Publishers / Marvel / The Transformers (1984) / #38
38March 1988
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.40 GBP

The Transformers #38

Marvel · March 1988 · on sale 1987-11-24

First appearance: Cerebros1 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
#38
Publication date
March 1988
Key date
1988-03-00
On-sale date
1987-11-24
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics
Price
$1.00; 1.25 CAD; 0.40 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 of Cerebros - 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: Frank Springer; inks: Dave HuntFortress Maximus, Lord Zarak, Scorponok, Spike Witwicky, Cerebros First, Galen
1Trial by Fire!comic story22script: Bob Budiansky; pencils: José Delbo; inks: Dave Hunt; colors: Nel Yomtov; letters: Bill OakleyArcana, Brainstorm, Chromedome, Duros, Fortress Maximus, Gort, Hardhead, Highbrow, Krunk, Lord Zarak, Mindwipe, Ratbat, Scorponok, Skullcruncher
2-in-house column1script: Carl Potts, Ann Nocenti; pencils: Rodney Ramos; inks: Rodney RamosCarl Potts
3This May Be the Chance You've Been Waiting For!promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: John Romita Jr.; inks: Al MilgromDoctor Octopus, Otto Octavius, Peter Parker, Spider-Man
4-letters page1script: Don Daley, Daryl Edelman
5Holiday Savings on Marvel Comicspromo (ad from the publisher)1letters: typeset

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; 1.25 CAD

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Transformers Compendium #1
ISBN 9781534373679		2025On eBay ›

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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

‹ #3738 of 80#39 ›

Sources

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