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The End (Armada)

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The name or term "End" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see End (disambiguation).
« Transformers: Armada #18 »
DW Armada 18.jpg
And in the end/The logo you take/Is equal to the logo you break.
"The End"
Publisher Dreamwave Productions
First published December 10, 2003
Cover date December 2003
Writer Simon Furman
Penciled by Guido Guidi
Inks by Elaine To
Colors by David Cheung
Additional colors by Jong-Im Lee, Elliot Kravchik, Sigmund Torre
Letters by Ben Lee
Editor-in-chief Roger Lee
Continuity Dreamwave Armada continuity

The Autobots and Decepticons forge an uneasy alliance in order to defeat Unicron.

Contents

Synopsis

On the Black Mesa of Arizona, Optimus Prime addresses the entire population of Mini-Cons, who have gathered by a space bridge portal to Cybertron. With Over-Run's help, he explains that, in order to defeat Unicron, every single one of them must join and contribute their power to a common cause. The Mini-Cons briefly suspect a trap when the Decepticons arrive, but Optimus Prime assures them that he has invited them, as they will all be needed. Megatron releases Leader-1, Swindle, Blackout, and Crumplezone, but of the Destruction Mini-Con Team he remarks simply that, "we're all better off without them". Rad asks where the other Autobots are, and he replies that they went on ahead to Cybertron, because they did not completely agree with the alliance with the Decepticons. After that, Rhinox announces he set the portal to self-destruct but luckily gives the humans: Rad, Alexis, and Carlos an auto carrier to return to their homes. Optimus says a quick goodbye to his human friends, as they all look sad, seeing their friend one last time.

As they arrive on Cybertron, the space bridge portals that have been opening around the planet have stabilized and formed into a single rift, through which Unicron soon comes forth. Upon seeing him and hearing him speak of their doom, the Transformers are thrown into panic and disarray, but Optimus Prime rallies them all together to launch a massive attack on the Chaos Bringer. Starscream asks Megatron if he seriously expects him to fight Unicron. Megatron responds that it would be impossible, so once the others have exhausted themselves, he intends to strike a deal with Unicron. Megatron then flies up to him. The other Autobots see this via Laserbeak and go out to meet him.

Airazor, Cheetor, Rhinox, and Terrorsaur charge out to attack, but are sucked up by Unicron. He has seen that things are not the way they should be and intends to get his answers from the four. Meanwhile, the Mini-Cons have all linked hands in a circle around the former capital building of Cyber City. Over-Run tells them that it is time to end the battle and channels the power of all of them into the Mini-Con Matrix, firing an immense blast of energy that seriously damages Unicron.

As Optimus Prime pulls all the forces back, Megatron lands. Though he hadn't expected their plan to work, he still thinks he can take whatever he wishes from Unicron. Just then, Hot Shot, Scavenger, and Red Alert show up. "This is for Smokescreen", says Hot Shot, and the three unload their weapons into Megatron, causing him to fall into the depths of Unicron. The Autobots pile into a shuttle and fly off as Unicron seemingly explodes. As the Transformers all get together and celebrate, Optimus Prime hopes that they can rebuild Cybertron, but remarks that they must be ever-vigilant should evil return.

It never ends...

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Humans Mini-Cons Misc

Quotes

"Howdy! Some spread, eh Starscream?"
"Mm. Mini-Con pick'n'mix, Thrust-- my favorite!"
"Yes! Credit where credit's due, Prime-- you have gathered the clan. And to think, all I ever needed...was to fashion an impending apocalypse."

—Thrust, Starscream, and Megatron just gotta catch 'em all


"You don't seriously expect me to fight that thing, do you?"
"Starscream, you are an idiot. That thing is power, pure and simple. Once the others have exhausted themselves trying to stop this Unicron...I intend to strike a deal!"
"Yeah, sure...nice knowing you, Megatron."

—Starscream correctly predicts the outcome of Megatron's plan


"I feel you...all of you! The Mini-Con might of two worlds, united...unleashed!"

—Over-Run unleashes the Mini-Con Matrix on Unicron


"You wanted this so badly, Megatron...take it all--FOREVER!"

—Hot Shot finally gives Megatron what he deserves

Notes

Continuity notes

  • Once again, Rook immediately assumes the worst of the Autobots, claiming that the big Mini-Con gathering is a trap upon seeing the Decepticons arrive. He spoke out against the Autobots despite their best intentions back in Armada #12 as well, hinting at his probable secret (and never revealed in-comic) allegiance to Unicron.
  • Megatron intimates that he's done away with the Destruction Team, following their betrayal as also seen in Armada #12.
  • To reach Unicron, Megatron fits his legs with the same rocket-boosters he utilized back in Armada #9.

Transformers references

  • Wreckage calls out "Battle Protocol" when ordering the Land Military Team to attack the incoming Decepticons.
  • Among the ships launching to face Unicron in space is the Axalon.

Real-world references

  • The cover to this issue is an homage to the cover of Uncanny X-Men #135, by John Byrne (itself an homage of X-Men #56's cover by Neal Adams).
  • The opening splash page, portraying Optimus Prime pointing at the reader and declaring "Mini-Cons-- Cybertron needs you!", is a loose homage to the famous "Uncle Sam" poster which features said figure of American folklore in a similar pose declaring "I want YOU for U.S. Army."

Other trivia

  • Transformers speak in rectangular speech bubbles after previously spending the rest of the Armada comic speaking in round speech bubbles.
  • The Wavelengths page advertises January's "Transformers Month" and contains an article from the desk of Alan Wang.
  • On the DW Letters page, mail is answered by Unicron.

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Reprints

  • Collects issues #12–18.
  • Bonus material includes a cover gallery and a preview of the Energon comic.
  • Same content as Dreamwave's volume 3, translated to Japanese.
  • Reprints issues 16–18, translated to Spanish.
  • Straight reprint of the Dreamwave trade with same contents.
  • Contains issues 1–18.
  • Bonus material includes the Armada Preview issue.
  • Reissued in 2016 with a new cover.
  • Collects issues #14–18 and Dreamwave's Transformers: More than Meets the Eye #8
  • Includes a brief overview of Dreamwave's Energon comic, a bonus glossary section dedicated entirely to background material from the Dreamwave G1-verse, a cover gallery and an intro by Simon Furman.
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    Transformers Armada:
    Volume 3: Worlds Collide

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    Transformers Armada:
    Volume 3 (Japan ed.)

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    Transformers Armada:
    Volume 7 (Spain ed.)

  • (thumbnail)

    Transformers Armada:
    Volume 3 (IDW reprint)

  • (thumbnail)

    Transformers Armada: Omnibus

  • (thumbnail)

    Transformers Armada: Omnibus (reissue)

  • (thumbnail)

    Definitive G1 Collection Vol. 28: Worlds Collide Part 2

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