Transformers #1

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Marvel (1984)
1st Transformers Comic, 1st Autobots and Decepticons

Transformers #1 (1984) is one of those deceptively important 80s books—what looked like a simple toy tie-in ended up becoming the launchpad for one of the biggest pop-culture franchises of all time.
 

1. First Appearance of the Transformers in Comics

This is the very first comic book appearance of:

• Optimus Prime

• Megatron

• Starscream

• Bumblebee

• Soundwave

• Ironhide

• Ratchet

• Shockwave

• And so many others

The entire Transformers universe debuts here.
For many collectors, that alone makes it a cornerstone 1980s key.

 

2. Launch of a Franchise That Became Massive

The 1984 comics came out right alongside:

• The cartoon

• The original toyline

• The Marvel story bible that defined Transformers continuity

Many characters, personalities, and backstories were shaped in these comics, not in the cartoon.
This issue is the start of all of that.

 

3. Originally Planned as a Four-Issue Mini… But Became a 80-Issue Run

Transformers #1 was intended to be a limited series, but sales were huge.  Marvel expanded it into a long-running ongoing series (80 issues + headmasters minis, etc.). This issue is the moment the Transformers proved they were more than just a fad.

 

4. Ties to Marvel Continuity

The early issues were part of the broader Marvel Universe:

• Spider-Man appears in issue #3
• Nick Fury + SHIELD references
• Marvel writers shaped Cybertron lore
• Transformers #1 sits at a cool intersection of Marvel history and 1980s toy-based media.

 

5. Iconic Bill Sienkiewicz Cover

The painted Sienkiewicz cover of Optimus Prime facing down the reader became one of the most recognizable images in 80s pop culture comics. It’s bright, bold, nostalgic, and often used for homages and reprints.

 

6. Beginning of the Classic Marvel Storyline

This issue starts the original G1 comic continuity, which includes:

• Shockwave’s coup
• Optimus Prime vs. Megatron arcs
• The creation of the Dinobots
• Dark cybertronian lore
• Unicron/Primus mythology (developed later)

The comics influenced later cartoons, movies, IDW runs, and modern Transformers canon.

 

9.6 NM+
Pages: White
CGC 3955817008

Art: Bill Mantlo & Ralph Macchio story Frank Springer & Kim DeMulder art Bill Sienkiewicz cover


Key: Origin & 1st comic appearance of the Autobots & the Decepticons.