Hey, vampire ping-pong balls!
The Transformers #52
Marvel (May, 1989)
“Guess Who The Mechannibals Are Having For Dinner?” WRITER: Bob Budiansky PENCILER: José Delbo INKER: Dave Hunt COLORIST: Nel Yomtov LETTERER: Manny Manos EDITOR: Don DaleyOptimus sends Cloudburst and Landmine to Grand Central Space Station because the Autobots are in need of microchips to repair those damaged in Starscream’s attack. However, the station isn’t kind to robots, especially the bar since the owner is paid off to send robots into space to become a meal of the Mechaniballs, who kind of look like evil robot versions of Pac-Man. They’re also the source of the microchips and unknowingly their “robot spotters” are Hi-Test and Throttle. As their name sadly suggests they eat other robots and one of them is Sky Lynx. Landmine has a plan to rescue Sky Lynx back but in retrieving Berko, who now only trusts robots, they reveal themselves as Autobot, and are seen by the Decepticon Powermasters, who betray them to the Mechaniballs…who are still hungry!
What they got right: I like the team-up of Cloudburst and Landmine, like a buddy picture. Sending two of their Pretenders, one who is able to protect the guy who becomes a spaceship, due to the nature of the station (unaware of the Mechaniballs) was a good move and makes the gimmick work as the Autobots make use of their shells to keep their identity but still rescue Sky Lynx and conduct business.
What they got wrong: Why are Energon cubes proper currency on a station that hates the only beings that use it? This somehow makes less sense than using them to get into the Cosmic Carnival.
Recommendation: This is a good start to the two-part story and I remember liking that as well. It’s worth taking a look at this arc, even if it doesn’t affect the series as a whole. You get a good buddy story and the fate of Sky Lynx and Berko.
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