Rage (IDW)

« The Transformers: Monstrosity #4 »
"Rage"
Publisher	IDW Publishing
First published	April 10, 2013
Story by	Chris Metzen & Flint Dille
Art by	Livio Ramondelli
Letters by	Tom B. Long
Editor	John Barber
Continuity	2005 IDW continuity
Chronology	Before the war

The Autobots face off against Scorponok's loyalists while the Dynobots try to make good their escape.

Synopsis

The Autobots descend upon the Toraxxis mega-refinery in Sky Lynx, following the tip-off given them by the Dynobots. With the Decepticons occupied, the Dynobots flee the scene of the crime. However, Scorponok considers this a personal slight and orders Starscream and the Seekers to guard Tankor while he pursues the fleeing renegades. Optimus Prime gives chase and offers Dai Atlas a chance at apprehending the wanted terrorists. Dai Atlas responds that his role in the raid is merely as a neutral observer. Deeper in the refinery the Decepticons catch up to the Dynobots by blasting through a wall. Grimlock berates Scorponok for the cowardice of hiding behind artillery, and engages the Decepticon in single combat, harking back to their gladiatorial days.

Meanwhile on Junkion, Megatron reaches the corroded shores of the Acid Sea, dragging Pentius along with him. The Quintesson urges caution, as the caustic fluids are enough to eat through even armor plating. Megatron reminds Pentius that the chain he bears means that he will take the Quintesson down with him. This proves to be unfounded as a Sharkticon attacks Megatron, causing him to immediately let go of the chain.

Back on Cybertron, Scorponok taunts Grimlock for his wasted potential. This proves to be unwise, as the Dynobot promptly impales the braggart, following with severing Scorponok's claw and smashing the Decepticon's visor. Shocked by Grimlock's brutality, Scorponok is baffled as the Dynobot appears to be undergoing a startling metamorphosis! Barely restrained by his teammates, Grimlock is finally pacified by an ionic blast from Optimus Prime's cannon.

On Junkion, Megatron easily dispatches a single Sharkticon, but finds that many more have come to swarm him. Overwhelmed, he is pulled under and begins to sink.

In the aftermath of the refinery battle, Grimlock pleads with Optimus to let his crew go, due to the danger to the other Autobots. Optimus is in no mood for leniency, which prompts Grimlock in his desperation to threaten to sabotage the fusion regulator of the refinery, an act which would blow everyone present sky-high. Scorponok accuses the Dynobot of bluffing, mocking what he believes is Grimlock's fatal weakness: compassion. Optimus rebukes the Decepticon, and ultimately talks Grimlock down. However Scorponok proves to have some fight left in him, breaking free of restraint and enacting the Dynobot's grim plan!

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Notes

• The Dynobots are said to be former members of the Primal Vanguard, a military unit mentioned throughout More than Meets the Eye. By having them be in the military prior to Megatron Origin, this patches up a little continuity error from Maximum Dinobots #2, in which Grimlock and Slag were said to have first met as soldiers despite being portrayed as teammates in Megatron Origin #3.

Reprints

Other than collections of the full series.

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