The War Within issue 2

The Autobots prepare to evacuate, while Megatron begins his master plan. Template:Comicnav

Writer: Simon Furman
Pencils: Don Figueroa
Inks: Elaine To & Don Figueroa
Lettering: Dreamer Design
Colors: Rob Ruffolo

• Characters (in order of appearance): Xeon's head, Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream, Ravage, Laserbeak, Grapple, Hound, Powerglide, Outback, Ironhide, Hoist, Huffer, Grimlock, Brawn, Constructicons, Prowl, Insecticons, Ratchet, Red Alert, Bumblebee, Jazz, Skids, Shockwave.
• Release date: November 6, 2002

Synopsis

In the fortress of Kolkular, Megatron recaps how the now-executed Xeon was bribed into ignoring the Decepticons' development of their underground movement.

The Autobots prepare the Ark for Autobot evacuation of Cybertron, debating the wisdom of Prime's decision to retreat from the planet. Grimlock's dissatisfaction distracts him from his work.

While Starscream is sent on a mission of only superficial importance, Megatron and Soundwave drill beneath Cybertron. In the caverns bellow, the Constructicons refit a planetary turbine to pump plasma upwards out of Cybertron.

Prowl and Optimus stand in the Tower of Pion, discussing how the general public feels about Optimus' idea. When the usually-calculating Prowl tries to explain how some decisions must be made with the spark/heart, their meeting is disturbed. An inferno of plasma incinerates the Forum of Enlightenment. From another part of Cybertron, Grimlock sees the destruction in the distance, but rather than run to help rescue survivors, he moves deeper into Decepticon territory.

Optimus and a team of Autobots explore the ruins of the immolated area, unable to find a single survivor. With memory of Umbra's message, Prime suspects Megatron devastated the city as a mere way of calling out the new Autobot leader. He breaks off from his group to explore the deeper depths of the area on his own—even aware the idea is madness. Proving him correct, the Autobot leader is blasted around by the Insecticons.

Meanwhile, at the hall of justice, the Autobots are sitting around, when Shockwave and an army of Decepticons attack!

Quotes

Laserbeak, replay aerial recon file V6.2-- Perhaps our suddenly garrulous leader was too busy pontificating to grasp its significance.

—Starscream

Items of note

• Continuity error: Trypticon is visible on one of Megatron's circular monitors, yet wouldn't be created until the Dark Ages.
• FIRRIB is visible on one of the platforms as the Autobots load cargo onto the Ark.
• The drill that Megatron and Soundwave use to get to the underground chamber has a passing similarity to the spire the Decepticons used to launch from their underwater base in the original cartoon—only, of course, upside down.

Covers (1)

• Megatron pontificating by Don Figueroa

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• Titan Books' Generation 1 collections.
• The War Within #3
• Armada #6
• Transformers Profile, Book One
  
  
  From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki, a Wikia wiki.