Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #42
42July 1988
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.50 GBP

The Transformers #42

Marvel · July 1988 · on sale March 24, 1988

First appearance: DarkwingFirst appearance: DreadwindFirst appearance: Hi Q1 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
#42
Publication date
July 1988
Key date
July 1988
On-sale date
March 24, 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 of Darkwing - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First appearance of Getaway - 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
0Optimus Prime -- Powermaster!!cover1pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave HuntDarkwing First, Dreadwind First, Joyride First, Optimus Prime First, Slapdash First, Hi Q First, Hi-Test First, Hotwire First, Lube First, Throttle First
1People Power!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: José Delbo, Dave Hunt, Don Hudson; inks: Dave Hunt, Don Hudson; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Bill OakleyDarkwing First, Dreadwind First, Getaway First, Bumblebee, Hi Q First, Hi-Test First, Hotwire First, Joyride First, Lube First, Optimus Prime First, Rev First, Slapdash First, Throttle First, Soriza
2The Evolutionary Warpromo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typesetHigh Evolutionary, Herbert Edgar Wyndham
3-in-house column1script: Pat Redding; pencils: Sal Buscema, Pat Redding; inks: Gerry Talaoc, Pat ReddingBruce Banner, Hulk, Thor Odinson, Thor
4-letters page1script: Don Daley, Daryl Edelman
5Free?promo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typesetDoctor Octopus, Otto Octavius

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; 1.25 CAD; barcode 07148602379107

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Transformers: Magazine #12007On 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

‹ #4142 of 80#43 ›

Sources

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