Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #51
51April 1989
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.50 GBP

The Transformers #51

Marvel · April 1989 · on sale December 29, 1988

First appearance (cover): CarnivacFirst appearance (cover): Snarler1 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
#51
Publication date
April 1989
Key date
April 1989
On-sale date
December 29, 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 Carnivac - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

First appearance (cover) of Snarler - 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
0Slaughter on the Slopes!cover1pencils: José Delbo; inks: Danny BulanadiCarnivac First, Fortress Maximus, Snarler First
1The Man in the Machine!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave Hunt; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Bill OakleyBlaster, Carnivac First, Cerebros, Fortress Maximus, Optimus Prime, Seaspray, Snarler First, Buster Witwicky, Sparkplug Witwicky, Spike Witwicky

Printings and variants

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

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Transformers Compendium #2
ISBN 9781534331976		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

‹ #5051 of 80#52 ›

Sources

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