Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #40
40May 1988
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.50 GBP

The Transformers #40

Marvel · May 1988 · on sale January 28, 1988

First appearance (cover): LandmineFirst appearance: CloudburstFirst appearance: Iguanus1 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
#40
Publication date
May 1988
Key date
May 1988
On-sale date
January 28, 1988
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics
Price
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.50 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 (cover) of Landmine - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
0Introducing the Pretenderscover1pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave HuntBomb-Burst, Landmine First, Optimus Prime, Skullgrin
1Pretender to the Throne!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave Hunt; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Bill OakleyBomb-Burst, Brainstorm, Bugly, Cloudburst First, Finback First, Fortress Maximus, Bumblebee, Groundbreaker First, Highbrow, Iguanus First, Landmine First, Lord Zarak, Mindwipe, Optimus Prime
2-in-house column1script: Tom DeFalco, Michael HigginsMike Higgins
3-letters page1script: Don Daley, Daryl Edelman
4Free?promo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typesetDoctor Octopus, Otto Octavius

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; 1.25 CAD; barcode 07148602379105

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

‹ #3940 of 80#41 ›

Sources

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