Issue #1

• Writer - Chris Sarracini
• Penciler - Pat Lee
• Inker - Rob Armstrong
• Lettering - Dreamer Design

Summary

  In a South American jungle, two revolutionaries are passing the time idly with night patrol duties. As one of the men relieves himself, a gigantic metal hand silently crushes his partner. The survivor runs, but is quickly stepped on by a giant metal foot, and the night is soon punctured by massive explosions...

  On an early morning in Cleveland, Spike Witwicky prepares to leave for work, pausing to exchange goodbyes with his son, Daniel. Spike's departure is interrupted by General Hallo and his bodyguard, who invite themselves into the Witwicky kitchen. Hallo explains that he is with the Division of War Technology, a top-secret government organization, and they are recruiting Spike to help them with a matter of great importance. Spike protests briefly, but is not given a choice to refuse.

  In northwest territorial Canada, three men are driving through a blizzard in a green jeep. The front passenger is the mystery man named Lazarus, and his hooded guest is Bishop, a self-proclaimed freedom fighter. As Bishop wonders if Lazarus' "merchandise" is worth all of his troubles, the three approach a snow-covered hangar. Lazarus' explains that Bishop's revolutionary efforts have failed because of the limitations of his soldiers; better instead to have warriors who can transform into weapons, and who are not encumbered by humanity. Before Bishop can probe further, his hood is removed, shocking him into silence.

  At the Pentagon, Spike Witwicky is reading a newspaper article reviewing the three-year anniversary of the "Ark II Tragedy," where all of the Transformers -- and a handful of humans -- were destroyed in a massive exploosion back in 1999. His reverie is interrupted when the receptionist escorts him to the DWT's control center, even as a nearby janitor warns Spike to be careful. Inside, General Hallo inquires about the status of Spike's brother Buster, and gives his condolences on "Sparkplug" Witwicky's death. Spike starts to get aggravated, but Hallo tempers him by explaining that there were survivors from the Ark II. He backs up his claim with spy satellite footage showing a South American jungle being razed by Megatron.

  Back in the Canadian bunker, Lazarus shows off an immobile Megatron to an awestruck Bishop. Lazarus explains that Megatron -- and his other "beasts" -- has a control mechanism wired into his mind; though Megatron retains his intelligence, he is compelled to obey Lazarus. A brief demonstration follows, marred only when Megatron fails to kneel before Lazarus as ordered. Dismissing it as a glitch, Lazarus deactivates Megatron, then gives Bishop a tour of his facility. Neither men notices as Megatron's optics flare red in the dark...

  At Area 24, a military base, General Hallo summarizes the situation: the United States governmen doesn't know who's behind Megatron's resurrection, the motives of those responsible, and how many other Transformers they may have. As the two step inside a hangar, Hallo explains that their plan is for Spike to help them resurrect a Transformer of their own -- Optimus Prime.