Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #8
8September 1985
$0.75; 0.50 GBP; 1.00 CAD

The Transformers #8

Marvel · September 1985 · on sale May 28, 1985

First appearance (cover): GrimlockFirst appearance (cover): SludgeFirst appearance (cover): Slag5 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.
  • Buy links are eBay affiliate links. They never change what the record says.

Identification plate

Series
The Transformers (Marvel, 1984 series)
Issue
#8
Publication date
September 1985
Key date
September 1985
On-sale date
May 28, 1985
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.75; 0.50 GBP; 1.00 CAD
Pages
36

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

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

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

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

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

First appearance of Swoop - 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
0And Now... the Dinobots!cover1pencils: M. D. Bright; inks: Kyle BakerGrimlock First, Slag First, Sludge First
1The War Continues...promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: Al MilgromBeyonder, The Black Knight, Alison Blaire, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Eros, Hercules, Monica Rambeau, Steve Rogers, Starfox, Janet Van Dyne, Wasp, Dane Whitman
2Repeat Performance!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: William Johnson; inks: Kyle Baker; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Rick ParkerJosie Beller, G. B. Blackrock, Bumblebee, Gears, Grimlock First, Jazz, Laserbeak, Megatron, Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Shockwave, Slag First, Sludge First, Snarl First
3-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter; pencils: Morrie Kuramoto; inks: Morrie KuramotoMorrie Kuramoto
4Be Ahead in 1985!promo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typesetPeter Parker, Spider-Man

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Second Printingprice 0.75 USD
Newsstandprice 0.75 USD; barcode 07148602379109
Fourth Printingprice 0.75 USD
Third Printingprice 0.75 USD
Canadianprice 1.00 CAD; barcode 0714860237909

Where to read it

CollectionYear
The Transformers Classics #1
ISBN 978-1-60010-935-5		2011On 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

‹ #78 of 80#9 ›

Sources

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