Beast Wars Future: MK:II Complete Art Thread Author's Note: Back about 12 years ago, a group worked on a project called Beast Wars Future. We got pretty far in our development, but real life got in the way. I figured, with the 25th anniversary of BW approaching, now would be a good time to complete and edit the original story I wrote. It was a , "What if ...?" style story that took the show The Future Is Wild and merged it with Beast Wars. I've also included art for the proposed first 5 pages to give you an idea of the vision the group had for the project. Maximals Optimus Primal - (Design Pending) Rattleox - Rattleback Poggletrap - Poggle Gryketor - (Design Pending) Airazor - Great Blue Windrunner Predacons Megatoran - Toraton Injector - Ocean Flish Retrax - Slickribbon Terrorsoar - Death Gleaner Spindulas - Spindlespider Scorponok - Scrofanok Dynobot - Carakiller Prologue Four hundred years after the end of the Great War, the descendants of the victorious Maximals and the defeated Predacons have coexisted in a fragile peace under the tenants of the Pax Cybertronia. However, a group of restless Predacons, led by the malevolent Megatoran, devised a plan to alter the present by changing the past! Megatoran and his rogue Predicons stole the Golden Disc - an ancient artifact that holds the location in time and space of planet Earth - from the Great Vaults and plot to return to the planet in its infancy. By reinforcing the Decepticon warriors lost aboard the Nemesis and harvesting the rich energon resources, Megatoran hopes to bring swift defeat to the Autobots in the year 1985. While scrambling a response planet-side, Maximal High Command called upon all allied ships in orbit to stop the Darksyde as she fled Cybertronian space. The Maximal exploratory and survey vessel, Axalon, intercepted the Predacon interstellar ship, intent on preventing the realization of the villain's time-traveling coup... Chapter 1: Page 1 Panel 1: On the fringe of Cybertronian airspace. Panel 2: The Darksyde passes by at high speed. Panel 3: Aboard the Darksyde, Megatoran revels in his presumed victory. He has stolen the Golden Disc, and now he and the rest of the Predacons are preparing to exit Cybertronian airspace and enter a transwarp jump. Spindulas: The coordinates have been entered into the transwarp drive. Panel 4: With victory all but assured, Megatoran begins a monologue. Megatoran: With this disc, I will finally be able to destroy those insufferable Maximals. Then, I can fulfill my name sake and take my rightful place as the ruler of the Predacons and all of Cybertron! Panel 5: Just then, two missiles strike the Darksyde, sending Megatoran toppling over. The Maximal exploration vessel, Axalon, is in pursuit.. FX: Boom! Boom! Page 2 Panel 1: Megatoran pulls himself off the ground and tries to regain his composure. Megatoran: Wha!? No! Panel 2: Dynobot is shocked. Dynobot: Fool! You have underestimated the Maximals yet again. Panel 3: Megatoran is more resolute than ever. Megatoran: Argh! Execute defensive measures. Panel 4 & 5: Retrax and Terrorsoar look on. Panel 6: The Darksyde unloads defensive mines to deter the Axalon’s pursuit through the transwarp wormhole. Panel 7: Megatoran stands confidentiality and orders Spindulas to make the warp jump. Megatoran: Activate the transwarp drive, now! Page 3 & 4 Panel 1: The Axalon and Darksyde engage in a battle with one another. Page 5 Panel 1: The Axalon flies straight through the minefield as the Darksyde enters the wormhole in the background. Panel 2: Interior shot: The Maximals man their positions aboard the Axalon. Optimus Primal sits at the command chair. Poggletrap looks back at Optimus Primal nervously. Poggletrap: The Axalon is an cargo ship not a battle cruiser Panel 3: Optimus Primal looks out through the cockpit window at the wormhole. The decision to follow the Darksyde through the minefield and into the wormhole weighs heavily on him. Optimus Primal: What choice do we have? If the Predacons escape with the disc, then Cybertron as we know it may cease to exist. Execute evasive maneuvers. We’re going after them. Poggletrap: Are you crazy? Optimus Primal: That’s an order! Panel 4: As the Axalon navigates closer to the now closing wormhole, it’s struck by one of the mines. Panel 5: Inside the Axalon’s command center, the Maximals are surveying the damage. Poggletrap looks down at a blinking red monitor indicating significant damage to the vessel. Poggletrap: Call me crazy, but I, for one, would prefer not to die. So could you be a bit more careful? We can’t take many more hits like that. Gryketor: Shields at 10%! We're taking some major damage. Page 6 Panel 1: Another mine strikes the Axalon. The transwarp wormhole has now almost entirely engulfed the Axalon. SFX: Kaboom! Panel 2: Interior shot: The Maximal crew is tossed to the ground by the impact. Panel 3: Optimus Primal pulls himself up off the ground as Rattleox tries to maintain control of the ship. Optimus Primal: This is it. Everyone, hang on! Panel 4: Heavily damaged, the Axalon enters the wormhole. Panel 5: Rattleox does his best to navigate through the wormhole, but the Axalon is not cooperating. Page 7 Panel 1: As the Axalon emerges from the wormhole’s exit, an alien planet can be seen in the distance. Panel 2: The Maximals gather themselves on the deck to check the ship’s systems and functionality. Poggletrap: I can’t believe we made it … heh heh. I never doubted it. Panel 3: Closeup of Rattleox. An alarm sounds and a red light flashes. Rattleox: We’re not in the clear yet. Panel 4: The Axalon careens through space towards the alien planet. Optimus Primal: Get the stasis pods into safe orbit. Page 8 Panel 1: The Axalon jettisons the stasis pods. They float harmlessly in space. Panel 2: Rattleback looks up look up to the sky as the Axalon crashes down to the planet. The wormhole has closed. Panel 3: Inside the Axalon’s cockpit, the Maximals strap themselves in and prepare for impact. Rattleox: Brace yourselves! We’re going down! Page 9 Panel 1: The Darksyde has been heavily damaged after crash landing on a beach shore. The Predacons are scattered lifelessly throughout the ship. Panel 2: Megatoran begins to pull himself up off the ground. Panel 3: … and reaches for a button on his command chair. Megatoran: Computer, is this the right planet? Is this Earth? Computer: Coordinates indicate that this is Earth. However, the transwarp drive sustained critical damage Panel 4: Dynobot approaches Megatoran, he already has his weapons drawn and threatens Megatoran. Dynobot: You incompetent fool! We are the reinforcements. Where is the army!? We stole the disc for nothing! I am taking command of this -- ARGH! Panel 5: Dynobot falls to his knees as he begins to go into stasis lock. Computer: Raw energon levels are dangerously high. Stasis lock imminent. Scanning for suitable life forms. Page 10 Panel 1: The Darksyde deploys as scanner to begin a digital sweep of the area to find suitable beast forms for the Predacons. Panel 2: The scanner sweeps by a toraton eating vegetation as a death gleaner flies lazily above. Panel 3: An ocean flish has just plucked a slickribbon out from the ocean. Panel 4: A herd of scrofa are running from a carakiller. Computer: Scan complete. Page 11 Panel 1: The Axalon sits suspended by vines and trees of a thick jungle forest. The trees around the ship are burning. A plume of smoke rises from it. It has sustained damage, but miraculously still in one piece. The Axalon finishes scanning for suitable lifeforms. Panel 2: Inside the Axalon ship, a (Optimas Primal’s BM) emerges from a CR Chamber. It’s Optimus Primal in his newly acquired beast mode. Optimus Primal (BM): Is everyone alright? Panel 3: Poggletrap (BM) is in a compartment underneath the command deck trying to rewire some of the computers to bring their ship back online. Gryketor (RM) is in the command chair. Poggletrap (BM): Yeah, I’m okay. I can’t say the same for Rattleox’s aviation skills, though. I think gravity did most of the tha’ work. Gryketor (RM): We’re just lucky to be alive. Poggletrap: He may have landed us, alright. Panel 4: Optimus Primal (BM) takes a thoughtful look outside at the planet they have crashed landed on. Poggletrap cont.: But we ain't getting off this rock anytime soon. Page 12 Panel 1: POV of Dynobot: He is on the ground, trapped in stasis lock. A large toraton and deathgleaner stand over him. Megatoran (BM): Treacherous fool. How could you possibly hope to command the Predacon army? You can’t even make it to your feet. Panel 2: Dynobot, still in protoform, struggles to stand, but because of stasis lock, he can't. Dynobot (PF): You … should be thankful for that. When I do ... it will be to strike you down. Panel 3: [Big splashy Page] Megatoran has had enough of Dynobot's insubordination. He motions to Terrorsoar. Who is mid-transformation. The rest of the Predacon army is standing in their beast mode watching. Megatoran: That is quite enough from you. Yes. Terrorsoar (RM): Terrorsoar, TERRORIZE! Page 13 Panel 1: Terrorsoar hits Dynobot in the face with the hilt of his blade. The strike leaves a crack in his face that runs from underneath his optics all the way down to his mouth. SFX: CRRRAAAKKK Megatoran: Take him to the holding cell. Panel 2: Terrorsoar stands over Dynobot and looks back at Megatoran. Terrorsoar: I could extinguish his spark. It would be simple, painless - Megatoran: And far better than he deserves. Let him rot. Don’t make me repeat myself. Panel 3: Scrofanok steps forward and stands at attention. As the second-in-command, he is eager to prove that he’s up for any task, and is especially willing to be Megatoran’s brown nose. Scrofanok (RM): Lord Megatoran, what shall I do? Panel 4: Megatoran contemplates his next move. Off panel Spindulas chimes in. Spindulas (RM): Damage to the transwarp drive wouldn’t have altered our coordinates. Panel 5: Spindulas sits at a computer going over some of the data he’s gathered from the scans. Terrorsoar, in robot mode, has the protoform of Dynobot slung over his shoulder. Spindulas (RM) cont.: However, based on my knowledge of Earth during the Great War, this is not 1985. Page 14 Panel 1: Close up of the golden discs suspended in a protective field. Megatoran (BM): Hmmm. Then a change of plan is in order. Panel 2: Megatoran walks towards Spindulas. Megatoran: Scrofanok, you and Spindulas scout for energon deposits. Panel 3: Close up of Retrax (BM) and Injector (BM). Megatoran cont.: Injector! Retrax! Find the location of the Maximal ship. If they survived, perhaps we can gain the upper hand with a surprise attack. Panel 4: Terrorsoar dumps Dynobot into the prison cell. Page 15 Panel 1: Terrorsoar places his hand on a small dagger that unsheaths at his waist. He takes a thoughtful look at Dynobot, his rival within the Predacon army, and snarls. Panel 2: Dynobot (PF) begins to come too after having been knocked out. He notices that Terrorsoar wants to kill him. Dynobot: Why not end me here and now, Terrorsoar? You have your chance. It is likely the only one you’ll have. Panel 3: Close up of Terrorsoar. His face is knotted in a snarl. Dynobot is slumped in the corner basically paralyzed by stasis lock, but as smirk crests his face. Dynobot: Is that why you wallow under Megatoran, and even Scrofonak? You're scared. You've always been comforted by the knowledge that no one expects anything but failure from you. Except me. Panel 4: In a flash, Terrorsoar has his dagger raised to Dynobot’s neck. His grip around the knife is tight. He is shaking with anger. Terrorsoar: I am scared of nothing. Page 16 Panel 1: In a fit of rage, Terrorsoar lunges with his dagger at Dynobot. Panel 2: However, the blade impales the wall right beside Dynobot’s head. Hanging from it is a keycard. Panel 3: Terrorsoar takes one more look back as the automatic cell door slides shut. Terrorsoar: I will finally prove my skills to you, when I extinguish your spark. Page 17 Panel 1: On the Axalon, Poggletrap (BM) closes a hatch on the computer’s defense system. Poggletrap (BM): Welp, that should just about do it. Optimus Primal (BM): Let’s hope so. If the Predacons stage an early assault ... Panel 2: The Maximals have gathered around. Poggletrap is in mid transformation. Optimus Primal cont.: ... we’ll be sitting ducks. Gryketor (RM): So, then let's see what this baby’s got! Panel 3: Poggletrap pushes a button on the cockpit computer. Optimus Primal and Gryketor eagerly look on. Optimus Primal: Start it up. Poggletrap: Here goes nothin' … Panel 4: Exterior shot. A light blue force field begins to form around the Axalon. Rattleox (RM): Shields at thirty-percent. Panel 5: Rattleox watches a computer intently as the force field continues to strengthen. Rattleox: Shields at sixty-seven percent. Page 18 Panel 1: Interior shot. Close up of Poggletrap. Optimus Primal and Gryketor look on eagerly. Rattleox: Shields at ninety-six percent. I think we’ve done -- Panel 2: Exterior shot. The shield shatters like glass and falls to the ground dissolving before it hits. Panel 3: Optimus Primal is shocked. There is a visible look of frustration on Poggletrap’s face. Optimus Primal: What happened? Poggletrap: I’ll tell ya what happened. You went chasin’ a Predacon battle cruiser through a wormhole and now, we’re stuck here on this stinkin’ dirt pile. This is not what I signed up for! Panel 4: Optimus Primal is empathetic towards Poggletraps’ frustration, but resolute in his decision. Optimus Primal: We were the only ship that could track Megatoran and his crew through the transwarp portal. We had no other choice. Poggletrap: We? There was no we. You made the choice for all of us. Now every one of us is going to pay the price when we get slagged. We’re outnumbered, out gunned, and we can’t even boot up Axalon’s defense system. Panel 5: Poggletrap pushes past Prime and walks down the hallway to his quarters. Page 19 Panel 1: Gryketor attempts to follow Poggletrap to get him to stay, but Optimus knows that there is more important work to be done. Gryketor: Hey, wait a minute Poggletrap. That’s not fair. There was no easy decision. Optimus Primal: Let him go. He just needs to blow off some steam. I don’t blame him. None of us were prepared for this. Panel 2: Rattleox begins uncapping the panel Poggletrap had replaced earlier. Optimus Primals: Rattlox, do you think you can work to get the ship’s defense system online? Rattleox: I can try. But I’m a pilot, not an engineer. Optimus Primal: Do what you can. Poggletrap got us to ninety-six percent. I’m confident you can get us the rest of the way. We need that shield online as soon as possible. Panel 3: Rattleox continues to work on the electronics, while Optimus Primal devises a plan of action. Optimus Primal: Wherever we are ... Whenever we are, we have to make sure that Megatoran isn’t able to harvest the planet’s energon source. If he does, he could use it to power a massive Predacon army. Gryketor: Don’t sweat it big bot. That’s not ganna’ happen. Not with us here. Panel 4: Gryketor and Optimus Primal walk towards the platform to lower them to the ground level. Optimus Primal: Nevertheless, we need to stay vigilant. Rattleox and I will get the ship’s defense system online. Gryketor, I need you to scout the parameter. Optimus Primal: If we can’t get the defense system operational, we’re going to need early detection of a Predacon assault. Page 20 Panel 1: Exterior shot overlooking the Axalon. In the foreground Retrax (BM) and Injector (BM) smirk. They have found the Maximal ship. A platform lowers Gryketor and Optimus Primal down to the ground level. Optimus Primal: Remember, if you come across a Predacon, you are not to engage. Gryketor: Cool your jets, Optimus. I’ll be fine.
Issue #2 Page 1 Panel 1: Scrofanok (BM) walks by himself across a desert landscape in search of energon . However, he’s so focused on his scanning technology, he doesn’t realize that Spindulas has left his side to go to attend to some other matters. Scrofanok: Megatoran has entrusted me with this crucial mission and I don’t plan to fail him. We will find energon, no matter how long it takes. Panel 2: Scrofanok finally notices that Spindulas has disappeared. There is a hole in the ground behind him. Scrofanok: Hm? Where did that spider go? Terrorize! Panel 3: He taps the device on his ear and tries to reach Spindulas, but there is no reply. Scrofanok: Spindulas? Spindulas, do you copy! SFX: Schhhhh Scrofanok: Spindulas, I am your commanding officer. Answer me! Panel 4: Spindulas is almost completely engulfed in shadows. The light shining from his eyes reveals that he is deep within a cave. Spindulas: What is it, swine? Panel 5: Scrofanok is surprised that Spindulas has actually responded to him at all. Scrofanok: Megatoran has ordered us to find and extract energon resources. Spindulas: I don’t have time for that now Page 2 Panel 1: Spindulas is walking through a cave. Spindulas (cont): There are far more important things to be done. Panel 2: Scrofanok is looking down the giant cavernous hole that Spindulas left behind when he burrowed away. Scrofanok: Nothing is more important than orders from Lord Megatoran! Panel 3: Spindulas continues to walk through a large cave system. Spindulas: You’re a fool, Scrofanok. Scrofanok: What!? Why you useless arach … Spindulas? Spindulas! Panel 4: Scrofanok begins to walk away and pulls out a device for locating energon. Scrofanok: Well, at least I can claim all the glory for myself when I find an energon deposit. Page 3 Panel 1: Gryketor walks through a thick jungle. Panel 2: He comes to a clearing which leads to an ocean-side cliff and transforms into his robot mode. Panel 3: He pulls out a device that begins to expand. It is a small device that will alert the Axalon if the parameter has been breached. Panel 4: He plants it into the ground. Page 4 Panel 1: After placing the device into the ground, the defense network comes online. A group of ocean flish are circling above him. Gryketor: Gryketor to base, I just planted the last of the parameter beacons. Panel 2: The team back at the Axalon listens in. Rattleox and Poggletrap are working on the shield together. Gryketor (cont.): If any Predacons enter the perimeter, we’ll know about it. Panel 3: Optimus Primal at the Axalon base Optimus Primal (BM): Great work, Gryketor. Panel 4: Close up of the ocean flish looking down at Gryketor. However, one of them is Injector in beast mode. Optimus Primal (cont.) Through Comm Link: This will at least buy us some time to get the Axalon’s defense system online. Page 5 Panel 1: A group of ocean flish circle overhead as Gryketor looks out at the ocean. Optimus Primal: You’ve done all you can. Start heading back. Panel 2: Gryketor is responding on his wrist comm link. Unbeknownst to him, one of the ocean flish is Injector, who begins transforming. Panel 3: Injector shoots a blast. However, Gryketor has become aware of Injector. Panel 4: Gryketor narrowly dodges the attack and takes cover behind a large rock. Page 6 Panel 1: Injector continues to fire at Gryketor’s position. Gryketor: Gryketor to base. I’m going to be a few minutes late for dinner. This cat’s out of the bag. Panel 2: Back at base, Optimus Primal and the rest of the Maximals listen in on Gryketor. Optimus Primal: Gryketor, this was a recon mission. Do not engage. I repeat, fall back to the Axalon. Panel 3: Gryketor turns off his comm link. Gryketor: Pfff ... I can handle a single Pred. Panel 4: Back at the Axalon, Optimus Primal attempts to get Gryketor to follow his command. Optimus Primal: Gryketor? That’s an order. SFX (from computer): Schhhhhh Poggletrap: Ah, to be young and stupid. Rattelox: Hmm. He could be walking right into a trap. We don’t know what Megatoran has planned. Page 7 Panel 1: Optimus Primal, Rattleox, and Poggletrap are contentiously talking about how to handle the current situation. Optimus Primal: Agreed. That’s why we need to send back up. Poggletrap: Who’s the back up? Rattleox: We are. Panel 2: The members of the Axalon devise a plan. Poggletrap: Nuh uh. Hey, if Gryketor wants to go and play hero and get himself scrapped, that’s all well and good by me. But there is now way I’m going out there. Optimus Primal: *Sigh* Fine. You stay put. Get the ship’s defense system online. Panel 3: Optimus Primal and Rattleox prepare to exit the ship via the platform. Optimus Primal (cont.): We might be needing them sooner than we thought. Panel 4: Optimus Primal and Rattleox exit the ship and race to help Greyketor. Panel 5: Back on the beach, Gryketor protects himself from behind rocks and prepares to return fire. Page 8 Panel 1: Exterior shot of a large mountain. Some small energon crystals poke out above the ground. Panel 2: Inside, Scrofanok (BM) has assembled all of the mining equipment to harvest, load, and transport raw energon. The energon crystals glow and illuminate the area. Scrofanok: Once this mining station is assembled, we can begin extracting the raw energon. Panel 3: Scrofanok is attempting to make one final attachment to the scaffolding. However, it’s just out of reach. Panel 4: He extends his hand and places a foot on a loose rock. Panel 5: The rock dislodges from the cave wall and he slips. Page 9 Panel 1: Scrofanok lands on the ground and the loose rock falls on him. Panel 2: The dislodged rock causes the whole cave wall to collapse burying Scrofanok beneath it. Panel 3: POV of Scrofanok trapped under the rubble. Through a small crease he can see what looks like some old, destroyed robotics parts. Panel 4: Scrofanok clears himself of the debris and rubble. Panel 5: Close up of his shocked face. Page 10 Panel 1: Gryketor steps out from behind cover and begins returning fire at Injector. Panel 2: The blast hits Injector in the shoulder and leg. Panel 3: He plummets into the ocean. Panel 4: Gryketor smiles. Gryketor: See!? I told those guys that I didn’t need backup. This cat’s got everything under control. Page 11 Panel 1: Gryketor is unaware that Megatoran is standing behind him. Megatoran towers over Gryketor, nearly blocking out the sun. Megatoran: Is that so? From where I stand, things are far from under control. Panel 2: Gryketor turns to make a move. Panel 3: However, Megatoran crushes Gryketor’s arm. Megatoran: You’re not as fast as I had expected. This was all too easy. Now we wait for Optimus Primal to submit to an unconditional surrender. Panel 4: Optimus Primal and Rattleox look on from afar, they are covered by the forest. In the distance Gryketor is kneeling on the ground and Megatoran has his blaster pointed at him. Panel 5: Megatoran’s scanners pick up on the two Maximal signatures in the forest. Megatoran: There’s no use in hiding, Optimus Primal. I know you’re out there. Page 12 Panel 1: Optimus Primal shows that he has no weapons in his hands as he addresses Megatoran. Optimus Primal: Let Gryketor go, Megatoran. There’s no need for anymore violence. This is pointless. Predacons and Maximals have lived in peace for hundreds of years. Panel 2: Gryketor is slumped on the ground. His arm is badly damaged and Megatoran has his arm blaster pointed at him. Retax and Injector join Megatoran. Megatoran: The Pax Cybertronia has done nothing but subjugate the Predacons. And I intend to alter the terms. Page 13 Panel 1: Just then the ground underneath Megatoran gives way and he stumbles to the ground. Panel 2: Poggletrap (RM) jumps out from underground and fires two shots Panel 3: The shots hit Retrax and Injector, sending them to the ground as well. Panel 4: Poggletrap helps Gryketor to his feet. Poggletrap: Come on. Come on. We gatta go! Panel 5: Megatoran is furious as the Maximals escape into the forest. In the background Poggletrap hands Gryketor off to Rattleox. Megatoran: Argh! After them! Page 14 Panel 1: The Maximals (BM) are running through the jungle Gryketor is slung over Rattleox’s back. Optimus Primal: Poggletrap, I hope you got those defenses up. It looks like we’re going to need it. Poggletrap: I’ve really gatta do everything around here, huh? Panel 2: The Predacons (BM) are continuing their chase. Megatoran: Don’t let them get back to their ship. Injector, take to the sky. Keep your scanners on them. Panel 3: Injector ascends to the sky to provide air support for the Predacons. Panel 4: Injector transforms. Panel 5: And starts firing down at the Maximals.
Page 15 Panel 1: The projectiles explode around the Maximals as they run towards the Axalon. Panel 2: Optimus Primal sees the ship through the dense forest. Optimus Primal: We’re almost there! Panel 3: The Predacons are chasing after the Maximals. Panel 4: The Maximals have finally reached the elevator of the Axalon. Optimus Primal: We made it. Rattleox: They shouldn’t be able to give us much trouble now with our defense systems up and running. Gryketor: Ya hear that, Pred heads! Ya might as well pack up now. Panel 16 Panel 1: Poggletrap seems much less confident. Poggletrap: Well … Optimus Primal: You did get the defense system back online, right? Panel 2: Poggletrap throws his hands in the air. Poggletrap: I mean, Megatoran and the rest of his Predacon friends don’t know that they’re not online. Gryketor: Great! Now, we’re stranded. Panel 3: Rattleox approaches the ship’s computer. Rattleox: Maybe, not. Even if the defense system isn’t working, it doesn’t mean we can’t at least put on a show for Megatoran. Optimus Primal: Rattleox, I like where your head’s at. Panel 4: Rattleox begins typing on the computer. Rattleox: By rerouting some of the power, we can at least bring some of the ship’s automated defense system on stand-by. It’s not going to help us in a real firefight, but maybe the Predacons will think twice before attacking us. Gryketor: Predacons and thinking don't normally go hand and hand. Poggletrap: Ya know, we could say the same about you. Panel 5: Megatoran and the other Predacons have finally made it to the Axalon. They look on through the brush. Megatoran: Finally, the Maximal base. And, as expected, their defense system seems to be offline. Now, to end this once and for all. Page 17 Panel 1: Inside the Axalon, the Maximals have been alerted to the Predacons nearby. Rattleox is typing at the computer as Optimus Primal is descending down the elevator. Rattleox: I need more time to reroute the power. Optimus Primal: I can give you time. I just don’t know how much. Panel 2: Optimus Primal descends down the elevator to confront Megatoran and the other Predacons. Megatoran: Ah, bringing out the welcoming committee, I see. Well, it won’t do any good. I’m here to take my rightful place as ruler of both the Predacons and Maximals. And it starts by eliminating you. Panel 3: Gryketor, Rattleox, and Poggletrap eagerly watch the status bar as the ship's power is nearly finished being diverted. Poggletrap: Oh, man. Fearless leader is really going to get it. It doesn’t look like Megs is really in the mood to talk. Gryketor: It’s going too slow. It’ll never finish in time. Panel 3: Megatoran transforms and charges his hand cannon. Optimus Primal: Ya know, I had this big speech lined up when I came out here. But I can see that you’re not really in the mood for a conversation. Megatoran: You’re sitting ducks. Your defense systems were crippled in the crash. And this is the best resistance you can muster? How the Maximals came to rule over the Predacons, I’ll never know. Panel 4: Pogglertrap moves Rattleox out of the way Panel 5: and opens up the underside of the computer. Poggletrap: When I tell you to hit the green button. Hit the green button Page 18 Panel 1: Outside of the Axalon, Primal and Megatoran continue their stand-off. Optimus Primal: I'm through playing games, Megatoran. If you want a war, you’ve got one. Panel 2: Inside the Axalon, the status of the ship’s power being rerouted inches ever closer. Poggletrap is working quickly to help expedite the process. Panel 3: Megatoran grins at Optimus Primal. Megatoran: War? No, Optimus Primal. This isn’t a war. This will be a massacre. Panel 4: Poggletrap connects two wires together. Poggletrap: HIT IT! Panel 5: Gryketor hits the button and successfully diverts the power to the ship’s defense system. The HUD turns from red to green. Page 19 Panel 1: The Axalon's weapons go on standby. And become fixed on the Predacon threat. Retrax: Uh … Megatoran. I’m not so sure their defense systems are down … Panel 2: Optimus Primal stands confidently. The rest of the Maximal team descend down the elevator with their weapons drawn. Optimus Primal: You were saying? Panel 3: Megatoran receives a message from Scrofanok. Scrofanok: Scrofanok to Megatoran, come in Megatoran. You must come quickly! Panel 4: Inside Spindula’s lair, Spindulas is beginning to assemble various equipment. Computer: Direct communication from Scrofanok to Megatoran intercepted. Spindulas: Well, go ahead and play it. Computer: Scrofanok to Megatoran, come in Megatoran. You must come quickly! Spindulas: Hmmm … Maybe Scrofanok will be more helpful than I'd originally thought. Panel 5: Megatoran and the other Predacons begin to fall back. Megatoran: Don’t think for a single moment this is over between you and I, Optimus Primal. I can assure you, it’s only just begun. Optimus Primal: And we’ll be here waiting! Page 20: Scrofanok stands in front of a large G1 transformer, Huffer, whose chassis is extremely rusted. He looks like an ancient artifact that has just been unearthed by Scrofanok’s mining. Scrofanok is speaking into his comm. Scrofanok: You're definitely going to want to see this.
Issue #3 Page 1 Panel 1: Spindulas’ mechanical surveillance spiders crawl on the ceiling of a dark underground tunnel. Panel 2: The Predacon army walks through the tunnels beneath the surveillance spiders. Panel 3: Spindulas observes through the computer monitor inside his lair. Spindulas: Perhaps I was a bit too harsh on Scrofanok, the fool. Injector (Through Monitor): Whatever Scrofanok has found, it better be worth it. I need a few cycles in the CR chamber. Retrax: I can almost assure you, it won’t be. He’s only got a few more connectors than a maintenance droid. Panel 3: Retrax and Injector chuckle. Injector and Retrax: Ha ha ha ha - Panel 4: Before they are interrupted by Megatoran. He stomps his foot down. The impact leaves a large crater and sends Injector and Retrax to the ground. Megatoran: What Scrofanok lacks in intelligence, he more than makes up for in determination. Lest we forget your own failings in destroying the Maximals. Panel 5: Injector and Retrax are both rolling their eyes realizing it wasn’t any more their fault the Maximals got away than it was Megatoran’s own. Page 2 Panel 1: Scrofanok is standing in front of a large husk of a G1 Transformer, Huffer. Scaffolding has been constructed all the way up his entire body. The size difference is substantial. In the background, Retrax, Megatoran, and Injector enter the cavernous area. Panel 2: Scrofanok runs up to Megatoran and the rest of the Predacons while transforming into beast mode to match them. Panel 3: Close up of Scrofanok and Megatoran speaking. Scrofanok: Megatoran, I’m glad you’re here. I have discovered something that could prove to be a valuable strategic advantage. Megatoran: I’ll be the judge of that. Panel 4: Retrax and Injector chuckle to each other. Panel 5: Scrofanok looks over at them in annoyance. Page 3 Panel 1: A splash page of the whole cavern with the Predacons standing in front of Huffer. The surveillance spiders have also made their way into the cavern. Scrofanok: Here. See for yourselves. Page 4 Panel 1: Megatoran transforms into robot mode as he makes his way closer to Huffer. Megatoran: Hmmm. This is quite the find indeed, Scrofanok. Panel 2: Megatoran walks up the scaffolding, making his way to Huffer's face. Scrofanok: I wonder why it didn’t show up on any of our scanners. Megatoran: He’s over 400 years old. It’s frail, weak, and obsolete technology. It may even be older than that. But it may still be useful. Panel 5: Megatoran arrives at Huffer’s face. Page 5 Panel 1: With his toratan arm, Megatoran rips the face off of Huffer. Panel 2: He throws the scrap down to the ground. Panel 3: The face panel nearly lands on Retrax and Injector who just barely get out of the way. Panel 4: The internal wiring and mechanics are destroyed and rotted beyond repair. Megatoran: Unfortunately, his internals are much too damaged to be of any use to us. Though, our ancestors must litter this planet.
Page 6 Panel 1: Optimus Primal and the rest of the Maximals gather on the Axalon’s bridge. Gryketor is just now exiting the CR chamber. His wounds from an earlier battle have been healed. Optimus Primal: What do you think you were doing out there, Gryketor? Panel 2: Gryketor is limbering up his shoulder. He seems unphased by Optimus Primal’s question. Gryketor: I thought I could take em. Besides, it’s nothing a few cycles in the CR chamber couldn’t fix. Panel 3: Optimus Primal steps in front of Gryketor. Rattleox and Poggletrap look on. Poggletrap is especially pleased with the events that are unfolding. Optimus Primal: This is a war, Grketor. Not a game. Your carelessness could have gotten you killed. Poggletrap: Or worse … Me! Panel 4: Gryketor, realizing his brazen behavior put the rest of the team in danger, hangs his head. Gryketor: I’m sorry you guys. I know I put you all in danger. It won’t happen again. Page 7 Panel 1: Optimus Primal extends his sincere gratitude to Poggletrap. Optimus Primal: Thank you, Poggletrap. If it weren’t for you, I think our stay on this planet would have been brief. Panel 2: Poggletrap shrugs his shoulders. Poggletrap: Eh … Save it. We ain’t out of the clear yet. Megatoran is still out there. Panel 3: Rattleox interjects. Rattleox: And our defense systems aren’t actually online. Sooner or later Megatoran is going to figure that out. Optimus Primal: I know. To make matters worse, we are vastly outnumbered -- a disadvantage that's more evident than ever. Panel 4: The Axalon’s bridge lights up red. The Maximals look around confused. SFX: Verrt … Verrt Poggletrap: Oh, for bootin’ up cold. What now? Panel 5: Rattleox points to the central computer system, which displays a 3D video feed of one of the stasis pods dropping. Rattleox: It looks like a stasis pod. And it’s landing in Maximal territory. It’s about time we caught a break. Gryketors: All right! Now it’s time to even the odds! Optimus Primal: Poggletrap and Rattleox, you stay here and finish getting the Axalon’s defense systems up and running. Gryketor and I will secure the pod. We have to move fast before Megatoran can get there. Page 8 Panel 1: Still trapped in protoform, Dynobot watches as a stasis pod begins to crash land on earth. Dynobot’s Computer System: Alternate form required to prevent permanent damage. Dynobot: Argh! I am aware of my current situation. You need not remind me! Panel 2: The Darksyde’s computer detects the falling stasis pod and alerts Megatoran and the Predacons. SFX: Verrrrttttt Megatoran: Computer, Report. Computer: Maximal stasis pod detected in Grid-2. Panel 3: Megatoran contemplates his next move. Megatoran: Hmmm … This protoform could give us the edge we need over the Maximals. Panel 4: Megatoran presses a button on his captain’s chair. Megatoran: Terrorsoar … Spindulas? Come in. Panel 5: Enraged by the insubordination of the rest of the Predacons, he throws his hands in the air in anger. Megatoran: ARGH! Incompetence. Page 9 Panel 1: Megatoran looks at Retrax and Injector who are cowering at Megatoran’s frustration. Megatoran: It looks like I am stuck with you two buffoons yet again. Panel 2: Injector musters up the courage to speak. Injector: I just got out of the healing chamber. Where’s Scrofanok? I’m sure he’d be happy to join you. Panel 3: Megatoran responds. Megatoran: Scrofanok is making himself useful by carrying out other plans. Which is more than I can say about you two. Panel 4: With his tortan arm, Megatoran picks Injector up by the throat. Injector struggles to free himself, but he’s no match for the strength of Megatoran. Retrax watches on in the background Megatoran: And if you ever question my orders again, you’re going to need more than a few cycles in the healing chamber for repairs. Do I make myself clear? Panel 5: Injector stops struggling for a moment. Megatoran and he lock eyes. Injector: Crystal. Page 10 Panel 1: Gryketor and Optimus Primal hurry through the desert landscape. Panel 2: They arrive at the stasis pod. Panel 3: To their surprise the stasis pod is empty. Optimus Primal: Hmmm … It’s empty. Gryketor: Do you think the Preds got here first? Panel 4: Primal surveys the surrounding landscape. It is rocky with some patches of grass. Optimus Primal It seems unlikely. But, with our luck, not impossible. Panel 5: Megatoran, Retrax, and Injector arrive at the scene of the crashed stasis pod as well. Megatoran: Stand aside, Maximals. I’ve come to claim the protoform inside that stasis pod for the Predacons.
Page 11 Panel 1: Optimus Primal steps away from the pod. Optimus Primal: You’re too late. The pod is empty. Panel 2: Megatoran and his army begin to transform. Megatoran: If I can’t have the protoform, then I guess destroying the two of you will have to suffice. Predacons, TERRORIZE! Panel 3: Gryketor and Optimus Primal take cover behind to the stasis pod as blasts from the Predacons explode around them. Gryketor: What’s the plan now? Optimus Primal: Well, we can’t just sit here all day. Time to improvise. Panel 4: Optimus Primal uses his Prime Jets to get up and over the Predacons. Gryketor jumps up from behind the stasis pod to provide some cover fire. Page 12 Panel 1: Megatoran orders Injector to take to the sky to go after Optimus Primal. Meanwhile, Retrax watches on. Megatoran: Injector, follow him. Now! That leaves the pussy cat for you and I. Panel 2: Injector is in hot pursuit and gains quickly on Optimus Primal. He fires his weapon but misses. Optimus Primal: Deploy cluster missiles! Panel 3: Small defensive missiles disperse behind Optimus Primal. Injector flies right into them. Panel 4: An explosion engulfs Injector. Panel 5: The smoke clears. Injector is no worse for wear. Injector: Pathetic Maximal munitions. Page 13 Panel 1: Injector is disoriented. He can’t find Optimus Primal. Injector: Huh, where’d he go? Panel 2: Optimus Primal is above Injector and descending rapidly to land a haymaker onto him. Optimus Primal: Yoo-hoo! Panel 3: Injector is surprised and attempts to block the attack. Panel 4: Primal is too strong. The blow sends Injector hurtling towards the ground. Page 14 Panel 1: Gryketor is still taking cover behind the stasis pod. Megatoran and Retrax lay down suppression fire as they approach. Gryketor: Oh, come on big bot. Where are you? Panel 2: Gryketor peaks out behind the stasis pod, but Megatoran is there to greet him. Megatoran: It’s time to finish what I started! And this time, I won’t hesitate. Panel 3: Megatoran charges his arm cannon. Panel 4: Just then protoform Dynobot lunges at Megatoran. Dynobot’s attack is somewhat weak given his current state, but it’s enough to stagger Megatoran. Panel 5: The blast hits Gryketor in the stomach. It's not fatal, but could have been much worse if his blast had landed. Page 15 Panel 1: Dynobot looks up at Megatoran. Megatoran: Argh! You’re a traitor to the Predacons, Dynobot. And you will suffer for this. Dynobot: You should have had Terrorsoar finish me when you had the chance, Megatoran. Megatoran: And deny myself the pleasure of finishing you myself? No. Panel 2: Retrax shoots Dynobot in the back, which is enough to completely disable him. Megatoran, still holding Gryketor, stands over the fallen Dynobot. Megatoran: Two birds. One Stone. Yessss. Panel 3: Just then, two air-to-ground missiles explode under Megatoran and Retrax’s feet, sending both of them up in the air. Panel 4: Megatoran gets to his feet, looks up to the sky, and sees Airazor flying above them. Retrax is still recovering. Page 16 Panel 1: Optimus Primal approaches Megatoran. Optimus Primal: You’re out gunned, and outmatched. Megatoran: Maybe so … Panel 2: Gryektor and Dynobot lay in the dirt crippled by the fire fight. Megatoran: But it seems you have more important things to worry about. Panel 3: Megatoran and Retrax transform into beast mode and begin their retreat. Optimus Primal runs towards his disabled Maximal ally and Dynobot. Megatoran: This is far from over, Optimus Primal. Panel 4: Airazor lands next to Optimus Primal. Optimus Primal is helping Gryketor get to his feet. Airazor: Should we go after them? Optimus Primal: No. Unfortunately, Megatoran’s right. These two need to get to a CR chamber soon … and I’ve got a lot to fill you in on.
Page 17 Panel 1: While in beast mode, Scrofanok, Retrax, Injector, and Terrorsoar are harvesting energon crystals in a dimly lit cave. Scrofanok is watching over the rest of the Predacons, barking out orders. Caption: Two Solar Cycles Later ... Scrofanok: Retrax! Move those energon crystals and prepare them for transport! Retrax: I know. I got the orders from Megatoran too, ya know. Page 18 Panel 1: In an attempt to intimidate Retrax for talking back, Scrofanok transforms into robot mode. During the transformation, he accidentally knocks an energon crystal into another. Scrofanok: I will not tolerate your insubordination! Do I need to remind you of your rank!? Panel 2: The energy from the reaction begins to build. Panel 3: Scrofanok looks on in horror. Panel 4: Both Retrax and Injector begin to wince fearing the explosion. Page 19 Panel 1: At the last moment, Terrorsoar separates the two energon crystals and the energy harmlessly dissipates through the cave. It does cause energon overload to Scrofanok. Panel 2: Terrorsoar walks over to Scrofanok, who is writhing on the ground. Panel 3: Terrorsoar tosses the energon crystal at Scrofanok. Terrorsoar: Would you be more careful, you buffoon? Scrofanok: Ugh! Page 20 Panel 1: Scrofanok transforms back into beast mode and approaches Terrosoar who is walking away. Retrax and Injector watch with knowing grins on their faces. Scrofanok: Now, just you wait a second! Panel 2: Terrorsoar turns towards Scrofanok and snarls his teeth. It surprises Scrofanok. Terrorsoar: You worthless pig. Do not presume to order me around. Panel 3: Megatoran watches the rest of the Predacons on a holoscreen from his command chair inside the Darksyde. In the background, the Golden Disc is floating in a containment cell. Terrorsoar: I come and go as I please, and take orders from no one. Megatoran: Is that so? Panel 4: Megatoran, presses a button on his command chair which opens a communication channel to him and the rest of the Predacon forces. Megatoran: Scrofanok, were you able to harvest the energon? Panel 5: Scrofanok, turns his attention to the reserve of energon. Scrofanok: Uh … Ahem. Yes, Megatoran. The mission was a complete success. Page 21 Panel 1: The Predacons stand around waiting for Megatoran’s next order. Megatoran: Good. These energon reserves are vital for our ongoing conflict with the Maximals. Return to base at once. Panel 2: Megatoran turns to look at the Golden Disc behind him. Mergatoran: It’s time we begin the next stage of my plan. Panel 3: Inside the depths of the Darksyde, Spindulas, in beast mode, crawls out of a ventilation shaft. Below him is the ship’s damaged transwarp drive. Panel 4: The transwarp drive has fuel cells that look like pilot lights, about the size of his arm, all plugged in, Spindulas transforms into robot mode. Spindulas: Ah ha! The Darksyde’s transwarp drive. Panel 5: Spindulas plucks one of the transwarp cells from the drive. The light it was emanating begins to fade. Spindulas: I don’t think Megatoran will be needing this any longer. Heh-heh-hehehehe-ha-ha-ha-HA!
Issue #4 Page 1 Panel 1: Airazor is flying above a luscious forest region with a large mountain in the background. Below her, Poggletrap, Gryketor, and Optimus Primal are walking in beast mode. They are lugging some equipment with them. Panel 2: Gryketor looks towards Optimus Primal. Gryketor: Boss Bot, are you sure leaving Rattleox by himself with Dynobot is a good idea? Poggletrap: If you’re asking for my opinion - Optimus Primal: We’re not. Panel 3: Poggletrap continues talking with Gryketor. Poggletrap: I would have just slagged Dyno-butt right then and there. Here’s a tip for ya, sport: once a Predacon, always a Predacon. Panel 4: Gryketor responds. Gryketor: I dunno. Without Dynobot, I would have been one cooked cat. Page 2 Panel 1: Airazor is still flying in the air while the other three continue to discuss the situation. Poggletrap: Did you forget that Airazor was also there to “help save the day.” Panel 2: Optimus Primal interjects. Optimus Primal: Airazor was invaluable in helping us defeat Megatoran. But we can’t ignore the assistance Dynobot provided … Regardless of his intentions. We’ll know more once he’s out of the CR chamber. Panel 3: Airazor begins to land and transform next to the three other Maximals. Airazor: Are you three just going to stand around all day and chit-chat? Panel 4: The rest of the Maximals transform. Poggletrap: I’m beginning ta’ think that we're going to be here for a while. Page 3 Panel 1: Optimus Primal surveys the equipment to build the communication tower. Optimus Primal: Honestly, I don’t know. But I’d rather have this communication tower and not need it, than need it and not have it. Panel 2: Poggletrap and the rest of the Maximals unload the equipment. Poggletrap: Well, you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t start unpacking my bags just yet. Airazor: Are you always this much of a joy to be around? Poggletrap: When you’ve seen what I’ve seen, there’s no reason to be optimistic. Panel 3: Optimus Primal starts to assemble the communication tower. Optimus Primal: Well, we better get used to it. Gryketor: Megs is trying to get every advantage he can. We might as well do the same thing. Page 4 Panel 1: Establishing shot of the Darksyde. Daytime. Panel 2: The Predacons, including Retrax, Injector, Spindulas, Scrofanok, and Terrorsoar gather in the Darksyde’s main command center. Megatoran is holding the Golden Disc in his hand. Spindulas: What do you need? I’m very busy! Megatoran: Whatever you’re scheming up is going to have to wait. Panel 3: Spindulas stands defiantly in the face of Megatoran. Megatoran: I have more important matters for you to attend to other than your depraved experiments. Panel 4: Scrofanok chimes in. Scrofanok: What exactly do you need from the rest of us, oh, Mighty Megatoran? Panel 5: Megatoran holds up the Golden Disc. Megatoran: I have decoded a message on the golden disc from the once rightful ruler of the Decepton army: Page 5 Panel 1: The entirety of the Predacon army is taken aback by the news. Megatoran: GALVATRON! Panel 2: Megatoran continues. Megatoran: Once he was defeated by Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots on Cybertron just before the second “Golden Era,” Galvatron went into hiding back on Earth. Panel 3: SPindulas is nervous about this information and quickly speaks up. Megatoran: And here he remained, waiting for the rise of the Decepticons. Spindulas: Maybe, so … But, erm, respectfully, that could have been hundreds, thousands, or even millions of years ago! Surely, like the decomposed Autobot we found, he would be useless to us? Panel 4: Megatoran rubs his chin thoughtfully. Megatoran: With a mind like yours, Spindulas, we know anything is possible. Panel 5: Megatoran is more confident than ever and holds the Golden Disc above his head. Megatoran: Regardless, once I decode the exact location of Galvatron, we will put an end to the Maximals. Then the Predacons, no, I will take my rightful place as ruler of the galaxy!
Page 6 Panel 1: Spindulas leaves the command chamber down a dark hallway. The rest of the Predacons can be seen in the background. Spindulas: Hmm … Perhaps I’ve underestimated Megatoran. It’s time that I accelerate my own plans. Panel 3: Inside the command chamber, the rest of the Predacons are beginning to depart. Megatoran motions to Terrorsoar. Scrofonak notices. Megatoran: Terrorsoar, a word. If I may. Panel 3: Megatoran is speaking with Terrorsoar face-to-face. In the background, Scrofanok is listening in on the conversation. Megatoran: It seems that Dynobot has escaped from your custody and joined the Maximals. When we found him, he was nearly paralyzed by stasis lock. Panel 4: Close up of Scrofanok. Megatoran: Do you think perhaps this information should have been communicated to me earlier? Panel 5: Megatoran continues. Megatoran: Perhaps you’re considering following your old commander across enemy lines? Or it was gross negligence. Page 7 Panel 1: Megatoran begins circling Terrorsoar. Terrosoar stands, unintimidated by Megatoran threatening posturing. Terrorsoar: I would have killed him right in this very spot. But, need I remind you, it was you who denied that request. Panel 2: Scrofanok is scowling. He’s jealous of the praise that Megatoran is heaping onto Terrorsoar. Megatoran (OOF): When I took you and Dynobot into my ranks, I had high hopes. In you, I saw raw, untapped potential. A vengeful fire burned deep within your spark. I knew that one day you could rule as my right hand commander. Panel 3: Megatoran looks down at his blaster hand. Megatoran: But all the potential in the world means nothing in the hands of someone with no conviction. Panel 4: Scrofanok is walking away. In the background, Megatoran and Terrorsoar continue to chat. Megatoran: So, Terrorsoar, will your allegiance to the Predacons come into question? Panel 5: Close up of Terrorsoar, he has a snarl on his face. Terrorsoar: I will show you exactly where my allegiance stands. Page 8 Panel 1: As night falls, the Maximals, in beast mode, head back to the Axalon after assembling the communication tower. Poggletrap, Gryketor, and Optimus Primal are walking, while Airazor is flying. Optimus Primal: Great, with this communication tower, we should be able to extend our personal communication link further out. Gryketor: Let's give it a shot. Panel 2: Gryketor, speaks into his wrist comm link. SFX: Schlick Gryketor: Gryketor to Rattleox. Do you read, Rattleox? Panel 3: Inside the Axalon, Rattleox receives the transmission and responds. Rattleox: Axalon, to Grektor. I’m reading you loud and clear. Poggletrap: How’s sleeping beauty? Ol’ choppah’ face doesn’t seem to have any problem wasting all our energon on his little cat nap. Panel 4: Gryketor standing behind him rolls his eyes. Optimus Primal provides Rattleox with a status update. Optimus Primal: Ignore him. We’re heading back to base. We should be back just after nightfall. Panel 5: Rattleox ignores Poggletrap’s question, and answers Optimus Primal. Rattleox: Great. I’ll keep the light on for you. Rattleox over and -- Page 9 Panel 1: Airazor is flying in the air, below her a large explosion that engulfs both Poggletrap and Optimus Primal. SFX: Craaaaaa Airazor: Wha-! Page 10 Panel 1: Back at the Axalon, Rattleox hears the explosion through the open comm link. Rattleox: What’s going on out there? Panel 2: Airazor lands next to Grektor. The kicked up dirt and debris is still thick in the air. Panel 3: As the dust settles, it reveals a giant hole in the ground. Airazor and Gryketor both look down into it. Rattleox [Over the Comm Link]: Someone answer me! Panel 4: Looking into it, both of them notice the tunnel has been caved in below. Gryketor: I’m … I’m not sure.
Issue #4: Part 3 Page 10 Panel 1: Back at the Axalon, Rattleox hears the explosion through the open comm link. Rattleox: What’s going on out there? Panel 2: Airazor lands next to Grektor. The kicked up dirt and debris is still thick in the air. Panel 3: As the dust settles, it reveals a giant hole in the ground. Airazor and Gryketor both look down into it. Rattleox [Over the Comm Link]: Someone answer me! Panel 4: Looking into it, both of them notice the tunnel has been caved in below. Gryketor: I’m … I’m not sure. Page 11 Panel 1: Optimus Primal and Poggletrap lie in the rubble. Shrouded by the dust, Spindulas, in beast mode, stalks his prey. Panel 2: Spindulas leans over Poggletrap who is lying unconscious. Cybervenom is dripping from his mandibles. Panel 3: After injecting Poggletrap with cybervenom, Spindulas notices Optimus Primal's hand reaching towards him. Panel 4: Spindulas begins to transform as Optimus Primal pulls himself up. Primals has cybervenom streaming down his neck. Optimus Primal: Spindulas … wha - what did you do to me? Page 12 Panel 1: Optimus Primal attempts to stand up. Panel 2: Though he tries to stand up to face Spindulas, the cybervenom has made him weak and woozy. Spindulas: Hmmm? … the courageous Optimus Primal stands in defiance even when he faces defeat. Though, I have to admit, I didn’t expect you to regain consciousness after all that cybervenom. Panel 3: Spindulas kicks Optimus Primal in the face. Spindulas: However, I have no trepidations about using more … barbaric methods. Panel 4: Back on the surface level, Airazor and Gryketor begin clearing out the debris. Rattleox: What do you mean you don’t know? Gryketor: There was some kind of explosion … or a collapse. Poggletrap and Optimus were both swallowed up. Page 14 Panel 1: While clearing out the debris, Airazor notices one of Spindulas’ damaged surveillance spiders. She holds it up. Airazor: … And I’ll give you one guess as to who’s behind it. Page 15 Panel 1: It’s now nighttime. Airazor and Gryketor have made substantial progress on unearthing the tunnel, but they’re still not even close to gaining access to the entrance. Gryketor: Man, this could take a hundred mega-cycles to clear. Rattleox [Via comm. link]: And we don’t have that kind of time. Panel 2: Gryketor thoughtfully looks down at the hole. Panel 3: He pulls out two detonation charges, much to Airazor’s surprise. Panel 4: Gryketor places the charges around the original explosion area. Airazor: Are you sure that’s a good idea? It could undo all the work we’ve already done. Gryketor: What choice do we have? Airazor: I guess ... I guess you're right.
Page 16 Panel 1: Inside Spindulas’s lair, he has moved Poggletrap and Optimus Primal to operating tables. They are both tied down by energon cuffs. Spindulas notices that Optimus Primal is beginning to wake up. Spindulas: Rise and shine Optimus Primal. Just in time too. I’m almost ready to begin. Optimus Primal: Spindulas, what’s going on here!? Spindulas: You know, it was actually quite lucky I was able to find two of you. Panel 2: Spindulas begins to attach various life-support equipment to optimus primal. In the foreground, this same equipment has already been hooked up to Rattrap who is still unconscious. Spindulas: I’ve never done this before. Panel 3: Spindulas stop to think for a moment. Spindulas: … In fact, I don’t know that anything like this has been done before. Page 17 Panel 1: Back on the surface, Gryketor and Airazor hide behind some of the rubble they had cleared. Another explosion is going off in the background caused by the charges Gryketor had just laid down. SFX: BOOOMMM-KrrrraaaKKKK Panel 2: The two of them once again look down into the hole. A large man-hole cover lever is peeking out just above the rubble. Panel 3: Gryketor jumps down and clears the debris from the manhole cover. Airazor watches from the background. Gryketor: It looks like some kind of secret entry way. I’m going to follow it. Airazor: I’m going to come with you! Panel 4: Gryketor opens the door. Page 18 Panel 1: Gryketor notices it’s a fairly small space and transforms into beast mode. Gryketor: Hmmm … It’s a tight squeeze through here. I can get to Optimus and Poggletrap faster in my beast mode. Panel 2: Airazor responds. Gryketor: Maybe you’d better keep a watch out. No telling if there’s more Preds waiting for us out here. Airazor: Or, in there. Panel 3: Gryketor dashes into the depths of the secret passage. Panel 4: Gryketor is deep within the passageway which is being illuminated by Spindulas’s robo-spiders. Gryketor: Man, talk about your bad luck running into Spindulas’s lair. Strange though, there’s no signs of the other Predacons. Airazor [Comm. Link]: Just stay alert down here Page 19 Panel 1: Gryketor continues down the tunnel, when a scream from deeper in the tunnel startles him. Gryketor: What the heck was that? Optimus Primal: AAAAAAARRRGGGGHHHH! Panel 2: Gryketor dashes faster down the tunnel. Gryketor: Don’t worry you guys, I’m coming! Panel 3: The tunnel eventually leads to a large cavernous area. Stalagmites grow from the ground, while stalactites drip down. Gryketor is mid transformation. An ominous glow shiones from deeper in the cavern. Gryketor: Beast mode! Panel 4: With his gun drawn, Gryketor lurks through the cave. Robo-spiders continue to lead the way through the cave towards a dimly lit area. Optimus Primal continues to cry out. Optimus Primal: Arrrrggghhh!!! Gryketor: Boss Bot! Page 20 Panel 1: Spindulas is startled as Gryketor rounds the corner with his gun drawn. Optimus Primal and Poggletrap are both hooked up to various life support equipment that show they are both still alive. However, Spindulas has used an energon blade to begin cutting over Optimus Primal’s chest. His spark is somewhat exposed. Gryketor: Hold it right there! Panel 2: Gryketor, grips the handle of his gun tightly. Panel 3: Spindulas notices Gryketor’s nervousness. Spindulas: You may want to reconsider discharging your weapon here. A single errant blast, and you could extinguish your leader’s spark. And, how unfortunate would that be? Panel 4: Gryketor remains defiant. He still has his blaster pointed at Spindulas. Spindulas has put his hands in the air. Gryketor: I might be willing to risk it. Spindulas: Besides, you need me. Unless, you know how to put Optimus Primal back together. Page 21 Panel 1: Gryketor walks up to Spindulas and punches him in the face. Panel 2: Spindulas is on the ground. He is still cowering as Gryketor once again points his gun at him. Spindulas: I won’t soon forget that, Maximal. Gryketor: Good, I want you to remember it. Panel 3: Spindulas snarls at Gryketor. Panel 4: He throws his hands in the air. Spindulas: As you wish. Page 22 Panel 1: Spindulas begins by unhooking Poggletrap from the life-support equipment. He was virtually unharmed and really no worse for wear. Poggletrap: Wha - what the? What did I miss? Panel 2: Spindulas begins to detach the life-support equipment from Optimus Primal. Gryektor has his blaster pointed at Spindulas’s back. Spindulas: Is this entirely necessary? Gryketor: I think you know it is. Spindulas: Heh Heh heh - I guess I can’t blame you. Panel 3: From his command chair Megatoran watches as Gryketor and Poggletrap help Optimus Primal off the surgery table. In the background Spindulas is attempting to slink away. Megatoran: And so, everything is set into motion. Panel 4: As Spindulas descends into the darkness, Gryketro calls from behind, with his blaster still pointed at him. Gryektor: Where do you think you’re going, ugly?
Issue #5 Page 1 Panel 1: Airazor is flying over the giant hole in the ground caused by the multiple blasts. Page 2 Panel 1: She notices Gryketor emerge through the exit of the tunnel. He’s helping Optimus Primal stand. Behind Gryketor, Poggletrap is escorting Spindulas, who is shackled by energon bonds. Airazor: Airazor to Rattleox. I’ve got movement down below! Panel 2: Airazor lands in robot mode and helps Gryketor with Optimus Primal. Optimas Primal’s spark is glowing through a wound in his chest. Airazor notices. Airazor: What happened to him!? Rattleox [Via Comm Link]: Someone give me a status update! Poggletrap: I’ll tell you what happened, Fearless Leader’s gearbox is hanging out and we're taking another Pred home! We’re all going to die. Panel 3: Rattleox is back on the Axalon. Behind him, the CR chamber has begun to open. Rattleox notices. Airazor [Via Comm Link]: It’s not as bad as it sounds. Rattleox: Well, it just might get a whole lot worse. Page 3 Panel 1: Rattleox stands watch as the CR chamber opens. A cloud of steam obscures the view inside. CR Chamber Computer: Repairs complete. Panel 2: Rattleox swipes away at the dissipating steam. He takes a step closer to the CR chamber to get a look at Dynobot. Panel 3: Two glowing orbs pierce through the steam. They are Dynobots eyes. Panel 4: Surprised, Rattleox steps back. Page 4 Panel 1: Dynobo (still in protoform) jumps out of the CR chamber attacking Rattleox. The steam from the CR chamber is floating off his chassis. Rattleox is caught off guard. With strength that rivals Dynobot, he is able to grab his wrists to defend himself. Dynobot: RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! Page 5 Panel 1: Poggletrap, Airazor, Gryketor, along with Optimus Primal, and Spindulas are all walking back to the Axalon. Gryketor: Say, I wonder what Rattleox meant by, “it could get a whole lot worse”? Poggletrap: I dunno Panel 2: Dynobot’s eyes are wild. He attempts to wrestle Rhinox to the ground. Dynobot: I’d rather die than surrender to you, Maximal! Panel 3: Rattleox trys to regain control of the situation, while defending himself from Dynobot. Rattleox: No one is going to hurt you. Dynobot: Then, that shall be the last mistake you make! Panel 4: Dynobot steps back and winds up for a vicious haymaker. Panel 5: Rattleox is able to step out of the way and grabs Dynobot’s arm.
Page 6 Panel 1: Rattleox twists Dynobot’s arm and brings it behind his back. Panel 2: Rattleox is behind Dynobot and applies a sleeper hold. Panel 3: Dynobot continues to struggle, but is unable to free himself. Panel 4: Rattleox torques Dynobot’s arm a bit more. Rattleox: I said, calm down! Dynobot: Arghh! Page 7 Panel 1: Now, more physically in control of the situation, Rattleox attempts to reason with Dynobot. Rattleox: You’ve been in the CR chamber for quite a while. Panel 2: Dynobot finally relaxes. Dynobot: Huh … ? Panel 3: Rattleox loosens his grip and lets Dynobot go. Dynobot: I … I’m sorry. I remember, now. Your Maximal friends pulled me to safety after I confronted Megatron. Panel 4: Dynobot is suddenly woozy and has to hold himself steady by leaning up against the CR chamber. Rattleox comes to assist him. Rattleox: I’m sure you’re still disoriented. Not to mention, you still don’t have a beast mode. Luckily, our ship’s shield should help against energon overload. Page 8 Panel 1: Inside the Darksyde, Megatoran plans his next move. The remainder of the Predacons have gathered around. Scrofanok seems uncharacteristically unhappy to be there. Megatoran: Those resourceful Maximals have managed to capture Spindulas. A transgression, I cannot overlook. Scorfanok: Hmph... Panel 2: Megatoran takes exception to Scrofanok’s minor interruption. Injector and Retrax have smirks on their faces. Megatoran: I’m sorry. Did you have something to add, Scrofanok? Panel 3: Megatoran stands over Scrofanok and scowls. Scrofanok attempts to stand up to his leader. Panel 4: A moment passes, and Scrofanok looks away. Megatoran: No, I didn’t think so. Page 9 Panel 1: Megatoran pulls up a hologram of the Axalon. To review the battle plans. Megatoran: We must strike now, when Optimus Primal is incapacitated. Panel 2: He continues to outline the battle plans. Staging the initial assault and the flanking position. Megatoran: I will lead Injector, Retrax, and Terrorsoar to the front lines. We will draw the Maximals out. Panel 3: Scrofanok hangs his shoulders in disappointment due to the fact he is responsible for entering the Axalon and saving Spindulas. Megatoran: This will give Scrofanok time to infiltrate the Axalon, and secure Spindulas’s escape. Panel 4: Megatoran eyes Scrofanok. While he asks the question, he dares any of the Predacons to actually respond. Megatoran: Are there any questions? Panel 5: Megatoran raises his arms in victory. Megatoran: This will be our next victory in the Beast Wars! Page 10 Panel 1: Establishing shot of the Axalon. Airazor, Poggletrap, Gryketor, Optimus Primal, and Spindulas are walking towards their base. Panel 2: As Poggletrap ascends the elevator, he is shocked to see Dynobot standing over him. Panel 3: In typical Poggletrap fashion, he immediately lashes out at Dynobot. Despite the stark height difference, Poggletrap isn’t backing down. He’s got one hand on his blast and the other once clenched. Dynobot still seems to be looking for a fight. Poggletrap: For the love of Primus! What is he doing outside of a holding cell? Gimmie one good reason why I shouldn’t slag you where you stand. Panel 4: Rattleox steps in between the two of them to try and deescalate the situation. From behind Rattleox, Dynobot responds to Poggletrap. Dynobot: Violence as the first course of action. You would have made a fine Predacon! Rattleox: Can it. Both of you … Panel 5: Optimus Primal is being held up by Gryketor. His injuries are severe. Rattleox: … We’ve got more important things to worry about
Page 11 Panel 1: Gryketor places his hand on the closed CR chamber. Through the observation window, Optimus Primal is slouching in the seat. Panel 2: Various life support readings paint a bleak picture of his survival. Gryektor: Get well, Big Bot. Panel 3: Gryketor hangs his head in grief. Rattleox places his hand on Gryketor’s shoulder. Rattleox: For as long as I’ve known him, Primal has always been a fighter. He’ll make it through alright. Panel 4: Gryketor looks up at Rattleox. He gnashes his teeth. Gryketor: Where’s the prisoner? Page 12 Panel 1: The prison door slides open as Gryketor enters the prison holding cell. Spindulas is sitting on the ground with his hands shackled together. Rattleox and Airazor stand by the door. Panel 2: Spindulas looks up at Gryketor. Spindulas: Tell me, is the patient going to make it? Panel 3: Gryketor kicks Spindulas in the face. Airazor is surprised by Gryketo’s drastic action. Rattleox maintains his stoic stance. SFX: KRRRAAAAAKKK Panel 4: Spindulas gets to his knees. Energon is spilling from his mandibles. Gryketor: What were you trying to do to Optimus? Spindulas: Yeeahakk … You could have just asked without all the violence. Gryketor: Just answer the question. Spindulas: I needed a spark. I was lucky enough to find two. Panel 5: Gryektor threatens Spindulas as the interrogation continues. Gryektor: Why!? Spindulas: Have you ever heard the expression, curiosity killed the cat? Gryketor: Have you ever heard the expression, squashed like a bug!? Page 13 Panel 1: Rattleox steps in to deescalate the situation. He grabs Gryketor and pulls him back. Rattleox: That’s enough. Panel 2: Gryketor, Rattleox, and Airazor exit the prison cell. Spindulas watches them leave. Spindulas: Hahahahaha! Rattleox: I know you’re upset, we all are, but that’s not how we treat prisoners. Gryketor: You didn’t see the things I saw in that cave …What Spindulas was trying to do. Panel 3: They walk through the halls of the Axalon heading to the ship’s bridge. Rattleox: That doesn’t matter. We can’t let our anger get the better of us. It’s what separates us from the Predacon. Airazor: Optimus wouldn’t want you to sacrifice the ideals of a Maximal for him. Especially because of a piece of scrap like Spindulas. Rattleox: Besides, Optimus will be alright. Page 14 Panel 1: Just then, the Axalon’s ship defenses begin to sound. Gryketor: Oh … Now what? Panel 2: Airazor, Rattleox, and Gryketor arrive at the Axalon’s bridge. Poggletrap is sitting at the ship’s computer monitoring the perimeter. Dynobot is standing behind Poggletrap. He’s also watching the computer monitor. Poggletrap: It’s as bad as it sounds. The Predacons are staging a full scale assault on the base. Panel 3: Airazor, Rattleox, and Gryketor make their way over to the computer. Airazor: They must know Optimus is critically injured. Panel 4: Poggletrap looks up at them. Poggletrap: Gee, I wonder how they could have ever figured that one out. Panel 5: Close up of Dynobot. He’s beginning to get fed up with Poggletrap already. Poggletrap [OOF]: Smells to me like a double-cross. Page 15 Panel 1: Poggletrap has a smug grin on his face. Poggletrap: Welp, luckily, I fixed the shield after our last little run in with the Predacons. There ain’t no way their weapons can penetrate our shields now. Panel 2: A blast from the bombardment outside rocks the ship. It sends Poggletrap to the ground. Everyone else has to steady themselves. Panel 3: Rattleox, having regained his balance, responds. Rattleox: It’s not that simple. Our CR chambers aren’t designed for war-time use. Another disruption like that, and Optimus might not come back online. Panel 4: Gryketor chimes in. Dynobot smiles at the opportunity to get some revenge on the Predacons. Gryketor: Then, we only have one option: We fight.
Page 16 Panel 1: As the Maximals prepare to exit the ship to fight the Predacon, Dynobot approaches Rattleox. Dynobot: Rattleox, let me help aid you in battle. I can prove my intentions. Not only that, I can pay back my debt. Panel 2: Poggletrap interrupts. Poggletrap: Nuh-uh. No way! It’s bad enough that we’re out gunned without Optimus. But there is no way, I’m fighting alongside a Predacon. Panel 3: Gryektor speaks up. Poggletrap is surprised that Gryketor agrees with him. Gryketor: Poggletrap's right … Poggletrap: I - I am? Panel 4: Gryketor continues. He looks over at Dynobot. Poggletrap is let down when Gryketor offers to let Dynobot fight by their side. Dynobot has a wide grin on his face. It’s sinister, but sincere. Gryketor: We are out gunned … So, you’re going to need a beast mode. Page 17 Panel 1: The Predacons continue their bombardment of the Maximal ship. Megatoran goes over the battle plans once again. Megatoran: Once we draw the Maximals out ... Panel 2: Scrofanok is waiting in a separate location from the rest of the Predacons. He’s hidden in beast mode. Megatoran (Cont’d): … Scrofanok will extract Spindulas. Panel 3: Retrax, Megatoran, Injector, and Terrorsoar (from the air) continue to fire on the Axalon. Panel 4: The Maximals descend down the ship's elevator and return fire. The Axalon also starts to sweep the area for a suitable beast mode for Dynobot. Rattleox: Remember, we need to draw fire away from the ship. Page 18 Panel 1: Rattleox and Poggletrap run in one direction. Bullets and missiles are whizzing past them. Panel 2: Gryketor runs in another direction. Panel 3: Airazor takes to the sky in beast mode. Panel 4: Poggletrap takes some cover behind some rocks. Rattleox is standing next to him returning fire. Poggletrap: Hey, Rattleox! Ya think it’s really a good idea to, ya know, leave Dyno-butt on the ship by himself with Optimus? Panel 5: Rattleox sits down next to Poggletrap. Rattleox: Gryketor’s right. Having Dynobot on our side is a risk we have to take. And to be honest, all your chatting isn’t really helping. Panel 6: Rattleox stand up from behind the rock and fires back at the Predacons. Page 19 Panel 1: Airazor thinks she has a strategic advantage in the air and attempts to get the drop on Megatoran. She transforms into robot mode. Panel 2: Airazor begins laying down a barrage of suppressing fire. Panel 3: Retrax and Injector try to protect themselves as the bullets penetrate their armor. Megatoran seems completely unphased. Terrorsoar is above them. Megatoran: Is this really the best the Maximals can muster? Terrorsoar, take out the flier… and bring her to me. Panel 4: Terrorsoar crashes right into Airazor and tackles her in the air. Page 20 Panel 1: Airazor regains her balance in the air. Gryektor watches from the ground. Terrorsoar draws his sword. Panel 2: Airazor also draws a sword. Panels 3-7: She and Terrosoar exchange blows. They are nearly equal in combat - deftly deflecting incoming attacks, as the battle continues below them. Page 21 Panel 1: Finally, Terrorsoar gets the upper hand and hits Airazor with the hilt of his sword. Panel 2: The blow sends Airazor falling to the ground. Panel 3: Rattleox and Poggletrap look on in disbelief. Panel 4: She crashes next to Gryketor, who looks over in horror. Panel 5: Megatoran recognizes the opportunity and orders Scrofanok to infiltrate the Maximal base. In front of him, Retrax and Injector continue to fire at the Maximals. Megatoran: Now, Scrofanok! Panel 6: Gryektor attempts to step out from behind his cover to reach Airazor, but the suppressing fire makes it impossible. Page 22 Panel 1: Dynobot, in Beast Mode, descends down the Axalon’s elevator. He takes the form of Carakiller. Panel 2: He steps off the elevator pad and lets out the Carakiller call. The quills on the back of head stand up on edge. Dynobot: YeeeAAAAAHHHHRRRRR Panel 2: Poggletrap and Rattleox look on. Poggletrap: I hope you’re right about this. Or else - Rattleox: I know, I know. We’re all going to die. Poggletrap: Hey, you said it …
Issue #6 Page 1 Panel 1: The battle between the Maximals and Predacons rages outside of the Axalon. Panel 2: Dynobot stands next to Airazor and looks up at Terrosoar. Panel 3: Megatoran has a determined look on his face as watches the two former allies face off. Megatoran: You once asked to extinguish his spark, Terrorsoar. Now, I command it! Kill the traitor! Page 2 Panel 1: Terrorsoar swoops down to engage Dynobot. Meanwhile, Dynobot prepares to jump. Terrorsoar: With pleasure! Panel 2: Dynobot leaps into the air and bites Terrorsoar in the leg. Panel 3: Unable to maintain his balance in the air, Terrorsoar crashes to the ground. Panel 4: However, out of the cloud of dust, Terrorsoar is able to regain his footing. Page 3 Panel 1: Terrorsoar unsheathes his blade from the back. Panel 2: Close up of Terrorsoar’s snarled face. Panel 3: Close up of Dynobot’s snarled face. Panel 4: Dynobot, who is still in beast mode, charges at Terrorsoar. Panel 5: Terrorsoar sprints toward Dynobot with his sword drawn. Page 4 Panel 1: [Single-stroke battle] Dynobot lashes towards Terrorsoar with his beak as Terrorsoar slashes with his sword. Panel 2: Terrorsoar stands with a smile on his face. He has a white-knuckle grip on his sword. Dynobot stands, but his posture isn’t nearly poised. Panel 3: [Similar image as Panel 2] Sparks fly from Dynobot’s chest from the wound he received by Terrorsoar’s blade.
Page 5 Panel 1: Dynobot transforms and begins to clutch his injury. Panel 2 - 4: The Maximals and Predacons react to the result of the fight between the two. Page 6 Panel 1: Dynobot falls to the ground. Megatoran declares victory over the Maximals. Megatoran: With Primal out of the picture and Dynobot defeated, this shall be our finest moment! Panel 2: Though defeated, Dynobot smiles. In the background, Terrorsoar’s chest explodes. Panel 3: Terrorsoar also drops to the ground. Page 7 Panel 1: In the midst of the battle outside, Scrofanok is able to get close enough to the Axalon by climbing up a tree. Panel 2: After struggling to get through the ventilation shaft, he enters the Axalon. Panel 3: Scrofanok plummets to the ground and lands hard inside a hallway. Panel 4: He attempts to contact Megatoran to provide him with a status update. Scrofanok: Megatron, I’ve entered the base Comm-link: Sccccchhhh Scrofanok: Hmmm … He must be busy. Panel 5: The Axalons’s lights cast a long shadow on Scrofanok as he walks down the hallway to search for Spindulas. There are numerous doors lining both sides. Page 8 Panel 1: Scrofanok leans his head back in annoyance. Scrofanok: Why doesn’t Megatoran choose his lower ranked soldiers for such menial tasks? Panel 2: He walks up to a door and pushes the button to open it. Scrofanok: Ugh …. Can’t think like that. Panel 3: As the door slides open, Scrofanok takes a look inside. Scrofanok: If Megatoran chose me for this mission, then it must be of utmost importance. Panel 4: It’s Gryketor’s private quarters. There are some blasters laying around on the ground, cat toys, and liquid energon in a cat bowl next to his bed. He has a metal bed up against the wall. A large window overlooks a gorgeous view of the woods. Panel 5: Scrofanok looks down the long hallway with closed door lining either side. Scrofanok: Yeah … He wouldn’t give such a menial task to his top lieutenant. Page 9 Panel 1: Airazor is struggling to make it to her feet. Dynobot watches from the ground. In the background, Terrosoar is also using his sword to steady himself as sparks crackle around his wound. Panel 2: Airazor stands to square off against Terrorsaor. Panel 3: Terrorsoar, now standing, looks over at Airazor. Panel 4: Dynobot, though incapacitated, reaches out to Airazor. Dynobot: What do you think you’re doing? This is my fight! Page 10 Panel 1: Airazor is favoring her left shoulder. Her robot form is damaged and her wings are nearly destroyed. She looks down at Dynobot. Airazor: You can’t even stand. We have to end this, now. Whatever it takes. Panel 2: Megatoran surveys the battlefield in disgust. Unhappy with what he sees, he decides to take a more hands-on approach. Megatoran: Pathetic. You two keep the rodents and cat occupied. I’ll see to this myself. Panel 3: Injector and Retrax begin laying down suppressing fire against the two Maximals while Megatoran begins storming the battlefield in beast mode. Panel 4: Poggletrap and Rattleox realize that Megatoran has taken to the battlefield. They do their best to distract him, but between his armored shell rendering the blasts ineffective and the suppressing fire from Retrax and Injector, they aren’t able to slow him down. Poggletrap: Oh man, our blasters aren’t worth scrap against ol’ shield butt over there. Rattleox: Well, we’ve got ta’ do something or he’s going to destroy Airazor and Dynobot. Panel 5: Rattleox transforms into a rattleback. Poggletrap: Where do you think you’re going? Rattleox: I need you to stop asking questions, and cover me. Panel 6: Rattleox takes off charging towards Megatoran while Poggletrap appears from behind his cover to distract Retrax and Injector.
Page 11 Panel 1: Megatoran charges towards Airazor, who finally notices. Gryketor is frozen in terror. Dynobot, though incapacitated, reaches out to try to stop Megatoran. Dynobot: Gryketor, stop him! Panel 2: Megatoran charges past Terrorsoar, knocking him to the ground and crushes Airazor in his jaws. Panel 3: Airazor struggles to break free. However, she is already weakened. Page 12 Panel 1: Megatoran slams Airazor to the ground next to Dynobot. Panel 2: Megatoran looks down proudly at his defeated foe. Megatoran: All this spectacle for one lousy Maximal. Panel 3: Just as Megatoran is about to land the killing blow, Gryketor composes himself enough to pull the trigger. Panel 4: The shot hits Megatoran in the face, but it has very little effect. Panel 5: Megatoran seems offended by the feeble attempt to stop him. Gryketor looks confident and cool despite the threat from Megatoran. Megatoran: Ah ha ha ha! Really you expected that to stop me? Panel 1: Gryketor stands defiantly, as he points behind Megatoran Gryketor: No, but I bet he will. Page 13 Panel 1 [Full Page]: Rattleox, in beast mode, crashes into Megatoran’s leg. Though Rattleox is smaller, his momentum and the unexpected blow to the leg hobbles Megatoran and sends him to the ground. Page 14 Panel 1: Scrofanok continues to wander through Axalon’s halls. Panel 2: Bored with not being on the battlefield, Scrofanok continues to search for Spindulas. He opens a door. Panel 3: The door slides open. Spindulas is bound with energon handcuffs. However, he’s hunched in the corner of the cell. There is a panel that has been removed from the floor. Indicating that he was attempting to electronically open the door from inside the cell. He turns towards Scorpanok. Panel 4: Relieved to have finally found spindulas, but eager to get a chance to get out there while the battle is still occurring, Scorfanok urges Spindulas to move. Spindulas is standing in front of Scorfanok still cuffed. Scrofanok: Finally! Come on, Megatoran may still need our assistance! Spindulas: I’m no use to you still bound. Free me at once! Panel 5: Scorfanok uses the blaster on his hand to destroy the cuffs. Page 15 Panel 1: Scrofanok and Spindulas are running down the hallway back towards the entrance. Scrofanok is comm. link informing Megatoran that he’s recovered Spindulas. Spindulas is reaching out towards Scrofanok. Scrofanok: Scrofanok to Megatoran, I have successfully freed Spindulas. We’re on our way! Panel 2: Spindulas leaps into the air. Panel 3: and lands on Scrofanok’s back. Scrofanok hit the floor hard as he falls. SFX: KRAK Panel 4: Scrofanok attempts to free himself, but Spindulas has all the leverage, plus eight extra legs to keep Scrofanok pinned down. Scrofanok: Stupid arachnid, what do you think you’re doing!? Spindulas: I wish I could say it saddens me to do this, but I want you to know … Panel 5: Close up of Spindulas. Cybervenom is dripping from his mandibles as he leans in to paralyze Scrofanok. Spindulas: I’ll take great pleasure in killing you.
Page 16 Panel 1: The battlefield outside has taken a drastic turn. Megatoran has been grounded and the Maximals now have the advantage. Panel 2: Retrax and Injector are looking on in awe that their leader has been knocked down. Panel 3: Poggletrap from a distance lines up a shot to take them both out. Poggletrap: That’s right. Stop and stare you slack jawed maintenance bots. Panel 4: Two blasts hit Retrax and Injector damaging their robot forms and sending them tumbling back. Page 17 Panel 1: Megatoran surveys the battlefield and realizes has been all but defeated. Megatoran: The battle may have been won by you this day. But know this: The Predacons will win the war. Panel 2: Megatoran and the rest of the Predacons begin to retreat. Megatoran: Retreat! Panel 3: Poggletrap continues to fire aimlessly on the retreating Predacons aimlessly. Poggletrap: That’s right you better run! Panel 4: Poggletrap turns toward Rhinox and Dynobot. Poggletrap: Should we go after them, Rattleox? Panel 5: Airazor is nearly offline and Dynobot is also heavily damaged painting a bleak picture of the Maximals' victory. Rattleox: No, I think we’ve got more important things to worry about. Page 18 Panel 1: The Predacons gather back on the bridge of the Darksyde. Megatoran is not taking the defeat very well. He’s holding both Retrax and Injector in the air by their throats. Megatoran: I had one single order: provide cover fire. The Maximal’s defeat was nearly within my grasp. Panel 2: Megatoran drops both of them on the ground. Megatoran: And you two let it slip away! Panel 3: Megatoran then turns his attention to Terrorsoar who is still seemingly injured. Megatoran: As for you, I can only imagine your ego is in even worse shape than your superstructure. Panel 4: Megatoran, having finally vented all his frustration, contemplates his next move. Megatoran: It seems I may have underestimated the Maximals' tenacity. However, so long as I have the Golden Disc, I can merely play the long game. Widdle the Maximals down inch by inch until they are destroyed. Spindulas [OOF]: Lord Megatoran, help me please! Panel 5: Spindulas appears in the main entryway to the bridge chambers. Spindulas: I need a healing chamber at once! Panel 19 Panel 1: Spindulas falls to the ground. Megatoran, not operating with any sort of haste, steps up to Spindulas, as he reaches up for assistance. Megatoran: Where is Scrofanok? Spindulas: We tried to message you once he found me, but the communication must have been blocked from the Axalon. Scrofanok fought valiantly, but in the end he was completely destroyed by the Maximals. Panel 2: Megatoran looks down at Spindulas unconvinced by his story. Megatoran: Hmmm Spindulas: But I was able to escape … just barely with my spark in place. Panel 3: Injector and Retrax, step forward to help bring Spindulas to the healing bath. Megatoran: Well, the mission wasn’t a complete failure. Retrax! Injector! Assist our eight-legged friend here to the CR chamber. Panel 4: As the rest of the Predacons begin leaving the chamber, Megatoran begins to wonder to himself aloud. In the background, Spindulas, is being helped by retax and Injector, he looks back at Megatoran. Megatoran: Hmmm … What is the scheming spider up to now? Page 20 Panel 1: Establishing shot of the Axalon. Poggletrap: It’s nice of you to join us again, Fearless Leader. It’s too bad you weren’t there to see Rattleox take down Megs. Panel 2: Instead the Axalon, Rattleox, Poggletrap, and Gryketor meet with Optimus Primal to debrief him about the battle. Rattleox: It wasn’t just me. You can thank Gryketor for stepping up as well. Gryketor: Aw, it was nothing. Rattleox: It was more than nothing. It was the distraction I needed. Panel 3: Close up of Optimus Primal. He’s pointing towards Gryketor. Optimus Primal: I’m proud of you Gryketor. I’m proud of all of you. You worked as a team, and that’s what's going to help us defeat Megatoran. Poggletrap: I never signed up for this. But I ain't going down without a fight. Panel 4: Dynobot and Airrazor are both recovering inside the CR chambers. Gryketor: That’s right! None of us will stop fighting until the Beast Wars are over. Page 21 Panel 1: The rubble from the entry point of Spindulas’s collapsed tunnel system. Scrofanok: What exactly do you think you’re doing? Panel 2: Inside the tunnel system, Spindulas’s surveillance spiders remove rubble from the pathway. Scrofanok: When Megatoran finds out about this, he’s going to tear off each one of your legs, you treacherous spider! Spindulas: Pfff … that fool doesn’t even realize the potential power that lies dormant on this planet. And he’s certainly not even aware that you’re still alive. Panel 3: Scrofanok is restrained to a surgical table. Spindulas is standing over him with an energon blade. Scrofanok: No! No No No No No No! You don’t do this Spindulas. Panel 4: Spindulas takes a moment to reflect on his decision. Acting as if perhaps he won’t go through with the procedure. Scrofanok looks relieved that Spindulas might spare him. Spindulas: Hmmm .. Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I don’t have to do this. Panel 5: Spindulas plunges the blade into Scrofanok’s chest. Spindulas: Oh, but I want to so badly.
