7, Grimlock refers to the mission he sent Blaster and Goldbug on in "[[Mechanical Difficulties!]]" to retrieve the tools stolen by the [[Mechanic]] in "[[Funeral for a Friend!]]".
*Freeway mentions Blackrock's help from issue #30.
*The owner of the service station reports the Transformers to RAAT as "Autobots." While most civilians would not know this term, he was presumably briefed on it by RAAT (who have heard the term, even if they don't believe in "good robots").
*Background businesses include [[Hy's Frozen Foods]] and Express.
 
===Real-life references===
*The highway battle happens "somewhere in [[California]]"; presumably Big Steve's is located there as well. We also check in with the Ark in rural [[Oregon]].
*Big Steve asks if the Throttlebots were sent after him by [[Lee Iacocca]].
 
===UK printing===
'''Issue #139'''
*'''Back-up ''Transformers'' story:''' "[[Love and Steel!]]"
*'''Other strips:''' ''[[Robo-Capers]]''
*'''[[Transformers AtoZ|AtoZ]]:''' [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] and [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]
* The dialogue on page 4 has been altered to refer to the Throttlebots' encounter with the Combaticons in "[[Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night]]".
 
'''Issue #140'''
*'''Back-up ''Transformers'' story:''' ''Love and Steel!''
*'''Other strips:''' ''Robo-Capers''
 
===Other trivia===
*The tease on the last page promises a battle between [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] in the next issue - as well as the fate of Blaster - but in the United States, that battle happens after two issues of "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]".


===Errors===
===Bot Roster===
* The cover depicts [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] standing behind Onslaught. Presumably this should have been [[Brawl (G1)|Braw'''l''']], since Braw'''n''' was not only not present at the battle but was actually out of commission at the time.
*Autobots: 30 active plus Blaster; 6 Throttlebots captured by RAAT; 14 in repair bay. (51 total)
* Chase and Searchlight switch color schemes when they transform to confront Big Steve.
*Decepticons: 34 active; 10 offline.
* When Rollbar is driving on the wrong (left) side of the road, Blaster instructs him to, "Pull over to the ''left!''" to avoid oncoming traffic. Rollbar instead swerves ''right'' (probably because going left wouldn't have helped at all).
 
* At one point Blaster says, "Under no cicumstances reveal your true identities!" The word should be "ci'''r'''cumstances". (Also, the Throttlebots completely ignore this order a few hours later.)
===Courtesy of my...===
* ''Incorrectly regarded as a goof:'' The (apparent) owner of the service station reports the Transformers to RAAT as "Autobots." While most civilians would not know this term, he had presumably been briefed by either Blackrock (who provides free gas to Autobots specifically) or RAAT (who have heard the term, even if they don't believe in "good robots").
*Blaster's back so the [[electro-scrambler]] gets several mentions; even Onslaught gets in on the action.
* Putting sugar in a regular car's gas tank does not actually incapacitate it, and even if it did, it's doubtful that the same tactic would work on an Autobot's more advanced engine.
*Streetwise blinds Vortex with his [[photon pistol]].
* The tease on the last page promises a battle between [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] in the next issue, but in the United States, that battle happens after two issues of "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]".
*Brawl fires at First Aid with his [[electron gun]].


===Covers (3)===
===Covers (3)===
*'''US cover:''' Protectobots vs Combaticons, by [[Frank Springer]].
*'''UK issue #139 cover:''' Blaster hitching a ride on the Throttlebots, by [[Robin Smith]].
*'''UK issue #140 cover:''' Swindle threatening to drop Big Steve, by [[Lee Sullivan]].
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:MarvelUS-32.jpg|'''US issue #32''' - Onslaught's only mistake: erecting a gigantic sign explaining his plan.
File:MarvelUS-32.jpg|'''US issue #32''' - Onslaught's only mistake: erecting a gigantic sign explaining his plan.
Image:MarvelUK-139.jpg|'''UK issue #139''' - AAAAAAAAA indeed
File:MarvelUK-139.jpg|'''UK issue #139''' - AAAAAAAAA indeed
Image:MarvelUK-140.jpg|'''UK issue #140''' - Swindle's been scaled up to match Blast-Off's alt. mode!
File:MarvelUK-140.jpg|'''UK issue #140''' - Swindle's been scaled up to match Blast-Off's alt. mode!
</gallery>
</gallery>
* '''US cover:''' Protectobots vs Combaticons, by [[Frank Springer]].
* '''UK issue #139 cover:''' Blaster hitching a ride on the Throttlebots, by [[Robin Smith]].
* '''UK issue #140 cover:''' Swindle threatening to drop Big Steve, by [[Lee Sullivan]].


===Advertisements===
===Advertisements===
* None yet identified.
====US====
*[[M&M's]] - inside front cover
*''Robotech'' RPG - between pages 4 & 5
*Olympic Sales Club - between pages 5 & 6
*TSR ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Manual of the Planes'' - between pages 13 & 14
*TSR ''Onslaught'' RPG - between pages 13 & 14
*Mile High Comics - between pages 16 & 17
*Mile High Comics / Alternate Realities Distributing, Inc. - between pages 17 & 18
*Sales Leadership Club - between pages 19 & 20
*Bullpen Bulletins and checklist - between pages 20 & 21
*[[Letters page|Transmissions]]
*Marvel subscription service
*Striped Chips Ahoy! cookies - inside back cover
*''The Amazing [[Spider-Man]]'' Annual #21 and ''Marvel Saga'' #22 (back cover)
 
====UK====
????


===Reprints===
===Reprints===
*[[2004]] — ''[[Transformers: Treason]]''
*'''''[[Transformers: Treason]]'' TPB cover:''' [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] and half of Ratbat, by [[Andrew Wildman]].
*[[2008]] — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2]]''
*'''''Treason'' hardback cover:''' [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], and [[Robin Lindley (G1)|Robin Lindley]], by [[Staz|Stewart Johnson]], [[Andy Lanning]] & [[Chris Blythe]].
*[[2012]] — ''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3]]''
* '''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 2]] cover:''' panels from US issues [[Showdown!|#20]] and [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|#25]].
 
* '''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3|''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 3]] cover:''' [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]], by [[Guido Guidi]].
* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 9: Toy Soldiers'' cover:''' [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] by "unknown"/Ratbat by [[Don Perlin]] & [[Jim Fern]].
<gallery>
File:Titan-TreasonSC.jpg|'''''Treason'' TPB'''
File:Titan-TreasonHC.jpg|'''''Treason'' hardback'''
File:Classic_Transformers_Vol2.jpg|'''''Classic Transformers'' Volume 2'''
File:TFClassicsVol3.jpg|'''''The Transformers Classics'', Vol. 3'''
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v9.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Vol. 9: Toy Soldiers'''''
</gallery>


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

Latest revision as of 11:33, 6 October 2025

« The Transformers (US) #32 »
« The Transformers (UK) #139–140 »

Never buy a used Autobot without a Carfax™ history report.
"Used Autobots"
Publisher Marvel Comics
Shipping date May 26, 1987
On-sale date June 16, 1987
Cover date September 1987
Writer Bob Budiansky
Pencil breakdowns Don Perlin
Finishes Ian Akin & Brian Garvey
Colorist Nel Yomtov
Letterer Pat Brosseau
Editor Don Daley
Continuity Marvel Comics continuity

When the Throttlebots are captured by a used car salesman, both RAAT and the Combaticons arrive to collect them.

Synopsis

[edit]
It's nice that you've noticed the traffic violation, but shouldn't you be more concerned about the giant robot legs?

The Throttlebots are under attack from the Combaticon Vortex. Although they are able to fight Vortex off with the help of Blaster riding Chase and Rollbar like roller skates, they attract unwanted human attention. When the Throttlebots stop for fuel at a Blackrock service station, the owner is able to report them to awaiting RAAT troops, who immediately attack. Although the Throttlebots are able to escape from RAAT, the battle gives Vortex the opportunity to track the Throttlebots once again. Meanwhile, Grimlock sends the Protectobots to retrieve Blaster and Goldbug.

Unable to refuel, the Throttlebots stop at a used car lot for the night. When the owner, Big Steve Ludwig, tries to have the damaged Rollbar towed, the Throttlebots reveal themselves to Big Steve to stop him. Big Steve promptly reports the Throttlebots to the authorities and fills the Throttlebots' fuel tanks with soda to immobilize them.

When RAAT arrives to collect the Throttlebots, they are intercepted by the Combaticons, who intend to destroy the Throttlebots themselves. The Protectobots soon arrive on the scene and prepare to do battle. Big Steve attempts to save his lot by proposing that the opposing teams bid on who gets to take the Throttlebots. The auction is short-lived, however, as Onslaught radios Swindle, commanding him to kill Big Steve. Blaster sees Swindle prepare to fire and manages to throw off Swindle's aim just in time. The battle starts anew, and in the confusion, RAAT manages to take the Throttlebots away.

With Blaster fighting alongside the Protectobots, the Combaticons are soon forced into a retreat. A peeved Blaster ensures that Big Steve doesn't get to profit from his friends' misfortune by destroying a check RAAT had paid him for the information leading to their capture. Blaster is anxious to set out after RAAT, but Hot Spot informs him that the Protectobots were not sent to rescue Blaster, but to arrest him for rebelling against Grimlock's command. He is to be returned to the Ark for trial and execution!

[edit]

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Humans

Quotes

[edit]

"When was the last time you polished your feet, Blaster?!"

—Chase does not enjoy being a rollerskate.


"Perfect! Stuck in a jam from that near-accident and without Blaster - these Autobots are the kind of target practice I like - the kind that scream! Ha ha!"

—Vortex is one messed up mofo.


"It's ready, Commander Grimlock."
"Ready? What is ready, Wheeljack?"
"Er, this - the Geothermal Generator. Remember? We've been building it for months. It taps heat from beneath this volcano and converts it to energon cubes. No longer will we be dependent on humans for fuel supplies."
"Bah! Me Grimlock! What Grimlock wants, Grimlock takes!"

—Wheeljack gets no appreciation from Grimlock as usual.


"I am Onslaught, leader of the Combaticons! Although my scout, Vortex, was temporarily sidetracked by an electro-scrambler attack, he trailed these Autobots here! Now, fleshlings, either move aside or join the Autobots...in death!"
"[Thinking] Sheesh! I can kiss those 300Gs goodbye!"

—Onslaught threatens Big Steve, who really needs to sort out his priorities!


"You don't understand, Blaster - Grimlock didn't send us here to rescue you. He sent us here to arrest you for rebelling against his command...and to bring you back to the Ark for trial and execution!"

—Hot Spot

Notes

[edit]

Artwork and technical errors

[edit]
  • The cover depicts Brawn standing behind Onslaught. Presumably this should have been Brawl, since Brawn was not only not present at the battle but was actually out of commission at the time.
  • Page 10, panel 3: Blaster says, "Under no cicumstances reveal your true identities!" The word should be "circumstances". (Also, the Throttlebots completely ignore this order a few hours later.) (The spelling was corrected in Transformers: Classics.)
  • Hot Spot's name is spelled as "Hotspot" as Blaster thanks him. (This is also corrected in Transformers: Classics.)
  • Page 12, panel 1: The only time Goldbug appears in robot mode in this issue, he is given his toy color scheme (blue head, yellow hands and forearms). While this is of course the correct color as per his toy, it's at odds with most of his other appearances in the Marvel comics, which consistently give him his original Bumblebee color scheme with blue hands and forearms and a yellow head. (He does again have his toy colors in his next appearance in issue #37, as well as in the Marvel UK Annual story Vicious Circle!)

Continuity errors

[edit]
  • When Rollbar is driving on the wrong (left) side of the road, Blaster instructs him to, "Pull over to the left!" to avoid oncoming traffic. Rollbar instead swerves right (probably because going left wouldn't have helped at all).
  • Putting sugar in a regular car's gas tank does not actually incapacitate it, and even if it did, it's doubtful that the same tactic would work on an Autobot's more advanced engine.

Continuity notes

[edit]
  • This is the last time we see evidence of the Blackrock-Autobot fuel arrangement that was forged in "DIS-Integrated Circuits!".
  • On page 7, Grimlock refers to the mission he sent Blaster and Goldbug on in "Mechanical Difficulties!" to retrieve the tools stolen by the Mechanic in "Funeral for a Friend!".
  • Freeway mentions Blackrock's help from issue #30.
  • The owner of the service station reports the Transformers to RAAT as "Autobots." While most civilians would not know this term, he was presumably briefed on it by RAAT (who have heard the term, even if they don't believe in "good robots").
  • Background businesses include Hy's Frozen Foods and Express.

Real-life references

[edit]
  • The highway battle happens "somewhere in California"; presumably Big Steve's is located there as well. We also check in with the Ark in rural Oregon.
  • Big Steve asks if the Throttlebots were sent after him by Lee Iacocca.

UK printing

[edit]

Issue #139

Issue #140

  • Back-up Transformers story: Love and Steel!
  • Other strips: Robo-Capers

Other trivia

[edit]
  • The tease on the last page promises a battle between Bruticus and Defensor in the next issue - as well as the fate of Blaster - but in the United States, that battle happens after two issues of "Man of Iron".

Bot Roster

[edit]
  • Autobots: 30 active plus Blaster; 6 Throttlebots captured by RAAT; 14 in repair bay. (51 total)
  • Decepticons: 34 active; 10 offline.

Courtesy of my...

[edit]

Covers (3)

[edit]
  • US cover: Protectobots vs Combaticons, by Frank Springer.
  • UK issue #139 cover: Blaster hitching a ride on the Throttlebots, by Robin Smith.
  • UK issue #140 cover: Swindle threatening to drop Big Steve, by Lee Sullivan.
  • US issue #32 - Onslaught's only mistake: erecting a gigantic sign explaining his plan.
    US issue #32 - Onslaught's only mistake: erecting a gigantic sign explaining his plan.
  • UK issue #139 - AAAAAAAAA indeed
    UK issue #139 - AAAAAAAAA indeed
  • UK issue #140 - Swindle's been scaled up to match Blast-Off's alt. mode!
    UK issue #140 - Swindle's been scaled up to match Blast-Off's alt. mode!

Advertisements

[edit]

US

[edit]
  • M&M's - inside front cover
  • Robotech RPG - between pages 4 & 5
  • Olympic Sales Club - between pages 5 & 6
  • TSR Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Manual of the Planes - between pages 13 & 14
  • TSR Onslaught RPG - between pages 13 & 14
  • Mile High Comics - between pages 16 & 17
  • Mile High Comics / Alternate Realities Distributing, Inc. - between pages 17 & 18
  • Sales Leadership Club - between pages 19 & 20
  • Bullpen Bulletins and checklist - between pages 20 & 21
  • Transmissions
  • Marvel subscription service
  • Striped Chips Ahoy! cookies - inside back cover
  • The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 and Marvel Saga #22 (back cover)

UK

[edit]

????

Reprints

[edit]
  • Treason TPB
    Treason TPB
  • Treason hardback
    Treason hardback
  • Classic Transformers Volume 2
    Classic Transformers Volume 2
  • The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3
    The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3
  • Definitive G1 Collection: Vol. 9: Toy Soldiers
    Definitive G1 Collection: Vol. 9: Toy Soldiers
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