“Darn it, I was hoping to get a Buster mint on card!
The Transformers #49
Marvel Comics (February, 1988)
“The Underbase Saga” Part 3: “Cold War!” WRITER: Bob Budiansky PENCILER: José Delbo INKER: Danny Bulanadi COLORIST: Nel Yomtov LETTERER: Bill Oakley EDITOR: Don DaleyThe Nebulan Decepticons finally get together with the Earth Decepticons, but Starscream “forgot” to tell Ratbat. And Buster just happens to let it slip that Ratbat is after the Underbase, leading to a Decepticon civil war, while Starscream leaves Buster in the middle of the arctic region they’re all hiding in with a transmitter to summon the Autobots…while he steals Scorponok’s ship to take the Underbase for himself!
What they got right: Ah, there’s the Starscream we know and love. He’s a much better schemer than his animated counterpart and any Starscream since. (Granted the current IDW Starscream comes close.) The best part was watching his plan unfold without being sure what he was doing. (Although I’ve read this before and remembered what he was doing.) Also, with the two Autobot groups finally coming together as one, it’s about time the Decepticons did the same.
What they got wrong: I would say Yomtov’s usual shortcuts, but that was a lot of Decepticons in some of those panels so I understand it.
Recommendation: I’m not a “hero versus hero” guy, but villain versus villain? I’m good with that. Otherwise, outside of the two Decepticon groups getting together it’s only good if you’re following this arc.
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