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m clean up, replaced: Roadtrap (Generations) → Roadtrap (POTP) (2)
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In [[Crystal City]]'s [[Academy of Research]], Highbrow and his associates [[Geomotus]], [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]], and [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] put through a call to Highbrow's old colleague, the reclusive Senator [[Straxus (G1)|Straxxus]]. Haughty and arrogant as ever, the theoretician-turned-senator is far more interested in discussing his latest scientific findings regarding the planet's geology than the Arks. Geomotus, on the other hand, has read his recent papers and is quite interested in what he has to say—if Straxxus's calculations are correct, he postulates, then the increasing tremors could very well fracture the impermeable layer that surrounds the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. The idea horrifies his compatriots, but Straxxus finds these postulations intriguing—if these trends continue, he predicts then the planet could very well shake itself apart. That's why he's already hauled one of the Arks out of storage, and begun the process of refitting it into an escape vessel for the citizens of Darkmount should this prediction come to pass: he's quite happy to let Highbrow have the ''other'' three vessels, however... and an exasperated Highbrow groans that it would've been ''much'' easier if Straxxus had simply been upfront with them from the beginning.
In [[Crystal City]]'s [[Academy of Research]], Highbrow and his associates [[Geomotus]], [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]], and [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] put through a call to Highbrow's old colleague, the reclusive Senator [[Straxus (G1)|Straxxus]]. Haughty and arrogant as ever, the theoretician-turned-senator is far more interested in discussing his latest scientific findings regarding the planet's geology than the Arks. Geomotus, on the other hand, has read his recent papers and is quite interested in what he has to say—if Straxxus's calculations are correct, he postulates, then the increasing tremors could very well fracture the impermeable layer that surrounds the [[Rust Sea|Sea of Rust]]. The idea horrifies his compatriots, but Straxxus finds these postulations intriguing—if these trends continue, he predicts then the planet could very well shake itself apart. That's why he's already hauled one of the Arks out of storage, and begun the process of refitting it into an escape vessel for the citizens of Darkmount should this prediction come to pass: he's quite happy to let Highbrow have the ''other'' three vessels, however... and an exasperated Highbrow groans that it would've been ''much'' easier if Straxxus had simply been upfront with them from the beginning.


As the Autobot convoy makes its way through a winding canyon road, they don't see [[Flywheels|Skytread]] and his [[Decepticon]]s camped out on the ridge above them. [[Roadtrap (Generations)|Roadtrap]] points out that these civilians pose no threat, but Skytread points out that these refugees are Decepticon subjects now. Not only are they being abetted by known enemies of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], they also don't have ''permission'' to leave, and Skytread orders his detachment to open fire on the caravan below. The ambush catches the Autobots off-guard, and Hound shouts for everyone to get to cover while he calls in [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]]. Nautica's bodyguard obligingly takes to the sky and draws [[Airwave (facility)|Airwave]]'s artillery fire, but warns Hound that she can't win this fight alone. Just as Hound calls in reinforcements, however, the ground shakes, heralding the arrival of [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], whose very presence sends the four Decepticons running!
As the Autobot convoy makes its way through a winding canyon road, they don't see [[Flywheels|Skytread]] and his [[Decepticon]]s camped out on the ridge above them. [[Roadtrap (POTP)|Roadtrap]] points out that these civilians pose no threat, but Skytread points out that these refugees are Decepticon subjects now. Not only are they being abetted by known enemies of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], they also don't have ''permission'' to leave, and Skytread orders his detachment to open fire on the caravan below. The ambush catches the Autobots off-guard, and Hound shouts for everyone to get to cover while he calls in [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]]. Nautica's bodyguard obligingly takes to the sky and draws [[Airwave (facility)|Airwave]]'s artillery fire, but warns Hound that she can't win this fight alone. Just as Hound calls in reinforcements, however, the ground shakes, heralding the arrival of [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], whose very presence sends the four Decepticons running!


In Shockwave's laboratory, Skrapnel wants a word with Skystalker; although the little Decepticon thinks that the Insecticon is just there to bully him some more, he's surprised when Skrapnel tells him that he's there to sympathise with his loss. Believing that he's found a sympathetic ear, Skystalker vents his emotions as he laments the disappearance of his friend [[Vigilem]] and so lost is he in self-pity that he doesn't see Bombshell creeping up behind him -until Skrapnel and Kickback suddenly pin him down while Bombshell jams a [[cerebro-shell]] into his neck! The Insecticons aren't interested in waiting for Shockwave: their new slave can procure the machinery they'll need, while the three Insecticons harvest the fuel to run them...
In Shockwave's laboratory, Skrapnel wants a word with Skystalker; although the little Decepticon thinks that the Insecticon is just there to bully him some more, he's surprised when Skrapnel tells him that he's there to sympathise with his loss. Believing that he's found a sympathetic ear, Skystalker vents his emotions as he laments the disappearance of his friend [[Vigilem]] and so lost is he in self-pity that he doesn't see Bombshell creeping up behind him -until Skrapnel and Kickback suddenly pin him down while Bombshell jams a [[cerebro-shell]] into his neck! The Insecticons aren't interested in waiting for Shockwave: their new slave can procure the machinery they'll need, while the three Insecticons harvest the fuel to run them...


While Nautica and [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] chat with the A'ovan [[Pra'jak]], Wheeljack and Hound catch up with Dai Atlas. No Cybertronian in history has ''ever'' returned from [[Immersant | immersion]], but Dai Atlas explains as best he can: this body holds only a portion of his old self, while another part of him still continues his spiritual journey onwards to the [[Transformer afterlife|place where immersant Sparks go]]. Hound is just relieved that he showed up when he did to see the Decepticons off, but Dai Atlas corrects him—he ''renounced'' violence long ago, and specifically went immersant to find a place without conflict. Road Rage demands to know why he's come if not to help them fight their way through the trials to come... but before she can get a real answer to her question, the group receives a distress call from Nautica: the rearguard is under attack! Skrapnel attacks Nautica and [[Tote]], and though Road Rage arrives just in time to prevent Skrapnel from killing Nautica, Kickback and Skrapnel incapacitate her. Hound warns the Insecticons to back off, but the trio only mock his affection for the fragile organics. Determined to uphold his promise, the taunts only galvanize his resolve, and he squares up to take them ''all'' on by himself!
While Nautica and [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] chat with the A'ovan [[Pra'jak]], Wheeljack and Hound catch up with Dai Atlas. No Cybertronian in history has ''ever'' returned from [[Immersant|immersion]], but Dai Atlas explains as best he can: this body holds only a portion of his old self, while another part of him still continues his spiritual journey onwards to the [[Transformer afterlife|place where immersant Sparks go]]. Hound is just relieved that he showed up when he did to see the Decepticons off, but Dai Atlas corrects him—he ''renounced'' violence long ago, and specifically went immersant to find a place without conflict. Road Rage demands to know why he's come if not to help them fight their way through the trials to come... but before she can get a real answer to her question, the group receives a distress call from Nautica: the rearguard is under attack! Skrapnel attacks Nautica and [[Tote]], and though Road Rage arrives just in time to prevent Skrapnel from killing Nautica, Kickback and Skrapnel incapacitate her. Hound warns the Insecticons to back off, but the trio only mock his affection for the fragile organics. Determined to uphold his promise, the taunts only galvanize his resolve, and he squares up to take them ''all'' on by himself!


==Featured characters==
==Featured characters==
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* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (22)
* [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (22)
* [[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]] (23)
* [[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]] (23)
* [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] (24)
* [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]] (24)
* [[Tote]] (26)
* [[Tote]] (26)


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* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (5)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (5)
* [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] (6)
* [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] (6)
* [[Roadtrap (Generations)|Roadtrap]] (16)
* [[Roadtrap (POTP)|Roadtrap]] (16)
* [[Flywheels|Skytread]] (17)
* [[Flywheels|Skytread]] (17)
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (18)
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] (18)
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===Continuity notes===
===Continuity notes===
* The one-panel flashback in this story is set during the [[War of the Threefold Spark]]. As per ''[[Transformers: Galaxies|Galaxies]]'' [[Constructicons Rising, Part 2|issue #2]], we know that the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s helped clear battlefields and dispose of dead bodies, but this issue seems to show them working for [[Exarchon]]! This isn't ''entirely'' at odds with their backstory in ''Galaxies'', however: during his conversation with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, Bombshell never specified ''which'' side of the war they were on...
* The one-panel flashback in this story is set during the [[War of the Threefold Spark]]. As per ''[[Transformers: Galaxies|Galaxies]]'' [[Constructicons Rising, Part 2|issue #2]], we know that the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s helped clear battlefields and dispose of dead bodies, but this issue seems to show them working for [[Exarchon]]! This isn't ''entirely'' at odds with their backstory in ''Galaxies'', however: during his conversation with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, Bombshell never specified ''which'' side of the war they were on...
* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] last appeared in ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|issue #19]], where he was distraught over [[Vigilem]]'s disappearance after his [[Titan (group)|Titan]] partner destroyed the [[Tether]].  He's still camped out in Shockwave's bunker where the Decepticon scientist ran [[The Rise|the Rise]] before Megatron cleaned house in [[The Change In Your Nature Part Three|issue #15]]; indeed, Skrapnel mocks him for this prior defeat.
* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] last appeared in ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Rise of the Decepticons: All Fall Down|issue #19]], where he was distraught over [[Vigilem]]'s disappearance after his [[Titan (group)|Titan]] partner destroyed the [[Tether]].  He's still camped out in Shockwave's bunker where the Decepticon scientist ran [[the Rise]] before Megatron cleaned house in [[The Change In Your Nature Part Three|issue #15]]; indeed, Skrapnel mocks him for this prior defeat.
* [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] last appeared in the [[Storm Horizon Part 3|final issue]] of ''Galaxies'', which ended with him returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] well before [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and the other 'bots aboard the ''[[Fist of Iacon]]''. That issue didn't ''entirely'' lay out what his deal was, but this one clarifies that he'd been sent out into space to gather the necessary parts to jumpstart Shockwave's cloning operations... though it's still not clear if Soundblaster himself is a clone of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]].
* [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] last appeared in the [[Storm Horizon Part 3|final issue]] of ''Galaxies'', which ended with him returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] well before [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and the other 'bots aboard the ''[[Fist of Iacon]]''. That issue didn't ''entirely'' lay out what his deal was, but this one clarifies that he'd been sent out into space to gather the necessary parts to jumpstart Shockwave's cloning operations... though it's still not clear if Soundblaster himself is a clone of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]].
* [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] previously appeared as a diplomat during a flashback in [[Nautica: Home|''Transformers'' issue #11]], where he and Nautica helped negotiate a peace treaty between the Thraal and the [[Occulted Dremden]].
* [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] previously appeared as a diplomat during a flashback in [[Nautica: Home|''Transformers'' issue #11]], where he and Nautica helped negotiate a peace treaty between the Thraal and the [[Occulted Dremden]].
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===Other trivia===
===Other trivia===
* Originally solicited for January 20th, this issue arrives three weeks late.
* Originally solicited for January 20, this issue arrives three weeks late.
* Cybertronians are apparently naturally ambidextrous.
* Cybertronians are apparently naturally ambidextrous.


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* [https://tformers.com/transformers-escape-2-comic-book-preview/40199/news.html Preview]
* [https://tformers.com/transformers-escape-2-comic-book-preview/40199/news.html Preview]


[[Category: Escape issues]]
[[Category:Escape issues]]

Revision as of 04:57, 1 September 2021

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rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) {{{series}}}}} {{#switch:prime war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) 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 beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) 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) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) 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 beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) 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) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) 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 beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) 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) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) 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 beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) 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 transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Prime – Beast Hunters fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Prime – Beast Hunters Special rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Robots in Disguise (2015) Aligned}}}} issues{{#if: [[{{#switch:{{{series}}} transformers spotlight|transformers: spotlight|the transformers spotlight|the transformers: spotlight=The Transformers: Spotlight transformers infiltration|transformers: infiltration|the transformers infiltration|the transformers: infiltration=The Transformers: Infiltration transformers stormbringer|transformers: stormbringer|the transformers stormbringer|the transformers: stormbringer=The Transformers: Stormbringer transformers escalation|transformers: escalation|the transformers escalation|the transformers: escalation=The Transformers: Escalation megorigin|megatron origin|transformers megatron origin|transformers: megatron origin|the transformers megatron origin|the transformers: megatron origin=The Transformers: Megatron Origin transformers devastation|transformers: devastation|the transformers devastation|the transformers: devastation=The Transformers: Devastation 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 transformers bumblebee|transformers: bumblebee|the transformers bumblebee|the transformers: bumblebee=The Transformers: Bumblebee 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 transformers ironhide|transformers: ironhide|the transformers ironhide|the transformers: ironhide=The Transformers: Ironhide transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|the transformers: drift=The Transformers: Drift 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 exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers vol. 2 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 windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=The Transformers: Windblade|The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2 transformers autocracy|transformers: autocracy|the transformers autocracy|autocracy=The Transformers: Autocracy transformers monstrosity|transformers: monstrosity|the transformers monstrosity|monstrosity=The Transformers: Monstrosity transformers primacy|transformers: primacy|the transformers primacy|primacy=The Transformers: Primacy 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 transformers punishment|transformers: punishment|the transformers punishment|the transformers: punishment|punishment=The Transformers: Punishment transformers redemption|transformers: redemption|the transformers redemption|the transformers: redemption|redemption=The Transformers: Redemption transformers salvation|transformers: salvation|the transformers salvation|the transformers: salvation|salvation=The Transformers: Salvation transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe combiner hunters|combiner hunters (comic)=An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters titans return|titans return (comic)=Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=The Transformers: Till All Are One lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=The Transformers: Lost Light optimus prime|optimus prime (comic)=Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime annual2017|transformers annual 2017=Ghost Stories|Transformers Annual 2017 revolution=Revolution revolutionaries=Revolutionaries action man=Action Man (comic)|Action Man 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 transformers unicron|transformers: unicron=Transformers: Unicron  #| }}{{#if: |issues:}}{{#ifeq: | Category [[Category:{{#switch:{{{series}}} premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection|idwcollection|the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=IDW Collection transformers spotlight|transformers: spotlight|the transformers spotlight|spotlight=Spotlight transformers infiltration|transformers: infiltration|the transformers infiltration|infiltration=Infiltration transformers stormbringer|transformers: stormbringer|the transformers stormbringer|the transformers: stormbringer=Stormbringer transformers escalation|transformers: escalation|the transformers escalation|escalation=Escalation megorigin|megatron origin|transformers megatron origin|transformers: megatron origin|the transformers megatron origin|the transformers: megatron origin=Megatron Origin transformers devastation|transformers: devastation|the transformers devastation|devastation=Devastation maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|maximum dinobots=Maximum Dinobots all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|all hail megatron=All Hail Megatron the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)|the transformers (idw)=IDW The Transformers transformers bumblebee|transformers: bumblebee|the transformers bumblebee|bumblebee=Bumblebee 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|last stand of the wreckers=Last Stand of the Wreckers transformers ironhide|transformers: ironhide|the transformers ironhide|ironhide=Ironhide Infestation (IDW)=Infestation Infestation2|Infestation 2=Infestation transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|drifteos|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|transformers drift: origins and empires|transformers drift: origins & empires|origins and empires|origins & empires=Drift heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|heart of darkness=Heart of Darkness 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 robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise|ongoing2|exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=IDW Robots in Disguise (2012) dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron the transformers: windblade|windblade2|windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=Windblade transformers autocracy|transformers: autocracy|the transformers autocracy|autocracy=Autocracy transformers monstrosity|transformers: monstrosity|the transformers monstrosity|monstrosity=Monstrosity transformers primacy|transformers: primacy|the transformers primacy|primacy=Primacy transformers punishment|transformers: punishment|the transformers punishment|the transformers: punishment|punishment=Punishment transformers redemption|transformers: redemption|the transformers redemption|the transformers: redemption|redemption=Redemption transformers salvation|transformers: salvation|the transformers salvation|the transformers: salvation|salvation=Salvation marsattackstransformers|mars attacks: the transformers=Mars Attacks: The Transformers transformers deviations|transformers: deviations=IDW crossover synergy: a hasbro creators showcase=IDW crossover transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe sotw|wreckers2|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=Sins of the Wreckers combiner hunters|combiner hunters (comic)=Combiner Hunters titans return|titans return (comic)=Titans Return optimus prime|optimus prime (comic)=Optimus Prime annual2017|2017 Annual|Annual 2017=Transformers Annual 2017 lost light|transformers lost light|the transformers lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=Lost Light 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 transformers unicron=Unicron IDW (2005)}} issues{{#if: *}}]]}}}}}} Transformers: Escape #2}} {{#if: Escape Part Three|»}}
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"Escape Part Two" {{#if: |
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Publisher IDW Publishing}}
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First published February 10, 2021}}
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Art by Beth McGuire-Smith}}
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ist}}{{#if: | by}} }}
and Elements }}by }}
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{{#switch:{{#sub:xx|2|14}}|dark cybertron=}}

The Autobot refugee convoy encounters dangerous enemies and an ancient ally in the wilderness, while the Insecticons go behind Shockwave's back to raise an army.

Synopsis

The War of the Threefold Spark: Skrapnel, Bombshell, and Kickback enter one of Exarchon's strongholds to cut a deal with Shockwave...

The present: in Shockwave's hidden bunker, the three Insecticons push past Skystalker and demand an audience with their would-be benefactor. A displeased Shockwave pointedly reminds them that he told them to keep a low profile, and their antics in Iacon have only jeopardised his efforts further and put them all at risk of discovery. Bombshell demands to know the status of his cloning project, but the scientist waves them off by telling them that he'll contact them when the time is right. As they go, Shockwave's minion Soundblaster asks if he's told the Insecticons that he doesn't actually need the trio to finish his project. Shockwave answers: the Insecticons are dangerous, unknown quantities, and even they do not yet understand the full scope of their power... though he resolves to keep a close eye on Bombshell, the cleverest of the three, who's already probing the limits of his abilities.

Wheeljack, Nautica, and Hound have scraped together a Darkmount-bound evacuation convoy consisting of A'ovan refugees, former inhabitants of the Xeno-Quarter, injured Cybertronians, and Autobot guards. As they trundle out of Iacon, Wheeljack wonders aloud why Hound cares so deeply for the A'ovans, and Hound explains that his time out among the colonies broadened his horizons, and opened his eyes to the value of all life. Long ago, he once visited the A'ovan homeworld with Crosscut and Meteorfire, who introduced him to the planet's delicate beauty... and when the Thraal attacked, that beauty was almost lost forever. Hound sees it as his duty to preserve whatever remains of that world and Wheeljack agrees, but reminds his friend that their plan hinges on whether Highbrow and his compatriots can persuade Darkmount's notoriously temperamental senator to turn over the Arks.

In Crystal City's Academy of Research, Highbrow and his associates Geomotus, Azimuth, and Mainframe put through a call to Highbrow's old colleague, the reclusive Senator Straxxus. Haughty and arrogant as ever, the theoretician-turned-senator is far more interested in discussing his latest scientific findings regarding the planet's geology than the Arks. Geomotus, on the other hand, has read his recent papers and is quite interested in what he has to say—if Straxxus's calculations are correct, he postulates, then the increasing tremors could very well fracture the impermeable layer that surrounds the Sea of Rust. The idea horrifies his compatriots, but Straxxus finds these postulations intriguing—if these trends continue, he predicts then the planet could very well shake itself apart. That's why he's already hauled one of the Arks out of storage, and begun the process of refitting it into an escape vessel for the citizens of Darkmount should this prediction come to pass: he's quite happy to let Highbrow have the other three vessels, however... and an exasperated Highbrow groans that it would've been much easier if Straxxus had simply been upfront with them from the beginning.

As the Autobot convoy makes its way through a winding canyon road, they don't see Skytread and his Decepticons camped out on the ridge above them. Roadtrap points out that these civilians pose no threat, but Skytread points out that these refugees are Decepticon subjects now. Not only are they being abetted by known enemies of Megatron, they also don't have permission to leave, and Skytread orders his detachment to open fire on the caravan below. The ambush catches the Autobots off-guard, and Hound shouts for everyone to get to cover while he calls in Road Rage. Nautica's bodyguard obligingly takes to the sky and draws Airwave's artillery fire, but warns Hound that she can't win this fight alone. Just as Hound calls in reinforcements, however, the ground shakes, heralding the arrival of Dai Atlas, whose very presence sends the four Decepticons running!

In Shockwave's laboratory, Skrapnel wants a word with Skystalker; although the little Decepticon thinks that the Insecticon is just there to bully him some more, he's surprised when Skrapnel tells him that he's there to sympathise with his loss. Believing that he's found a sympathetic ear, Skystalker vents his emotions as he laments the disappearance of his friend Vigilem and so lost is he in self-pity that he doesn't see Bombshell creeping up behind him -until Skrapnel and Kickback suddenly pin him down while Bombshell jams a cerebro-shell into his neck! The Insecticons aren't interested in waiting for Shockwave: their new slave can procure the machinery they'll need, while the three Insecticons harvest the fuel to run them...

While Nautica and Mudslinger chat with the A'ovan Pra'jak, Wheeljack and Hound catch up with Dai Atlas. No Cybertronian in history has ever returned from immersion, but Dai Atlas explains as best he can: this body holds only a portion of his old self, while another part of him still continues his spiritual journey onwards to the place where immersant Sparks go. Hound is just relieved that he showed up when he did to see the Decepticons off, but Dai Atlas corrects him—he renounced violence long ago, and specifically went immersant to find a place without conflict. Road Rage demands to know why he's come if not to help them fight their way through the trials to come... but before she can get a real answer to her question, the group receives a distress call from Nautica: the rearguard is under attack! Skrapnel attacks Nautica and Tote, and though Road Rage arrives just in time to prevent Skrapnel from killing Nautica, Kickback and Skrapnel incapacitate her. Hound warns the Insecticons to back off, but the trio only mock his affection for the fragile organics. Determined to uphold his promise, the taunts only galvanize his resolve, and he squares up to take them all on by himself!

(Characters in italic text appear only in flashback.)

{{#if: ||(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)}}

{{#if:* Hound (7) {{#if:* Hound (7)
Autobots }}{{#if:* Skrapnel (1) Decepticons }}{{#if:| Humans }}{{#if:* Meteorfire (9) Others }}{{#if:| Misc }}{{#if:| Misc }} 
}}{{#if:* Meteorfire (9)

}}{{#if:|

}}

Quotes

"There were these creatures that lived in the soil. And they transformed and became lighter-than-air. On a single night, they all rose into the sky and mated and died and disintegrated and fell back into the ground. Like snow. It was beautiful and terrible, fragile and ancient. That's how Meteorfire described it. It was... kind of glorious, I suppose. It was all lost when that world was destroyed. The universe got smaller and less interesting. Turns out, I prefer my universe big."

—Hound


"We save what we can, of the organic and the inorganic. The injured, the innocent, and the alien."

—Wheeljack


"Shockwave thinks we can't do anything without him. He never did respect us. None of them ever did. But they feared us. Now we'll show them they never feared us enough."

—Bombshell


"Ambidextrous. Huh. Is that a real word, Nautica?"
"Yes, Mudslinger."
"Hey, Tote! Did you know that there's a thing called ambidextrous? And that these organics aren't?"

—Mudslinger and Nautica


"You're not seriously going to fight for all these soft creatures, are you?"
"Yes, I am."
"Why? They don't last anyway! They'll all be dead before long. Dying's what they do!"
"There you go, making it even easier. Now I'd be fighting against you, even if there was no one to defend."

—Bombshell and Hound

Notes

Continuity notes

  • The one-panel flashback in this story is set during the War of the Threefold Spark. As per Galaxies issue #2, we know that the Insecticons helped clear battlefields and dispose of dead bodies, but this issue seems to show them working for Exarchon! This isn't entirely at odds with their backstory in Galaxies, however: during his conversation with the Constructicons, Bombshell never specified which side of the war they were on...
  • Skystalker last appeared in Transformers issue #19, where he was distraught over Vigilem's disappearance after his Titan partner destroyed the Tether. He's still camped out in Shockwave's bunker where the Decepticon scientist ran the Rise before Megatron cleaned house in issue #15; indeed, Skrapnel mocks him for this prior defeat.
  • Soundblaster last appeared in the final issue of Galaxies, which ended with him returning to Cybertron well before Ultra Magnus and the other 'bots aboard the Fist of Iacon. That issue didn't entirely lay out what his deal was, but this one clarifies that he'd been sent out into space to gather the necessary parts to jumpstart Shockwave's cloning operations... though it's still not clear if Soundblaster himself is a clone of Soundwave.
  • Crosscut previously appeared as a diplomat during a flashback in Transformers issue #11, where he and Nautica helped negotiate a peace treaty between the Thraal and the Occulted Dremden.
  • The geologists Geomotus and Azimuth last appeared in Transformers #21, where they were investigating tectonic anomalies out in the badlands for Highbrow.
  • Highjump appeared in a crowd scene with several other new Autobots in Transformers #26. He makes a cameo here along with fellow Off Road Patrol members Mudslinger and Tote—traditional team leader Powertrain is conspicuously absent, however, perhaps because Galaxies #9 already depicted him as a crew member aboard Ultra Magnus's ship.

Transformers references

Errors

  • Gutcruncher's drawn with a visor, instead of the two optics he's usually got.
  • On page ten, panel four, Airwave is coloured black.
  • As he gloats on page thirteen, Bombshell's insect legs are mistakenly coloured purple rather than silver.

Other trivia

  • Originally solicited for January 20, this issue arrives three weeks late.
  • Cybertronians are apparently naturally ambidextrous.

Covers (3)

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Reprints

  • Transformers Volume 4: Declaration of War (August 10, 2021 **scheduled**) ISBN 1684058066 / ISBN 978-1684058068
    • Hardcover.
    • Collects Transformers issues #25–30, Transformers Valentine's Day Special, and Escape issues #1-5.
    • Bonus material currently unknown, most likely alternate covers.
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