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THE TRANSFORMERS: COMICS, BOOKS AND MANGA

Marvel Comics
(1984-1994)
Japanese
Manga
Other Books
and Titles
Titan Books
(2001-2010)
Club/Con
(2001-2016)
Dreamwave
(2002-2004)
Devil's Due
(2003-2007)
IDW Publishing
(2005-now)

CURRENT TRANSFORMERS COMICS FROM IDW PUBLISHING

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Destiny (Alliance/Defiance)

Alliance | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | TPB | Defiance | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | TPB | Novel | The Veiled Threat |

Destiny was pitched as two linked four-issue miniseries subtitled Alliance and Defiance. The full solicited title of the first issue was 'Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Destiny: Alliance #1' — which is probably a strong contender for longest issue title of anything, nevermind a Transformers comic. 'Destiny' never actually appeared on the covers of any of the published issues, though... don't trust solicits, kids.

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Alliance #1

Released December 17th 2009

Written by: Chris Mowry

Art by: Alex Milne

Colours by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J Tipton

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.

Synopsis: Four months before the incident at Mission city, near Nevada, Agent Salazar delivers Wreckage into a Sector Seven base, and Salazar reactivates Wreckage.

Fast forward to after the battle of Mission City, where Ironhide, Lennox, Epps and a couple of soldiers are cleaning up the mess. They kill the Y-Box transformer. Meanwhile, Ratchet is reattaching Bumblebee's legs. While Sam and Mikaela look on, a can of soda suddenly slams onto Sam's head. Dispensor approaches them, before Ratchet steps on the mutant (commenting on the unhealthiness of the soft drink) before reporting to Prime. Lennox and his men find a trailer in which they solemnly placed Jazz's remains. Simmons gave Ironhide his cell phone, telling Ironhide to tell Sam to call him. Optimus Prime adapts a holographic driver before rolling out. Agent Simmons approaches Lennox and Epps, and recruits them for Sector Seven. Several vehicles (i.e. Salvage and Longarm) as well as the Decepticons' corpses are hauled away. Simmons wants to meet Sam, but Lennox refuses to reveal the boy's location. Sam calls Epps, and literally shouts his way through the conversation. Lennox, beat, accepts Simmons' invitation.

The next morning, in the Nevada desert, Sector Seven is given one month to study the Decepticons' bodies. Simmons suggests that they ask Wreckage, but Dr Vine says that the late Salazar had shut him down and he had never woken up since.

One month later, the Autobots meet up with Lennox and Epps in a junkyard. Prime comments that they are being followed by a police car. Lennox suspects Barricade, and Ironhide laments that he didn't hit Barricade hard enough. Lennox cuts to the chase and tells Prime that they'll be disposing the Decepticon remains. Meanwhile, a short distance away, Barricade observes and speeds away, sending an encrypted Decepticon signal to broadcast the information.

On Mars, a returned Starscream, after the events on Cybertron, is angrily lamenting his fate and (ironically) angry at the Decepticons' constant backstabbing and treachery. Starscream is adding symbols oto his body when he received Barricade's transmission. He's a bit worried that Megatron, Prime and Wreckage are all in the same place, but the challenge is too good to resist.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Agent Salazar, Dr Vine, Wreckage, Ironhide, Captain Lennox, Epps, Y-Box bot (blasted by soldiers and Ironhide), Ratchet, Bumblebee, Mikaela, Sam, Dispensor (killed by Ratchet), Optimus Prime, Jazz's body, Agent Simmons, Brawl's body, Blackout's body, Longarm, Salvage, a Landmine unit, Barricade, Starscream

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Blackjack

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Alliance #2

Released January 14th

Written by: Chris Mowry

Pencils by: Alex Milne

Colors by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Neil Uyetake

Edits by: Denton J Tipton

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.

Synopsis: At the Nevada Sector Seven base, Sector Seven agents are preparing to dump the Decepticon carcasses into the ocean. Simmons and Dr Vine are predictably annoyed at having to dump all of the information. Simmons asks whether Wreckage is online, to which Vine replies no. Vine then recalls the time when they first reactivated Wreckage; Sector Seven learned some info from Wreckage for a while before the Decepticon ran amuck, until Salazar deactivated him again. In the present, Simmons reveals that Salazar created the L.M. Units from information gained from Wreckage. Vine regretfully said that Salazar never went back from their failure at the Hoover Dam.

Simmons approached Lennox and Epps. Lennox is unhappy that Simmons is around, but Simmons states that he won't be accompanying them to the burial. Optimus (with the trailer with Jazz's body in it), Ironhide and Bumblebee arrives. After a short conversation, Optimus Prime entrusts the last piece of Allspark sliver to the care of Vine, for fear of it coming into contact with Megatron's body. Lennox tells one of his soldiers, Salani, to guard the sliver with his life. The Autobot/human convoy makes their way to the aircraft carrier in San Diego, California.

Meanwhile, on Mars, a mysterious figure arrives, finding that the Decepticon base there has been destroyed. The mysterious figure is someone who has not been 'in the know'. The figure picks up Dreadwing's severed head and scans it, then throws it away. The individual tries to figure things out, finds an imprint of Frenzy on the ground, and all of the clues point to Earth.

Meanwhile, in Nevada, Simmons, Vine and Salani are worried that the Decepticons would be able to find the sliver of Allspark. Simmons is confident that Wreckage is dead, and that the Allspark sliver could be hidden underground with Wreckage. Meanwhile, Optimus is worried about the Allspark sliver, and tells Ironhide and Bumblebee to go back. Bumblebee and Epps speed back to Nevada, while Ironhide lags behind.

In Nevada, Simmons, Vine and Salani are moving the Allspark piece into an isolation room when it suddenly glows and moves onto the inert body of Wreckage, reactivating him. Wreckage is predictably very angry and tears the place apart. Sector Seven agents evacuate the area. Wreckage breaks free out of the base and scans a new paintjob. The Decepticon is looking for Salazar and Megatron, planning to kill the former and to obey the latter. Suddenly, three Landmine units attack the repainted Wreckage, and there's a big robot rumble. Meanwhile, Salani and the agents are attacking Wreckage with little effect. Vine insists on finding the Allspark shard.

Wreckage stabs a Landmine unit, throws away another and blows up the third, before approaching Dr Vine. Missiles rain from the sky as a vengeful Starscream swoops down. Starscream wants to kill Wreckage for treachery, whilst Wreckage wants to kill Starscream for leaving him dead. In the course of the battle, Wreckage's blade tears Frenzy's body (which was inside Starscream's cockpit) apart, destroying the data on the Allspark contained in it. The two Decepticons rumble, and finally Wreckage gets the upper hand, until a shot from the recently arrived Bumblebee hits Wreckage's blade arm.

Starscream takes the opportunity to kill Wreckage, before blasting the humans. Bumblebee blocks the blast from hitting the humans, but gets damaged in the process. Starscream notes that the Autobots and humans are working together and, as he moves to finish them off, a mysterious voice contacts him, telling him to rally on his signal. Starscream transforms and flies off. Ironhide arrives and helps Bumblebee out, while Starscream fills the mysterious figure in on what happened to Megatron and the AllSpark, and the mysterious figure says that he's calling for reinforcements. Meanwhile, about nine or eleven protoforms (the art is a bit inconsistent) fly towards Earth. Starscream, meanwhile, mentions a ship and plans to go there to activate the rest of the crew, before calling the mysterious figure Soundwave.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Brawl's body, Blackout's body, Megatron's body, Dr Vine (killed), Agent Simmons, Epps, Lennox, Wreckage (flashback and present; killed by Starscream), Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Bumblebee, Salani, Ratchet (for one panel), Soundwave, Dreadwing's head, Landmine units (killed by Wreckage), Starscream, Frenzy's head, Eleven (or nine) Decepticon Protoforms.

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Blackjack

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Alliance #3

Released February 18th

Written by: Chris Mowry

Art by: Alex Milne

Colours by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J Tipton

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.


Synopsis: Decepticon protoforms land all over in Europe, North America, Africa, and various places all over the planet (shown are the Great Wall of Beijing, a grassy expanse and the Sydney Opera House).

Meanwhile, in Nevada, Ironhide tends to Bumblebee, whose vocal processor had been damaged by Starscream. He comforts Bumblebee for acting rashly to protect the humans. While agent Salini assists the wounded Sector Seven operatives, Agent Simmons hides nearby grumbling about the Autobot’s manners. He takes Frenzy's head (which fell off Starscream in the battle) before meeting the others. Salini contacts Simmons, informing him that many Sector Seven agents had been killed, including Dr Vine. Simmons then orders Salani to go and find the AllSpark sliver. Lennox and Epps soon arrive, with orders from the Pentagon that Sector Seven had been disbanded. Simmons is very pissed off. Shortly afterwards, Salani manages to find the AllSpark sliver, which is given to Optimus.

Two weeks later, Lennox is briefed by his superiors, who don't like the idea of working with the Autobots. The Pentagon then appoints Lennox as the leader of a team. Later, Jazz's remains are finally given a burial. Afterwards, the military proceed with the dumping Megatron and the Decepticons' bodies into the ocean. After that, Lennox speaks to the Autobots, and they agreed to form an allied team, which would be the first line of defense and offense against the Decepticons.

In Italy, a formula one racer speeds into a military base, freaking out the local guards. Two giant Decepticons arrive and eliminate them. The formula one, a Decepticon named Fracture, looks for the military base's communication center while the other two Decepticons scan a tank and a helicopter respectively. In Japan, Overcast flies away from a ruined JASDF base. In the Middle East, Jetstorm does the same, blowing up the survivors before flying off. In Florida, Incinerator and Dropkick scan their disguises after eliminating survivors. In San Francisco, two cars, Swindle and Jolt Dead End are swerving through the traffic as they bicker with each other.

In Diego Garcia, Lennox's soldiers and Bumblebee practise shooting Decepticon targets. Optimus and the newly promoted Lennox discuss the future of their alliance, to which Prime stresses the importance of working as a team. While they converse, they pass a group of mounds, in which the Allspark sliver is kept. It was revealed by the two of them that the Autobots had left their beacon in the junkyard where they met previously. They are interrupted by a report of an explosion at a gas station in San Francisco with footage revealing a Decepticon that Ironhide immediately indentifies to be Swindle. With a cry of 'Roll out!', the new team move to counter the threat.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Bumblebee, Ironhide, Agent Simmons, half of Frenzy's head, Salani, Optimus Prime, Major Lennox, Epps, Ratchet, Secretary Keller, Wreckage's body, Megatron's body, Blackout's body, Fracture (first appearance), Gunbarrel (first appearance), Reverb (first appearance), Overcast (first appearance), Jetstorm (first appearance), Incinerator (first appearance), Dropkick (first appearance), Swindle, Dead End (first appearance)

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Blackjack

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Alliance #4

Released March 25th.

Written by: Chris Mowry

Art by: Alex Milne

Colours by: Josh Perez and Kris Carter

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J Tipton and Andy Schmidt

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.


Synopsis: En route to San Francisco, Lennox briefs his team about the situation, and their plan to defeat the Decepticons. Lennox stresses the importance of secrecy and divides them into three teams. Ratchet and Ironhide flush out the two Decepticons, chasing them from the back. Swindle comments on the lack of Optimus Prime, before the Autobot leader charges from the front and crashes into Dead End head-to-head. Swindle escapes, with Bumblebee and Lennox in hot pursuit. Ratchet confirms Dead End's death, while Ironhide races off to help Bumblebee.

Bumblebee follows Swindle onto the bridge, which is closed off. With nowhere to run, Swindle transforms into robot mode, mocking Bumblebee. After a brief scuffle, Lennox and Bumblebee take down Swindle. As Swindle died, he cryptically tells them 'we'll find it'. Epps then informs them that the clean-up crew are on their way, and said that since the place wasn’t as crowded as Mission City, they maintained secrecy, and comments on a 'usual story'.

On their way back to Diego Garcia, Optimus and Lennox are worried about Sam's safety. Finally they agreed on assigning someone to Sam full-time. Optimus tells him has a candidate in mind, which is Bumblebee. Later, the Pentagon people reprimand Lennox and Optimus about the fact that Bumblebee transformed into robot mode, despite the fact that no civilians were on the bridge. Lennox defends his team and that the Pentagon authorities, still not sold on the idea of an Autobot/Human alliance, were being too hard on them. Afterwards, Bumblebee heads off to guard Sam Witwicky.

Meanwhile, multiple sightings all over the Earth were being reported. Optimus theorized that they were probably looking for something — Megatron remains, Sam's house — but Optimus has no idea what. The Decepticons they encountered so far didn't act like the soldiers Megatron had, but more like scouts.

Italy—The humans herd Fracture through a road cliff, before Ironhide charges the Decepticon off the ravine, noting that the other members of the group have been dealt with. In Europe, Overcast had been shot down by the humans. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Optimus and the humans managed to kill Jetstorm, but at the cost of Salani's life. In Florida, Optimus, Ratchet and the humans bring down Incinerator and Dropkick, but Ironhide comments that Barricade got away.

The next day, in the junkyard with the beacon, Optimus and the others arrive to see a group of new arrivals—a sleek sports car, an ice cream truck and three motorcycles—who tell Optimus they received the call. Meanwhile, more protoforms arrive in the Earth’s atmosphere, while Soundwave orbits above the Earth. As Optimus watches on, Lennox informs the team, including the new arrivals, that a new sighting had been reported in Shanghai in the form of a large, two-wheeled Decepticon.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Major Lennox, Epps, Ratchet, Ironhide, Salani (killed), Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Swindle (killed), Dead End (killed), Pentagon officers, Fracture (killed), Overcast (killed), Jetstorm (killed), Incinerator (killed), Dropkick (killed), Sideswipe, Skids and Mudflap (combined), the Arcee bikes, Soundwave, Demolishor (on-screen)

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Blackjack

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Alliance TPB

Reprints issues #1-4 of the Alliance movie prequel.

$17.99 list price.

Publisher solicitation: The official prequel to next summer's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen film kicks off here! In this first chapter of the Destiny story arc, "Alliance," readers will learn more about what happened to Sector Seven and the Autobots, and why their war on our planet is far from over. Discover the events that bridge the two blockbusters as envisioned by the creative team behind The Transformers Movie Sequel: Reign of Starscream, Chris Mowry and Alex Milne.

Browse at Amazon.com | Browse at Amazon.co.uk

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance #1

Released January 21st

Written by: Chris Mowry

Pencils by: Dan Khanna

Finished by: Andrew Griffith

Inks by: Andrew Griffith & John Wycough

Colors by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J. Tipton & Andy Schmidt

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.


Synopsis: On Cybertron – many, many years ago – Commander Starscream returns from the Eshems Nebula following a routine patrol, bearing a wound he received from an unprovoked encounter with an unknown scout ship. He his greeted by First Officer Ratchet, who proceeds to repair the Commander. Starscream informs him that it is the fourth scout ship he has spotted during the last cycle and is convinced that something is occurring within the Nebula. The two then discuss the Science Sector’s recent activities, where Ratchet tells him of an archaeological site that promises to yield something of significant value. Captain Ironhide then arrives and he and Starscream hurry off to report to their superiors.

Meanwhile, Optimus briefs Megatron on the archeological team’s findings, noting that when the artifact was uncovered, the Allspark sent out a pulse wave. Starscream and Ironhide interrupt them and Megatron has them report on recent Defense Force activity.

In the Eshems Nebula, events on Cybertron have not gone unnoticed as an alien ship approaches. Its crew, drawn by the mysterious signal coming from the planet, prepares to strike.

Back on Cybertron, in the temple at Simfur, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper stand guard over the Allspark. A bored Bumblebee grumbles over Optimus and the others decision to inspect the excavation site rather than investigate the sudden energy emissions from the Allspark. Cliffjumper counters that Bumblebee is just complaining because he’d rather be fighting along side the Defense Force, rather than being commissioned to guard duty. He reassures him that they are Defense Force material and tells him to be patient. On cue, the alien fleet arrives above Cybertron, ready to attack.

At the excavation site, near the Simfur Temple, Arcee’s team discovers something and she quickly speeds off to inform Optimus of their finding. Meanwhile, along with Jazz and Ratchet, Optimus muses whether the artifacts they continue to exhume predate their race. When Megatron arrives and asks him what he believes the artifacts are Optimus gives him a vague answer. A disagreement ensues, with Megatron questioning the Science Division’s methods, concluding with the military commander telling Optimus that when (or if) he chooses to be leader, then he can make the decisions. Arcee interrupts their bickering, alerting them to her team’s finding. She escorts Megatron and the others to the site where they find a large, triangular tablet bearing a mysterious emblem. Immediately, Megatron wants the object removed from the site, but is quickly met with resistance by Optimus. Their argument is, once more, interrupted, this time by an explosion in the nearby city. Starscream thereupon calls in, informing Megatron that they are under attack by the same species he had encountered in the Eshems Nebula. As Megatron organizes his forces, Optimus and his team, doing what they have done before in such situations, promises to defend the scientific interests of Cybertron by protecting the site and the Simfur Temple. Megatron agrees, and before departing, orders Optimus to recover the artifact and bring it to his quarters.

In Metrotitan, the planet defends itself from the invaders, while the artifact, as instructed, is safely relocated. Meanwhile at the Simfur Temple, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper panic as they are cornered by an alien tank. Help arrives in the form of Megatron, who crushes the alien vehicle under heel and promptly rebukes the duo for not taking the fight to the enemy. But, as he expresses his disgust, Megatron is shot down mid-sentence by another alien tank, taking serious damage. Undaunted, Megatron disposes with it just as Starscream arrives. After assuring him that he still functional, Megatron orders the air commander to continue the battle and keep Optimus’ forces out of their way.

Later, a heavily wounded Megatron returns to the capital city of Trypticon, called by the ancient relic. Megatron scrapes the crust away from the artifact, but collapses from his injuries. As he drifts closer towards death, a great evil within the mysterious relic stirs.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Starscream, Ratchet, Ironhide, Optimus [not yet a Prime], Megatron, unnamed aliens, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Breakaway, Clocker, Arcee, Grindcore, Warpath, Jazz, the relic.

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Zigzagger

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance #2

Released March 4th

First Published: March 4 2009

Written by: Chris Mowry

Pencils by: Dan Khanna & Andrew Griffith

Inks by: Andrew Griffith & John Wycough

Colors by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J. Tipton & Andy Schmidt

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.


Synopsis: Thousands of years ago in what will one day be known as Egypt, a pyramid is being built. A rising thunderstorm on the horizon sends the toiling slaves fleeing into the structure – a Decepticon emblem carved above the entrance’s archway. For not long ago, the land was the stage of terrible acts of betrayal, violence and murder. The people, consumed with fear, wait for this unspeakable evil’s return.

On Cybertron, Megatron lays unconscious on the floor of his quarters before the mysterious relic. It beckons him to awake.

Later, following the alien attack [see last issue], Optimus oversees Clocker, Warpath and Signal Flare with the clean-up, taking tally of the lives lost during the unexpected assault. With the attacker’s identity or their motivation remaining unclear, Optimus and crew turn their focus to all of the attack’s victims before seeking out their answers.

At the Simfur Temple, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper discuss what will happen next just as Prowl and Jazz enter. After warning them to stay on task – lest they be replaced by drones – Prowl inquires about the Allspark’s behavior during the battle. He deduces the blast damage done was intended to break in and not destroy the temple, and concludes that the attackers were after the Allspark.

Back in Trypticon, Megatron has recovered thanks to the aid of a mysterious voice, which discloses that it had used its remaining strength to mend his wound. Megatron demands that the voice reveal itself, but claims it cannot without his aid. But, before Megatron is able to refuse, the voice offers to make him “Lord Megatron, Ruler of Cybertron”, provided that he helps it. A red beam then emanates from the relic into Megatron’s eyes, imparting its knowledge into him.

In Metrotitan, Optimus and Arcee locate the body of one of the attackers, but find that it is already dead. Still unclear on the attacker’s intentions, Optimus leaves to find Megatron and instructs Arcee to take the remains to Ratchet for analysis. When Optimus arrives in Trypticon a short time later, Megatron announces that they are going to war and orders Optimus to assemble his team. Confused, Optimus states that he will not allow his division, who are not combat capable, to fight on the frontlines. He adds that Megatron’s Defense Force is meant to provide defense, not incite wars – by doing so would be against the ideals of their society. Megatron shoves Optimus against a wall in response, tells him that their society must change and once more demands that he gather his team.

Back in Metrotitan, after analyzing the alien remains, Ratchet concludes that their structure is similar to that of Cybertronians, in that, while different in appearance, they possess what resembles a spark core. Signal Flare then enters to notify him and Arcee that Optimus has called a gathering at the excavation site. At the address, Optimus urges his people – now referring to them as Autobots – that they must remain in Metrotitan and focus their efforts in assisting the damaged city rather than heed Megatron’s call to arms. He assures those that wish to fight may do so without fear or reprimand, and extends his gratitude to those that wish to side with him. From there, Optimus and his Autobots travel to Trypticon to observe Megatron’s speech.

In Trypticon, Megatron rallies his troops for battle after delivering a fervent speech. He leads an armada to the Eshems Nebula where an alien fleet waits. A battle quickly ensues. Back in Metrotitan, Optimus asks Prowl if he believes that Megatron is a capable leader, noting his questionable actions as of late and the growing divide within their ranks. When he learns that Jazz and Prowl have been relegated to sentry duty, Optimus asks if this included guarding Megatron’s quarters, to which he asks Prowl for a favor.

In the Eshems Nebula, the battle has turned in the Defense Force’s favor. After Blackout obliterates the alien ship’s communications and shields, Megatron – driven by his new ally’s bidding and convinced that others will want the Allspark for themselves – tears his way through the ship and kills its captain. Afterwards, he orders Starscream and his team to destroy the ship, then regroup to discuss their next mission. Megatron informs him that he is allied with a powerful entity, and through its guidance, they will dominate the neighboring systems.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: the relic, Megatron, Clocker, Warpath, Signal Flare, Optimus [not yet a Prime], Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Prowl, Jazz, Arcee, Big Daddy, Inferno, Smokescreen, Camshaft, Crosshairs, Breakaway, Grindcore, Wingblade, Ratchet, Crankcase, Wreckage, Fracture, Stockade Payload, Dreadwing, Divebomb, Swindle, Blackout, Ramjet, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Starscream, unnamed aliens [killed].

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Zigzagger

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance #3

Released March 11th

Written by: Chris Mowry

Pencils by: Don Figueroa

Inks by: Andrew Griffith & John Wycough

Colors by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J. Tipton & Andy Schmidt

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.


Synopsis: In the Capital City of Trypticon, Optimus, Jazz and Prowl break into Megatron’s quarters. Megatron’s actions have been questionable as of late and Optimus hopes to find a clue to what might have caused it. As soon as they enter, they immediately find the triangular shaped artifact that had been removed from the excavation site. Though fascinated, Optimus is confused that the relic’s condition was nowhere near as immaculate when Arcee’s team found it, but concludes that Megatron must have had it restored. But, before he is able to examine it further, Prowl alerts him that Megatron is returning, and the three promptly exit.

Later, Megatron returns to his quarters following a successful battle in the Eshems Nebula and awaits his next command from his new master. The relic orders him to prepare for its return. When asked how, it replies by telling Megatron to expand his army. But, while it promises Megatron that Cybertron will be his to claim, everything else belonged to his master.

At the Burthov Launch Site, a new booster separation system is being successfully tested. Meanwhile, Ratchet reports that his team has begun analyzing the remaining fragments recovered from the excavation site. As Optimus notes the condition of the intact artifact he found in Megatron’s chambers, Arcee informs them that she has discovered that the fragments all share the same symbol – the same one that is also engraved onto Optimus’ head. Ratchet then reasons that it proves that the Dynasty of Primes is real, concluding that Optimus is somehow connected. Needless to say, Prime is surprised by this possibility.

Back in Trypticon, the relic notifies Megatron of Optimus’ intrusion into his quarters. Angered by this, Megatron comes to the conclusion that Optimus’ group wants the same power that was promised to him. The relic reassures him, but that he must first deal with their new enemies. Megatron agrees, and even offers a simple solution – killing them. He contacts Prowl, orders him to report to him quickly under the pretense of an important mission, and then orders Starscream to carry out a different task.

Meanwhile, Optimus, Ratchet and Arcee gather at the excavation site. Ratchet refers to Optimus as “Optimus Prime”, believing it has a nice sound to it, to which a still skeptical Optimus counters that it’s probably a mistake and that for he knows, it could mean “records clerk”. Arcee notes that the construction drones were nowhere to found, then asks what the site was a long time ago. Though still uncertain, Optimus responds that if it is related to the Dynasty, then it might be able to shed some light on the Allspark’s origins. Their discussion is interrupted when Prowl’s team arrive, per order from Megatron, to arrest Optimus and the others for treason. After angrily questioning Prowl, Optimus complies despite his own reservations. Above, Frenzy observes and reports back to Starscream. Megatron gives the order to bring Optimus in alive, but to terminate the rest.

When Prowl and company take an alternate route due to being told that there was construction on the main road, Optimus grows troubled and asks the group to stop. Prowl then orders Camshaft and Jazz to inspect the road ahead. While he speaks with Optimus about his own doubts, Prowl wonders why he wasn’t suspected of breaking into Megatron’s quarters as well. At that moment, they are attacked by Starscream’s party. After Brawl hits an energy pocket, Optimus infers that the area is unstable due to damaged energy lines – a perfect spot for an ambush. Optimus gathers his people and tells everyone to stay sharp. As Starscream takes to the ground, Smokescreen lays down a disruption cloud to buy them some time. Optimus orders them to rally at Burthov and leave any explosive charges behind while he makes a stand. Amidst the smoke, Optimus attacks Starscream and threatens to kill him. Starscream then tells him that he is outnumbered, claiming that Megatron is the chosen one, to which Optimus retorts that he is as well and to tell Megatron that he will not control them. After he punches Starscream unconscious, Optimus then arranges the explosive charges left behind, transforms and speeds off as the city explodes behind him. As he escapes, Optimus contemplates over the fate of Cybertron, questioning if this change is a result of their doing, or if it was destiny.

Later, in Trypticon, Megatron speaks before a large audience. He tells them that Cybertron has remained on the path of peace and civility for far too long, explaining that it has brought attacks from beyond their planet and betrayal within. He urges his fellow Cybertronians to move down a new path founded on vengeance, redemption and defiance. To crush their enemies on Cybertron and among the stars, Megatron proposes they adopt a new image, a new name. And thus, those that will side with him shall be known as Decepticons! The crowd is captivated by Megatron’s words – save one. Having doubts, Ironhide leaves the roaring crowds behind as he questions his conscience.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Optimus [referred to as Optimus Prime by Ratchet], Prowl, Jazz, the relic, Megatron, Strongarm, Cosmos, Arcee, Ratchet, Elita-One, Starscream, Dreadwing, Swindle, Brawl, Ironhide, Thundercracker, Camshaft, Smokescreen, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Frenzy, Crankcase, Barricade, Ramjet.

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Zigzagger

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance #4

Released April 8th

Written by: Chris Mowry

Pencils by: Dan Khanna & Andrew Griffith

Inks by: Andrew Griffith & John Wycough

Colors by: Josh Perez

Letters by: Chris Mowry

Edits by: Denton J. Tipton & Andy Schmidt

$3.99 cover price, choice of covers.


Synopsis: Far from Trypticon, Ironhide is preoccupied by his thoughts as he roams a barren landscape. He is suddenly met by Cliffjumper, who demands that he halt. Ironhide raises his cannons, but four more Autobots reveal themselves and surround him. He lowers his weapons and tells them that he doesn’t wish to fight, adding that there is nothing for him back in Trypticon and that the cause has changed. Jazz radios Prowl, who instructs him to bring Ironhide to Prime.

Later, at the Autobot’s hidden base, Optimus and Prowl discuss the details of their new base as Ironhide is brought in. When Optimus asks why he had came, Ironhide replies that he came to join Optimus’ group. He informs him that Megatron is forming an army and is having no trouble filling in ranks. Ironhide then tells him that he has no desire to destroy innocents, and knows that Prime’s group to be innocent. When Optimus asks how he knew his team referred to him as “Optimus Prime”, Ironhide answers that he had been listening in on their group for some time, and thus knew where to find them. He assures Prime that he is not all punch and no processing, and that they were going to need his help.

In Trypticon, Megatron oversees the construction of a rather large space cruiser. Afterwards, he returns to his quarters to report his progress to his master. After stating that it would be freed from its prison one the "Matrix" was found, the relic then warns Megatron not to make the same mistakes that it did and to destroy his enemies quickly and without hesitation. The relic then recounts its tale…..

The Allspark, which holds tremendous power, created the first Cybertronians. The relic tells him, that though the Allspark possessed great power, the ancients would learn that it was not limitless and that it needed to be replenished. How they were able to do so, the relic tells, came in the form of a sun. For when a sun was destroyed, the Allspark’s energy would be replenished. But, as the Allspark began to change their land, the planet’s inhabitants realized that they needed to secure a new energy source. Though the entity informs its listener that they possessed the ability to jump between dimensions, they were still unable to locate a sun suitable to replenish the Allspark. But, as if on cue, the Allspark gave them an answer and created worker units. These creatures were special, the first of Megatron’s race he was told, that were born with the ability to transform. Those that were named “Seekers” were able to traverse across the expanses of space. When the Seekers were able to locate a sun, they would return and lead the ancients to it. But, as powerful as they were, the ancients were still unable to harvest the power of suns. Thus, the workers would construct a “harvester” that could harness a sun’s energy and imbue it into the Allspark. But, then the relic asks, “What if only one received its power?” It was then, the relic continues, when the mysterious entity decided to act, to betray, and to kill. In the end however, its "brothers" sacrificed themselves to trap the entity within its current prison. The relic concludes that once the Harvester is located, that it would be free.

Megatron determinedly vows to help his imprisoned master, and when complete, The Nemesis will search the galaxy for the last Harvester. To ensure that it is found, the relic decides it will go with the ship, ordering Megatron to stay behind on Cybertron. When Megatron insists the relic quickly silences him. After it orders him to gather the ship’s crew to join it on the journey, the relic then instructs him to hunt down and eliminate the remaining defectors. And while Megatron assures his master that they are scattered, the relic asks him to consider that if they do not wish to side with the most powerful army in the galaxy, then with whom do they side with?

Outside Trypticon, Bumblebee and Arcee observe The Nemesis’ construction from above. After taking a few shots of the space cruiser, they transmit their findings back to base. Back at Autobot HQ, Optimus observes the images and ponders why the need to build a space cruiser that, according to Prime, could hold thousands of soldiers when Megatron’s forces practically control the entire planet. While Prowl surmises that Megatron wants to abandon Cybertron, Optimus believes that there is a deeper underlying intention. Jazz then recommends that they build their own ship, to which Prime expresses his doubts since they’re supposed to be in hiding. Ironhide intervenes, stating that they don’t need to build a ship when they can simply salvage one – and, as it would happen, he knows just where to get one.

Much Later, the Nemesis nears completion. Megatron informs Soundwave that the relic is secured on board and that the Decepticons can begin to the fill up the ship. Inside, Megatron consults the relic before its departure. It is pleased with Megatron’s progress and will reward him upon its return once the Harvester is located. Above, others take notice as the crew begins to board the Nemesis.

As time progresses, Optimus notes that as the majority of the Decepticons leave Cybertron, they had left themselves at a noticeable disadvantage. With Decepticon numbers shrinking, the Autobot forces could expand theirs. Eventually, the Autobots were able to challenge their Decepticon oppressors, first, by raiding their munitions and storage facilities. But as time went by, the Autobot and Decepticon war devastated Cybertron and casualties began to mount. Finally, after years of endless strife, Optimus proposes that they capture the Allspark and escape with the ship they had salvaged in secret. However, it cannot hold them all, and so Optimus asks for volunteers. Those who would remain behind, he advised they devise an escape plan should the situation arise. In three solar cycles they will make their move.

However, as it would turn out, Optimus was not entirely forward about what he had planned. Rather than use the ship to store the Allspark, which would leave less room for survivors and refugees, the Autobots staged a battle at the Simfur Temple, while another team battled in Tyger Pax. In the end, the Allspark was sent into space.

Without a moment to spare, Megatron gives chase but is unable to track it down fast enough. Just as he was about to close in, he receives a distress signal from the Nemesis. There, he is reunited with his master, who angrily berates him. He orders him to resume his chase, for the Allspark will undoubtedly go where the Harvester rests.

Light years away, the Allspark’s journey finally comes to an end. As it enters Earth’s atmosphere, a weak but determined Megatron follows. But having already lost most of his strength during his journey, Megatron is unable to survive his landing and is lost to Earth’s elements. Trapped, much like his master, and all they can do is wait.

Characters Featured [in rough order of appearance]: Ironhide, Cliffjumper, Smokescreen, Bumblebee, Jazz, Arcee, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Armorhide, Camshaft, Clocker, Skyblast, Megatron, the relic, Jetfire, Demolishor, Mixmaster, Swindle, Wreckage, Soundwave, Starscream, Thundercracker, Crosshairs, Air Raid, Bonecrusher, Ramjet, Stockade, Warpath, Cosmos.

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Zigzagger

Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance TPB

Reprints issues #1-4 of the Defiance movie prequel.

$17.99 list price.

Publisher solicitation: The second official prequel to this summer's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen film! In this second chapter of the Destiny story arc, "Defiance," delves into the very origins of Cybertron and the beginnings of the war between the Autobots and Decepticons. Discover the events that sets up the reasons for the conflict that leads directly into this summer's sequel to the smash-hit film, courtesy of writer Chris Mowry (The Transformers Movie Sequel: Reign of Starscream) and artist Dan Khanna (Transformers Spotlight: Doubledealer).

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Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: The Veiled Threat

Written by Alan Dean Foster, published by Ballantine, $7.99 list price.

Publisher solicitation: Life on earth has changed forever, as humans and their courageous robotic allies, the Autobots, must warily work together to protect the planet from the destructive forces of the evil Decepticons. At the headquarters of NEST, tech sergeant Epps and captain Lennox both guard and assist cyberneticist Kaminari Ishihara and the brooding Russian AI genius Petr Andronov as they explore the differences between organics and bots. All around them, alliances fray, distrust grows, suspicions mount, and traitors come out of the shadows. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime, the powerful leader of the Autobots who is also part of NEST, plays defense, as battles flare up from Australia to Zambia. But escalating Decepticon attacks will culminate in a final confrontation from which no one—man or machine—will emerge unscathed.

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Synopsis: Megatron's remains touch down onto the floor of the Mariana Trench, scaring off a deep sea spider. Some time later, up on the surface, a band of pirates try and hijack the Pearl of India freighter. As the leader of the pirates tries to wrestle open a sweet-looking pickup truck, the truck transforms into Ironhide, scaring the crap out of the pirate leader and causing him to jump off the boat.

Meanwhile, in the NEST base at Diego Garcia, Japanese scientist/soldier Kaminari Ishihara is relaxing, thinking about things that happened recently. She was talking to Longarm when the Pearl of India arrives, carrying Ratchet, Ironhide, Lennox, Epps and other NEST agents. The NEST agents greeted each other, and Kaminari was introduced to a Russian scientist/soldier Petr Andronov. Later, it was explained that both Petr and Kaminari are using their countries' respective technology to create experimental weaponry for use against Decepticons. Meanwhile, more sightings of Decepticons are reported. In Africa an F22 Raptor jet, suspected to be Starscream, has been sighted, and NEST decides to check it out.

In an Italian restaurant in downtown Manhattan, ex-Sector Seven Agent Seymour Simmons is doing what he do best—being a jerk, nearly beating up a customer for ordering mayonnaise on a pastrami. Simmons' mother prevents the fight. Simmons, meanwhile, is angry at the government for firing him, at Sam Witwicky and his girlfriend, and at the Transformers in general. Simmons suspected the Autobots of being an invasion force, and decided to defeat them—from his basement. Equipped with technology and half of Frenzy's head, Simmons began to work. Meanwhile, the decapacitated Decepticon began to slowly become self-aware.

Meanwhile in Diego Garcia, Optimus Prime is briefing the new Autobots—namely Salvage, Knockout, Longarm and Beachbreak—about their mission, and entertains questions about humans. In Africa, a beer truck driver was passing through the Kafue National Park when he was beset by a giant mechanical creature. A pickup truck blocked his back, and he was surrounded by a group of humans with guns. The humans revealed themselves to be rebels—the Human Accessory Force—who had allied with the Decepticons there, namely Starscream, Dropkick and Macerator. The beer truck was subsequently hijacked to provide transport for the rebels, as the Decepticons refused to carry the humans. The Decepticons and rebels moved on to attack a well-guarded supply depot. With the help of Payload, the Decepticons and rebels obliterated the base, and stole some of the supplies of explosives.

In Diego Garcia, Knockout laments the fact that he and Longarm did not go on the mission, whilst Longarm reprimands the impulsive Autobot. Meanwhile, in Africa, Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Ratchet, Salvage, Beachbreak and the NEST quartet are chasing the Decepticons. The Autobots attack Macerator, Dropkick and Payload in a fast flowing river. The Decepticons attack evasively, playing for time. Unnoticed by the Autobots, they're being herded slowly downriver towards Victoria Falls. Beachbreak shoots to the rescue, giving Petr and Kami the time to test out their new weapons, and while the weapons didn't do much more than stun Dropkick and Payload for a while it gives Ratchet and Ironhide the opportunity to head to sturdier ground.

Optimus Prime and Macerator, meanwhile, tumble down Victoria Falls. Starscream swoops down to save Macerator, whilst Optimus hangs on to a rock outcropping. Beachbreak throws a line down, and Optimus dangles there and swings around until the larger Autobot pulls him up. As they head back to shore, however, Starscream swoops down and knocks Beachbreak down into the waterfall and kills him.

Meanwhile, they figured out that the Decepticons are heading downstream and towards one of the dams, planning to blow it up and kill the surrounding villages as a show of power to force the human government to dissolve their alliance with the Autobots. Meanwhile, the ground-based Decepticon trio arrived on the dam facilities. While Dropkick and Macerator wreak havoc and mock the humans' weaponry, Payload began shelling the dam. NEST arrives, and they split up. Prime and Ironhide engaged the Decepticons, while the human men enter the facility to try and find a way to open the dam. Salvage throws Ratchet into the part where Payload is blowing up, and the Autobot medic did his best to patch the dam up whilst under constant fire. Prime kills Macerator, while Ironhide drove Dropkick away, unable to deliver the killing blow due to human bystanders. Lennox, Petr and Epps find a technician who opens the emergency release, which washes away Payload and saves Ratchet.

Back in Manhattan, Simmons is griping and thinking about the Autobots' motives, trying to figure it out, angered by the fact that he was declared 'unstable', and the earlier 'without mustard' incident. Suddenly, Frenzy's head, reactivated due to Simmons' tinkering, tries to make a break for it, playing havoc with the electrical system of the building and trying to absorb it into his head. Simmons cuts the power, and decides to relocate.

Meanwhile, in Diego Garcia, Epps and Ironhide are arguing about weaponry. Ironhide is unimpressed with what the humans call 'music'. Meanwhile, two sightings were reported, with positive Gamma readings. They detected Decepticons in southeastern Peru and Oobagooma, Western Australia. Lennox is worried about the remote position of the places. The team is divided up. Epps, Petr, Longarm and a very happy Knockout is dispatched to Peru and rezendevous with the NESRT compound there. They arrive in the sighting spot, a precarious, foggy cliff. Attacked by airborne Decepticons Blademaster and Ruination, NEST put up a valiant fight. Knockout's rash acts may have earned him a slap from Longarm, but the young Autobot redeems himself by saving the old Autobot. Blademaster was driven down the cliff by the combined attacks of Knockout and Petr's electric discharge gun. Ruination swooped down to rescue his comrade. NEST had no equipment to hunt those two down, and retreat back. Longarm compliments Knockout on his work.

In Western Australia, Prime, Ironhide, Salvage, Lennox and Kami arrive. They hate the heat. After a long, fruitless search, Lennox figured out that the Decepticons would be after the uranium deposits. Optimus suspects that since it is illogical to hoard so much energy, the Decepticons there might be collecting it to flow and reactivate a dead Decepticon such as Megatron. Optimus believes that the Decepticons in Peru (which is rich in hydrocarbon resources) and Australia are not under Starscream's control, which accounts for their trying to resurrect Megatron. Soon they encounter a uranium dig site, which is seemingly manned by humans. Lennox throws a stone at the humans, revealing them to be holograms. The construction vehicles transform into Kickback, Tread and Trample. A big battle ensues and the Decepticons are killed one by one.

In Diego Garcia, with most of the professional personnel out, nobody notices a little red crab creeping into the data servers. The tiny transformer downloaded all the data before returning into its (his?) master, who is underwater, the following morning.

The next day, NEST holds a short briefing about the recent events, the mood soured by the recent death of Beachbreak. Somewhere else, entrepreneur Bruno Carrera made a deal with Starscream, promising the Decepticon that he knows a way to kill Prime. In Manhattan, Simmons has relocated to his mother's deli, and has a short talk with Frenzy. In Rome, two sports cars—Deadend and Swindle—make havoc throughout the city.

This attracts the attention of NEST, who investigate. As the two Decepticons made themselves known in the dead of night, NEST make their move and Optimus figures out that the Decepticons were trying to draw them into the open, to be strafed by Starscream. Knockout's small form easily outmanoeuvres the Decepticons, and Knockout knocks the two Decepticons out.

Starscream challenges Optimus Prime to a one-on-one battle in the Colosseum. The NEST humans hide themselves in the Colosseum to counter any tricks the Decepticon is sure to pull, as Starscream's challenge only specified Cybertronians, but Starscream and Carrera's trick extends to trapping Optimus in a hole. Whilst Starscream seizes the chance to attack the other Autobots outside, Prime breaks free and encounters Barricade. Prime wonders why the loyal-to-Megatron Barricade would team up with Starscream, but Barricade insists that Megatron is dead, and that Starscream is the leader now. The humans move in and attack Barricade, stinging him all over, giving Prime the opportunity to slam onto Barricade. The humans then flee into the hole that Prime was trapped in, and discover its connection to Rome's subway system. The humans retreat. Prime buries Barricade underground in molten stone, while Starscream flees the scene.

Later, a vengeful Starscream kills Bruno Carrera, and NEST gets another sighting, this time in Shanghai.

Major Characters Featured: (only when they appear per se; characters that are only mentioned in dialogue or minor humans are not mentioned) Ratchet, Ironhide, Julius Epps, William Lennox, Kaminari Ishihara, Longarm, Petr Andronov, Optimus Prime, Seymour Simmons, Frenzy (as a head), Salvage, Knockout, Beachbreak (killed by Starscream), Starscream, Dropkick, Macerator (killed by Optimus Prime), Payload, Ruination, Blademaster (possibly killed by Knockout and NEST), Trample (killed by Salvage), Tread (killed by Ironhide), Kickback (killed by Optimus Prime), Crab Spy, 'Dark Shape', Bruno Carrera (killed by Starscream), Deadend, Swindle, Barricade

Reviews & Commentary: Reviewed by Blackjack

 

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