'''The Autobots save the day but pay the ultimate price.'''
'''The Autobots save the day but pay the ultimate price.'''
==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
Defense Minister [[Dawson]] and the [[President of the United States]] are getting a sitrep on the [[San Francisco]] battle when the [[CIA]] breaks in with news that the city has been targeted by a nuclear missile from the American arsenal. The President frantically orders to abort the launch, but he's too late.
Defense Minister [[Dawson]] and the [[President of the United States]] are getting a sitrep on the [[San Francisco]] battle when the [[CIA]] breaks in with news that the city has been targeted by a [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear missile]] from the American arsenal. The President frantically orders to abort the launch, but he's too late.
In the [[Northwest Territories]], a misguided tank commander of the [[Canada|Canadian]] military orders the [[Autobot]]s to lower their weapons. When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] tries to explain their mission the tanks open fire, and a viral wave heads straight for the humans.
In the [[Northwest Territories]], a misguided tank commander of the [[Canada|Canadian]] [[Canadian Armed Forces|military]] orders the [[Autobot]]s to lower their weapons. When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] tries to explain their mission the tanks open fire, and a viral wave heads straight for the humans.
In San Francisco, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] explains to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that he ordered all the devastation on the city just to get Prime's attention. Still weary, Optimus tells Megatron to shut up, and that he'll defend [[human]]s even if they betray him and his own [[Grimlock (G1)|troops]] abandon his cause. Just as Megatron decides to end Optimus Prime's life once and for all, the sound of honking distracts him. Prime jumps out of the way as three fire engines, driven by humans, come racing down a broken freeway and slam into the [[Decepticon]]s. Prime uses the distraction to quickly free his captured troops and then tells the Autobots that he wants their heads but to save Megatron for him.
In San Francisco, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] explains to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that he ordered all the devastation on the city just to get Prime's attention. Still weary, Optimus tells Megatron to shut up, and that he'll defend [[human]]s even if they betray him and his own [[Grimlock (G1)|troops]] abandon his cause. Just as Megatron decides to end Optimus Prime's life once and for all, the sound of honking distracts him. Prime jumps out of the way as three fire engines, driven by humans, come racing down a broken freeway and slam into the [[Decepticon]]s. Prime uses the distraction to quickly free his captured troops and then tells the Autobots that he wants their heads but to save Megatron for him.
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Meanwhile, Hallo is still holding Spike at gunpoint and ranting about safeguarding the security of the [[United States of America|United States]]. Luckily for Spike, the president and several armed officers arrive. When Hallo turns his gun on them he's shot down.
Meanwhile, Hallo is still holding Spike at gunpoint and ranting about safeguarding the security of the [[United States of America|United States]]. Luckily for Spike, the president and several armed officers arrive. When Hallo turns his gun on them he's shot down.
[[Image:PatLeeGrimlockHead.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Me not hear the magic word.]]
[[Image:PatLeeGrimlockHead.jpg|left|thumb|Me not hear the magic word.]]
In San Francisco, Optimus and the Autobots are making short work of the Decepticons. Optimus decides that taking Megatron captive isn't good enough this time, but [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s alert of an incoming nuclear projectile makes him pause. Despite his damaged state, Megatron laughs at the irony. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] merge into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and take off, while in Canada Wheeljack hooks himself up to a satellite dish. He uses the last of his power to blast the virus, just as Superion flies into the nuclear missile, causing a huge explosion and tidal wave.
In San Francisco, Optimus and the Autobots are making short work of the Decepticons. Optimus decides that taking Megatron captive isn't good enough this time, but [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s alert of an incoming nuclear projectile makes him pause. Despite his damaged state, Megatron laughs at the irony. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] merge into [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and take off, while in Canada Wheeljack hooks himself up to a satellite dish. He uses the last of his power to blast the virus, just as Superion flies into the nuclear missile, causing a huge explosion and tidal wave.
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==Notes==
==Notes==
* After the [[Prime Directive issue 4|previous]] [[Prime Directive issue 5|two issues]] had only ranked second in Diamond Comic Distributors' sales charts, this issue repeated the success of [[Prime Directive issue 1|the]] [[Prime Directive issue 2|first]] [[Prime Directive issue 3|three issues]], ranking #1 with 119,533 copies ordered for September 2002.<ref name="diamondjune">[http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1773.html ICv2 reporting on Diamond's charts for September 2002]</ref>
* After the [[Prime Directive issue 4|previous]] [[Prime Directive issue 5|two issues]] had only ranked second in Diamond Comic Distributors' sales charts, this issue repeated the success of [[Prime Directive issue 1|the]] [[Prime Directive issue 2|first]] [[Prime Directive issue 3|three issues]], ranking #1 with 119,533 copies ordered for September 2002.<ref name="diamondjune">[http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1773.html ICv2 reporting on Diamond's charts for September 2002]</ref>
*The first panel on pages 9 is ''identical'' to the first panel on page 8, down to the cracks Optimus Prime is decked out with and the details in the dust cloud in the background.
*The first panel on page 9 is ''identical'' to the first panel on page 8, down to the cracks Optimus Prime is decked out with and the details in the dust cloud in the background.
*The fire engines that drive into the Decepticons don't just smack into them, they explode when they hit the ground with a loud BOOOOOM! sound. Why... why does San Francisco have explosive fire engines? That seems like poor design.
*The fire engines that drive into the Decepticons don't just smack into them, they explode when they hit the ground with a loud BOOOOOM! sound. Why... why does San Francisco have explosive fire engines? That seems like poor design.
* The middle of the comic contains a two-page spread by [[James Raiz]] and [[Alan Wang]] with [[Kenny Li]] featuring ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' Transformers.
*The pull-out posters included this issue are:
**'''Autobot cover:''' [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] versus [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], with many characters from the [[1988]] toy range in the background.
**'''Decepticon cover:''' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], a whole slew of [[Micromaster]]s, and a couple of other guys.
* Spike is shown being happy for the Autobots' victory and apparently oblivious to the damage to the city, while Prime observes the devastation with concern and grief. In issue 2, as Prime comments that the Autobots wouldn't cause this much destruction if they weren't being controlled, Spike replies that such damage is the usual result of Transformers' battles on Earth.
* Spike is shown being happy for the Autobots' victory and apparently oblivious to the damage to the city, while Prime observes the devastation with concern and grief. In issue 2, as Prime comments that the Autobots wouldn't cause this much destruction if they weren't being controlled, Spike replies that such damage is the usual result of Transformers' battles on Earth.
* Was it really necessary for Superion to fly into the missile, killing all five Aerialbots, when they could have just delegated the job to [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]? Or just shoot the bloody thing down over the sea.
* Was it really necessary for Superion to fly into the missile, killing all five Aerialbots, when they could have just delegated the job to [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]? Or just shoot the bloody thing down over the sea.
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* ''Z.O.E.'' DVDs
* ''Z.O.E.'' DVDs
* ''Sandscape'' #1
* ''Sandscape'' #1
* [[The War Within issue 2|''The War Within'' #2]]
* [[The War Within issue 2|''Transformers: The War Within'' #2]]
* [[Dreamwave Armada issue 5|''Armada'' #5]]
* [[Dreamwave Armada issue 5|''Transformers: Armada'' #5]]
* [[Prime Directive|''Prime Directive'' TPB]]
* [[Prime Directive|''Transformers: Generation 1'' vol. 1: Prime Directive TPB]]
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
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tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}
[[{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
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[[Category:IDW {{#switch:{{#switch:{{{series}}}
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prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
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{{{series}}}}}
{{#switch:prime
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:primeadaptation
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:ragedinobots
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
ragedinobots}}=Prime
{{#switch:rid2015
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
rid2015}}=Robots in Disguise (2015)
{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=War for Cybertron
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Fall of Cybertron
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)|primeadaptation|prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Prime
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Prime – Rage of the Dinobots
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
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all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
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the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
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m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
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the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)|the transformers (idw)=IDW The Transformers
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tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye=IDW More than Meets the Eye
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dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron
the transformers: windblade|windblade2|windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=Windblade
transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe
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till all are one|Till All Are One|transformers till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=Till All Are One
revolution=Revolution
revolutionaries=Revolutionaries
action man=Action Man
gijoe5|g.i. joe vol 5|g.i. joe vol. 5|g.i. joe volume 5|g.i. joe (vol. 5)|g.i. joe (volume 5)=G.I. Joe vol. 5
g.i. joe idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
first strike=First Strike
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
rom=ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs. transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Requiem of the Wreckers
Defense Minister Dawson and the President of the United States are getting a sitrep on the San Francisco battle when the CIA breaks in with news that the city has been targeted by a nuclear missile from the American arsenal. The President frantically orders to abort the launch, but he's too late.
In the Northwest Territories, a misguided tank commander of the Canadianmilitary orders the Autobots to lower their weapons. When Wheeljack tries to explain their mission the tanks open fire, and a viral wave heads straight for the humans.
In San Francisco, Megatron explains to Optimus Prime that he ordered all the devastation on the city just to get Prime's attention. Still weary, Optimus tells Megatron to shut up, and that he'll defend humans even if they betray him and his own troops abandon his cause. Just as Megatron decides to end Optimus Prime's life once and for all, the sound of honking distracts him. Prime jumps out of the way as three fire engines, driven by humans, come racing down a broken freeway and slam into the Decepticons. Prime uses the distraction to quickly free his captured troops and then tells the Autobots that he wants their heads but to save Megatron for him.
In the Pentagon, General Hallo has already tipped over the edge of insanity and is gleefully watching the nuclear countdown. Spike Witwicky bursts in and announces the general's complicity in the destruction of the Ark II and the deaths of the humans on board. Hallo swings the gun in Spike's direction and tells him to enjoy the show.
Back in Canada, the cyber-virus is eating up the Canadian tanks and their human operators. Their interference has stymied Wheeljack's plan to stop the virus. Jazz and Wheeljack can't agree if they should retreat or stay and try to find some last-ditch solution. Wheeljack has an epiphany and races off toward a human settlement without explanation.
Meanwhile, Hallo is still holding Spike at gunpoint and ranting about safeguarding the security of the United States. Luckily for Spike, the president and several armed officers arrive. When Hallo turns his gun on them he's shot down.
Me not hear the magic word.
In San Francisco, Optimus and the Autobots are making short work of the Decepticons. Optimus decides that taking Megatron captive isn't good enough this time, but Soundwave's alert of an incoming nuclear projectile makes him pause. Despite his damaged state, Megatron laughs at the irony. The Aerialbots merge into Superion and take off, while in Canada Wheeljack hooks himself up to a satellite dish. He uses the last of his power to blast the virus, just as Superion flies into the nuclear missile, causing a huge explosion and tidal wave.
Spike wakes Optimus Prime and lets him know the Decepticons have fled and the missile was stopped. The Autobots uncover Grimlock from the rubble and Optimus offers the Dinobot leader a place back in their ranks. But Grimlock refuses and walks off. Prime assesses the personal toll the last battle has had on his troops and how things will never be the same.
Little does he know that up north, Jazz is cradling Wheeljack's seemingly lifeless body.
The first panel on page 9 is identical to the first panel on page 8, down to the cracks Optimus Prime is decked out with and the details in the dust cloud in the background.
The fire engines that drive into the Decepticons don't just smack into them, they explode when they hit the ground with a loud BOOOOOM! sound. Why... why does San Francisco have explosive fire engines? That seems like poor design.
Spike is shown being happy for the Autobots' victory and apparently oblivious to the damage to the city, while Prime observes the devastation with concern and grief. In issue 2, as Prime comments that the Autobots wouldn't cause this much destruction if they weren't being controlled, Spike replies that such damage is the usual result of Transformers' battles on Earth.
Was it really necessary for Superion to fly into the missile, killing all five Aerialbots, when they could have just delegated the job to Slingshot? Or just shoot the bloody thing down over the sea.
As a safety precaution, nuclear missiles can be deactivated while in-flight, yet it was allowed to continue on its merry way.
"Defense Minister"? Uh... there is no such office in the United States government.
Red Alert's presence was later explained as being an art error, for the second time in a row.
In the panel of Cliffjumper and Canadian soldiers (who are escaping from their tank), Cliffjumper's legs appear to be buried in snow despite being snow-free a few pages earlier. Whatever the case, the snow disappears by the next panel.
When Optimus Prime emerges from his unconsciousness we see him wake up from his own point of view. The background appears in a warped fish-eye perspective. However the foreground character, Spike Witwicky, isn't in this distorted perspective. When the camera view shifts to an objective point of view, the buildings in the background are still in the same fish-eye perspective. There's definitely something screwy going on there.
{{#if: Not now, Inferno. |
