The Lesser Evil!
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 Aw, sweet. | |||||||||||||
| "The Lesser Evil!" | |||||||||||||
| Publisher | Marvel Comics | ||||||||||||
| First published | 1st September 1990 | ||||||||||||
| Cover date | 8th September 1990 | ||||||||||||
| Writer | Simon Furman | ||||||||||||
| Pencils | John Marshall | ||||||||||||
| Inks | Jeff Anderson | ||||||||||||
| Lettering | Peri Godbold | ||||||||||||
| Continuity | Marvel Comics continuity/Earthforce | ||||||||||||
Synopsis
As the Autobots battle Megatron and Shockwave, Grimlock is forced to send Sludge and Swoop to save Starscream, an order he hates giving. Meanwhile, Grimlock and Slag pound the ex-Decepticon leaders, sending them running with swords in them and roasted backsides.
Inside the Decepticon Louisiana bayou base, Swoop and Sludge join with Soundwave and Starscream as they face down Bludgeon, Octopunch, and Stranglehold. The three Pretenders' reputation proves to be overrated and they are soon sent fleeing as well.
Grimlock tells Starscream they now have no chance of capturing him unaware, but Starscream explains that Swoop told him about Snarl's Corrodia Gravis and need for a transfusion from a compatible Transformer and that he is willing to provide it if the Autobots will help should Megatron and Shockwave return again. Prowl notes that this also means the lesser evil will be in control and Grimlock agrees. But Starscream isn't so sure he's the less evil...
Featured characters
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
| Autobots | Decepticons |
|---|---|
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Notes
- Although the story ends with Snarl due to get the treatment he needs, the previously published story "Destiny of the Dinobots!" shows Snarl suffering from the disease in 1992; either they're not in continuity or Starscream's donation didn't work. And, of course, this raises the spectre of where exactly the Earthforce stories are meant to fit into the comic continuity...
- This issue featured Transformers AtoZ profiles for Twin Twist and Ultra Magnus.
Errors
- Soundwave's shoulder cannon is missing from his first panel appearance but appears for his second and final.
Covers (3)
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Issue #286 - "I'll hug him and squeeze him and call him Grimlock!" -
Fallen Star -
Best of Starscream
- Issue #286 cover: Starscream cosies up to Grimlock over Bludgeon's body, by Andrew Wildman.
- Fallen Star cover: Megatron and Shockwave wrestle at Memphis airport, by Stewart Johnson.
- Best of Starscream cover: Starscream, by Klaus Scherwinski.
