Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #39
39April 1988
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.40 GBP

The Transformers #39

Marvel · April 1988 · on sale December 29, 1987

First appearance: CerebrosFirst appearance (cover): Fortress Maximus1 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.
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Identification plate

Series
The Transformers (Marvel, 1984 series)
Issue
#39
Publication date
April 1988
Key date
April 1988
On-sale date
December 29, 1987
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics
Price
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.40 GBP
Pages
36
Rating
Approved by the Comics Code Authority

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

Why this issue matters

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

First appearance (cover) of Fortress Maximus - 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
0Fort Max Gets the Shaft!cover1pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave HuntFortress Maximus First, Shockwave, Buster Witwicky, Cerebros First, Spike Witwicky
1The Desert Island of Space!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave Hunt; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Bill OakleyWalter Barnett, Blurr, Cerebros First, Crosshairs, Fortress Maximus First, Haywire, Hot Rod, Kickback, Kup, Onslaught, Peacemaker, Pinpointer, Pointblank, Ratbat
2-letters page0.8script: Don Daley, Daryl Edelman
3U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulationstatement of ownership0.2script: Janet Pezzuto
4Holiday Savings on Marvel Comicspromo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typeset
5-in-house column1script: Bob Harras; pencils: Rodney Ramos; inks: Rodney RamosBob Harras

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; 1.25 CAD; barcode 07148602379104

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

‹ #3839 of 80#40 ›

Sources

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