This thread is intended to capture the comic history of Generation 1 Transformers comics, including 1st appearances, 1st covers, and other “keys” or milestones. I’ve spent a few years now compiling this data, and I believe I’ve pretty much confirmed, or have high confidence in these being factual.
This is going to take some time to lay out everything. So I’m going to keep the thread “locked” until I’m able to transcribe as much of my research and data I have acquired, so that there is a smooth chorological flow before opening up to general comments.
If you do see an error, or would like to provide some feedback or request a special character, feel free to send me a private message, or I can create a separate thread to address for public posts.
Generally I’ll add comics in chronological order, and for now only speak to firsts within US or UK comics (as these are where 99% of the fan favorites first appeared anyway).
Starting with Marvel, then transitioning to Dreamwave, Fun Publications and then IDW which covers basically the first 40 years. I’ll only provide links to bio’s if I think the character is not one people may recognize and want to learn more, or where i got the intel. But I will say TFWiki.net and Marvel.Fandom.com have been primarily my go to’s for sources.
This will NOT be a complete list, and I’ll likely leave off obscure characters that others may not have ever heard of (much less care about first appearances). But if you have a favorite that you think I have missed (or want to eventually see), send me a message (for example, Elita-One, Windblade and Drift will make the list, but they are a ways out).
I hope everyone enjoys this as I continually add comics. We’re going to start out with the book that kicked everything off…
Release Date: May 29th, 1984 Cover art: Bill Sienkiewicz (painted) Script: Bill Mantlo / Ralph Macchio
Synopsis
The comic that started it all. Started out as a 4 issue limited series released bi-monthly. It was really intended to supplement toys sales by introducing new characters and providing some background. In fact, things were a little chaotic at first…which is noticeable in the designs of the characters throughout the first 4 issues (including the cover of issue #1…you’d think Optimus was a Decepticon with the evil eyes and crushing of a cybernetic lifeform), including coloring schemes.
The issue to own. Introducing most all beloved characters (28 transformers in all). It’s a book every transformers fan should own.
Release Date: September 20th, 1984 Cover art: Jerry Paris Script: Bill Mantlo / Ralph Macchio
Synopsis
The UK Magazine released bi-weekly, then weekly. They followed (reprinted) the US comics generally in order. Each UK issue was half a US comic (2 UK comics to 1 US comic), so even though issue 1 was released several months after the US comic issue #1, it quickly caught up. So the UK would “fill in the gap” between US issues with original UK stories, many written by Simon Furman.
Also, the UK Comic was printed on “newspaper thin” paper, making then very susceptible to damage with just about all issues essentially “rare” in high grades (i.e., NM or higher). As of this article, there are no 9.8 graded copies, only one 9.6, and three copies graded 9.4.
Also, the UK comics tended to have special add-ons, like tattoos, scratch offs (Action Transfers) and inserts. Some (such as the Action Transfers) were not physically attached to the book, and thus very rare to come across. If being delivered by mail (subscription), the recipient or delivery address may be written on the comic itself, making it very common to see this writing on the top front or back cover of issues.
While there are technically no “first appearances” within the book given the release date, it is a first cover appearance for several characters. The UK comic also supplemented the Transformers “half story” with a bonus feature, typically another part of a reprinted Marvel US Comic (see other notable appearances). The dates on the cover of the UK books are when they were to be displayed on magazine/comic racks before being pulled.
Release Date: July 31st, 1984 Cover art: Michael Golden Script/Story: Bill Mantlo / Jim Salicrup
Synopsis
Nothing too special about this issue, other than it’s the first Megatron cover. It is also the first Prime vs. Megatron battle cover, which there aren’t as many as you would think. Bumblebee is on the cover as well, so technically a first but not exactly at his best. For Bumblebee fans, there are better/more relevant covers to come.
I will also note that this issue was the first comic book I ever bought. So it probably means more to me than most anyone else, as it started my comic book collecting journey 39 years ago.
Another side note: Within the story, a song by Dazzler plays on the radio. This is the first in a series of references to mainstream Marvel continuity that the mini-series would make (see issue #3), later to be retconned.
Release Date: October 4th, 1984 Cover art: John Ridgway Script/Story: Bill Mantlo / Ralph Macchio
Synopsis
This UK issue provides the second half of the US issue #1. However it is the cover that is notable. Featuring first cover appearances for several fan favorites, but maybe more relevant is it being an homage to a classic pre-code horror EC comic, Weird Science #16! (How awesome is that?)
Release Date: October 2nd, 1984 Cover art: Mark Texeira Script/Story: Jim Salicrup
Synopsis
The issue that continuity forgot. Look out! Here comes the Spider-man, symbiote and all, making an appearance on the cover and in this book (and big part of the plot). I guess they thought sales would not be great, so why not throw in a main marvel character? But this is for the early black suit/symbiote completionists.
The only other claim to fame for this book is the cover first appearances of some popular Decepticons (albeit in shadow). Hard to tell who are the two seekers, so also forgettable.
On another note, there is one panel that shows what appears to be Shockwave standing on earth (See below), despite the plot having him on Cybertron. Likely an artist’s error (I guess we’re supposed to forget about that too).
First Appearances (Autobots)
• None
First Appearances (Decepticons)
• Shockwave (Cameo, in error)
Cover Appearances (1st)
• Ravage
• Frenzy
• Rumble
Note: You may noticed that CGC and CBCS both credit different artists for the cover, however Bob Budiansky (editor at the time) did clarify it was, indeed, Mark Texeira. I’ll likely run into both sometime this year at conventions, so I’ll be sure to confirm when I do.
