#2 - "Power Play!"

Credits

Plot - Bill Mantlo / Script - Jim Salicrup / Penciler - Frank Springer / Inker - Kim DeMulder / Lettering - Janice Chiang / Colors - Nel Yomtov

Story

After a preliminary survey by Ravage, the Decepticons raid a nuclear power plant. They easily overwhelm the human workers there, and steal the plant's machinery for raw materials.

At the Witwicky garage, Buster describes the attack at the drive-in (last issue) while a doubtful Sparkplug tries to repair the damaged Bumblebee. Despite the unfamiliar nature of the "car," he finally finishes several hours later. Bumblebee then transforms, thanking the humans and revealing the existence of the Autobots. Bumblebee mentions that the Autobots are low on fuel; Sparkplug offers to help find a way to convert Earth's fuels to their needs.

Bumblebee and Buster decide to go to the Ark and tell Optimus Prime about Sparkplug's offer. Along the way, they meet Buster's friends, "O" and Jessie. While Ravage listens from nearby, Buster explains about Sparkplug's offer to help, and learn about the Decepticon raid on the power plant. Bumblebee then mentions that he doesn't have enough fuel to reach the Ark, so they return to the garage.

At the Ark, Optimus Prime and the Autobots debate whether to reveal themselves to the humans and offer to exchange their advanced technology for fuel. Bumblebee interrupts with a radio transmission, and quickly updates the Autobots on the latest news. Optimus then leads the Autobots to the Witwicky garage, and they arrive just as the Decepticons attack. During the battle, Starscream kidnaps Sparkplug, and the Decepticons leave in triumph. Buster pleads for help, but the Autobots, low on fuel and weakened by the battle, can do nothing but collapse.

Notes and Comments

• The cover was labeled "#2 in a four-issue limited series."
• This issue has the first mention of "Sparkplug" as a name for the senior Witwicky. It must be a nickname, since he gives his first name as "William" in issue #3.