Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #12
12January 1986
$0.75; 0.50 GBP; 1.00 CAD

The Transformers #12

Marvel · January 1986 · on sale September 24, 1985

First appearance (promotional): Hobgoblin2 variants
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
The Transformers (Marvel, 1984 series)
Issue
#12
Publication date
January 1986
Key date
January 1986
On-sale date
September 24, 1985
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.75; 0.50 GBP; 1.00 CAD
Pages
36

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance (promotional) of Hobgoblin - the earliest appearance on record is a publisher promotion, not a story; a canonical story debut may come later.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0Optimus Prime: Autobot Killer!cover1pencils: Herb Trimpe; inks: Herb TrimpeIronhide, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Sideswipe
1Prime Time!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: Herb Trimpe; inks: Al Gordon; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Janice ChiangBrawn, Bumblebee, Buzzsaw, Cliffjumper, Frenzy, Gears, Hound, Huffer, Ironhide, Jazz, Jetfire, Laserbeak, Optimus Prime, Prowl
3-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter
4Time is Running Outpromo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: John Romita; inks: John RomitaHobgoblin First, Peter Parker, Spider-Man

Plus 2 pages of advertisements and other matter across 1 sequence, as published.

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.75 USD; barcode 0714860237901
Canadianprice 1.00 CAD; barcode 0714860237901

Where to read it

CollectionYear
The Transformers Classics #1
ISBN 978-1-60010-935-5		2011On eBay ›
Transformers Compendium #1
ISBN 9781534373679		2025On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

‹ #1112 of 80#13 ›

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com