IDW - Chaos Theory

Characters

Autobot


Optimus Prime (formerly Orion Pax) - Truck Cab (former Cybertronian Truck)
Bumblebee - Sports Car
Rodimus (formerly Hot Rod) - Sports Car
Xaaron
Ultra Magnus - Car Carrier
Prowl - Police Car
Omega Supreme - Rocket, Base and Tank
Ratchet - Ambulance
Wheeljack - Race Car
Perceptor - Cybertronian Tank
Jetfire - Jet
Cosmos - Orbiter
Windcharger - Sports Car
Silverstreak - Sports Car
Cliffjumper - Sports Car
Beachcomber - Buggy
Jazz - Sports Car
Hoist - Tow Truck
Trailbreaker - Camper Van
Blurr - Sports Car
Drift - Race Car
Mirage - F1 Race Car
Brawn - SUV
Hot Spot - Fire Truck
Broadside - Jet/Warship
Wheelie - Cybertronian Car
Ironhide - Cybertronian Van
Huffer - Truck Cab
Hound - Military Jeep
Sunstreaker - Lamborghini Gallardo (former Cybertronian Speeder)
Sideswipe - Lamborghini Gallardo (former Cybertronian Speeder)
Red Alert - Lamborghini Gallardo Emergency Vehicle
Metroplex - City/Ship (Flashback)
Ironfist - Cybertronian Van (Flashback)
Kup - Pick Up Truck (Flashback)
Grimlock - Tyrannosaurus Rex (Flashback)
Swoop - Pteranodon (Flashback)
Arcee - Cybertronian Car (Flashback)
Seaspray - Cybertronian Hovercraft (Flashback)
Tracks - Cybertronian Car (Flashback)
Whirl - Cybertronian Helicopter (Flashback)
Springarm - Cybertronian Motorcycle (Flashback) Killed by Whirl's friends
Wheelarch - Cybertronian Motorcycle (Flashback) Killed by Whirl's friends
Alpha Trion - Cybertronian Speeder (Flashback)

Decepticon


Megatron - Stealth Bomber (Former Gun, Cybertronian Gun, Cybertronian Tank and Armoured Vehicle)
Thundercracker - F15 Jet (Former Tetrajet)
Bob
Starscream - Tetrajet (Flashback)
Skywarp - Tetrajet (Flashback)
Thunderwing - Space Shuttle (Flashback)
Overlord - Cybertronian Tank and Jet (Flashback)
Shockwave - Ray Gun (Flashback)
Devastator - Constructicon Gestalt (Flashback)
Scorponok - Scorpion Tank (Flashback)
The Swarm (Mentioned) Destroyed


Cybertronian


Galvatron - Laser Cannon
Sweeps - Space Shuttles
Senator Proteus (Flashback)
Senator Ratbat (Flashback)
Senator Decimus (Flashback)
Sentinel - Cybertronian Truck (Flashback)
Nominus Prime (Flashback - Monitor) Near Death
Chief Justice Tyrest (Mentioned - former Autobot)
Nemesis/Nova Prime - Cybertronian Truck (Flashback)
Impactor - Mining Vehicle (Flashback)
Blaster - Acoustic Tank (Flashback)
Rung (Flashback)
Whirl's Friends (Flashback) Injured/Killed by Orion Pax
Jerk Cadets (Flashback) Injured by Impactor
Orion's Council Ally (Flashback)
Council (Flashback)
Rodion Staff (Flashback)
Knights of Cybertron (Mentioned)
Civilians (Flashback)
Grand Imperium Staff (Flashback)
Prima (Statue - Flashback)

Human


Major Spike Witwicky
Kyle Pennington
Skywatch Personnel
Verity Carlo (Flashback)

Other


Primus (Mentioned)
Garnak
Codder
Admiral
Chaosteros

Storyline

Still adrift from being blasted into space from Megatron's cannon, the Matrix starts to activate again, the unconscious Hot Rod enters a planet's atmosphere and, burns up and crashes to the surface. Codder and Garnak see him crash and go to look and find him fully healed up and with the Matrix implanted into his chest. They go to remove it, but it reacts and reveals that he's alive. They decide to take him back to base so they can remove the Matrix as they think it can help them leave the planet. Later Hot Rod wakes up in a lab and meets the Admiral, who tells him basically that they're going to cut him open and use the Matrix as a power source to make the ship they're living in fly again. Hot Rod uses his arm blasters to destroy the restraints that he's in and escapes, but the Admiral sends out his two troops to stop him.
Hot Rod rides along the planet to try and find a way off of it so he can warn the Autobots about Megatron being back (though they already know by now) and he wonders how he's still alive when he's attacked by a Chaosteros and he's rescued by a caped figure using music, who turns around and reveals himself to be the long lost Wheelie. Wheelie takes Hot Rod to his home, a broken down Quintesson shuttle where Hot Rod tries to get Wheelie to explain where he's been and what's happened, but Wheelie doesn't understand still, and uses the musical device he's rigged up to calm his thoughts.
Garnak enters the ship and attacks Hot Rod, who's blasters are rendered useless by an energy shield given to him by the Admiral, but Wheelie manages to knock him out by hitting him across the head with a panel. The Autobots tie him up and he gets interrogated by Hot Rod, who explains that they crashed there about three solar cycles ago and that they've been pillaging the planet and crashed ships and have slowly rebuilt the ship, but need a power source when Hot Rod gets an idea.
Garnak returns to the ship with Hot Rod as his prisoner, once the Admiral and Codder leave the ship Wheelie activates his musical device, which summons the Chaosteros and it attacks the two aliens. Hot Rod, Garnak and Wheelie enter the space worthy ship, Hot Rod hooks himself, and the Matrix up to the engine control and it powers up the ship and they take off. Hot Rod is knocked out by the sudden power usage and Wheelie pilots the ship home...to Cybertron.

Hot Rod wakes up in the ship to find that Wheelie has removed the Matrix from his chest and replaced it with a patch to cover the hole, now that Hot Rod has been healed up enough by it. Hot Rod goes to see Wheelie and discovers that he's taken them to Cybertron and not Earth and that the Matrix has run out of energy for the moment, so they're stuck on the planet. The computer detects some life signs approaching the ship and they prepare for battle when one of the approaching figures break down the door, revealing it to be Ironhide, startling Hot Rod as he's meant to be dead, but Ironhide's glad to see another familiar face and hugs him. Then Sunstreaker hovers in in his chair, again shocking Hot Rod, who now thinks that he's dead and in some sort of afterlife. Sunstreaker introduces his pet Insecticon (Bob) from the Swarm and they are all still confused by all the thought to be dead Autobots being alive.
Hot Rod tries to tell Ironhide that he's sorry for being responsible for his death, but Sunstreaker stops him and takes him outside, whilst Wheelie shows Ironhide round the ship. Outside Sunstreaker explains about Alpha Trion reviving Ironhide and him losing 4,000,000 years of memories and he says how sorry he was for what he did himself, but Hot Rod says that they all have things to atone for. Sunstreaker explains that they use Bob to help them hunt down the stray members of the Swarm, but that there's something else on Cybertron now. Ironhide wants to get off the planet, but Hot Rod's confused since things seem to be basically okay now. Suddenly a Sweep attacks the group, Sunstreaker tells Hot Rod and Wheelie to get him before he can report back, and quickly, they don't question it and chase it.
Wheelie manages to hit it with his slingshot weapon and he crashes behind a raised piece of land, the two Autobots go to investigate and they see him being healed up by Galvatron. Hot Rod drives off at full speed with Wheelie to escape Galvatron since he remembers him from the Expansion's plot. Hot Rod and Wheelie return to the ship and tell the others about Galvatron seeing them and must be following them as well. Hot Rod gets the idea to use the fuel cell created by Alpha Trion for Ironhide before to power the engines, since the Matrix is still depleted. Luckily the plan works, and just as the Sweeps arrive the ship takes off and they head to Earth.

Inside Omega Supreme on Earth Bumblebee has been fixed up after six weeks, but still needs to use a cane to walk properly, he compares injuries with Pennington, who's still in a wheelchair when Silverstreak runs in saying that Hot Rod's back and takes him outside, where he sees the dead Ironhide, Sunstreaker and Wheelie back as well as the Matrix. Hot Rod asks to see Optimus, but Bumblebee is reluctant. Ironhide is fascinated by the new world, whilst Sunstreaker doesn't like being back here. Beachcomber takes Hot Rod into the base to see Optimus, whilst Bumblebee is basically ignored.
Hot Rod meets with Optimus, and gives him back the Matrix, and Optimus thanks him by officially bestowing the name "Rodimus" on him, and Rodimus tells Optimus about Galvatron and Cybertron. Optimus exits Omega Supreme and tells the other Autobots about it and about his plan, he'll separate Omega into two parts, with the base remaining on Earth for Skywatch and any remaining Autobots to stay on, whilst the Rocket takes Optimus and any volunteering Autobots to Cybertron to take on Galvatron and retake their planet.
Optimus meets up with a disappointed Bumblebee later where he feels that he's been usurped, but Optimus tells him not to worry. Prowl joins them after having just met with Megatron and Optimus tells Bumblebee about his suspicions about Spike, and has him stay behind with a small group of Autobots to investigate him. Later the Autobots board the rocket and take off, leaving Bumblebee and his team behind for their mission.
Earlier Prowl went to visit Megatron to explain that he's going with them into space and won't be returning and that this is his last chance to tell him anything he has to, but he doesn't tell him anything new, he then goes to meet with Bumblebee and Optimus. Later on Prowl meets with Thundercracker outside and asks where he's going, he says that he's leaving now, Prowl asks him to stay, but he refuses and leaves the Autobot base as the rocket flies off to Cybertron. Bumblebee and the others start their investigation into Spike's activities, without him knowing about it.

Before the war Megatron and Impactor meet up in Maccadam's New Oil House where he tries to get Impactor to listen to his ideas about a revolution being needed, but he's not impressed. Nearby some Autobot Cadets are being dicks and bullying Rung, whom they end up throwing across the bar and onto Megatron and Impactor's table, smashing up their drinks. Impactor gets annoyed, deploys his drill hand and approaches the Cadets.
In the present day, on their way to Cybertron Perceptor and Ratchet examine their prisoner Megatron, whilst Xaaron supervises it to make sure it's being done legally, so no other parties can complain about a breach of conduct or make him a martyr. Ironhide tells Optimus that he needs to talk to Megatron before he can decide on anything really.
In the past Megatron is checked on by Springarm in his holding cell and is about to be released when Whirl comes in and takes over the release.
In the present again Optimus finally goes to meet with Megatron and makes it a private meeting by having Omega turn off the cameras. Optimus releases Megatron from his restraints so they can talk properly and equally, and they discuss the reasons for the war and Optimus asks what would he do if he actually won, with Megatron saying that he'd be able to force peace on Cybertron with his tyranny, the two reflect on some of their older battles. Optimus admits that the Autobots want him dead, as would the Decepticons after he surrendered like that.
Later Optimus holds a high command meeting with the high ranking Autobots on the ship and with Magnus, Bumblebee and Prowl on Earth via holograms, where they discuss what will happen with Megatron. They all agree that Megatron must die, but after a fair trial held by neutrals and non-Cybertronians, with Tyrest now being classed as legally a Neutral for these sorts of matters. Optimus says that the sentence should be his choice after their history, but Rodimus says that Optimus can't make the choice BECAUSE of their history, and that they sounded too cozy together earlier. Optimus gets angry that Rodimus and the others spied on his conversation earlier through the audio and tells everyone to leave now.
In the past Megatron is beaten down by Whirl and is told that the Cadets were some of his friends, until Springarm enters the cell and tells him that Captain Orion Pax has ordered that he be released now. Shortly later Megatron is taken to see Orion Pax, who had a hunch and called the bartender at the bar and confirmed that he did nothing to the Cadets. Orion says that he's read his datafile on the reformation of Cybertron, but says that it needs some tweaks, but otherwise it's all good ideas, and allows him to leave.
In the present Optimus goes to see Megatron again and asks if he feels even a little remorse for all that he's done, and all the lives that have been ended for this war, and he says no, and then claims that Optimus craves the war just like he does. Optimus is angered and activates the Variable Voltage Harness, seriously hurting Megatron. As he leaves Megatron tells Optimus that all this started for him at Rodion (where he was held in the flashbacks) and that he thanks him for setting it all off for him.
In the past Megatron  is taken outside the Rodion Police HQ by Springarm who wishes him a fond life, Megatron however has changed his worldview somewhat whilst in prison, he throws his datafile away and damages a billboard with it, creating a crack in the shape of what would soon become the Decepticon insignia.

In Rodion's Police HQ in Cybertron'a past Orion Pax is watching a news report on an attack that has left Nominus Prime in a serious condition when some of Whirl's friends come into the HQ and ask about him being released, but Orion won't let him go after he attacked Megatron whilst in custody. The three Cybertronians leave.
In the present day Optimus is having a crisis and asks Ratchet to hold onto the Matrix for him so he can try and make the decision as himself, and not have the Matrix influence him in any way.
Back in the past Wheelarch and Springarm return from a patrol to find that Orion Pax has been out and arrested all the criminals in the area already. Later Springarm asks what's up with him, and he says that it's due to Megatron and how he's starting to agree with his point that the council and planet need a reform and he goes out to let off some steam.
In the present Optimus meets with Rodimus and aks him how he felt when he had the matrix, and discovers that Rodimus felt wonderful with it, yet Opitmus only feels burdens from it.
Back in the past Orion returns from a patrol and finds Springarm and Wheelarch dead, and that Whirl's friends have come and sprung him (without his knowledge however). Orion is angered and prepares to attack them, but is attacked first from behind. Orion runs to his office to try and arm up there, but the weapons there are just decorative.
Orion locks himself in a closet with Springarm's dead body, where he finds his transformation cog's still warm, he activates it and uses his motorcycle mode as a vehicle and attacks his attackers and defeats them. Outside Whirl is trying to escape and warns Orion that if he touche shim then the council will get him for it.
Later, Orion fights his way into the Grand Imperium with Whirl on his shoulder and demands to speak with the council whilst they are discussing what to do about Nominus. Orion announces that Cybertron is rotten and needs to change soon, he's dragged away by the council guards.
Optimus meets with Megatron in the present and asks him what he'd prefer, death or imprisonment, with Megatron answering "death". Optimus leaves and Ratchet catches up to him and returns the Matrix to him, and tells him that it somehow managed to heal Sunstreaker's legs.
In the past Orion has been fixed up on the orders of a Councillor who tells him that he's right about Cybertron needing changes and that some of the council are indeed corrupt and says that a war is coming and that the sides are being drawn up even now. He tells Orion to go back to work however and that he'll be in touch in the future and calls him Optimus. When Orion gets back to his office, he notices that he now has a chamber in his chest, as if something was designed to go in there....

Notes

• An Ilxian was seen last in Spotlight: Blaster, but it wasn't this one
• This comic shows us that Ironhide knew Hot Rod from the early war days
• The Matrix can integrate itself into Hot Rod's vehicle mode front 
• Wheelie went missing when Hot Rod was still a new recruit and has even started to forget all about Cybertron and being an Autobot
• The ship that Wheelie lives in is a Quintesson ship which he must have stolen off them (like in the G1 Movie)
• Wheelie's Autobot insignia has worn away somewhat since he crashed
• Varta is no where to be seen here, so he most likely died a while back
• Hot Rod is officially renamed as Rodimus by Optimus here
• Hot Rod has never claimed ownership of the Matrix and always intended to give it to Optimus
• Impactor and Megatron used to work together in the mines
• Megatron used to write poetry!
• It's unclear if Perceptor and Xaaron left Omega Supreme to return to Kimia...lets hope not!!
• Xaaron mentions an empty lab on Kimia Station, a reference to Ironfist and Skyfall's deaths
• Perceptor dismisses the "legends" of some of Megatron's powers, like tapping into a black hole and lasers from his eyes.
• Megatron has to be tried by a neutral trial and not by the Autobots, which is also why he can't just be executed on the spot, especially since he surrendered
• Optimus and Megatron are getting fed up with the monotony of their war now
• Whirl was the one who taught Megatron about violence being an effective means to get your point across
• Megatron had a gun mode some point in the past on Cybertron as well, it does look somewhat different to that seen on Earth as well!
• Megatron's inspiration for the Decepticon insignia came from when he threw his datapad into a monitor and saw a face of sorts in the smashed glass
• Blaster was a reporter before the war
• Optimus' arm cannons in his Cybertronian form are purely decorative
• Sentinel is seen as a high ranking guard here, so it's before he was appointed Prime, but likely only just, which implies that his reign as the Prime was VERY short lived
• It seems like no one knows that Nova Prime has the Matrix with him
• The Matrix can heal Transformers and used to be called the Creation Matrix

My Thoughts

Art


The artwork in this comic is pretty amazing, despite the different artists being used it looks pretty consistent , realistic and detailed in terms of lines and colours.

Story


This story brings together a few storylines and reunites several long thought dead characters with the main cast and flings the main cast into the Chaos storyline that ends the 3rd storyline.

Continuity


Hot Rod was blasted into space at the start of Revenge of the Decepticons. Wheelie was lost in space in his Spotlight issue. Ironhide and Sunstreaker were revived on Cybertron by Alpha Trion during the Ironhide series. Galvatron began preparing for his big war in Heart of Darkness. The flashbacks in the last two issues are set before Megatron: Origin and shows Megatron getting ideas of rebellion even before the closing of the mines.