Set Description:
Due to the monetary windfall that resulted from the partnership of Marvel and Hasbro for the relaunch of the G.I. Joe brand in 1982, these two companies decided to renew their nuptials (and refill their coffers) with the introduction of another epic toy franchise.
In late 1983, early 1984, they utilized the uber-successful three-prong marketing approach which they devised for G.I. Joe. Begin with a Marvel Comic book which was distributed across America, pair the comic with a half-hour animated program constructed by Sunbow Productions that would air every weekday afternoon, and all the while utilizing the more traditional modes of advertising (magazine ads, television commercials, trade show displays, etc.) for an all-out media blitz. Using this tragedy of marketing strategies, the new brand’s success was inevitable. For the past 30 years, Hasbro’s Transformers brand has made hundreds of companies who’ve licensed their Autobot and Decepticon characters rich beyond imagination.
But what exactly happened behind the scenes at Marvel Comics all those years ago to get the ball rolling? Who were the creative types that struck the initial spark that would eventually turn into this scorching toy line; a brand simply overflowing with characters that reside in toy rooms all around the world? Is there a kid on the planet Earth that doesn’t recognize Bumblebee or Optimus Prime or planet Cybertron? Yet how many of those children know exactly where those names came from?
In the winter of 1983, Marvel Comics Editor-in-chief was handed the reins to develop the back-story and characters for the Transformers franchise by Hasbro. EIC Jim Shooter, in an act of good faith, delivered the project to writer/editor Denny O’Neil who was coming off his revolutionary 1970s run on DC’s Green Lantern/Green Arrow and who made his bones at Marvel by scripting and ending many of their flagship titles (ASM, Daredevil, and Iron Man). O’Neil chose to work on Transformers because the pay for the Marvels toy tie-in projects was usually larger than that of standard comic book fair.
However, it appeared that O’Neil didn’t “get it”.
His Transformers back-story and the characters he rendered were deemed unacceptable to Shooter, for even though he paid O’Neil for the project, the writers’ entire draft was scrapped with the exception of a few lingering details that remained. The most important of these details was that the heroic Autobots noble leader was named Optimus Prime.
So then, on Friday, November 18, 1983, at Marvel Headquarters on the weekend before Thanksgiving break, Jim shooter ran through the corridor that divided Marvels editorial offices desperate to find someone to recreate and develop the first series of Transformer characters over the weekend. A project that had to be completed by Monday morning. Shooter had taken it upon himself to draft an eight page treatment that delineated to his chosen writer the conical back-story of the Transformers and couldn’t wait to unload it onto the desk of a willing writer.
As Bob Budiansky recalls, he was the third or fourth choice to tackle the project. Upon asserting to Shooter that he could finish the job by Monday morning, the staffer wrote like a man possessed. In two short days Budiansky rendered all of the Transformers biographical information, authoring those iconic “Tech Specs” (technical specifications) profiles for what would become the first wave of Hasbro's Transformers. Other than retaining Denny O’Neil’s moniker for Optimus Prime and perhaps Prowl as well (it’s unclear if Shooter or O’Neil came up with the name for the Autobot strategist too). However, it was Bob Budiansky who named almost all of the 28 original Transformers and fleshed out their character traits.
Although he essentially functioned as the eminence guise of the Transformer universe, Bob is largely unrecognized for rendering these personalities and most of the other Transformers who occupy a hallowed place in “Generation One” cannon. Regarding his approach to authoring the original 28 Transformers Tech Specs, Bob states, “I knew that there was a certain use of language, a certain style of combining words and sounds in their writing that appealed to me... Drawing from my knowledge of comic books, science fiction, and my engineering background (I have a B.S. in civil engineering), I came up with jargon that I hoped would lead a pseudo-scientific, cool sounding veneer to the characters.”
And he nailed it on the first try. Then again, so did Shooter. For if we carefully review the eight page treatment that the EIC handed to Bob to use as a template when drafting his biographies, readers will be stunned speechless to find that all of Shooters words and ideas have been followed with surgical exactitude these past 30 years, whether in movie theaters, on the small screen, or in the four-color pages of comic books. What was originally slated to be a mere four-issue comic book miniseries sprawled into something unearthly; a licensed property with an entire universe all its own. What follows is the first paragraph of the original treatment. Nothing has been changed or altered in 30+ years.
“Civil war rages on the planet Cybertron. Destruction is catastrophic and widespread and yet no life is lost. None, at least in the sense that we know life, for the inhabitants of Cybertron are all machines. There is no life on Cybertron save for mechanical, electronic, creatures. As mankind is first among the organic denizen of Earth, intelligent, sentient robots are the dominant species on Cybertron. Even the planet itself is one vast mechanical construct. Perhaps there was once a real world upon which Cybertron was built on, into, under, and through until no trace of the original planet can be found, but the original of the planet is unknown, lost in an antiquity. Similarly, it is unknown whether the robotic life of Cybertron was originally created by some mysterious, advanced, alien race in the dim, distant past, or whether these strange metallic beings somehow evolved from bizarre, basic life forms beyond human comprehension.”
“What is certain is that sentient, robotic beings of Cybertron are destroying one another.”
Mark W. Bellomo (taken from IDWs Transformers Classics, Vol.1)
All covers finished scanned in March 17/13. My books are also on My Slabbed Comics.
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| The gallery tab shows only items with images. Click the thumbnails to enlarge. |
| Slot: |
Transformers 1 |
| Item: |
Transformers 1 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0990049079
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Owner Comments
# 1 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
I still remember back sometime in the late '80, going to Winnipeg, Manitoba for Christmas and stoping at a comic book shop. There, we found the first 10-12 issues in the series (that I still have). Dad reluctantly bought the ones that I needed and said it would be part of my Christmas presents. He spent close to $50.00 for them. The first issue I remember buying was #9 from the local grocery store.
Synopsis: "The Transformers"
On the Saturn-sized mechanical world of Cybertron, life has evolved not through carbon bonding, but via "naturally-occurring gears, levers, and pulleys". The resultant sentient robots, the Autobots, live in peace for many eons, until some of their number fall victim to a lust for power. Rallying behind the banner of the powerful Megatron, these "Decepticons" rebuild their bodies, allowing them to change at will between a humanoid form and the form of various war machines. The Decepticons unleash a furious war on the Autobots, intending to conquer the planet and rebuild it as a cosmic dreadnought.
Faced with annihilation, the Autobots turn to a noble leader from their own ranks: Optimus Prime. Under his leadership, the Autobots, also now gifted with the ability to "transform", rally and counterattack. And thus, an all-consuming war rages across the planet for a thousand years, while the planet itself—dislodged from its orbit by the titanic battles—spins out of control through the cosmos.
Eventually Cybertron enters another solar system and is faced with destruction as it approaches an asteroid belt. Aboard a huge spacecraft dubbed the Ark, Optimus Prime leads a team of Autobots on a mission to clear a path through the asteroids. After the mission is completed, the Decepticons attack the weakened Autobot warriors. Facing inevitable defeat, Optimus Prime sends the Ark on a suicide course into a supposedly lifeless planet. The crash renders all the combatants inert.
Four million years later, a volcanic eruption reactivates the Ark's dormant computer, which finds the planet now teaming with mechanical "life". It reactivates the ship's passengers, rebuilding them to resemble the planet's natives. Damaged, the computer does not recognize friend from foe, and thus both factions are restored to life. After checking themselves over, the Decepticons flee for other parts, leaving the Autobots to make their home in the crashed Ark. Observing the planet, Optimus notes that they must work to save the planet from the Decepticons, whom they've accidentally unleashed upon it.
Optimus Prime sends a team of five, under the command of Prowl, to scout out the new world and make contact with the natives. En route, they are sighted by Decepticon spy Laserbeak. The Autobots mistake a drive-in movie theater for some kind of religious ritual; Bumblebee over-enthusiastically nudges a "native", violently jostling its teenage occupants Buster, Jesse and "O". As Buster and the others climb out to see what happened, the Decepticons attack, intent on keeping their foes from establishing an alliance with the planet's natives. The Autobots reluctantly transform and defend themselves, turning the drive-in into a battlefield. During the battle, Prowl realizes that the automobiles are not alive at all, but the small, pink creatures fleeing from them are; the Autobots retreat to draw the Decepticons' fire away from the apparently defenseless fleshlings.
During the battle, Buster hears the damaged Bumblebee cry out in pain, and ends up "driving" him away from the battlefield. That night, his father "Sparkplug" finds him tinkering with the yellow Volkswagen Beetle in his garage. He's delighted that his son is finally showing some interest in mechanics, but not so amused when the car cries out that it needs help, because it's dying...
Released: May 8th 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 1 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 1 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1200963004
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Owner Comments
Synopsis: "The Transformers"
On the Saturn-sized mechanical world of Cybertron, life has evolved not through carbon bonding, but via "naturally-occurring gears, levers, and pulleys". The resultant sentient robots, the Autobots, live in peace for many eons, until some of their number fall victim to a lust for power. Rallying behind the banner of the powerful Megatron, these "Decepticons" rebuild their bodies, allowing them to change at will between a humanoid form and the form of various war machines. The Decepticons unleash a furious war on the Autobots, intending to conquer the planet and rebuild it as a cosmic dreadnought.
Faced with annihilation, the Autobots turn to a noble leader from their own ranks: Optimus Prime. Under his leadership, the Autobots, also now gifted with the ability to "transform", rally and counterattack. And thus, an all-consuming war rages across the planet for a thousand years, while the planet itself—dislodged from its orbit by the titanic battles—spins out of control through the cosmos.
Eventually Cybertron enters another solar system and is faced with destruction as it approaches an asteroid belt. Aboard a huge spacecraft dubbed the Ark, Optimus Prime leads a team of Autobots on a mission to clear a path through the asteroids. After the mission is completed, the Decepticons attack the weakened Autobot warriors. Facing inevitable defeat, Optimus Prime sends the Ark on a suicide course into a supposedly lifeless planet. The crash renders all the combatants inert.
Four million years later, a volcanic eruption reactivates the Ark's dormant computer, which finds the planet now teaming with mechanical "life". It reactivates the ship's passengers, rebuilding them to resemble the planet's natives. Damaged, the computer does not recognize friend from foe, and thus both factions are restored to life. After checking themselves over, the Decepticons flee for other parts, leaving the Autobots to make their home in the crashed Ark. Observing the planet, Optimus notes that they must work to save the planet from the Decepticons, whom they've accidentally unleashed upon it.
Optimus Prime sends a team of five, under the command of Prowl, to scout out the new world and make contact with the natives. En route, they are sighted by Decepticon spy Laserbeak. The Autobots mistake a drive-in movie theater for some kind of religious ritual; Bumblebee over-enthusiastically nudges a "native", violently jostling its teenage occupants Buster, Jesse and "O". As Buster and the others climb out to see what happened, the Decepticons attack, intent on keeping their foes from establishing an alliance with the planet's natives. The Autobots reluctantly transform and defend themselves, turning the drive-in into a battlefield. During the battle, Prowl realizes that the automobiles are not alive at all, but the small, pink creatures fleeing from them are; the Autobots retreat to draw the Decepticons' fire away from the apparently defenseless fleshlings.
During the battle, Buster hears the damaged Bumblebee cry out in pain, and ends up "driving" him away from the battlefield. That night, his father "Sparkplug" finds him tinkering with the yellow Volkswagen Beetle in his garage. He's delighted that his son is finally showing some interest in mechanics, but not so amused when the car cries out that it needs help, because it's dying...
Released: May 8th 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 1 Third Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 1 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1199985004
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Owner Comments
# 1 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
I still remember back sometime in the late '80, going to Winnipeg, Manitoba for Christmas and stoping at a comic book shop. There, we found the first 10-12 issues in the series (that I still have). Dad reluctantly bought the ones that I needed and said it would be part of my Christmas presents. He spent close to $50.00 for them. The first issue I remember buying was #9 from the local grocery store.
Synopsis: "The Transformers"
On the Saturn-sized mechanical world of Cybertron, life has evolved not through carbon bonding, but via "naturally-occurring gears, levers, and pulleys". The resultant sentient robots, the Autobots, live in peace for many eons, until some of their number fall victim to a lust for power. Rallying behind the banner of the powerful Megatron, these "Decepticons" rebuild their bodies, allowing them to change at will between a humanoid form and the form of various war machines. The Decepticons unleash a furious war on the Autobots, intending to conquer the planet and rebuild it as a cosmic dreadnought.
Faced with annihilation, the Autobots turn to a noble leader from their own ranks: Optimus Prime. Under his leadership, the Autobots, also now gifted with the ability to "transform", rally and counterattack. And thus, an all-consuming war rages across the planet for a thousand years, while the planet itself—dislodged from its orbit by the titanic battles—spins out of control through the cosmos.
Eventually Cybertron enters another solar system and is faced with destruction as it approaches an asteroid belt. Aboard a huge spacecraft dubbed the Ark, Optimus Prime leads a team of Autobots on a mission to clear a path through the asteroids. After the mission is completed, the Decepticons attack the weakened Autobot warriors. Facing inevitable defeat, Optimus Prime sends the Ark on a suicide course into a supposedly lifeless planet. The crash renders all the combatants inert.
Four million years later, a volcanic eruption reactivates the Ark's dormant computer, which finds the planet now teaming with mechanical "life". It reactivates the ship's passengers, rebuilding them to resemble the planet's natives. Damaged, the computer does not recognize friend from foe, and thus both factions are restored to life. After checking themselves over, the Decepticons flee for other parts, leaving the Autobots to make their home in the crashed Ark. Observing the planet, Optimus notes that they must work to save the planet from the Decepticons, whom they've accidentally unleashed upon it.
Optimus Prime sends a team of five, under the command of Prowl, to scout out the new world and make contact with the natives. En route, they are sighted by Decepticon spy Laserbeak. The Autobots mistake a drive-in movie theater for some kind of religious ritual; Bumblebee over-enthusiastically nudges a "native", violently jostling its teenage occupants Buster, Jesse and "O". As Buster and the others climb out to see what happened, the Decepticons attack, intent on keeping their foes from establishing an alliance with the planet's natives. The Autobots reluctantly transform and defend themselves, turning the drive-in into a battlefield. During the battle, Prowl realizes that the automobiles are not alive at all, but the small, pink creatures fleeing from them are; the Autobots retreat to draw the Decepticons' fire away from the apparently defenseless fleshlings.
During the battle, Buster hears the damaged Bumblebee cry out in pain, and ends up "driving" him away from the battlefield. That night, his father "Sparkplug" finds him tinkering with the yellow Volkswagen Beetle in his garage. He's delighted that his son is finally showing some interest in mechanics, but not so amused when the car cries out that it needs help, because it's dying...
Released: May 8, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 2 |
| Item: |
Transformers 2 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0969680009
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Owner Comments
# 2 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
Synopsis: "Power Play!"
In an effort to secure fuel sources and raw materials, the Decepticons attack a half-completed nuclear power plant. They walk off with stripped machine parts, leaving stunned humans in their wake.
Meanwhile, an injured Bumblebee has been taken to the garage of Sparkplug Witwicky by his son, Buster. After much pleading, Buster convinces his dad to fix the car, even though it's the middle of the night. Once repaired, Bumblebee transforms in front of the startled humans and enlists Buster's help to find fuel for the Autobots. As they drive back to the Ark, Bumblebee explains the war between the Transformers. Buster runs into his friends Jesse and "O", and explains that his car is from another planet (who knew?). They speculate with Bumblebee on the recent attack on the nuclear power plant, while Ravage, disguised as a cassette in "O"'s boom box, listens in on their conversation.
At the Ark, the Autobots are debating about whether they should just take the energy they need or offer humans Cybertronian technology in exchange. A distress signal from Bumblebee inspires Optimus Prime to lead an Autobot group to the Witwicky garage. Sparkplug agrees to help the Autobots convert human fuel sources into a form Transformers can use. However, the introductions between Prime and the humans are barely finished when the Decepticons attack.
The Autobots appear to gain the upper hand as a battle rages in Sparkplug's scrapyard, but Megatron arrives, makes short work of Bumblebee, and nabs Sparkplug. Optimus Prime forces the Decepticon leader to release the human. As he and Megatron throw car parts at each other, Starscream grabs Sparkplug and takes off. Their objective obtained, the rest of the Decepticons retreat. Buster begs the Autobots to follow and rescue his father, but the fuel-depleted bots fall to their knees, unable to even help themselves.
Released: July 10, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 2 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 2 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1202697004
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Owner Comments
# 2 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
Synopsis: "Power Play!"
In an effort to secure fuel sources and raw materials, the Decepticons attack a half-completed nuclear power plant. They walk off with stripped machine parts, leaving stunned humans in their wake.
Meanwhile, an injured Bumblebee has been taken to the garage of Sparkplug Witwicky by his son, Buster. After much pleading, Buster convinces his dad to fix the car, even though it's the middle of the night. Once repaired, Bumblebee transforms in front of the startled humans and enlists Buster's help to find fuel for the Autobots. As they drive back to the Ark, Bumblebee explains the war between the Transformers. Buster runs into his friends Jesse and "O", and explains that his car is from another planet (who knew?). They speculate with Bumblebee on the recent attack on the nuclear power plant, while Ravage, disguised as a cassette in "O"'s boom box, listens in on their conversation.
At the Ark, the Autobots are debating about whether they should just take the energy they need or offer humans Cybertronian technology in exchange. A distress signal from Bumblebee inspires Optimus Prime to lead an Autobot group to the Witwicky garage. Sparkplug agrees to help the Autobots convert human fuel sources into a form Transformers can use. However, the introductions between Prime and the humans are barely finished when the Decepticons attack.
The Autobots appear to gain the upper hand as a battle rages in Sparkplug's scrapyard, but Megatron arrives, makes short work of Bumblebee, and nabs Sparkplug. Optimus Prime forces the Decepticon leader to release the human. As he and Megatron throw car parts at each other, Starscream grabs Sparkplug and takes off. Their objective obtained, the rest of the Decepticons retreat. Buster begs the Autobots to follow and rescue his father, but the fuel-depleted bots fall to their knees, unable to even help themselves.
Released: July 10, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 2 Third Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 2 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1202697005
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Owner Comments
# 2 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
Synopsis: "Power Play!"
In an effort to secure fuel sources and raw materials, the Decepticons attack a half-completed nuclear power plant. They walk off with stripped machine parts, leaving stunned humans in their wake.
Meanwhile, an injured Bumblebee has been taken to the garage of Sparkplug Witwicky by his son, Buster. After much pleading, Buster convinces his dad to fix the car, even though it's the middle of the night. Once repaired, Bumblebee transforms in front of the startled humans and enlists Buster's help to find fuel for the Autobots. As they drive back to the Ark, Bumblebee explains the war between the Transformers. Buster runs into his friends Jesse and "O", and explains that his car is from another planet (who knew?). They speculate with Bumblebee on the recent attack on the nuclear power plant, while Ravage, disguised as a cassette in "O"'s boom box, listens in on their conversation.
At the Ark, the Autobots are debating about whether they should just take the energy they need or offer humans Cybertronian technology in exchange. A distress signal from Bumblebee inspires Optimus Prime to lead an Autobot group to the Witwicky garage. Sparkplug agrees to help the Autobots convert human fuel sources into a form Transformers can use. However, the introductions between Prime and the humans are barely finished when the Decepticons attack.
The Autobots appear to gain the upper hand as a battle rages in Sparkplug's scrapyard, but Megatron arrives, makes short work of Bumblebee, and nabs Sparkplug. Optimus Prime forces the Decepticon leader to release the human. As he and Megatron throw car parts at each other, Starscream grabs Sparkplug and takes off. Their objective obtained, the rest of the Decepticons retreat. Buster begs the Autobots to follow and rescue his father, but the fuel-depleted bots fall to their knees, unable to even help themselves.
Released: July 10, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 3 |
| Item: |
Transformers 3 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0969705005
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Owner Comments
# 3 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
The inclusion of Spider-Man in Transformers #3 was Jim Salicrup's idea in order to bolster sales.
Synopsis: "Prisoner Of War"
The Decepticons bring Sparkplug Witwicky to their fortress and Megatron deliberates internally on Starscream's loyalty. The Decepticons demand that Sparkplug create a method to convert gas into fuel compatible with their forms. A Korean War vet, Sparkplug equates his capture to his time spent as a POW in Korea and refuses, until he's forcefully persuaded.
Back at the Witwicky garage, Buster and his friends are wondering what to do next. Optimus Prime orders everyone back to the Ark for fuel and repairs, inviting Buster along the ride. When they arrive, he marvels at the size of the Autobots' headquarters.
Soundwave, Rumble and Starscream are out stealing components for Sparkplug's fuel conversion process, and their crime spree attracts attention from the press and world governments. As camera crews and the military surround the Decepticon fortress, photojournalist Peter Parker decides to switch to his alter ego Spider-Man in order to get some better shots of the action. He runs into Gears, and after a short tussle Gears proves that he's a good guy when he saves a crowd of humans from getting squashed flat by a tank. The Autobots team up with Spider-Man to break through the line of reporters and soldiers, and an all-out battle breaks out between the Decepticons and the Autobots.
Meanwhile, Gears and Spider-Man are making their way into the fortress. After a short scrap with Ravage, Gears and Spider-Man break in and steal Sparkplug from under Megatron's nose. The Decepticon leader shoots out the floor beneath them, and while Spider-Man saves Sparkplug, Gears' weight breaks the web Spider-Man tried to save him with and he plummets to the earth below.
On their return to the Ark, Buster and Sparkplug are reunited and the Autobots say goodbye to Spider-Man. Ratchet brings Gears back to a functional level and he informs the Autobots that the Decepticons got what they wanted out of Sparkplug. Dad, say it ain't so!
Released: October 2, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 3 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 3 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1202697006
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Owner Comments
# 3 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
The inclusion of Spider-Man in Transformers #3 was Jim Salicrup's idea in order to bolster sales.
Synopsis: "Prisoner Of War"
The Decepticons bring Sparkplug Witwicky to their fortress and Megatron deliberates internally on Starscream's loyalty. The Decepticons demand that Sparkplug create a method to convert gas into fuel compatible with their forms. A Korean War vet, Sparkplug equates his capture to his time spent as a POW in Korea and refuses, until he's forcefully persuaded.
Back at the Witwicky garage, Buster and his friends are wondering what to do next. Optimus Prime orders everyone back to the Ark for fuel and repairs, inviting Buster along the ride. When they arrive, he marvels at the size of the Autobots' headquarters.
Soundwave, Rumble and Starscream are out stealing components for Sparkplug's fuel conversion process, and their crime spree attracts attention from the press and world governments. As camera crews and the military surround the Decepticon fortress, photojournalist Peter Parker decides to switch to his alter ego Spider-Man in order to get some better shots of the action. He runs into Gears, and after a short tussle Gears proves that he's a good guy when he saves a crowd of humans from getting squashed flat by a tank. The Autobots team up with Spider-Man to break through the line of reporters and soldiers, and an all-out battle breaks out between the Decepticons and the Autobots.
Meanwhile, Gears and Spider-Man are making their way into the fortress. After a short scrap with Ravage, Gears and Spider-Man break in and steal Sparkplug from under Megatron's nose. The Decepticon leader shoots out the floor beneath them, and while Spider-Man saves Sparkplug, Gears' weight breaks the web Spider-Man tried to save him with and he plummets to the earth below.
On their return to the Ark, Buster and Sparkplug are reunited and the Autobots say goodbye to Spider-Man. Ratchet brings Gears back to a functional level and he informs the Autobots that the Decepticons got what they wanted out of Sparkplug. Dad, say it ain't so!
Released: October 2, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 3 Third Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 3 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1199985008
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Owner Comments
# 3 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
The inclusion of Spider-Man in Transformers #3 was Jim Salicrup's idea in order to bolster sales.
Synopsis: "Prisoner Of War"
The Decepticons bring Sparkplug Witwicky to their fortress and Megatron deliberates internally on Starscream's loyalty. The Decepticons demand that Sparkplug create a method to convert gas into fuel compatible with their forms. A Korean War vet, Sparkplug equates his capture to his time spent as a POW in Korea and refuses, until he's forcefully persuaded.
Back at the Witwicky garage, Buster and his friends are wondering what to do next. Optimus Prime orders everyone back to the Ark for fuel and repairs, inviting Buster along the ride. When they arrive, he marvels at the size of the Autobots' headquarters.
Soundwave, Rumble and Starscream are out stealing components for Sparkplug's fuel conversion process, and their crime spree attracts attention from the press and world governments. As camera crews and the military surround the Decepticon fortress, photojournalist Peter Parker decides to switch to his alter ego Spider-Man in order to get some better shots of the action. He runs into Gears, and after a short tussle Gears proves that he's a good guy when he saves a crowd of humans from getting squashed flat by a tank. The Autobots team up with Spider-Man to break through the line of reporters and soldiers, and an all-out battle breaks out between the Decepticons and the Autobots.
Meanwhile, Gears and Spider-Man are making their way into the fortress. After a short scrap with Ravage, Gears and Spider-Man break in and steal Sparkplug from under Megatron's nose. The Decepticon leader shoots out the floor beneath them, and while Spider-Man saves Sparkplug, Gears' weight breaks the web Spider-Man tried to save him with and he plummets to the earth below.
On their return to the Ark, Buster and Sparkplug are reunited and the Autobots say goodbye to Spider-Man. Ratchet brings Gears back to a functional level and he informs the Autobots that the Decepticons got what they wanted out of Sparkplug. Dad, say it ain't so!
Released: October 2, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 4 |
| Item: |
Transformers 4 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0764872011
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Owner Comments
# 4 IN A FOUR-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES
Introduction
Marvel's The Transformers was initially solicited as "a four-issue limited series" on the cover of issues one to four. Then it was changed to an ongoing series with issue five due to overwhelmingly positive reception and solid sales.
Synopsis: "The Last Stand"
Some of the Autobots accuse Sparkplug Witwicky of betraying them by giving the Decepticons the fuel conversion they needed. Panicked, Sparkplug and his son attempt to escape, but when Jazz blocks their path with a wall of flame, Sparkplug suffers a heart attack. He is rushed to the hospital by Ratchet and Buster.
Huffer tells Optimus Prime about a discovery he made in the Ark's memory banks: Just after the ship crashed, its barely functional computers detected the Decepticon Shockwave arriving on Earth in pursuit. With the last of its power, the Ark modified five Autobot warriors to combat him, thus creating the Dinobots. They traveled in a shuttle to the Savage Land to confront Shockwave, at which point contact was lost. Huffer has Ratchet dispatch a probe to search for the lost Dinobots.
At the hospital, Sparkplug undergoes emergency treatment and dreams of his Army service in Korea, where he was forced to repair North Korean vehicles. He further recalls sabotaging those vehicles...
With no new fuel sources forthcoming, the remaining Autobots are forced to make a desperate gamble to fight the Decepticons one last time. All the Autobots sacrifice their remaining fuel resources to Optimus Prime, Huffer, Ironhide, Bluestreak, and Mirage. These five prepare to fight the Decepticons within the volcano that the Ark has crashed into, as the Decepticons arrive to destroy the Autobots once and for all.
In the Savage Land, Huffer's probe has found something and starts to dig it out—until a giant purple hand crushes it...
Although the Decepticons begin to win the battle by virtue of their greater numbers, at the moment of apparent victory, the Decepticons all fall, writhing in internal agony. As he reveals to Buster at the hospital, Sparkplug had corrupted the fuel he provided to the Decepticons, and they are now poisoned. Optimus Prime proclaims the debt that they, and the entire world, owe to Sparkplug Witwicky.
But suddenly, a gigantic blast from above knocks out all the Autobot troops... and Shockwave stands supreme!
"NOT the end..."
Released: December 4, 1984
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| Slot: |
Transformers 5 |
| Item: |
Transformers 5 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1316525009
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Owner Comments
I still get chilles when I look at this cover as I did back then.
Synopsis: "The New Order"
Within the Ark, Shockwave observes a number of human television programs, and judges Earth's natives as quite primitive. As he walks past the deactivated Autobots, now strung from the ceiling for use as spare parts, he concludes that conquest of the planet "will be a simple task indeed."
Elsewhere in the vessel, the poisoned Decepticons are being revived. Shockwave explains to Megatron that, in light of this humiliating defeat, his leadership was clearly faulty, and it is only logical for Shockwave to take command. The weakened Megatron is in no condition to disagree... yet. Shockwave flies off to undertake his first conquest.
Meanwhile, as Sparkplug recovers from his heart attack, he makes Buster promise not to have anything more to do with the Transformers. Ratchet takes Buster back to the Ark to say his good-byes, only to discover that the Decepticons have taken over. Buster convinces Ratchet to stay outside while he sneaks in to investigate. Buster discovers the deactivated Autobots and despairs. When he realizes that Optimus Prime is not among them, he holds out hope, only to have that hope destroyed when he discovers Prime's detached head located in another room. Prime, still functional, informs Buster that he is the Autobots' last hope.
Released: February 1985
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| Slot: |
Transformers 6 |
| Item: |
Transformers 6 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0912374008
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Owner Comments
Synopsis: "The Worse Of Two Evils!"
Shockwave single-handedly attacks a high-tech oil rig belonging to industrialist G.B. Blackrock. The rig's defenses are largely ineffective, and Shockwave quickly conquers the platform. During the attack, electronics designer Josie Beller is severely injured.
Meanwhile, inside the Ark, Optimus Prime's still-living head instructs Buster to connect two wires from Prime's forehead to Buster's own. This results in an electric shock, knocking Buster unconscious. However, he remains unnoticed by the Decepticons, and returns to Ratchet to report his findings.
Megatron is still fuming when Shockwave announces his conquest to the other Decepticons. Unable to control his temper, he breaks free from his repair systems, and attacks Shockwave, blasting him across the Oregon landscape and into Vallemont school. But Megatron's injuries are not healed, leaving him vulnerable. Shockwave quickly defeats him, but refuses to grant him an honorable warrior's death, saying he has more value alive than dead... for now.
As witnessed by Ratchet and Buster, Shockwave returns to the Ark carrying Megatron's injured form. Shockwave uses the broken ex-leader as a demonstration to the other Decepticons of what they can expect if they challenge him... while outside, Ratchet and Buster huddle in despair.
Released: March 1985
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| Slot: |
Transformers 7 |
| Item: |
Transformers 7 Modern |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0957908017
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Owner Comments
Synopsis: "Warrior School!"
Walking through the woods in search of a road to drive Buster home, Ratchet and Buster meet up with a group of campers. As Ratchet demonstrates a new way to cook hot dogs, Buster experiences a severe head pain as an after-effect of his experience with Optimus Prime. Buster is taken home by the campers, leaving Ratchet free to deal with bigger problems.
Soundwave and Laserbeak use their innocuous alternate forms to infiltrate and take over another Blackrock Enterprises installation, this time an aerospace plant that builds jet fighters. Blackrock breaks the news to a hospitalized Josie Beller, who apparently designed this aerospace plant as well. Blackrock swears that the giant robots will be stopped, but Josie is already making plans of her own.
Ratchet returns to the Ark alone to verify Buster's findings, and soon finds the inert Autobots. He despairs upon finding the head of Optimus Prime, but Prime counsels him to fight as a warrior to defeat Megatron. Uncertain of what this might mean, Ratchet agrees.
Jessie and "O" attempt to cheer up Buster, who is wondering how to handle his father's flagging car repair business while he's recovering in the hospital. Buster explodes at the pair when they suggest that he can learn to repair cars just as easily as his hard-working father. After they leave, Buster is gripped by another head-splitting pain—and recovers to realize that several metal objects nearby were apparently floating in the air.
Ratchet soon finds Megatron, who easily overpowers him. But he manages to strike a deal, sealed with the sacred Rite of Oneness: Ratchet will destroy Shockwave, in exchange for the return of the Ark and the Autobots inside. If he fails, Megatron will destroy him; if he succeeds, Megatron resumes his leadership of the Decepticons and wins regardless.
Released: April 1985
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| Slot: |
Transformers 7 Second Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 7 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1199985010
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Owner Comments
Synopsis: "Warrior School!"
Walking through the woods in search of a road to drive Buster home, Ratchet and Buster meet up with a group of campers. As Ratchet demonstrates a new way to cook hot dogs, Buster experiences a severe head pain as an after-effect of his experience with Optimus Prime. Buster is taken home by the campers, leaving Ratchet free to deal with bigger problems.
Soundwave and Laserbeak use their innocuous alternate forms to infiltrate and take over another Blackrock Enterprises installation, this time an aerospace plant that builds jet fighters. Blackrock breaks the news to a hospitalized Josie Beller, who apparently designed this aerospace plant as well. Blackrock swears that the giant robots will be stopped, but Josie is already making plans of her own.
Ratchet returns to the Ark alone to verify Buster's findings, and soon finds the inert Autobots. He despairs upon finding the head of Optimus Prime, but Prime counsels him to fight as a warrior to defeat Megatron. Uncertain of what this might mean, Ratchet agrees.
Jessie and "O" attempt to cheer up Buster, who is wondering how to handle his father's flagging car repair business while he's recovering in the hospital. Buster explodes at the pair when they suggest that he can learn to repair cars just as easily as his hard-working father. After they leave, Buster is gripped by another head-splitting pain—and recovers to realize that several metal objects nearby were apparently floating in the air.
Ratchet soon finds Megatron, who easily overpowers him. But he manages to strike a deal, sealed with the sacred Rite of Oneness: Ratchet will destroy Shockwave, in exchange for the return of the Ark and the Autobots inside. If he fails, Megatron will destroy him; if he succeeds, Megatron resumes his leadership of the Decepticons and wins regardless.
Released: April 1985
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| Slot: |
Transformers 7 Third Printing |
| Item: |
Transformers 7 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1199985011
|
Owner Comments
Synopsis: "Warrior School!"
Walking through the woods in search of a road to drive Buster home, Ratchet and Buster meet up with a group of campers. As Ratchet demonstrates a new way to cook hot dogs, Buster experiences a severe head pain as an after-effect of his experience with Optimus Prime. Buster is taken home by the campers, leaving Ratchet free to deal with bigger problems.
Soundwave and Laserbeak use their innocuous alternate forms to infiltrate and take over another Blackrock Enterprises installation, this time an aerospace plant that builds jet fighters. Blackrock breaks the news to a hospitalized Josie Beller, who apparently designed this aerospace plant as well. Blackrock swears that the giant robots will be stopped, but Josie is already making plans of her own.
Ratchet returns to the Ark alone to verify Buster's findings, and soon finds the inert Autobots. He despairs upon finding the head of Optimus Prime, but Prime counsels him to fight as a warrior to defeat Megatron. Uncertain of what this might mean, Ratchet agrees.
Jessie and "O" attempt to cheer up Buster, who is wondering how to handle his father's flagging car repair business while he's recovering in the hospital. Buster explodes at the pair when they suggest that he can learn to repair cars just as easily as his hard-working father. After they leave, Buster is gripped by another head-splitting pain—and recovers to realize that several metal objects nearby were apparently floating in the air.
Ratchet soon finds Megatron, who easily overpowers him. But he manages to strike a deal, sealed with the sacred Rite of Oneness: Ratchet will destroy Shockwave, in exchange for the return of the Ark and the Autobots inside. If he fails, Megatron will destroy him; if he succeeds, Megatron resumes his leadership of the Decepticons and wins regardless.
Released: April 1985
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