Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #23
23December 1986
$0.75; 0.40 GBP; 0.95 CAD

The Transformers #23

Marvel · December 1986 · on sale August 26, 1986

First appearance (cover): RunamuckFirst appearance: MegatronFirst appearance (cover): Runabout1 variant
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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.
  • Buy links are eBay affiliate links. They never change what the record says.

Identification plate

Series
The Transformers (Marvel, 1984 series)
Issue
#23
Publication date
December 1986
Key date
December 1986
On-sale date
August 26, 1986
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.75; 0.40 GBP; 0.95 CAD
Pages
36

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

Why this issue matters

First appearance (cover) of Runamuck - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

First appearance of Megatron - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance (cover) of Runabout - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

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
0Humans Are Wimpscover1pencils: Herb Trimpe; inks: Ian Akin, Brian GarveyRunabout First, Runamuck First
1Decepticon Graffiti!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: Don Perlin; inks: Ian Akin, Brian Garvey; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Janice ChiangAir Raid, Walter Barnett, Beachcomber, Circuit Breaker, Cosmos, Donny Finkleberg, Fireflight, Megatron, Optimus Prime, Perceptor, Powerglide, Runabout First, Runamuck First, Seaspray
2-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter; pencils: Jon Bogdanove; inks: Al GordonCounterweight, Destroyer, Logan, Molecula, Alex Power, Jack Power, Julie Power, Katie Power, Franklin Richards, Starstreak, Tattle-Tale, Wolverine
3-letters page1script: Don Daley, David Wohl, Bob Budiansky; inks: Ian Akin, Brian Garvey; colors: Nel YomtovMegatron First
4Stretch Your Savings by Subscribing Now.promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: John Byrne; inks: John ByrneMister Fantastic, Reed Richards

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.75 USD; 0.95 CAD; barcode 0714860237912

Where to read it

CollectionYear
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

‹ #2223 of 80#24 ›

Sources

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