I will admit that I am perplexed by the choice to start the Skybound comics Transformers/GI Joe universe with a seemingly new comic Void Rivals and keep it going while having Transformers elements (which I think personally could be detrimental to that particular comic if it's trying to coast along on those Transformers elements rather than by its own merits), I am enjoying the Transformers comic and surprised by how it manages to meld the G1 aesthetic (while saying that it's going for a contemporary setting) and mix the doesn't hold punches brutal action scenes to the bit in the second issue where Optimus marvels at the beauty of Earth's nature only to end up accidentally stepping on a deer so that it can sink in how fragile the creatures of the world are to the Transformers. Plus the writer being a wrestling fan and has Optimus pull off some wrestling moves in the comics and Starscream always being my favourite Decepticon and how he starts off as the leader and gets to show how an unapologetic sadist in regards to fighting the humans just because.
Optimus Prime the leader of the Autobots was dismayed that the long waging war between the Autobots and the Decepticons had been brought to this more fragile planet where the organic smaller life hadn't travelled past their own solar system yet. He was leading the Autobots in the Ark ship through the Spacebridge to escape the dying Cybertron (as well as keep the Allspark and the Matrix) but Megatron had him and his most trustful Decepticons follow in their own ship the Nemesis with both having crash on this world called Earth.
Now Megatron seeked to enslave this planet's population and he saw this planet as a new one to ruin which must be stopped. Optimus was now surveying this energy that was the sight of a latest Decepticon attack; seemed that they were planning to use it to create synthetic Energon for them to use. The Autobots were cleaning up the damage done to the city as well as get the captured Decepticons ready for transport and Optimus just sighed briefly as he saw the looks of fear and hatred in the population.
"Autobots; once we are ready, get ready to go back to base..." Optimus commanded and then there was a heat vision blast to the back of Wheeljack and they all saw that floating in the air looking heroic was the being known as the Homelander, leader of the Seven and the planet's top protector as their research had shown.
"That was just a warning shot before I send you buckets of bolts back to the scrapyard!" Homelander said out loud to the cheers and applause of the people on the ground.
"Easy Homelander; we are not your enemies. Our mortal foes the Decepticons have declared this world their target and we are here to stop them. We can appreciate your assistance..." Optimus said calmly thinking that from the footage they had seen of Homelander; he semed like a calm heroic figure and getting the planet's top protector to vouch for them can go a long way to earning this planet's trust.
"Ha... You and your friends trash their city and put these good people in danger and you say that your not our enemies? Do you think that I was born yesterday..." Homelander asked laughing as he then started firing his heat vision at the Autobots with Optimus commanding the Autobots to start retreating. Hopefully when they are out of the area in which the civilians are in harm's way; they could have clear heads and have a proper discussion.
The Autobots all got into vehicle modes and began moving everything but Homelander was following with his flight and using his heat vision around them trying to get at them. "What is he doing... He could get his own people..." Optimus asked wondering about how careless Homelander was being.
"Optimus; Look!" Arcee had called out turning around to notice something; Optimus managed to turn and he quickly turned into robot mode to catch a bus filled with screaming people that Homelander had thrown at them. The Autobots all managed to cross the bridge and Optimus was now facing Homelander as he had flown up to him.
"Stand down! We mean you all no harm and is this the behaviour of someone who is to protect the people of this planet? Endangering lives and using them as projectiles?" Optimus screamed at Homelander and Homelander's face changed and he looked less than a protector and the demeanour on his face reminded him of Megatron.
"You really think that the lives of these worthless ants mean anything to me? I really don't need to save people; just look good taking down the enemies as well as the rescues that I will do. The people at Vought will take care of spinning any collateral damage. I am the Homelander who is far beyond the average Super people and they are above these people themselves. I can do whatever the fuck that I want. Still did Vought create you all to give me something good to fight for a show or was it someone else? I am sure that if it's the latter then the people at Vought can learn how to duplicate what you are from your bodies. Imagine the types of shows I can give these people with super giant robot technology... A giant animatronic dinosaur or alien robots... Their god performs for them and in return they give their utter adoration..." Homelander retorted mockingly and Optimus' demeanour fell and he was more serious.
Optimus' second in command Ultra Magnus came up to Optimus; a more seasoned fighter than he was and he thinks should have been more suited for being given the Matrix by Alpha Trion than the simple data clerk Orion Pax. "Ultra Magnus; take everyone back to base. I have to stop this planet's own Megatron right here right now..." Optimus ordered and Ultra Magnus reluctantly complied.
Homelander saw that TV vans and helicopters were arriving and made a big show of flying with his fist only for Optimus to gather his blaster and shoot at him point blank sending him crashing to the ground. Homelander cried as he felt his arm and leg seriously hurt to his confusion and his nose bleeding much to his shock; with a horrified cry that turned to one of rage he then flew up to Optimus only to be caught in his fist.
Optimus to send a message had his mouthguard collapse as he looked closely at Homelander; "Be grateful that I am granting you mercy in a quick death. Had you tried your antics with Megatron; you would be in for a long painful time before he decides to grant you the sweet release of death." Optimus warned him calmly and one final squeeze ended the Homelander as he then dropped him to the ground and left to rejoin his fellow Autobots.
First the Doctor and now Optimus Prime and so we have 2 chapters in a row that can be classified as having this theme: Beware the Nice Ones.