comics: The Transformers UK guide:

issue nr: 078 series: The Transformers UK cover date: 1986-09-13 writer: Simon Furman penciler: Jeff Anderson inker: Jeff Anderson colorist: Tony Jozwiak Autobots/Maximals featured: Optimus Prime, Prowl, Grimlock, Slag, Swoop, Snarl, Sludge, Emirate Xaaron, Skater, Impactor, Roadbuster, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Hound, Bumblebee, Jazz, Gears, Ironhide Decepticons/Predacons featured: Megatron, Starscream, Galvatron, Cyclonus, Scourge, Shrapnel Neutralists/Aliens/Humans featured: Centurion, Joy Meadows Locations featured: Iacon, Polyhex - Cybertron, and Oregon, USA First appearance of: Skater, Impactor, Roadbuster, Galvatron, Cyclonus, Scourge

Story synopsis
The issue starts with Optimus Prime tearing through a forest near the Ark in a rage. Prowl quickly calms him down, and it becomes apparent that the source of Prime’s consternation is the Dinobots. Prowl recounts how he and Prime had arrived at the scene of last issue's battle, only for the Dinobots to refuse to reveal what had happened and - when ordered to give a report - up and leave with the news crew and the human-controlled cyborg Centurion (who had fought along side them). Prime and Prowl return to the Ark musing that their forces are now depleted by five.

Meanwhile on Cybertron, we are introduced to the leader of the Autobot resistance, Emirate Xaaron. We join Xaaron as he journeys into Autobase under the wrecked former capital city of Iacon. Xaaron is met by a concerned Autobot named Skater, who explains that preparations are going well but that an Autobot named Impactor is being difficult.

We are introduced to Impactor and it quickly becomes apparent that he is the leader of a team of Autobots involved in something called Operation: Volcano. Impactor tells Xaaron that he wants assurances that someone called Ultra Magnus will be ready in time. Xaaron assures Impactor that he is quite keen to see everything runs smoothly, after all, he is the bait!

Elsewhere, in the province of Polyhex, an unnamed Autobot is under attack by the electricity-wielding Shrapnel. Shrapnel is about to kill the Autobot when he is offered information in return for life. The Autobot reveals that Xaaron and the Autobot resistance chiefs will be meeting in Iacon on the anniversary of Iacon’s fall to the Warlord Trannis. Having heard all this Shrapnel kills the cowardly Autobot anyway, pleased with the intel he has procured. However, the scene pans back to reveal the Autobot Roadbuster, who has deliberately leaked the information to an unreliable Autobot to bait the Autobots' trap!

Back on Earth, Optimus is briefing the crew of the Ark. Flanked by Prowl and Ratchet, he reminds his troops of the importance of remaining true to the goals of defending what is theirs, and to safeguard those who cannot defend themselves, especially now that the humans are involved. However, suddenly Prime is struck down by pain, and the onlooking Autobots can do nothing as Prime, Prowl and Ratchet are seemingly consumed by a strange energy. All three disappear in a blinding light, leaving nothing but scorch marks on the Ark’s floor...

At that very same moment on Cybertron, we see an Autobot 'priest', who watches, horrified, as the Matrix Flame (an embodiment of the Creation Matrix that Prime carries) flickers and dies.

The scene switches again, to a serene view of a cereal farm in Oregon. However, this tranquillity is ripped apart by a strange explosion that disturbs the local weather and leaves behind three mysterious figures. The leader of the group names his companions as Cyclonus and Scourge, before quizzing a group of investigating humans as to the current date. Satisfied with the answer, he reveals himself as… Galvatron!

Remarks
A strong start to one of the biggest stories in the history of the UK comic and no mistake. The issue starts normally enough, referencing the events of last issue. However, we are soon introduced to several new characters and a fast moving plot on Cybertron. This is helped along by the instantly apparent antagonism between Impactor and Emirate Xaaron, who despite being brand new characters have an instant chemistry. Furman should be credited for introducing new, non toy based characters with such immediate gravitas. We also get an interesting glimpse of an Autobot resistance preparing for something big. The nice handling of the Cybertronian events is polished off by a brutal cameo for the murderous Shrapnel, Furman equipping the Decepticon with a genuinely psychotic edge.

The disappearance of Prime and co also comes as a real shock on first read. There is a real sense of the unexplained about what happens to the senior Autobots, and even if it is readily apparent by the end of the issue that this has something to do with Galvatron’s arrival, the impact on the remaining Autobots is clear.

Galvatron’s entrance is well handled, with two pages of teaser shots before he, Cyclonus and Scourge are revealed in their full glory.

However, there are some flaws with the issue. Firstly, when we are introduced to Xaaron he is wandering around Cybertron on his own – surely this isn’t a good idea for the leader of the Autobot resistance? One possible explanation is that Xaaron may be less likely to attract attention travelling alone, but there is no exposition along these lines.

Roadbuster’s method of baiting Operation: Volcano is also highly dubious. How exactly did he find an Autobot who he knew would a) leak the information and b) would be attacked at the right time? Its possible that Shrapnel’s unnamed victim was deliberately set up so he would leak the information, but again if this is the case it is not clear.

It is also noticeable that, as is often the case, a so called ‘evil’ Decepticon resists killing a group of humans, offering them their lives in exchange for information. This can’t help but come across as a contrivance of a comic based on a childrens' toy licence. On the plus side in this case it could be explained away by Galvatron not wanting to disrupt the time stream.

Not all Autobots seem present at Prime’s briefing, which seems strange considering the sweeping nature of his speech. We only see Wheeljack, Hound, Bumblebee, Jazz, Gears, Ironhide. This may be an art rather than a plotting error however.

Galvatron states that the fact Earth has no weather control system means that he and his henchmen are 8 years within their target date. Seeing as Earth has never had a weather control system, this seems a bit speculative…

Finally, the Matrix Flame on Cybertron seems out of synch with previous issues. In issue 67 (The Smelting Pool Part 2) Perceptor's group of Autobots are overjoyed to find out that Optimus Prime is still alive - however, if there was an embodiment of the Matrix on Cybertron all along wasn’t it reasonable to assume that Prime was okay? At a stretch it could be that Perceptor wasn't privy to knowing about the Matrix Flame due to being in a different resistance cell, though as a leader you'd think he'd be in the know.

All that said, these are fairly minor glitches, which due to the pace of the story, and the shock value of Galvatron’s arrival and Prime’s disappearance, do not readily detract from the story. Overall there is a real sense of menace and the unknown by the end of the issue.

This is quite the issue for first appearances, introducing fan faves Emirate Xaaron (who made his debut in the 1986 annual, but this is his first appearance in the weekly comic), Impactor, Roadbuster, Cyclonus, Scourge and the mighty Galvatron. All, especially the latter three and Xaaron, would go on to play significant roles in future epics.

Sadly the imagery in the issue is more of a mixed bag. Whilst Jozwiak’s colours are vibrant, the artwork itself is somewhat inconsistent. Anderson delivers a couple of great moments, notably a wonderful close up on Shrapnel as he kills his victim, and a full body shot of Galvatron. However, apart from that his panels are uninspired and his Transformers have a tendency to look unwieldy. Whilst Anderson never delivers truly bad work, it remains a shame that the prologue to the biggest story of the UK comic thus far is graced with pencils that are, for the most part, little more than functional.

This issue was later reprinted in Collected Comics 15, and the Titan trade paperback 'Target 2006.'

Character development
We are privy to a lesser seen side of Optimus Prime in this issue, as he tears through a woodland in a rage at the Dinobots. However, it is noticeable that he calms down almost instantly when called up on his actions by Prowl. This makes one wonder about what goes on beneath the surface with regards to Optimus Prime, and how much he restrains himself in the role of leader. This is backed up by Megatron’s comment in issue 98 that against a ‘fighting mad’ Optimus Prime he has no chance. Prime later reminds the Autobots of their duty to safeguard the humans, something that is always of utmost priority to him.

Also interesting is the source of Prime’s frustration, the Dinobots. This is in stark contrast to the relationship Prime comes to develop with Grimlock by the time of the US Generation 2 comic, when the two have formed a mutual air of respect and cooperation. For now though that is a long way away.

In contrast to this Prowl opines that he thinks the Autobots would be better off without the Dinobots, an opinion that, judging by his arguments with Grimlock towards the end of the Generation 1 run, never really changes. Prime does however, comment that part of him agrees with Prowl. Prowl also displays the ability to maintain a level head when Prime loses his.

Emirate Xaaron is introduced as a calm and collected figure, unphased by a run in with a Decepticon Commando Strike Squad or the aggressive Impactor. He is also shown as an understanding leader, instantly emphasising with the reasons Impactor is concerned. Furthermore, the fact that he is not only prepared to use himself as bait but also make jocular comments about it suggests both a brave and wry Autobot.

Impactor, a fan favourite, is portrayed as a no nonsense ‘bot with no time for pleasantries and a strong concern for his team.

Shrapnel is given a new layer of nastiness with his chilling execution of the Autobot that informs him of Xaaron’s meeting with the resistance leaders. Though Shrapnel was portrayed as a nasty piece of work in his first appearances in issues 66-69, here he seems far more dastardly. Although not so Mutley.

Roadbuster is shown with feelings of guilt over the death of the Autobot he fed information to, and questions whether the ends justify the means. This suggests a philosophical Autobot, burdened by his duty, which is in contrast to both his tech-spec, which suggests an unrelenting war machine, and some of later appearances (for example Time Wars) where he has a more cowboy air to him.

Galvatron likes to talk about himself in the third person. Muppet. Another incarnation of Galvatron is actually mocked for this by the Pretender Monster Wildfly in issue 299, although Wildfly is almost killed for his insubordination.

Trivia
The Autobots have a resistance base underneath the shattered city of Iacon.

Transformers have elevators that seem to be nothing more than levitating pieces of metal, as shown by Xaaron’s arrival at the Autobot base on Cybertron.

In this issue we are introduced to the Autobot Skater, a ‘non-toy’ character. This is his only appearance.

The Decepticons apparently have ‘Commando Strike Squads’, as Xaaron has to avoid one before reaching Autobase.

Ultra Magnus is introduced by name in this issue but does not appear.

This issue also sees the first mention of the Decepticon Warlord Trannis. Trannis was actually Megatron’s successor on Cybertron, as detailed in 'The Middle Years' (see issue 83).

Prime is seen giving a briefing to the troops, and before disappearing was planning on introducing injury and defence reports from Prowl and Ratchet. It is unclear how often these little briefings take place but it seems fair to speculate that they are fairly regular.

This issue sees the first appearance of the ‘Limbo effect’ when present day beings are substituted by time travellers from the future. It does not become apparent that this has happened until later issues in Target 2006, and the dimension of Limbo itself does not appear until issue 100 (and is first mentioned by name in issue 114), however this would become a fairly regular part of Furman’s UK epics. The Limbo effect sees its victims struck down by pain and then consumed by dark energy, with their disappearance concluded in a blinding explosion.

The Matrix is apparently linked to a candle like object on Cybertron called 'The Matrix Flame'. In this issue we see the Flame observed by a priest like figure – he is seen wearing what appears to be a ceremonial robe. Whether this character is the sole guardian of the Flame or one of a group is unclear, although he may be related to the ancients that we see much later in Generation 2. Notably before the flame goes out this character looks rather bored, but then, if you had to watch a sacred candle every day for millennia I guess you would be too.

What exactly the Flame is for/does is also unclear. Firstly it seems a reasonable assumption that it remains in the stewardship of the Autobots (it is also possible the Decepticons are not even aware of its existence). If this is the case then the fact that the Flame continues to burn should be taken as an indicator that Optimus Prime is still alive – a possibility that the group of Autobots we saw in the 'Return To Cybertron' arc under Perceptor's leadership did not seem to believe prior to receiving direct intelligence from earth. However as we get to see more of the Autobot resistance's leadership here it now seems more apparent that Perceptor was 'just' the leader of a resistance cell and that Xaaron represents the ultimate Autobot commander on Cybertron. This being the case it may be that Xaaron and maybe only a few others are aware of the Flame and keep it that way for fear of it falling into Decepticon hands.

A good reason for this would be the fact that the Matrix Flame is, as with the Matrix itself, apparently capable of giving life, as it is described as the method by which Ultra Magnus was given life. What is less clear though is how often the Flame is used to do this. There are no other TF's who explicitly have their life accredited to the Flame in the comic run, and it may be that the Flame can only be used in a very occasional manner to do this. Any other 'powers' are not explored.

Finally it is an assumption that there is only one Matrix Flame, but if it is a means for distributing the Matrix's life giving powers it may be that there are more. Another possibility is that this was the way in which individual city states created the new members of their society before the war, but due to the destructiveness of the conflict there is now only one Flame left.

According to Galvatron the lack of a ‘weather control system’ means the time travellers are 8 years within their target date. Galvatron then states "Perfect" when told it is 1986, suggesting that Earth should have a weather control by 1992. Not likely, but then it can be put down to the fact that he is an alternate dimension to his own.

Galvatron states he has travelled back 20 years. This is a contradiction to the movie which has Galvatron created in 2005. This was apparently due to a late change in the movie script.

Time Travel can screw up the weather apparently, as Galvatron’s arrival causes a storm on an otherwise sunny day in Oregon.

In this issue Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge are drawn in their toy incarnations. In the next issue, despite being drawn by the same artist, they are drawn in their more stylised Movie forms (although Galvatron retains his toy colouring, and would do so for the entirety of his comic appearances). This suggest that the toy designs were available to the art team before the supped up cartoon designs, but that the second set of designs became available before the drawing of issue 79. It was quite common for characters to be redesigned in this fashion for their appearances on screen or in the comic, as is evidenced by the particular lack of resemblance between Megatron, Ironhide and Ratchet’s toys and their media appearances.

Shrapnel is shown weilding electrical powers strong enough to kill another Transformer.

Memorable quotes
“Earth and all its inhabitants, be they human or Autobot – shall kneel before the might of GALVATRON!” Galvatron, banging on about himself again.

“Those five could drive a recreation droid to violence.” Prowl, on the Dinobots.

Not so memorable quotes
“Noooo!” Bumblebee.

“Nngh!” Roadbuster.

Mistakes
Shrapnel is drawn picking up the treacherous Autobot with one hand in one panel, and then with the other in the next panel.

reviewed by: Best First