Crisis of Command!

'''Optimus Prime struggles to maintain discipline when a group of Autobots want to use the Matrix to build an army of super warriors. Then Bumblebee is captured by the Decepticons.'''

=Marvel UK issues #42-44=

Writer: Mike Collins (42 & 44), James Hill (43) Art: Geoff Senior (43 & 43), John Stokes Lettering: Mike Scott Colors: Steve Whitaker (42), Gina Hart (43 & 44)


 * Characters: Prowl, Jazz, Ratchet, Optimus Prime, Mirage, Bluestreak, Bumblebee, Gears, Hound, Ironhide, Ravage, Laserbeak, Soundwave, Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Rumble
 * Originally published: 4th January 1986 – 18th January 1986

Synopsis
A group of Autobots led by Prowl petition Optimus Prime to create an army of super warriors to defeat the Decepticons. Thing become heated when they confront those who are against the plan. Optimus Prime is riddled with doubt after recent events. He eventually turns down the proposal but feels that those in favour are dissatisfied with his decision. He is unaware that he is being observed by Ravage who has infiltrated the Ark.

Amazed to see Optimus Prime uncertain, Ravage becomes careless and sets of f the alarms. After a short battle Ravage is captured by the Autobots. He quickly manages to escape his cell and returns to the Decepticons.

Bumblebee discovered that Ravage had escaped and reported the matter to Optimus Prime, giving Prowl and his group even more ammunition to use against Prime. Upset at how low Prime has sunk, Bumblebee decides to try and recapture Ravage by himself. Unfortunately he is quickly captured by the Decepticons who have come out in search of their missing spy. They plan to use him to draw Optimus Prime to them. They rip off Bumblebee’s arm and have Laserbeak deliver it to the Ark and instruct Prime to come and recover the rest of him alone.

Prime agrees and sets off alone, only to be ambushed by the Seeker’s and Rumble. Prime single handedly defeats his attackers and makes his way to the Decepticon Fortress. He then defeats Soundwave and Laserbeak and rescues Bumblebee.

After returning to the Ark, Prime feels better about himself and officially ends all discussion of super warriors.

Items of note

 * Prime is here feeling insecure following the events of Prime Time.
 * Soundwave has taken temporary control of the Decepticons following the disappearance of Megatron and Shockwave’s sinking into the swamp in Prime Time.