Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #73
73December 1990
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.60 GBP

The Transformers #73

Marvel · December 1990 · on sale 1990

First appearance: Optimus Prime2 variants
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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
#73
Publication date
December 1990
Key date
December 1990
On-sale date
1990
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics
Price
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.60 GBP
Pages
40
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 Optimus Prime - 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
0The Vanishing!cover1pencils: Andrew Wildman; inks: Andrew WildmanCircuit Breaker, Hector Dialonzo, Dynamo, Lee Gruber, Optimus Prime, Rapture, Scorponok, Shockwave, Thunderpunch, Katrina Vesotzky
1Out of Time!comic story20script: Simon Furman; pencils: Andrew Wildman; inks: Stephen Baskerville; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Rick ParkerG. B. Blackrock, Circuit Breaker, Hector Dialonzo, Dynamo, Fangry, Galvatron, Lee Gruber, Highbrow, Hook, Kup, Line, Mindwipe, Nightbeat, Optimus Prime
2-letters page1script: Rob Tokar, Chris CooperOptimus Prime
3-illustration2Megatron, Optimus Prime First

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

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; 1.25 CAD; barcode 07148602379112
Australianprice 1.50 AUD; barcode 07148602379103

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

‹ #7273 of 80#74 ›

Sources

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