Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #21
21October 1987 [October 1986]
$0.75; 0.40 GBP; 0.95 CAD

The Transformers #21

Marvel · October 1987 [October 1986] · on sale 1986-06-24

First appearance: SilverboltFirst appearance: SlingshotFirst appearance: Fireflight1 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
#21
Publication date
October 1987 [October 1986]
Key date
1986-10-00
On-sale date
1986-06-24
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.75; 0.40 GBP; 0.95 CAD
Pages
36

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

Why this issue matters

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

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

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

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

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

First appearance of Superion - 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
0Aerialbots over Americacover1pencils: Herb Trimpe; inks: Herb TrimpeAir Raid First, Dirge, Fireflight First, Ramjet, Silverbolt First, Skydive First, Slingshot First, Thrust
1Aerialbots over America!comic story23script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: Don Perlin; inks: Ian Akin, Brian Garvey; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Janice ChiangAir Raid First, Beachcomber, Blaster, Bombshell, Bumblebee, Circuit Breaker, Cosmos, Dirge, Donny Finkleberg, Fireflight First, Jetfire, Kickback, Megatron, Optimus Prime
2New Universepromo (ad from the publisher)1
3-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter
4Get Four Extra Issues When You Subscribe Now to Any Marvel Comicpromo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typesetPeter Parker, Spider-Man

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.75 USD; 0.95 CAD; barcode 0714860237910

Where to read it

CollectionYear
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

‹ #2021 of 80#22 ›

Sources

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