Blood on the Tracks



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=G.I. Joe and the Transformers #1= (Story also appears in: Marvel Transformers UK issue #265-268)

Script: Michael Higgins Pencils: Herb Trimpe Inks: Vince Colletta Lettering: Joe Rosen Colors: Nelson Yomtov Editor: Bob Harras and Don Daley


 * Major Transformers characters (in order of appearance): Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Dirge, Bombshell, Ratchet, Skydive, Slingshot, Air Raid, Fireflight, Silverbolt, Superion
 * Originally published: January, 1987

Synopsis
The GI Joe team has been assigned the task of protecting Power Station Alpha, the world's first mobile solar/nuclear power station. The Autobots also recognize the potential of the station, and believe that the Decepticons will attempt to steal it. Optimus Prime sends Bumblebee to be on the lookout for any signs of Decepticon activity.

When the Dreadnoks stage an attack on Power Station Alpha, the Joes are able to fight them off, but Cobra Commander is outraged. He has lost the element of surprise, and is already worried about the threat of Serpentor to his command of Cobra. Megatron also witnesses the attack, thanks to news reports, and sends Dirge and Bombshell to the station for a more subtle attack. As the station prepares to launch, Bombshell injects a cerebro-shell into young Tony Duranti, who Bombshell commands to step in front of the station's treads. Bumblebee, watching covertly in vehicle mode, is forced to break his cover to save the boy, but his actions are misinterpreted as threatening by the Joes, who open fire on Bumblebee, tearing him to shreds.

The situation threatens to grow even worse as Bombshell invades Power Station Alpha, and the gigantic form of Superion arrives to collect the body of his fallen comrade.

Errors

 * On page 19, when Optimus Prime calls for the Aerialbots, he calls for "Superion" when he apparently means "Silverbolt."

Items of note

 * References to other Transformers continuities/issues:
 * On page 4, Optimus Prime references Bumblebee's assistance in gaining gestalt technology in Command Performances.
 * On page 5, Optimus Prime reflects on the message from Megatron, sent in Decepticon Graffiti, challenging Prime to a duel to the death.