The Art of War issue 4

Serpent O.R. moves forward in his plans to bring a quick end to Cybertron's era of peace and return the planet to it's history of war.

Writer: Tim Seely Pencils: Joe Ng, James Raiz & Alex Milne Inks: Rob Ross, M3th & Alan Tam Colors: Kevin Yan & Rob Ruffolo, with Tom Liu Letters: Brian Crowley Editor: Michael O'Sullivan Udon Chief: Erik Ko

Optimus Prime, Omega Supreme, Sixshot, Predaking, Piranacon, Astrotrain, Menasor, Viewfinder, Spyglass, Spectro, Serpent O.R., Jetfire, Baroness, Zartan, Dr. Knox, Cobra Commander, Hawk, Roadblock, Breakdown, Nautilator, Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, Hot Rod, Tracks, Sideswipe, Prowl, Kup, Ultra Magnus, Cliffjumper, Warpath, Ratchet, Ironhide, Divebomb, Rampage, Hun-Grrr, Mototmaster, Grimlock, Perceptor, Arcee, Buzzsaw, Tantrum, Headstrong, Scarlett, Beachhead, Duke, Stormshadow, Martin, Firewall, Mainframe,
 * Major characters (in order of appearance):


 * Release date: June 28, 2006

Synopsis
With the Autobot peace ceremony compromised by attacking Decepticons, Optimus Prime takes action, helping to save an innocent from Omega Supreme cashing backwards. With that danger passed, Optimus hitches a ride on the attacking Sixshot and crashes the decepticon into Piranacon's face. Falling away from the explosion, Prime cushions his landing by landing on top of Astrotrain. With Astrotrain crushed, Prime attempts to escort an injured innocent to safety. But the innocent is soon stomped by Menasor holding Prime at gunpoint, while Viewfinder relays a holographic message from the Decepticon's new leader: Serpent O.R.

After Prime instructs the Autobots to hold fire, Prime and Serpentor come to a deal: The Decepticons would fall back, if Prime were to willingly become their captive.

On Earth, in Cobra's Siberian base, Zartan and The Baroness spy on Cobra Commander. The Commander is aware of their eavesdropping but doesn't care, he's more concerned with the activities of Serpent O.R.

On Cybertron, within the Decepticon base, Serpent O.R. consults his human prisoners Hawk and Roadblock. Roadblock doesn't accomplish much by punching Serpent O.R's metal armor. Serpent O.R. Explains to Hawk his problem: Although Serpentor is able to obey his pre-programmed militaristic desires, he lacks personal emotional fulfillment from his successful conquests. Hawk's concludes that Serpentor lack of emotion is because he has no personal investment; rather, he is effectively a complete tool to his own code.

In a nearby ammo case, Snake-Eyes meditates, until the guard Breakdown looks into Snake-Eye's eyes, falling victim to an arashikage form of hypnotism that forces Breakdown to shoot the other guard (Nautilator), and free the captive humans.

Outside, Hot Rod organizes a large search and rescue party.

Predacon Divebomb discusses how he's satisfied with Serpent O.R.'s leadership abilities. Rampage however just wants to relocate to earth soon as possible, so he could start hunting humans. As they talk, the four freed Joes sneak behind the two Predacons.

Prime, chained up, is brought to Serpent O.R. who has a surprising amount of formal respect for the leader of his enemies. Serpentor asks Prime if he thinks that Serpentor would be worthy of accessing the Matrix, but Prime argues that Serpentor's inability to appreciate the preciousness of life renders Serpentor incompatible with the power of the Matrix as much as Megatron was. When Serpentor is distracted, Prime escapes his chains and attacks Serpent O.R. directly.

In the Decepticon base, the four G.I.Joes have freed their three captive Autobot friends, rather than foolishly attacking the two Predacons head on. Right then, the rest of the Decepticons attack.

On Earth, G.I.Joe prepares to once again open their warpgate to Cybertron to send reinforcements and all the artillery they can fit.

Items of note
Cover A, by Joe Ng, Espen Grundetjern & Tom Liu. Combines with the Cover A variants covers for issues 2-5 to form a single image. Cover B, by Josh Medors & Rob Ruffolo Udon Exclusive Cover, by Joe Ng: Available at Conventions and on the Club Udon website. Combines with Club Udon variant covers for issues 1-3, 4 to form a single image.
 * This issue was availible with three different cover variants: