External Forces!

« The Transformers (UK) #285 »
"External Forces!"
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First published	25th August 1990
Cover date	1st September 1990
Writer	Simon Furman
Pencils	Pete Knifton
Inks	Pete Venters
Lettering	Julie Hughes
Continuity	Marvel Comics continuity/Earthforce

Starscream and Soundwave fight as the true plotters are revealed...

Synopsis

These stories do not fit into the normal Marvel continuity. See Earthforce for details.

This story follows on from "Assassins".

Starscream returns to the Decepticon base and attacks Soundwave, demanding to know why he hired the assassins. Soundwave denies doing so and, via a pre-recorded message to allow him time to fight, explains that although he had ample reason if he had wanted Starscream dead he would have either made it look like an accident or employed professionals - employing amateurs is not his method. Starscream agrees, and they ponder who would benefit the most if one or both died. But before they can think further the base is invaded by Bludgeon, Octopunch and Stranglehold. They have been sent to kill the survivor, but realise they can now charge double.

Outside a squad of Autobots observes the new arrivals and realise it complicates their plans to capture Starscream alive. However, this is at odds with the plans of two further arrivals - Megatron and Shockwave!

This story continues in "The Lesser Evil!".

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots	Decepticons
Ironhide (6) Grimlock (7) Prowl (8) Sludge (9) Slag (10) Swoop (11)	Starscream (1) Soundwave (2) Octopunch (3) Bludgeon (4) Stranglehold (5) Megatron (12) Shockwave (13)

Errors

• Despite knowing that a furious Starscream will come after him, Soundwave is not wearing his shoulder cannon.

Items of note

• When Prowl gets frustrated with Grimlock he literally thinks of a brick.

Reprints

• This story was reprinted in the Titan Books trade paperback Transformers: Fallen Star.

Covers (2)

• 
  Issue #285
• 
  Titan TPB

• Issue #285 cover: Starscream prepares to destroy Soundwave, by Stewart Johnson.
• Fallen Star TPB cover: Megatron and Shockwave wrestle at Memphis airport, also by Stewart Johnson.