King of the Hill!: Difference between revisions

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|caption=He's come to Earth to steal all our propane and propane accessories!
|caption=He's come to Earth to steal all our propane and propane accessories!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=December 1986
|shippingdate=[[December 23]], [[1986]]
|onsaledate=[[January 13]], [[1987]]
|coverdate=April 1987
|coverdate=April 1987
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
Line 20: Line 21:
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
}}
'''As the Autobots attempt to choose a new leader, the Decepticons send the giant Trypticon to capture the Ark.'''
'''As the Autobots attempt to choose a new leader, the Decepticons send the giant Trypticon to capture the Ark.'''


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
[[Rachel Becker]], a student on a search for fossils, finds a strange footprint. [[Robert Paaswell|Her professor]] quickly dismisses the footprint as a hoax, since the edges are clearly mechanically carved. However, none of them can deny the shadowy Pterodactyl-like figure that flies past. They decide to set up camp.
[[File:Democracykingofthehill.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"That bot ain't right, I'll tell ya hwat."]]
[[Rachel Becker]], a student at [[Pacific Northwest University]], is deep in the [[Oregon]] woods on a search for fossils, and finds a strange footprint. [[Robert Paaswell|Her professor]] quickly dismisses the footprint as a hoax, since the edges are clearly mechanically carved. However, none of them can deny the shadowy Pterodactyl-like figure that flies past. They decide to set up camp.


The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] have learned of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime's]] death, and prepare to return to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] intends to forcibly seize leadership of the [[Autobot]]s. The Autobots argue that they need a leader who demonstrates wisdom, compassion, and courage, in addition to being a strong warrior. But Grimlock doesn't care. He and the Dinobots prepare to attack their fellow Autobots.
The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] have learned of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime's]] death, and prepare to return to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] intends to forcibly seize leadership of the [[Autobot]]s.  


Meanwhile, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], now leader of the [[Decepticon]]s, persuades [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] fuel auditor [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to use the [[space bridge]] to send the Decepticons' deadliest soldier, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], to launch a surprise attack on the Ark, in hopes of seizing control of its vast resources. Ratbat agrees, but warns that the use of the space bridge is too costly to allow such uses in the future.
The various commanders among the Autobots gather to select a new leader. Grimlock arrives and demands the position be given to him; the Autobots argue that they need a leader who demonstrates wisdom, compassion, kindness, and courage, in addition to being a strong warrior. But Grimlock doesn't care. He departs, and the Dinobots prepare to attack their fellow Autobots.
 
Meanwhile, [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], now leader of the [[Decepticon]]s, persuades [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] fuel auditor [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to use the [[space bridge]] to send the Decepticons' deadliest soldier, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], to launch a surprise attack on the Ark, in hopes of seizing control of its vast resources. Ratbat agrees, but warns that the use of the space bridge is too costly to allow such uses in the future.


When Trypticon arrives in the middle of the night, Rachel is awakened and goes out to investigate. She manages to avoid being seen, but loses her flashlight while running from the enormous Decepticon, and is unable to find her way back to camp.
When Trypticon arrives in the middle of the night, Rachel is awakened and goes out to investigate. She manages to avoid being seen, but loses her flashlight while running from the enormous Decepticon, and is unable to find her way back to camp.


[[File:Grimlockkingofthehill.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|"You called in a fake propane emergency? That's a $50 fine after I report it."]]
The Dinobots arrive back at the Ark to find that the Autobots are already under attack. As Trypticon is easily defeating the Autobots, most of the Dinobots think that the Decepticon is doing their job for them, but Grimlock has misgivings. As he steps back to consider his options, he is confronted by Rachel, and is impressed when the human fails to flee from him in terror. He leaves her in peace.  
The Dinobots arrive back at the Ark to find that the Autobots are already under attack. As Trypticon is easily defeating the Autobots, most of the Dinobots think that the Decepticon is doing their job for them, but Grimlock has misgivings. As he steps back to consider his options, he is confronted by Rachel, and is impressed when the human fails to flee from him in terror. He leaves her in peace.  


Line 37: Line 41:


The Autobots, believing that Grimlock has displayed all the qualities one would desire in an Autobot leader by Grimlock's selfless actions against Trypticon, proclaim him their leader.
The Autobots, believing that Grimlock has displayed all the qualities one would desire in an Autobot leader by Grimlock's selfless actions against Trypticon, proclaim him their leader.
{{--}}


==Featured characters==
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c1=
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (4)
{{collist|2|
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (5)
*[[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Swoop]] (4)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (6)
*[[Sludge (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Sludge]] (5)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (7)
*[[Slag (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Slag]] (6)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (8)
*[[Snarl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Snarl]] (7)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (12)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] (8)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (13)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (13)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (14)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (15)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (15)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (16)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (16)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] (17)
* [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (18)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (18)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (21)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (19)
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (22)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (22)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (23)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (23)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (24)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (24)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (25)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (25)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (27)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (26)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] (28)
}}
|c2=
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (11)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (12)
*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (20)
*[[Wipe-Out]] (21)
|c3=
*[[Robert Paaswell]] (1)
*[[Rachel Becker]] (2)
*[[Marty Cooper]] (3)
|c4=
*[[Bunny rabbit]] (27)
}}
 
==Quotes==
"Forget the humans! They are weak! They are cowardly! They are '''nothing!'''"
:—'''Grimlock''', misanthrope.
 
 
"The '''Autobots''' are our concern! Swoop has been spying on them -- he says their leader, '''Optimus Prime''', is '''dead!''' That is '''good.'''"
:—Tell us how you really feel, '''Grimlock'''
<!--
 
'''Blaster:''' "...He's gotta be a '''great warrior''' -- as quick with his fists as with his laser gun, just like ol' Op."<br>
'''Hot Spot:''' Just as important is wisdom, Blaster. Optimus Prime  <br>-->
 
 
"There it is -- '''the Ark''', headquarters of the wretched '''Autobots!''' ...A '''temporary''' situation, at best."
:—'''Trypticon''' prepares for battle
 
 
"Yes, Trypticon. Anything you say, Commander. As you wish, exalted--"<br>
"'''Just shut up and go!'''"
:—'''Wipe-Out''' and '''Trypticon'''
 
 
"This is no good. Sure, I wanted to become a leader...I even expected I'd have to knock around a few Autobots to get it...but I didn't want them ''slaughtered!''"
:—'''Grimlock''' experiences a crisis


|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (9)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (10)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (11)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (19)
* [[Wipe-Out]] (20)


|c3=
"Trypticon, your immenseness, sir -- I found this native life form skulking about."<br>
* [[Robert Paaswell]] (1)
"Very appetizing, Wipe-Out!...I've never destroyed an '''organic''' lifeform! This should be a most '''enlightening''' experience!"
* [[Rachel Becker]] (2)
:—'''Wipe-Out''' and the highly eloquent '''Trypticon'''
* [[Marty Cooper]] (3)


|c4=
*[[Bunny rabbit]] (26)


}}
"When it comes to fighting, we '''always''' share!"<br>
"Then you will all share in the '''dying''', fools!"
:—'''Sludge''' and '''Trypticon'''
{{-}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
[[Image:KingoftheHill-Grimlockhead.jpg|right|thumb|100px|My forehead grew a few more angles.]]
===Artwork and technical errors===
* This is the last Marvel US issue to be sold for 75 cents.
[[File:KingoftheHill-Grimlockhead.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|My forehead grew a few more angles.]]
* It is also the last issue where Grimlock speaks normally, as opposed to his cartoon incarnation's simpler form of speech.
*Swoop's creature mode is consistently colored with a red head, face and beak; it should be silver (or gold).
* Grimlock is drawn by [[Don Perlin]] in this issue with his [[:Image:Grimhead.JPG|later, more complicated head design]] which was used in most of the original cartoon. It's harder to tell in subsequent appearances whether this trend continues (until [[José Delbo]] picked up art duties) because he was seen exclusively wearing his crown, which covers most of the distinguishing detail.
*Snarl's dino head is colored blue; it too should be gold.
* Bob chose Grimlock as leader "for contrast [with Prime], as much as anything else... I thought his different approach would shake up the direction of the book in an exciting way and confound readers’ expectations, which it did". Based on the letters the comic get, some of the readers found Grimlock's rise to power distressing! [http://www.metalmachine.net/blog/2009/11/21/todds-take-with-bob-budiansky-the-architect-of-the-transformers/]
*While artist [[Don Perlin]] had previously drawn Grimlock with a head design based on a non-final [[character model]] (Grimlock's standard design in the Marvel run), starting with this issue Perlin instead draws Grimlock with the head design from his [[:File:G1Grimlock_toy.jpg|toy]]. The animation models that were provided to Perlin did not usually include the characters' backs, so he sometimes requested the actual toys from Hasbro to draw from. Perlin would continue to draw Grimlock with his toy head into issue 28, return to the non-final animation model head for issue 32, then finish out his run on issue 35 by drawing the toy head again.
* The debut of Trypticon in this issue can sometimes overshadow that it is also the debut of a much more important character: Ratbat. As with Grimlock, Bob made him a leader to mess with reader expectations. [http://www.oneshallstand.com/articles/bob_budiansky.html] The idea of a high-ranking cassette [[Ratbat (G1)#Notes|has proven too controversial for later publishers]].
*Page 7: Hot Spot's name is spelled as one word.
*Page 12, Wipe-Out calls his master "T'''yr'''pticon". (Corrected in ''[[Transformers: Classics]]'')
*Page 17: Trypticon's whole upper head is colored gold, rather than just the flip-plate that covers his head-mounted laser.


===Errors===
===Continuity errors===
* On page 12, Wipe-Out calls his master "T'''yr'''pticon".
*Grimlock speaks normally, as opposed to his cartoon incarnation's simpler style of speech - consistent with his debut in [[Repeat Performance!|#8]], but contradicting both issue [[Command Performances!|#19]] and pretty much every issue going forward.
* In [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|issue 25]], Shockwave's plan was to move the Decepticon base to an actual existing island already on the map. In this issue, they move to a Decepticon-created artificial island.
*In issue [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|#25]], Shockwave's plan was to move the Decepticon base to an actual existing island already on the map. In this issue, the new base is shown to be a Decepticon-created artificial island.
*What happened to all those crazy guns Omega Supreme installed around the Ark just last issue?
 
===Continuity notes===
*Bob chose Grimlock as leader "for contrast [with Prime], as much as anything else... I thought his different approach would shake up the direction of the book in an exciting way and confound readers’ expectations, which it did". Based on the letters the comic got, some of the readers found Grimlock's rise to power distressing! <ref>http://www.metalmachine.net/blog/2009/11/21/todds-take-with-bob-budiansky-the-architect-of-the-transformers/</ref>
*The debut of Trypticon in this issue can sometimes overshadow that it is also the debut of a much more important character: Ratbat. As with Grimlock, Bob made him a leader to mess with reader expectations.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20140617061800/http://oneshallstand.com/articles/bob_budiansky.html</ref> The idea of a high-ranking cassette [[Ratbat (G1)#Notes|has proven too controversial for later publishers]].
*It also marks the debut of the Decepticon island/underwater base/spaceship/vacation resort later known as [[Club Con]]; Shockwave reveals it was transported to Earth via space bridge from Cybertron.
*Prowl is not among the gathered Autobots, despite being reactivated last issue; evidently it wasn't a full repair job.
*Sludge makes reference to watching a sport involving Turboworms wrestle in grease pits on Rigel 6. While this isn't a huge revelation by today's standards, the early Marvel Comic depicted the Transformers as being unaware of organic life, and as such likely not as space-faring as they were later depicted. Given that Sludge spent four million years dormant on Earth, this is early confirmation that he had been off-world before or during the war on Cybertron, a point that was quite rare in the comic at the time.
 
===Real-life references===
*Settings include the [[Cascades]] in rural [[Oregon]], and the [[Florida Keys]].


===UK printing===
===UK printing===
* Issue #111 featured a Grimlock cover by [[Lee Sullivan]]. On it Grimlock shouts "Vote for me!". In the real world the issue was on sale during the campaign for the 1987 local council elections and came only a month before the [[wikipedia:United Kingdom general election, 1987|general election]].
'''Issue #111'''
* Issue #112 used an extensively recolored version of US issue #27's cover, with a new word caption. The cover was cropped to deemphasize the human element, and emphasize the dinosaur-battle going on. Unfortunately this also served to remove a lot of the menace from the cover.  
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''[[Inhumanoids|The Inhumanoids]]'' - "The Battle Down Below!" and ''[[Robo-Capers]]''
* While this is the US début of Ratbat, in the UK comics he first appeared back during the "[[Prey!]]" story arc.
*The issue featured a Grimlock cover by [[Lee Sullivan]]. On it Grimlock shouts "Vote for me!". In the real world the issue was on sale during the campaign for the {{w|United Kingdom local elections, 1987|1987 local council elections}} and came only a month before the {{w|United Kingdom general election, 1987|general election}}.
* The cliffhanger for issue #111 is one of the most effective in the UK reprints of US stories — it ends with the sequence of Trypticon emerging from the [[space bridge]], finishing with a massive splash page of the evil Decepticon.
*In ''[[Letters page (Marvel UK)#Grim Grams|Grim Grams]]'', Grimlock advises a US reader where to buy the UK comic.
*The [[cliffhanger]] for issue #111 is one of the most effective in the UK reprints of US stories — it ends with the sequence of Trypticon emerging from the [[space bridge]], finishing with a massive splash page of the evil Decepticon.
 
'''Issue #112'''
*'''Back-up strips:''' ''[[Inhumanoids|The Inhumanoids]]'' - "The Battle Down Below!" and ''[[Robo-Capers]]''
*The issue used an extensively recolored version of US issue #27's cover, with a new word caption. The cover was cropped to de-emphasize the human element, and emphasize the dinosaur-battle going on. Unfortunately this also served to remove a lot of the menace from the cover.  
*While this is the US début of Ratbat, in the UK comics he first appeared back during the "[[Prey!]]" story arc.
 
===Other trivia===
*This is the last Marvel US issue to be sold for 75 cents.
 
===Bot Roster===
*Autobots: 32 active as the Dinobots finally come in from the cold; 14 in repair bay. (46 total)
*Decepticons: 31 active; 9 offline. (40 total)
 
===Courtesy of my...===
[[File:KingoftheHill-shareinthedying.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
*Weirdly, despite them being clearly depicted in the artwork, neither Trypticon's [[plasma bomb]]s nor his [[particle beam cannon]] get called out in the dialogue or narration, which instead highlight him firing [[missile]]s that lay [[sonic-scrambler mine]]s.
*Sludge comments that Trypticon "sure knows how to toss a [[photon missile]]", presumably from one of his [[photon launcher]]s.
*Swoop later retaliates with an air-to-air missile.
*Wipe-Out has a [[Grease gun|gun that fires grease]].


===Covers (3)===
===Covers (3)===
*'''US cover:''' Trypticon vs the Dinobots, by [[Herb Trimpe]].
*'''UK issue #111 cover:''' Grimlock, by [[Lee Sullivan]].
*'''UK issue #112 cover:''' extensively recolored version of US cover.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:MarvelUS-27.jpg|'''US issue #27''' - What's better than a giant robot dinosaur? Nothing!
File:MarvelUS-27.jpg|'''US issue #27''' - What's better than a giant robot dinosaur? Nothing!
Image:MarvelUK-111.jpg|'''UK issue #111''' - Ironically Grimlock's policies were more sound than Margaret Thatcher's.
File:MarvelUK-111.jpg|'''UK issue #111''' - Ironically Grimlock's policies were more sound than Margaret Thatcher's.
Image:MarvelUK-112.jpg|'''UK issue #112''' - The UK wants MORE DINOSAURS!
File:MarvelUK-112.jpg|'''UK issue #112''' - The UK wants MORE DINOSAURS!
</gallery>
</gallery>


* '''US cover:''' Trypticon vs the Dinobots by [[Herb Trimpe]].
===Advertisements===
* '''UK issue #111 cover:''' Grimlock by [[Lee Sullivan]].
====US====
* '''UK issue #112 cover:''' extensively recolored version of US issue #27's cover.
*[[M&M's]] - inside front cover
*Brach's candy - between pages 4 & 5
*MPC Model Kits - between pages 5 & 6
*The Amazing [[Spider-Man]] Free the Cap'n Mystery - between pages 7 & 8
*Sales Leadership Club - between pages 8 & 9
*Various comics dealers - between pages 16 & 17
*Brach's candy - between pages 17 & 18
*Century Martial Art Supply, Inc. / Marvel Super Mart - between pages 19 & 20
*''The 'Nam'' comic - between pages 20 & 21
*[[Letters page|Transmissions]]
*Marvel subscription service
*''Dungeons & Dragons Set #1: Basic Rules'' - inside back cover
*TSR ''Marvel Super Heroes'' RPG (back cover)
 
====UK: #111====
*Action Force (toy range)
*The incredible [[Special Teams|New Teams]]


===Advertisements===
====UK: #112====
* None yet identified.
*Autobot Heroes (Rodimus Prime and Wreck-Gar)


===Reprints===
===Reprints===
*2004 — ''[[Transformers: Breakdown]]''
* '''''[[Transformers: Breakdown]]'' TPB:''' [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], Ratchet and half of Ratbat, by [[Andrew Wildman]].
*2006 — ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]'' #9
*'''''Transformers: Breakdown'' HC:''' Grimlock fighting Trypticon, by [[Kev Walker]], [[Simon Coleby]] and [[Chris Blythe]].
*2007 — ''[[The Transformers: Generations]]''
*'''''[[The Transformers: Generations (comic)|The Transformers: Generations]]'' #9 cover A:''' Trypticon fighting the Dinobots, art by Nick Roche and colors by Josh Burcham.
*2008 — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2]]''
*'''''The Transformers: Generations'' #9 cover B:''' line-art version of cover A.
*2010 — ''[[The Transformers: Best of Grimlock]]''
*'''''The Transformers: Generations'' #9 incentive cover:''' reuse of a panel from this issue.
*2012 — ''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3]]''
<gallery>
File:Titan-BreakdownSC.jpg|'''''Breakdown'' TPB''' (Titan Books, 2004)
File:Titan-BreakdownHC.jpg|'''''Breakdown'' hardback''' (Titan Books, 2004)
File:IDW Generations 9 Cover A.jpg|'''''Generations'' #9 cover A''' (IDW Publishing, 2006)
File:IDW Generations 9 Cover B.jpg|'''''Generations'' #9 cover B''' (IDW Publishing, 2006)
File:IDW Generations 9 Cover RI.jpg|'''''Generations'' #9 incentive cover''' (IDW Publishing, 2006)
</gallery>
*'''''The Transformers: Generations'' TPB:''' Megatron vs Ratchet, by Nick Roche. Reuse of cover A to ''Generations'' #1.
*'''[[Classic Transformers Volume 2|''Classic Transformers'' Volume 2]]:''' panels from US issues [[Showdown!|#20]] and [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|#25]].
*'''''[[The Transformers: Best of Grimlock]]'':''' Grimlock, by [[Klaus Scherwinski]].
*'''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3|''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 3]]:''' [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]], by [[Guido Guidi]].
*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 8: Wanted: Galvatron – Dead or Alive '''''
<gallery>
File:Generations_TPB.jpg|'''The Transformers: Generations''' (IDW Publishing, 2007)
File:Classic_Transformers_Vol2.jpg|'''''Classic Transformers'' Volume 2''' (IDW Publishing, 2008)
File:BestofGrimlock.jpg|'''''Best of Grimlock''''' (IDW Publishing, 2010)
File:TFClassicsVol3.jpg|'''''The Transformers Classics,'' Vol. 3''' (IDW Publishing, 2012)
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v8.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection Vol. 8''''' (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
</gallery>


==References==
{{reflist}}


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

Latest revision as of 11:25, 6 October 2025

« The Transformers (US) #27 »
« The Transformers (UK) #111–112 »

He's come to Earth to steal all our propane and propane accessories!
"King of the Hill!"
Publisher Marvel Comics
Shipping date December 23, 1986
On-sale date January 13, 1987
Cover date April 1987
Writer Bob Budiansky
Penciler Don Perlin
Inker Ian Akin & Brian Garvey
Colorist Nel Yomtov
Letterer Janice Chiang
Editor Don Daley
Continuity Marvel Comics continuity

As the Autobots attempt to choose a new leader, the Decepticons send the giant Trypticon to capture the Ark.

Synopsis

[edit]
"That bot ain't right, I'll tell ya hwat."

Rachel Becker, a student at Pacific Northwest University, is deep in the Oregon woods on a search for fossils, and finds a strange footprint. Her professor quickly dismisses the footprint as a hoax, since the edges are clearly mechanically carved. However, none of them can deny the shadowy Pterodactyl-like figure that flies past. They decide to set up camp.

The Dinobots have learned of Optimus Prime's death, and prepare to return to the Ark. Grimlock intends to forcibly seize leadership of the Autobots.

The various commanders among the Autobots gather to select a new leader. Grimlock arrives and demands the position be given to him; the Autobots argue that they need a leader who demonstrates wisdom, compassion, kindness, and courage, in addition to being a strong warrior. But Grimlock doesn't care. He departs, and the Dinobots prepare to attack their fellow Autobots.

Meanwhile, Shockwave, now leader of the Decepticons, persuades Cybertronian fuel auditor Ratbat to use the space bridge to send the Decepticons' deadliest soldier, Trypticon, to launch a surprise attack on the Ark, in hopes of seizing control of its vast resources. Ratbat agrees, but warns that the use of the space bridge is too costly to allow such uses in the future.

When Trypticon arrives in the middle of the night, Rachel is awakened and goes out to investigate. She manages to avoid being seen, but loses her flashlight while running from the enormous Decepticon, and is unable to find her way back to camp.

"You called in a fake propane emergency? That's a $50 fine after I report it."

The Dinobots arrive back at the Ark to find that the Autobots are already under attack. As Trypticon is easily defeating the Autobots, most of the Dinobots think that the Decepticon is doing their job for them, but Grimlock has misgivings. As he steps back to consider his options, he is confronted by Rachel, and is impressed when the human fails to flee from him in terror. He leaves her in peace.

Unfortunately for Rachel, she is soon discovered by Trypticon's foot soldier Wipe-Out, who takes her captive and brings her to Trypticon. Grimlock, recognizing the human who had previously impressed him, single-handedly attacks Trypticon. The other Dinobots soon join in, and Trypticon is distracted from his attack upon the Ark. Eventually, Ratbat determines that Trypticon has exceeded his energy budget, and recalls Trypticon back to Cybertron. The Dinobots return to the Ark, leaving Rachel Becker as the sole witness to what has just transpired.

The Autobots, believing that Grimlock has displayed all the qualities one would desire in an Autobot leader by Grimlock's selfless actions against Trypticon, proclaim him their leader.

[edit]

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Humans Others

Quotes

[edit]

"Forget the humans! They are weak! They are cowardly! They are nothing!"

—Grimlock, misanthrope.


"The Autobots are our concern! Swoop has been spying on them -- he says their leader, Optimus Prime, is dead! That is good."

—Tell us how you really feel, Grimlock


"There it is -- the Ark, headquarters of the wretched Autobots! ...A temporary situation, at best."

—Trypticon prepares for battle


"Yes, Trypticon. Anything you say, Commander. As you wish, exalted--"
"Just shut up and go!"

—Wipe-Out and Trypticon


"This is no good. Sure, I wanted to become a leader...I even expected I'd have to knock around a few Autobots to get it...but I didn't want them slaughtered!"

—Grimlock experiences a crisis


"Trypticon, your immenseness, sir -- I found this native life form skulking about."
"Very appetizing, Wipe-Out!...I've never destroyed an organic lifeform! This should be a most enlightening experience!"

—Wipe-Out and the highly eloquent Trypticon


"When it comes to fighting, we always share!"
"Then you will all share in the dying, fools!"

—Sludge and Trypticon


Notes

[edit]

Artwork and technical errors

[edit]
My forehead grew a few more angles.
  • Swoop's creature mode is consistently colored with a red head, face and beak; it should be silver (or gold).
  • Snarl's dino head is colored blue; it too should be gold.
  • While artist Don Perlin had previously drawn Grimlock with a head design based on a non-final character model (Grimlock's standard design in the Marvel run), starting with this issue Perlin instead draws Grimlock with the head design from his toy. The animation models that were provided to Perlin did not usually include the characters' backs, so he sometimes requested the actual toys from Hasbro to draw from. Perlin would continue to draw Grimlock with his toy head into issue 28, return to the non-final animation model head for issue 32, then finish out his run on issue 35 by drawing the toy head again.
  • Page 7: Hot Spot's name is spelled as one word.
  • Page 12, Wipe-Out calls his master "Tyrpticon". (Corrected in Transformers: Classics)
  • Page 17: Trypticon's whole upper head is colored gold, rather than just the flip-plate that covers his head-mounted laser.

Continuity errors

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  • Grimlock speaks normally, as opposed to his cartoon incarnation's simpler style of speech - consistent with his debut in #8, but contradicting both issue #19 and pretty much every issue going forward.
  • In issue #25, Shockwave's plan was to move the Decepticon base to an actual existing island already on the map. In this issue, the new base is shown to be a Decepticon-created artificial island.
  • What happened to all those crazy guns Omega Supreme installed around the Ark just last issue?

Continuity notes

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  • Bob chose Grimlock as leader "for contrast [with Prime], as much as anything else... I thought his different approach would shake up the direction of the book in an exciting way and confound readers’ expectations, which it did". Based on the letters the comic got, some of the readers found Grimlock's rise to power distressing! [1]
  • The debut of Trypticon in this issue can sometimes overshadow that it is also the debut of a much more important character: Ratbat. As with Grimlock, Bob made him a leader to mess with reader expectations.[2] The idea of a high-ranking cassette has proven too controversial for later publishers.
  • It also marks the debut of the Decepticon island/underwater base/spaceship/vacation resort later known as Club Con; Shockwave reveals it was transported to Earth via space bridge from Cybertron.
  • Prowl is not among the gathered Autobots, despite being reactivated last issue; evidently it wasn't a full repair job.
  • Sludge makes reference to watching a sport involving Turboworms wrestle in grease pits on Rigel 6. While this isn't a huge revelation by today's standards, the early Marvel Comic depicted the Transformers as being unaware of organic life, and as such likely not as space-faring as they were later depicted. Given that Sludge spent four million years dormant on Earth, this is early confirmation that he had been off-world before or during the war on Cybertron, a point that was quite rare in the comic at the time.

Real-life references

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UK printing

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Issue #111

  • Back-up strips: The Inhumanoids - "The Battle Down Below!" and Robo-Capers
  • The issue featured a Grimlock cover by Lee Sullivan. On it Grimlock shouts "Vote for me!". In the real world the issue was on sale during the campaign for the 1987 local council elections and came only a month before the general election.
  • In Grim Grams, Grimlock advises a US reader where to buy the UK comic.
  • The cliffhanger for issue #111 is one of the most effective in the UK reprints of US stories — it ends with the sequence of Trypticon emerging from the space bridge, finishing with a massive splash page of the evil Decepticon.

Issue #112

  • Back-up strips: The Inhumanoids - "The Battle Down Below!" and Robo-Capers
  • The issue used an extensively recolored version of US issue #27's cover, with a new word caption. The cover was cropped to de-emphasize the human element, and emphasize the dinosaur-battle going on. Unfortunately this also served to remove a lot of the menace from the cover.
  • While this is the US début of Ratbat, in the UK comics he first appeared back during the "Prey!" story arc.

Other trivia

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  • This is the last Marvel US issue to be sold for 75 cents.

Bot Roster

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  • Autobots: 32 active as the Dinobots finally come in from the cold; 14 in repair bay. (46 total)
  • Decepticons: 31 active; 9 offline. (40 total)

Courtesy of my...

[edit]

Covers (3)

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  • US cover: Trypticon vs the Dinobots, by Herb Trimpe.
  • UK issue #111 cover: Grimlock, by Lee Sullivan.
  • UK issue #112 cover: extensively recolored version of US cover.
  • US issue #27 - What's better than a giant robot dinosaur? Nothing!
    US issue #27 - What's better than a giant robot dinosaur? Nothing!
  • UK issue #111 - Ironically Grimlock's policies were more sound than Margaret Thatcher's.
    UK issue #111 - Ironically Grimlock's policies were more sound than Margaret Thatcher's.
  • UK issue #112 - The UK wants MORE DINOSAURS!
    UK issue #112 - The UK wants MORE DINOSAURS!

Advertisements

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US

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  • M&M's - inside front cover
  • Brach's candy - between pages 4 & 5
  • MPC Model Kits - between pages 5 & 6
  • The Amazing Spider-Man Free the Cap'n Mystery - between pages 7 & 8
  • Sales Leadership Club - between pages 8 & 9
  • Various comics dealers - between pages 16 & 17
  • Brach's candy - between pages 17 & 18
  • Century Martial Art Supply, Inc. / Marvel Super Mart - between pages 19 & 20
  • The 'Nam comic - between pages 20 & 21
  • Transmissions
  • Marvel subscription service
  • Dungeons & Dragons Set #1: Basic Rules - inside back cover
  • TSR Marvel Super Heroes RPG (back cover)

UK: #111

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  • Action Force (toy range)
  • The incredible New Teams

UK: #112

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  • Autobot Heroes (Rodimus Prime and Wreck-Gar)

Reprints

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  • Breakdown TPB (Titan Books, 2004)
    Breakdown TPB (Titan Books, 2004)
  • Breakdown hardback (Titan Books, 2004)
    Breakdown hardback (Titan Books, 2004)
  • Generations #9 cover A (IDW Publishing, 2006)
    Generations #9 cover A (IDW Publishing, 2006)
  • Generations #9 cover B (IDW Publishing, 2006)
    Generations #9 cover B (IDW Publishing, 2006)
  • Generations #9 incentive cover (IDW Publishing, 2006)
    Generations #9 incentive cover (IDW Publishing, 2006)
  • The Transformers: Generations (IDW Publishing, 2007)
    The Transformers: Generations (IDW Publishing, 2007)
  • Classic Transformers Volume 2 (IDW Publishing, 2008)
    Classic Transformers Volume 2 (IDW Publishing, 2008)
  • Best of Grimlock (IDW Publishing, 2010)
    Best of Grimlock (IDW Publishing, 2010)
  • The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3 (IDW Publishing, 2012)
    The Transformers Classics, Vol. 3 (IDW Publishing, 2012)
  • Definitive G1 Collection Vol. 8 (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)
    Definitive G1 Collection Vol. 8 (Hachette Partworks Ltd, 2017)

References

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  1. ↑ http://www.metalmachine.net/blog/2009/11/21/todds-take-with-bob-budiansky-the-architect-of-the-transformers/
  2. ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20140617061800/http://oneshallstand.com/articles/bob_budiansky.html
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