Used Autobots



When the Throttlebots are captured by a used car salesman, both RAAT and the Combaticons arrive to collect them.

=Marvel US issue #32= (Story also appears in: Marvel UK issues #139-140)

Script: Bob Budiansky Pencils: Don Perlin Inks: Ian Akin and Brian Garvey Lettering: Pat Brosseau Colors: Nelson Yomtov Editor: Don Daley


 * Major characters (in order of appearance): Goldbug, Wide Load, Freeway, Searchlight, Chase, Rollbar, Vortex, Blaster, "Big Steve" Ludwig
 * Originally published: September, 1987

Synopsis
The Throttlebots are under attack from the Combaticon Vortex. Although they are able to able to fight Vortex off with the help of Blaster, they attract unwanted human attention. When the Throttlebots stop for fuel at a Blackrock service station, the owner is able to report them to awaiting RAAT troops, who immediately attack. Although the Throttlebots are able to escape from RAAT, the battle gives Vortex the opportunity to track the Throttlebots once again. Meanwhile, Grimlock sends the Protectobots the retrieve Blaster and Goldbug.

Unable to refuel, the Throttlebots stop at a used car lot for the night. When the owner, "Big Steve" Ludwig, tries to have the damaged Rollbar towed, the Throttlebots reveal themselves to Big Steve to stop him. Big Steve promptly reports the Throttlebots to the authorities, and fills the Throttlebots' fuel tanks with soda to immobilize them.

When RAAT arrives to collect the Throttlebots, they are intercepted by the Combaticons, who intend to destroy the Throttlebots themselves. The Protectobots soon arrive on the scene, and prepare to do battle. Big Steve attempts to save his lot by proposing that the opposing teams bid on who gets to take the Throttlebots. The auction is short-lived, however, as Onslaught radios Swindle, commanding him to kill Big Steve. Blaster sees Swindle prepare to fire, and manages to throw off Swindle's aim just in time. The battle starts anew, and in the confusion, RAAT manages to take the Throttlebots away.

The Combaticons eventually retreat, and Blaster ensures that Big Steve doesn't get to profit from his friends misfortune by destroying a check RAAT had paid him for the information leading to their capture. Blaster is then arrested by the Protectobots for rebelling against Grimlock's command. He is to be returned to the Ark to be tried and executed....

Errors

 * The owner of the service station reports the Transformers to RAAT as "Autobots." Most civilians should not know this term for one of the factions of giant robots....

Items of note

 * References to other Transformers continuities/issues:
 * This is the last time we see evidence of the Blackrock-Autobot fuel arrangement that was forged in DIS-Integrated Circuits.
 * On page 7, Grimlock refers to the mission he sent Blaster and Goldbug on in Mechanical Difficulties to retrieve the tools stolen by the Mechanic in Funeral for a Friend.