Transformers (1984) #3

This issue opens with Starscream and the Seekers returning to the Decepticons' new base with Sparkplug so he can create for them the process of converting gasoline into energon that he was going to create for the Autobots.  In yet more thought-bubbling, Megatron exposits that his fusion cannon is the reason his leadership over the Decepticons is assured.  He views Starscream's "services" as necessary for now but anticipates a time when he can rid himself of the would-be "assassin" (his words).

Salicrup cleverly uses Sparkplug as a way to remind us that the Decepticons are like "modern man trying to hack it back in cavemen days."  They need fuel, but they stripped the Harrison nuclear plant for parts for their base instead of using its nuclear power capabilities to create energon.  We also learn Sparkplug was a POW in Korea!  Sparkplug initially refuses to help Megatron, but after Megatron has Laserbeak train his eyebeams on him Sparkplug relents.

Buster leaves behind Jesse and O at his father's garage to accompany the Autobots to the Ark.  We need to straighten out Buster again here as Jesse notes that he's sensitive, but he's also "so brave" for going with the Autobots in the hope that they can save his father.  Brave equals straight so we're all good.  

Because it's 1984, Spider-Man has an obligatory guest appearance, but this one makes more sense than his other ones during this era.  (I read a lot of Spider-Man guest appearances at this time, usually on failing or new series.)  Joe Roberston sends Peter to join the media phalanx surrounding Decepticon headquarters, hoping his experience taking Spidey photos will mean he can get some great action shots.  Peter changes into his Spidey costume to get closer to the action, as the media are behind the U.S. military, which surrounds the headquarters.  The Decepticons rebuff the military's offer to talk and then engage them in combat.

As he scouts the location, Spidey encounters Gears, who's grumbling that he doesn't even care about the humans.  After Spidey discovers that Gears isn't the enemy, Gears explains that the Decepticons are hoping to strip Earth from resources to fuel their war with the Autobots.  (I enjoyed Gears complaining that Spidey, like Bluestreak, likes the sound of his own voice.)  Gears and Spidey invade the Decepticons' headquarters to get Sparkplug while the Autobots intervene on the military's behalf, despite the military shooting at every Transformer willy-nilly.

Gears' crankiness is a great foil for Spider-Man, making it feel like one of his Wolverine team-ups.  Gears comes to appreciate how Spidey's acrobatics and chatter create enough of a distraction for him to take out Ravage and Soundwave.  Megatron is obviously another order of magnitude in terms of difficulty, and Spidey is upset when Gears seemingly sacrifices himself to save Sparkplug after Megatron shoots out the floor beneath them.  Interestingly, Gears is resurrectable here, after the Autbots collect all his pieces.  I wonder how future issues will address that.

At any rate, we get a great cliffhanger (heh) as Gears awakens with enough energy to inform the Autobots that Megatron got what he wanted from Sparkplug.  Say it ain't so, Dad!

The issues contains a lot of narrating the Transformers' abilities that seems clearly connected to selling the toys.  On the Decepticon side, Buzzsaw uses his "diamond-hard, micro-serrated edged beak" to take out an Air Force jet, Skywarp teleports to evade a jet, and Thundercracker uses his "defining sonic book" to stun the Army soldiers.  (The Seekers are so definitely the coolest Transformers in school).  Gears uses "a cushion of compressed air" to land after saving a group of reporters by grabbing a tank that Thundercracker throws at them, and Sunstreaker's "shoulder-mounted, laser-guided, ground-to-air missile" takes out Skywarp.  Frenzy - who explicitly calls Rumble his brother here - later knocks out Gears with his "high-pitched grating sound."

All in all, it's a pretty great issue, particularly with Spidey's appearance.

Transformers (1984) #2

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.

Transformers (1984) #1

Between my son discovering my Soundwave action figure and me building Lego's recent Optimus Prime set, I decided it was time to get going on my long-standing goal of reading the original "Transformers" series.  Away we go!

The series was originally a four-issue mini-series.  In order to convey all the information we need to understand the Transformers, the authors resort to an incredible number of text boxes.  At some points, it's hard even to see the action.  The first issue's first page is a great example of this trait as we get a lot of information thrown at us.  

First and foremost, we're told Cybertron is a "Saturn-sized" planet that orbits Alpha Centauri.  The Transformers apparently  evolved from "the interaction of naturally occurring gears" [emphasis added].  Notably, the planet's - and Transformers' - origins are lost to the "dead past" (despite us seemingly knowing the gears developed "naturally).

Shockingly, Ravage has the series' first word, spoken to Megatron.  Megatron exposits that the Decepticons have lived in peace with the Autobots for eons but have bided their time to strike at those who brought the "stagnation of peace and prosperity" to Cyberton.  I get why a committed warrior like Megatron could find peace "stagnant" but prosperity?  How do you get so mad at prosperity?  I guess it reduces the number of lifeforms susceptible to falling into Megatron's thrall.

At any rate, Megatron launches his war.  The Deceptions' advanced technology allows them to transform into "weapons of unprecedented power" (e.g., Megatron, whose fusion cannon can apparently destroy entire Autobot strongholds).  The war causes Cybertron to spin from its orbit and costs "billions" of Autobot lives.  (Cybertron becoming a rogue planet is one of the more interesting deviations from the cartoon series that we see in this issue.)  Megatron's goal is to turn Cybertron into a "cosmic dreadnought," presumably so he can conquer the galaxy.

The tide turns when Optimus Prime emerges from Iacon, Cybertron's most powerful city-state.  Mantol and Macchio inform us that only Megatron can match Optimus' vehicle form's firepower.

Other than the "spinning from its orbit" revelation, this exposition's description of the status quo on Cybertron more or less matches the TV series' plot at the start, mostly providing some interesting extra details.  We deviate soon, however.

The rogue Cybertron enters an asteroid field and someone has to clear the way.  Enter Optimus and his team of Autobots boarding the Ark.  Interestingly, it's Ravage, not Laserbeak, who gathers this information after eavesdropping on an Autobot meeting.  (Ravage allegedly "absorbs electromagnetic radiation," which is how he remained undetected.)

Of course, it turns out the asteroid belt is the one between Mars and Jupiter, setting up how the Ark eventually crashed into Earth.  Allegedly, the Autobots were so exhausted from clearing the asteroids that they're helpless against the Deceptions (who seek to take out Optimus while he and his team are vulnerable).  With no good options, Optimus activates his fall-back plan to crash the Ark into Earth to take out the Decepticons with them.  (How...prescient.)  

At this point, we return to the TV series' storyline.  "Mt. St. Hilary" erupts, activating one of the Ark's sensor drones, which departs the Ark to scan 1984 Earth.  The authors remind us that the Decepticons had advanced technology on Cybertron and imply it's why they wind up having a more diverse range of Earth forms, mostly communications devices, jets, and weapons.  Conversely, the Autobots wind up being mostly vehicles that the Ark's drone saw on an Oregon highway.

The authors then deliver the most text-based page I've ever seen in a comic.  The Decepticons introduce themselves to...themselves and explain their powers to...themselves:  Skywarp (teleportation), Thundercracker (rockets and sonic booms), Starscream (maneuverability and speed), Rumble (low-frequency "ground-waves"), Frenzy (high-pitched sound waves), Soundwave (monitor transmissions, read "electrical impulses," and photographic memory), Ravage (a nose module that allows him to "smell, hear and detect electromagnetic radiation"), Buzzsaw (powerful optical sensors), and Laserbeak (optical lasers).  Some of these "powers" aren't exactly clear, like how Ravage can "hear" and "smell" electromagnetic radiation.  But it's 1984 so I'm just going with it.

Beyond Buzzsaw and Lazerbeak's abilities to speak (as seen earlier with Ravage), the most interesting revelations to me were that Frenzy and Rumble actually have different powers and that Starscream is (at least somewhat) loyal to Megatron at the start ("I...shall accumulate Autobot body-count that enhance the reputation of our leader.").

Unlike the TV series, the authors do a solid job explaining why the Decepticons don't just end the Autobotos in the Ark.  Instead of the Ark resurrecting Skywarp who then resurrects the Decepticons (as we see in the TV show), the Ark resurrects everyone at the same time.  Megatron notes to a questioning Starscream that "one of our mightiest is missing" (huh?) and they're low on fuel so they might lose.  To underline that point, the Autobots open fire on them as they leave.

We now get more text, this time with the Autobot line-up:  Ironhide (steel-alloy skin and liquids), Huffer (stress-testing sensors and mathematical skill), Bumblebee (low fuel needs), Sunstreaker (ground-to-air missiles and hotness), Cliffjumber (fast and glass gas), Brawn (strong), Sideswipe (piledriver arms), Mirage (electro-disrupter, which can disrupt circuits and project his mirages), Bluestreak (fast), Prowl (logic circuits that identify the most advantageous course of action), Jazz (photon rifle and overhead flamethrowers), Hound (infrared radiation collector and terrain map-projecting hologram gun), Windcharger (magnetic arms), Gears (serves as a mobile transport unit), Ratchet (tools to fix anything), Wheeljack (shoulder cannons), and Trailbreaker (force-field projector).

First, it's crazy we have 18 Autobots but only ten Decepticons (and five of the Decepticons are Soundwave's cassettes).  The most interesting revelations on the Autobot side are that Bumblebee apparently likes swimming (?) and Ironhide and Ratchet have their terrible toy-consistent designs.  The Autobots also have a lot more personality than the Decepticons.  Similar to the TV show, Huffer is pessimistic, Sunstreaker is vain, Mirage is a reluctant warrior (he'd rather hunt turbofoxes on Cybertron), and Bluesreak is chatty.  Unlike the TV show, Ratchet would apparently rather be "partying than tinkering."  Who knew?  Also, did you notice how many Autobots' powers were just being fast?

Of course, the series' most interesting twist is that Buster, not Spike, is Sparkplug's son.  Unlike Spike (who starts the TV series as child labor on an oil rig), Buster is a nerd, much to his father's disappointment.  (The authors show Sparkplug is just worried about how a kid without skills will survive.)  Lest we think he's a gay, though, Buster gets hot and heavy with his girlfriend Jesse at a drive-in while his friend "O" tries to watch (allegedly the movie) from the backseat.  Maybe Buster is gay and just likes to make "O" jealous?

At any rate, Buster and company are on hand when the Autobots stumble upon the drive-in.  Laserbeak observes them and, to Starscream's disapproval, Megatron dispatches the Decepticons to attack.  The Seekers open fire, and Bumblebee takes the brunt of the attack in vehicle mode.  Cliffjumper turns the Seekers' wings to gas, forcing them to retreat, and Hound dispatches Ravage with his holograms.  Cliffjumper and Prowl take on Soundwave, who's confusingly colored like Megatron.  

The Autobots realize the humans (and not the vehicles) are Earth's dominant lifeforms  and depart given their inability to protect themselves from the Decepticons.  They leave behind Bumblebee, who they hope fled.  Instead, Buster heard him cry in pain when the Seekers wounded him and drove him to his father's garage, where he's dying.

Thoughts:  As mentioned, the authors introduce the Transformers in a way that fills in some gaps that I truthfully hadn't noticed in the TV series but make their backstory more interesting.  That said, the series' focus stays the same:  Megatron realizes that the Decepticons can strip-mine Earth for resources to conquer the galaxy, and Optimus understands that the now-inhabited Earth needs protection from the Decepticons.  

My only complaint at this stage is that the coloring is pretty awful.  You can tell the limitations that colorists faced in this era, as Yomtov struggles to stay within the confines of all the small details.  By the end, though, he's also frequently off model, making it hard to tell characters apart (particularly the Seekers).  Given how many similar models there are (particularly on the Autobot side), it leads to some serious confusion at times.

All in all, though, it's a pretty solid comic, particularly for the fact that it's there mostly to sell a toy line.