Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #56
56September 1989
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.50 GBP

The Transformers #56

Marvel · September 1989

First appearance (profile): BattletrapFirst appearance: Road HuggerFirst appearance: Detour1 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
#56
Publication date
September 1989
Key date
September 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 (profile) of Battletrap - the earliest appearance on record is a character profile, not a story.

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

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

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

First appearance of Blackjack - 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
0-cover1pencils: Dan Reed; inks: Dan ReedNightflight, Storm Cloud, Tailwind, Whisper
1Back from the Deadcomic story16script: Simon Furman; pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave Hunt; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Jim MassaraBlackjack First, Blaster, Detour First, Getaway, Goldbug, Grimlock, Hot Rod, Hound, Hyperdrive First, Jazz, Megatron, Nightflight, Omega Supreme, Optimus Prime
2Battletrapcharacter profile1script: Bob BudianskyBattletrap First
3Blotcharacter profile1script: Bob BudianskyBlot
4Cutthroatcharacter profile1script: Bob BudianskyCutthroat
5-in-house column1script: Stan Lee
6Goldbugcharacter profile1script: Bob BudianskyGoldbug
7Rollbarcharacter profile1script: Bob BudianskyRollbar
8Wide Loadcharacter profile1script: Bob BudianskyWide Load

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; 1.25 CAD; barcode 07148602379109

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

‹ #5556 of 80#57 ›

Sources

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