First things first, Salicrup takes over writing from Mantol and Macchio with this issue. It's a pretty seamless transition, probably because we still get an enormous amount of exposition. For example, over the first few pages, Megatron thought-bubbles about how Starscream is right to criticize his desire to leap into battle and Starscream thought-bubbles about how Megatron is cunning.
This thought-bubbling occurs as the Decepticons attack the still under construction Harrison nuclear power plant. Megatron seems to realize halfway through the attack that they could use the plant's technology to build a base and create a generator, so he has the Decepticons halt the attack and strip it for parts. This sequence certainly supports Starscream's criticism that Megatron doesn't think through his plans carefully.
Meanwhile, Buster convinces Sparkplug to repair Bumblebee, who confirms Buster's seemingly outrageous story about alien robots when he transforms into robot mode. Unlike in the TV show, where the Autobots never seemed to notice the lack of energy, Bumblebee explicitly states his need for fuel. Sparkplug offers to help the Autobots find a way to convert gas into Transformer-ready fuel. (Interestingly, Bumblebee identifies Huffer - not Wheeljack - as the Autobots' engineer.) Bumblebee tells Sparkplug that he'll return to the Ark to inform Optimus about Sparkplug's offer and takes Buster with him so he can see the Ark.
In town, Ravage recognizes Jesse and O from the drive-in. He transforms into cassette mode and inserts himself into O's boombox just as Jesse and O spot Buster in Bumblebee. (O is listening to a radio station, and the DJ informs us that Dazzler sang the previous song. Synergy!) Buster explains that he and Bumblebee are on their way to the Ark, though Jesse and O still don't believe that Bumblebee is an alien robot. Bumblebee informs Buster that he's running lower on fuel than he thought, so they return to Sparkplug's garage. Ravage then leaves to tell Megatron about Sparkplug.
At the Ark, we get a better sense of the dynamics between the Autobots. It's clear that Optimus has a tougher job managing his larger force than Megatron does his smaller one. Whereas every Deception except Starscream is loyal to Megatron, Optimus has to deal with the Autobots' more democratic impulses. For example, Mirage doubts his allegiance to the Autobots when Optimus shoots down his argument that they just take the fuel from the humans. Despite Ironhide and Ratchet supporting Mirage's call for action, Optimus - with Prowl's support - decides that they'll offer the humans their advanced technology in exchange for fuel.
On cue, Bumblebee makes contact after working with Sparkplug to develop a communications system. The Autobots all transform into their vehicle modes to go to Sparkplug's garage. (Of note, Optimus doesn't say "Transform...and roll out!" here. He says the much less inspiring: "Autobots, convert to Earth-modes! Let's move out!")
By the time the Autobots arrive, Ravage has informed Megatron about Sparkplug, so we get an all-out battle as both sides converge on the garage. During the melee, Sideswipe uses his rocket backpack, which is part of the reason he's my favorite character. Calling him "brother" for the first time, Sunstreaker reminds the reader that Sideswipe is burning through fuel that he doesn't have to use it. We also get another hint that Mirage really isn't into fighting. Whereas last issue he lamented how he'd rather be hunting turbofoxes than fighting with the Autobots, this issue he tells us that he'd rather be "retro-wing gliding" back on Cybertron. Who knew Mirage was such a hobbyist?
As the Transformers battle, Megatron grabs Sparkplug but Optimus arrives to stop him. After Sparkplug miraculously survives the fall from Megatron's grasp, Starscream snatches him and flees. The Decepticons depart, and Buster begs the Autobots to save Sparkplug. Optimus obviously wants to do so, but he and the other Autobots begin dropping to the ground due to their low fuel levels.
Thoughts: With the introductions complete, we're starting to get somewhere here.
As mentioned above, it was always weird that the TV series ignored the Autobots' need for energy despite every episode revolving around the Decepticons' need for it. Salicrup corrects that mistake and makes it clear that this mini-series is going to focus on both sides' struggles to find power sources to keep them operating, let alone accomplish goals like invading Cybertron (Megatron) or expelling the Decepticons from Earth (Optimus).
Salicrup also starts showing us some of the powers that Mantol and Macchio had the Transformers exposit last issue. For example, he explicitly states that Ravage shrinks when he turns into cassette mode, something that I'm pretty sure we never saw the TV series acknowledge.
Finally, Salicrup introducing tension within the Autobot ranks helps make them feel like, well, people and not just robots. If I'm connecting the dots, Mirage's willingness to plunder Earth is connected to his overwhelming desire just to go home. It makes you wonder how Optimus convinced him to go on the original mission. But Ironhide and Ratchet supporting Mirage's preference for action (if for different reasons) lays the groundwork for some interesting stories to come.
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