IDW - Transformers/My Little Pony: Friendship in Disguise #2

Inspiring

Writer: Ian  Flynn

Artist: Sara Pitre-Durocher

Colours: Joana LaFuente

Letterer: Jake M. Wood

They Eat Ponies, Don't They?

Writer: Sam Maggs

Artist: Casey W. Coller

Colours: Joana LaFuente

Letterer: Neil Uyetake

Editor: Megan Brown

Consulting Editor: David Mariotte

Group Editor: Bobby Curnow

First Story Plot

Spike, now in the Ark on Earth, spends time with Grimlock, who he idolizes due to his giant size and strength, when the ship's proximity alarms go off, alerting them to the Constructicons arrival, planning to destroy the Ark whilst it's undermanned.

Grimlock goes out to fight the Decepticons, but gets overwhelmed when they combine into Devastator. Spike, wanting to help, and noticing the engines of the downed Autobot ship, rushes back inside, quickly learns basic Cybertronian and starts up the ship's engines, using them to blast the combiner, who de-combines and the Constructicons retreat.

Afterwards, Grimlock thanks Spike, and tells him that he's inspired by his quick mind and skills, despite his small size, and says that he knows he'll get stronger as time goes on.

All this flattery causes Spike to pass out in joy however...

Second Story Plot

On Equestria, Pinkie Pie is hosting her cooking show, and introduces her very special guest, the newest Autobot, Gauge. The two show their favourite recipes as part of a cultural exchange of sorts, with Pinkie showing off her cupcakes, and Gauge showing an iron filling casserole, much to the horror of the pony audience, and Pinkie herself.

Before the two can start their cooking however, Shockwave arrives via another Spacebridge, and he declares his intent to test if ponies can be used to fuel Decepticons.

Pinkie and Gauge work together to defeat Shockwave using a bunch of kitchen utensils and manage to knock him back into the Spacebridge, sending it away again. Following his expulsion, the audience cheer, likely assuming it was just part of the show.

A while later, the duo finish preparing their meals, and both try the other's creations, and both immediately dislike the other's work, but at least try to be courteous about it...

Characters

Autobot

Grimlock - Tyrannosaurus Rex

Gauge

Other Autobots (Mentioned, On Other Missions)

Decepticon

Shockwave - Ray Gun

Hook - Crane

Long Haul - Dump Truck

Mixmaster - Mixing Truck

Scrapper - Front End Loader

Bonecrusher - Bulldozer

Scavenger - Excavator

Devastator - Constructicon Gestalt

Equestrian

Pinkie Pie

Spike, the Dragon

Derpy

Bon Bon

Lyra Heartstrings

Vinyl Scratch

Octavia

Cheerilee

Doctor Hooves

Roseluck

Thunderlane

Flitter

Minuette

Lily Valley

Apple Split

Diamond Rose

Cherry Berry

Lemon Hearts

Cloudkicker

Other Ponies in Audience

Princess Twilight Sparkle (Mentioned)

Notes

• We learn that at least one Equestrian was transported to the Transformers universe here, since Spike is on the Earth of their universe (and not the Equestria Girls one)
• Since the Transformers-side of the portal, as well as Grimlock, was on Cybertron last issue it's logical to assume that Spike ended up on Cybertron initially, and went back to Earth via Spacebridge afterwards. (the cartoon did show that Cybertron had a breathable atmosphere in this continuity)
• Spike's ability to quickly learn a new language and operational systems that are beyond that of Equestria is likely due to Twilight's book-worm influence.
• The Ark's engines can be converted easily into cannons it seems....that would be handy if Trypticon attacks the volcano and ship in a couple decades....
• Gauge is introduced as the newest Autobot, likely a reference to her status as the newest forged Cybertronian in the concurrent G1 comic series from IDW, though she isn't an Autobot in that continuity (yet)
• Shockwave shows the ability to convert his hands into new weapons etc
• Shockwave's plan to see if he can convert ponies into fuel could be a reference to pink alchemy from the previous IDW continuity, where organics are drained of life to create Energon
• Pinkie Pie's dislike of Gauge's food is quite funny when you look at a load of crap she's eaten over the franchise's run.