Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #54
54July 1989
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.50 GBP

The Transformers #54

Marvel · July 1989

First appearance: RoadhandlerFirst appearance: SwindlerFirst appearance: Freewheeler1 variant
Buy it now on eBay ›Graded copies ›
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
#54
Publication date
July 1989
Key date
July 1989
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 Roadhandler - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

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

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

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

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

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

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

First appearance of Tote - 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
0King 'Con!cover1pencils: José Delbo; inks: Danny BulanadiFreewheeler First, Iguanus, Roadhandler First, Swindler First, Tailspin First
1King Con!comic story21script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: José Delbo; inks: Danny Bulanadi; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Jim MassaraBomb-Burst, Bugly, Finback, Freewheeler First, Hi Q, Highjump First, Iguanus, Mindwipe, Mudslinger First, Optimus Prime, Powertrain First, Roadhandler First, Scorponok, Skullgrin
3-in-house column1script: Stan Lee

Plus 2 pages of advertisements and other matter across 1 sequence, as published.

Printings and variants

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

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

‹ #5354 of 80#55 ›

Sources

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