“Tis a flesh wound.”
The Transformers #39
Marvel Comics (April, 1988)
“The Desert Island Of Space!” WRITER: Bob Budiansky PENCILER: Jose Delbo INKER: Dave Hunt COLORIST: Nel Yomtov LETTERER: Bill Oakley EDITOR: Don Daley
Shockwave uses Buster to hold the naval force off their mobile island at bay. Forsythe admits to Walter he was wrong and meets the toy car Throttlebots. Walter calls Sparkplug to tell him his youngest son is a Decepticon prisoner, but Spike tracing the call forces him to reveal to his father his new status as a Headmaster. Fortress Maximus leads the Targetmasters on a rescue mission but Kup, thinking Spike’s concern for his brother will hamper Fortress Maximus’ judgement, convinces him to stay behind, only for the Autobots to fall for their traps. They escape just as the island converts into a spacecraft, and Maximus’ pursuit meets with failure, outside of Shockwave being taken out and Ratbat taking control of the Earth Decepticons. Kup changes his mind and convinces the others to follow their new leader.
What they got right: Humans finally realizing the Autobots may be the good guys? About time. Also nice they didn’t forget the Throttlebots, although we won’t hear from them again until it’s time to die. I like this version of Kup much better than Furman’s version. He’s able to admit he’s wrong.
What they got wrong: I’m guessing Hasbro wanted to get Shockwave out of the picture since they weren’t going to make his toy anymore. However, as my favorite Decepticon leader I’m sad to see him go.
Recommendation: A good story worth picking up if you can.
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