G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers 3: The Art of War #5

Credits

Script - Tim Seeley / Pencils - Alex Milne, Joe Ng and James Raiz / Inks - Rob Ross / Letters - Brian Crowley / Colors - Rob Ruffolo and Kevin Yan

Story

In Serpentor's base, Optimus smashes the Decepticon leader into the ground, trying to get him to surrender. As a mob of Decepticons run into the room to subdue Prime, Serpentor notes that his neurological connection has been damaged. He then initiates internal repairs, but gets jolted by feedback from a "foreign programming error" instead.

Just as the Decepticons finish subduing Prime, he secretly radios Hot Rod that the hostages are freed, prompting Hot Rod to lead the Autobots and Joes to attack! Inside the base, the previously-captured Autobots and Joes finish fighting the Decepticons -- all of them have been subdued, except for Runamuck; he refuses to tell the Autobots where Optimus is being held, but quickly turns cooperative after Grimlock tears his arm off...

Serpentor Prime: Transformer, Joe, or angsty Gundam?

As the heroes outside continue to fight through the Decepticon ranks, Serpentor stands over the battered Prime, then prepares to seize the Matrix of Leadership. Moments later, a blinding burst of energy shatters the night sky, as the Matrix unleashes its power and transforms the Decepticon leader into Serpentor Prime! With his newfound wisdom, however, Serpentor Prime falls in regret, recognizing the sanctity of all life and immediately repenant for the lives he's taken. Before he can commit suicide with Motormaster's gun, however, Serpentor falls down as another surge of energy rocks his body! After a moment, Serpentor rises again with an evil chuckle, then ensnares Motormaster and Razorclaw as he gloats -- who is now under remote-control by Cobra Commander from Earth!

The Joes and the Autobots rush in; Cobra Commander/Serpentor Prime easily uses his newfound might to take them all down, but Arceee manages to yank off his chestplate first. Before Cobra Commander can destroy her, however, Optimus throws Hawk at Serpentor Prime, who lands in his chest cavity and touches the exposed Matrix! As both Hawk and Serpentor fall from the ensuing feedback, Lady Jaye guns down Hun-Grrr and ends the fight.

Back on Earth, in Cobra's Siberian base, Dr. Knox checks up on Cobra Commander, only to find him slumped in his Serpentor command chair with a vacant stare...

The next day on Cybertron, Scarlett tries to deliver breakfast for Snake-Eyes, while he plays sign-tag with her instead. Roadblock shares anecdotes with the Autobots, and Grimlock apologizes for previously belittling the Joes' courage and skills. And with his own wounds tended to, Prime reflects on the battle and its aftermath -- both his regret at the lives lost and his concerns about future threats to both the Autobots and the Joes. Finally, Prime notes that Hawk is now able to tap into the collective wisdom of the Matrix, and hopes he will be able to use it to lead humanity into a new Golden Age.