Transformers (2023) issue 14

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« Transformers #14 »
Publisher Image Comics
Skybound Entertainment
First published November 13, 2024
Cover date November 2024
Written by Daniel Warren Johnson
Art by Jason Howard
Colors by Mike Spicer
Letters by Rus Wooton
Editor Ben Abernathy
Continuity Energon Universe

Though wounded, Starscream's ambitions remain strong. With a new group of allies at his side, he is determined to regain control of the Decepticons.

Synopsis

Having recovered the body of Starscream, M.A.R.S. commander Horton and his team have decided to affix the Decepticon warrior to their H.I.S.S. tank, complete with a remote control for the vehicle. However, after completing their project, Starscream awakens, horrified at what they've done to him. He tries to kill the humans (along with Private Razz's cat, but is weak without energon and unable to control his movements. Horton offers to help Starscream, which the angry Seeker rebuffs. However, Horton reveals that they took the precaution of installing explosives in Starscream's body while he was out, forcing Starscream to capitulate to him. Starscream goes along with Horton, sensing that they both have the same desire for power.

Years ago, on Cybertron, Megatron and Starscream attack a group of Autobots. Taking them prisoner, Megatron offers them the chance to join the Decepticons. When they refuse, Megatron transforms into his gun mode and orders Starscream to use him to execute their enemies. Starscream is hesitant, not wanting to murder prisoners of war. However, Megatron compels him and Starscream follows through, apologizing all the while. Over the course of the war, the pair kill more and more Autobots, Megatron turning Starscream into his "hand of death."

As Starscream and the M.A.R.S. troops travel, they come across the chained-up Astrotrain, much to Starscream's surprise. Astrotrain reveals that Soundwave released him from the Nemesis, offering him revenge on Megatron to join his plan. Starscream balks at the idea that Soundwave would willingly give up his master, but frees Astrotrain and assures him that if the Triple Changer joins him, he will deliver on Soundwave’s false promise. Horton is about to object, but the conversation is interrupted by a piece of Cybertron falling from the sky into the Pacific Ocean. As the piece's impact causes a tidal wave, the humans begin to flee while Astrotrain transforms to transport Starscream away. However, Horton uses the controller to prevent Starscream from boarding his ally. Starscream demands Horton get him onto Astrotrain, offering to get the M.A.R.S. team to safety as well.

Aboard Astrotrain's shuttle mode, Horton reminds Starscream that he's in charge of their arrangement. Astrotrain then alerts Starscream to the sight of Onslaught and Brawl in the water. The Decepticons rescue their allies, much to the irritation of Horton as he loses more and more control over the situation. Horton orders his team to be taken down to the surface, but at that moment, Astrotrain hits a rogue wave, sending the humans tumbling and knocking Horton unconscious.

When he awakes, Horton finds himself on the chunk of Cybertron, with Starscream being hailed as leader by Astrotrain and the reassembled roster of the Combaticons. Starscream tells his assembly that their first order of business will be to take the fight to Soundwave and his Decepticons, but they are interrupted by Horton, who has realized Starscream has double-crossed him. The M.A.R.S. commander threatens Starscream with the explosives his team placed in him, but when he presses the button, nothing happens. Razz and the rest of the team emerge and reveal Starscream promised to free them if they removed the explosives. Starscream thanks Razz for her help... then squashes her with his hand before turning his null-rays on the Clayton and squishing Horton under his tank treads, leaving only Razz's cat and Martin alive. He orders Martin to begin sketching, wanting the artist to document his rise to power.

Characters in italic text appear only in flashbacks.
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons M.A.R.S.
  • Autobot prisoners (7)

Quotes

"Do not fight this, Starscream. It is better this way."
"Please... I don’t... I don’t want to--"
"What you desire matters not. You are mine now. You will obey my command."

—Megatron exerts his will over a still reluctant Starscream.

"Never again will I be the property of anyone! I will be the master of my own destiny. The captain of my own fate."

—Starscream

Notes

Continuity notes

  • The events of this issue take place alongside that of the previous arc, with Starscream and Astrotrain witnessing the piece of Cybertron that Optimus Prime accidentally blew off in issue #12 falling into the ocean.
  • Astrotrain was freed from the Nemesis by Soundwave in issue #8, and chained up by Beachcomber in issue #10. He’s been eager for revenge on Megatron ever since, which Starscream uses to recruit him. Of course, Starscream believes he already finished off their leader, as seen in the Transformers Energon Universe Special story.
  • Brawl is still missing his lower half after being bisected by the closing space bridge in issue #9.

Transformers references

Errors

  • Horton's first speech bubble on page 14 is rendered in the square shape of the Transformers rather than the traditionally rounded style used by human characters.

Covers

  • Cover A: Astrotrain in chains, by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer.
  • Cover B: Starscream firing with his new H.I.S.S. form, by Jorge Corona and Mike Spicer.
  • Cover C: Connecting cover by Viktor Bogdanovic.
  • Cover D: A very '80s inspired Optimus Prime, by Jorge Fornés.
  • Cover E: Optimus Prime, Jazz, and Arcee in an homage to Generation 1 toy packaging, by Derrick Chew.

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Reprints

  • Volume 3: Combiner Chaos – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer
    Volume 3: Combiner Chaos – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer

References

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