Hunters!

Whilst most of the players converge on the volcano, Bumblebee undergoes a whole new transformation...

=Marvel UK issues #117 - 118=

Writer: Simon Furman Pencils: Will Simpson (117) Inks: Tim Perkins (117) Art: Jeff Anderson (118) Lettering: Starkings Colors: Steve White (credited on 117 only)


 * Major Characters (in order of appearance:) Death's Head, Soundwave, Laserbeak, Galvatron, Rodimus Prime, Cindy Newell, Kup, Blurr, Ultra Magnus (1987 incarnation), Bumblebee, Wreck-Gar and Goldbug.


 * Originally published: 6th - 13th June 1987; Cover date ("off sale") 13th - 20th June 1987

Synopsis
Since arriving in 1987, Death's Head has decided that the best place to get information on Galvatron's whereabouts is the present day Decepticon base. Unfortunately his history tapes stated that it was currently the coal mine in Eastern Wyoming, costing him time, but he has now arrived at the island base. Soundwave is patrolling the beach and Death's Head attacks, demanding information. Soundwave reads Death's Head's mind and learns of Death's Head's intentions, but declares that whilst the Decepticons want to neutralise Galvatron they don't want "space scum" doing it as he ejects Laserbeak. Death's Head soon subdues both, then advances on Soundwave and demands further information.

In southern Oregon Rodimus Prime is studying Galvatron through binoculars, but Cindy berates him for not yet having done anything to save Ultra Magnus as promised. Kup, Blurr and Rodimus all agree that they shouldn't charge in unprepared, but it is now time to act. However Rodimus is still plagued by doubt, wondering if travelling back in time has merely compounded his other errors in not destroying Galvatron but instead throwing him into space to travel back in time, then offering a reward that drew Death's Head to the era. Now he wonders if he has deserted his troops.

At the summit of Mount Verona Galvatron explains to a subdued Ultra Magnus that the earlier eruption was a controlled experiment to test the power syphon and now he is preparing to become an unstoppable god. Ultra Magnus tries to fight back but is quickly knocked down. Galvatron picks him up and is about to throw him into the volcano when Rodimus Prime calls out. Galvatron cannot believe his eyes and assumes it is either a trick or an imposter, but throws Magnus at Kup and Blurr, knocking out all three. Rodimus advances on Galvatron, declaring that they'll fight to the death. However Death's Head has now arrived and declares he is determined to claim Rodimus's bounty.

Elsewhere Wreck-Gar has arrived in 1987 in a different location from the other Autobots and has found the remains of Bumblebee. Wreck-Gar had planned to research the era's television but decides instead to "Jim'l Fix It!"

At Mount Verona Rodimus and Death's Head argue over whether or not the contract has been cancelled. Death's Head asserts that Rodimus has contractual obligations, but Rodimus says he will not stand aside when he's about to destroy Galvatron himself. The business negotiations are abruptly halted by an angry Galvatron, who does not like being squabbled over and decides to eliminate the pair of them. Death's Head is hit in the shoulder and withdraws to repair himself, deciding that if Rodimus succeeds and refuses payment then he will be the next target. Rodimus and Galvatron fight furiously.

Cindy has been hiding under Ultra Magnus, Kup and Blurr and now wakes him. Magnus is confused by her babbling about Rodimus Prime, but when he sees Kup and Blurr he starts to understand and realises he must help Rodimus Prime. Picking up a blaster Magnyus starts blasting at the power lines to the siphon, casusing an explosion. Galvatron is distracted long enough for Rodimus to transform and withdraw, promising to return for round two.

Elsewhere Wreck-Gar has finished. From the remains of Bumblebee he has created...Goldbug!

Errors

 * Rodimus's chest symbol regularly disappears.
 * Ultra Magnus's shoulder rockets appear and disappear across different panels, although they're more consistent than in previous issues.
 * Although Wreck-Gar states he's come to research 1987 TV programmes, his dialogue suggests he's already familiar with them.
 * Bumblebee's head has been barely damaged at all, bar losing half of one horn. So why does Wreck-Gar feel the need to rebuild it totally differently? (To sell toys...)

Items of note

 * Soundwave's fate is left unclear, but he is shown functioning once more in in issues 137-138.
 * This is the only occasion in the UK comic when Rodimus transforms into his vehicle mode.
 * Goldbug has a different origin in the UK comic from the US comic - see Bumblebee (G1) for full details. As the UK comic did not initially reprint the G.I. Joe and the Transformers mini-series an alternative explanation had to be provided. This is one of the main points where the two continuities explicitly disagree with each other.

Reprints

 * This issue was reprinted in the Titan Books trade paperback "Fallen Angel".