Destined for Nothing

'''Big Daddy and the Hot Rod Patrol have a falling-out with their Autobot comrades. Meanwhile, a long-lost hero returns to Cybertron, with his arch-nemesis in hot pursuit.'''

=Micromasters #1=

Writers: James McDonough, Adam Patyk Pencils: Rob Ruffolo Inks: Erik Sander Colors: David Cheung Letters: Benjamin Lee V/P Editor in Chief: Roger Lee President: Pat Lee


 * Major characters (in order of appearance): Big Daddy, Trip-Up, Greaser, Hubs, Ground Hog, Roller Force, Barricade, Motorhead, Countdown, Groundshaker, Ultra Magnus, Fortress Maximus, Skystalker, Shockwave
 * Cover date: June, 2004

Synopsis
Big Daddy, his teammates on the Hot Rod Patrol, the Monster Truck Patrol, and Crunch attempt to rescue an unconscious Roadbuster from a Decepticon attack party consisting of the Race Track Patrol and Blaze Master. During the brawl, Motorhead accidentally kills Crunch. Meanwhile, at the Autobot headquarters in Iacon, Countdown and Groundshaker return from space to find the base largely abandoned. The first Autobots they encounter, Topspin and Twin Twist seem surprised to see them, and more surprised that Optimus Prime isn't with them. Countdown and Groundshaker are equally surprised that Optimus has not returned to Cybertron before they did. Countdown confronts Ultra Magnus and Fortress Maximus and informs them that Operation: Containment, an attempt to prevent the Decepticon threat from spreading beyond Cybertron, has failed. Countdown explains that the Decepticon Skystalker and his forces ravaged the peaceful planet Paradron, and that the Autobots need to mount an intergalactic patrol force to prevent the same fate from befalling other worlds. Ultra Magnus and Fortress Maximus disagree, stating that Autobot forces are already underpowered and spread thin as it is. Groundshaker interrupts, belligerently demanding the Autobot command take action, before he is pulled from the room by Countdown. As Countdown and Groundshaker leave the command center, they overhear Big Daddy and his patrol griping about the day's events, which interests Countdown greatly. Big Daddy and company then confront Magnus and Maximus, upset that Crunch lost his life defending Roadbuster. The argument grows more heated, before Fortress Maximus orders the Hot Rod Patrol to turn in their weapons and dismisses them. Meanwhile, the Race Track Patrol returns to Decepticon headquarters, where Blitzwing and Octane are tormenting Greasepit, who is weakened from a lack of fuel. Inside, Shockwave is in conference with Scorponok and Ratbat, discussing the lack of fuel resources. The Race Track Patrol enter the room and demand that Shockwave give them a fair cut of the day's spoils. When Shockwave refuses, the Race Track Patrol storm out. Back at Autobase, the Hot Rod Patrol get into an altercation with Sidetrack and Sunrunner from the Battle Patrol, leading to a shouting match which only ends when Big Daddy announces his intention to leave the Autobots. The Hot Rod Patrol follow his lead, and the group set out for Little Iacon, in neutral territory. Along the way, they encounter the Race Track Patrol, who have similarly deserted their posts. The two groups almost fight, but then realize that both patrols have rejected the war. Motorhead, however, seems very withdrawn, still shaken by Crunch's death. Before the two patrols can talk further, they are interrupted by Flanker and Falcon, who are being pursued by the Deluxe Insecticons!

Items of note

 * In the initial two-page spread, Astrotrain is visible in the distance. However, his blurry appearance initially prompted some readers to mistake him for the planet Quintessa.
 * In this issue, and for the majority of the series, Blaze Master is a member of the Decepticons.