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Transformers
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Creation & Design

The Transformers were created as a toy line by Hasbro, inspired by Japanese transforming robot toys. The franchise was developed into a comic book series and animated television show.

Early Years

The Transformers debuted in the early 1980s, quickly gaining popularity through comics, animated series, and toys, establishing a rich lore centered around the conflict between Autobots and Decepticons.

Character Development

Over the years, Transformers have evolved from simple toys into a complex universe with rich lore, diverse characters, and a dedicated fanbase, influencing various media including films, comics, and video games.

Cultural Reception

The Transformers franchise has received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and innovative toy designs, becoming a staple of pop culture.

Character Details

Real Name:
N/A
First Appearance:
Transformers, The #1
Aliases:
Autobots, Decepticons
Species:
Cybertronian
Gender:
N/A
Affiliations:
Autobots, Decepticons, Maximals, Predacons
Abilities:
Transformation, Combat Skills, Flight, Intelligence
Equipment:
Energon, Weapons, Cybertronian Technology
Weight:
N/A
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
varies
Hair Color:
N/A

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Transformers, The #1
Marvel ⋅ 1984
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Transformers, The #1
 
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Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Autobots: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Ironhide, Huffer, Cliffjumper, Sideswipe, Hound, Gears, Brawn, Sunstreaker, Bluestreak, Windcharger, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Trailbreaker, Mirage

1st team appearance of the the Decepticons: Megatron, Starscream, Buzzsaw, Thundercracker, Laserbeak, Frenzy, Skywarp, Rumble, Ravage, Soundwave

Transformers, The #2
Marvel ⋅ 1984
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Transformers, The #2
 
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Key Facts

2nd appearance of Optimus Prime, Megatron and Starscream

Transformers, The #3
Marvel ⋅ 1985
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Transformers, The #3
 
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Crossover appearance by Spider-Man

Transformers, The #5
Marvel ⋅ 1985
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Transformers, The #5
 
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1st cameo appearance of Josie Beller

Transformers, The #17
Marvel ⋅ 1986
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Transformers, The #17
 
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1st appearance of Blaster, Powerglide, Cosmos, Seaspray, Warpath, Beachcomber, Preceptor, Straxus, Kickback, Bombshell, Shrapnel, Dirge and Ramjet

G.I. Joe and the Transformers #1
Marvel ⋅ 1987
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G.I. Joe and the Transformers #1
 
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Key Facts

First crossover series featuring G.I. Joe and Transformers

[June 2023 - crossover movie teased at the end of Transformers Rise of the Beasts / June 2024 - writer Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) will pen the script]

Transformers Magazine, The (UK) #186
Marvel ⋅ 1988
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Transformers Magazine, The (UK) #186
 
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1st appearance of Metroplex, the largest of the Autobots

Technically, Metroplex appeared prior to this issue as Autobot City, or a portion of the city, but this is the first issue it appears as a robot

Metroplex appears in a character profile as a robot in The Transformers Universe #2 (1987), a guidebook

Transformers, The #47
Marvel ⋅ 1988
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Transformers, The #47
 
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1st appearance of Raindance

1st appearance of Grandslam

1st team appearance of the Seacons: Nautilator, Overbite, Seawing, Skalor, Snaptrap, Tentakil

Transformers, The #61
Marvel ⋅ 1989
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Transformers, The #61
 
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Introduction of the Unicron, the embodiment of evil in the Transformers universe

1st full appearance of Primus

Origin of the Transformers and Cybertron

Transformers, The #70
Marvel ⋅ 1990
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Transformers, The #70
 
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Origin of Cybertron and the Transformers

Transformers, The #71
Marvel ⋅ 1990
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Transformers, The #71
 
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Scarce

Transformers, The #72
Marvel ⋅ 1990
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Transformers, The #72
 
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Scarce, published late in the series run

Transformers, The #73
Marvel ⋅ 1990
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Transformers, The #73
 
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Scarce

Transformers, The #74
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #74
 
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Scarce

Transformers, The #75
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #75
 
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Late in the series issue, lower circulation

Transformers, The #76
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #76
 
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Scarce

Transformers, The #77
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #77
 
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Scarce

Transformers, The #78
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #78
 
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Key Facts

Battle of Galvetron vs Megatron

Third-to-final-issue

Transformers, The #79
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #79
 
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Scarce

Transformers, The #80
Marvel ⋅ 1991
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Transformers, The #80
 
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$40

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Final issue

Transformers: Generation 2 - Halloween #1
Marvel ⋅ 1993
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Transformers: Generation 2 - Halloween #1
 
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$150

Key Facts

8-page Halloween promotional giveaway

Beast Wars Transformers: Optimus Primal vs Megatron #1
Hasbro ⋅ 1995
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Beast Wars Transformers: Optimus Primal vs Megatron #1
 
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Key Facts

10-page mini-comic packaged with a two-pack of action figures, distributed before the cartoon first aired in 1996

1st appearance of Optimus Primal, the original version of the character that appears in this issue differs from the more recognized version

Transformers Universe #1
3H ⋅ 2003
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Transformers Universe #1
 
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First team-up of Generation 1 Transformers and Maximals (Beast Wars)

Resurrection of Optimus Primal

New Avengers / Transformers #1
Marvel ⋅ 2007
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New Avengers / Transformers #1
 
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Key Facts

Co-published by Marvel and IDW

Crossover of the Avengers and Transformers versus Dr. Doom and the Decepticons

Transformers vs. G.I. Joe Movie #1
IDW ⋅ 2017
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Transformers vs. G.I. Joe Movie #1
 
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One-shot story that imagines a world where a Transformers vs. G.I. Joe movie was made and the comic book adaptation that followed

Transformers vs. Terminator #1
Non-Key
IDW ⋅ 2019
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Transformers vs. Terminator #1
 
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1st crossover of the Terminator and Transformers

Transformers / Ghostbusters
Ashcan ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2019
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Transformers / Ghostbusters
 
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First meeting of The Transformers and Ghostbusters

1st appearance of Ecto-1 (Ecto-tron), the Ghostbusters' car as a Transformer

Promotional Ashcan edition

Transformers / Ghostbusters #1
IDW ⋅ 2019
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Transformers / Ghostbusters #1
 
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First crossover of Ghostbusters and Transformers

My Little Pony / Transformers #1
IDW ⋅ 2020
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My Little Pony / Transformers #1
 
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Key Facts

First meeting of Hasbro properties My Little Pony and the Transformers

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