Marvel Age of Transformers
@transformers40.bsky.social
Hi! I'm LZ! I'm celebrating 40 years of Transformers history with regular spotlights of artifacts throughout the generations, from common to extremely rare!
Pinned
I wanted to reboot this account and focus on the fascinating history of the Marvel Transformers comic. Marvel Age magazine is a wonderful time capsule and shares many insights to the publisher's activities.
Starting off with a house ad for some of the toy books at that time. Marvel Age #36 Mar 86
Starting off with a house ad for some of the toy books at that time. Marvel Age #36 Mar 86
MARVEL AGE 30
Sale Date: 6/11/85
Our regular artist, William Johnson, is MIA! Mike Manley [sic] is a fill-in artist for this issue, but Johnson is still on the schedule for Transformers 10 and 11. Meanwhile, Brad Joyce has been the scheduled inker since TF 7, but his only actual TF work was on #10.
Sale Date: 6/11/85
Our regular artist, William Johnson, is MIA! Mike Manley [sic] is a fill-in artist for this issue, but Johnson is still on the schedule for Transformers 10 and 11. Meanwhile, Brad Joyce has been the scheduled inker since TF 7, but his only actual TF work was on #10.
February 11, 2026 at 1:32 PM
MARVEL AGE 30
Sale Date: 6/11/85
Our regular artist, William Johnson, is MIA! Mike Manley [sic] is a fill-in artist for this issue, but Johnson is still on the schedule for Transformers 10 and 11. Meanwhile, Brad Joyce has been the scheduled inker since TF 7, but his only actual TF work was on #10.
Sale Date: 6/11/85
Our regular artist, William Johnson, is MIA! Mike Manley [sic] is a fill-in artist for this issue, but Johnson is still on the schedule for Transformers 10 and 11. Meanwhile, Brad Joyce has been the scheduled inker since TF 7, but his only actual TF work was on #10.
MARVEL AGE 29
On Sale 5/7/85
The big takeaway from this month's preview is the continuing listing of William Johnson as the artist for the Transformers series. He only ended up doing TF #7 and 8. We would have a revolving door of artists for several months.
On Sale 5/7/85
The big takeaway from this month's preview is the continuing listing of William Johnson as the artist for the Transformers series. He only ended up doing TF #7 and 8. We would have a revolving door of artists for several months.
February 8, 2026 at 2:28 PM
MARVEL AGE 29
On Sale 5/7/85
The big takeaway from this month's preview is the continuing listing of William Johnson as the artist for the Transformers series. He only ended up doing TF #7 and 8. We would have a revolving door of artists for several months.
On Sale 5/7/85
The big takeaway from this month's preview is the continuing listing of William Johnson as the artist for the Transformers series. He only ended up doing TF #7 and 8. We would have a revolving door of artists for several months.
MARVEL AGE 28
On Sale 4/9/85
Now we've arrived at the accurate month for the preview to Transformers #7 featuring the beginning of the long-lasting "partnership" of Ratchet and Megatron. William Johnson is the new artist for the series, and as you can see, was expected to be around for a while.
On Sale 4/9/85
Now we've arrived at the accurate month for the preview to Transformers #7 featuring the beginning of the long-lasting "partnership" of Ratchet and Megatron. William Johnson is the new artist for the series, and as you can see, was expected to be around for a while.
February 4, 2026 at 8:40 PM
MARVEL AGE 28
On Sale 4/9/85
Now we've arrived at the accurate month for the preview to Transformers #7 featuring the beginning of the long-lasting "partnership" of Ratchet and Megatron. William Johnson is the new artist for the series, and as you can see, was expected to be around for a while.
On Sale 4/9/85
Now we've arrived at the accurate month for the preview to Transformers #7 featuring the beginning of the long-lasting "partnership" of Ratchet and Megatron. William Johnson is the new artist for the series, and as you can see, was expected to be around for a while.
MARVEL AGE 27
On Sale 3/12/85
Well, this is unfortunate. We're finally up and running with a routine to preview three future issues of Transformers, and there is an editorial error. While this write up is for TF #6, the details are obviously for TF #7. This will be confirmed next issue.
On Sale 3/12/85
Well, this is unfortunate. We're finally up and running with a routine to preview three future issues of Transformers, and there is an editorial error. While this write up is for TF #6, the details are obviously for TF #7. This will be confirmed next issue.
January 28, 2026 at 5:49 PM
MARVEL AGE 27
On Sale 3/12/85
Well, this is unfortunate. We're finally up and running with a routine to preview three future issues of Transformers, and there is an editorial error. While this write up is for TF #6, the details are obviously for TF #7. This will be confirmed next issue.
On Sale 3/12/85
Well, this is unfortunate. We're finally up and running with a routine to preview three future issues of Transformers, and there is an editorial error. While this write up is for TF #6, the details are obviously for TF #7. This will be confirmed next issue.
MARVEL AGE 26
On Sale 2/12/1985
We're now heading into the regular Transformer series and Marvel Age's Coming Attractions feature lists the upcoming three months of comics on their schedule. I will now attempt to cram in all that TF goodness into one image. Here, we see the final team for TF #5!
On Sale 2/12/1985
We're now heading into the regular Transformer series and Marvel Age's Coming Attractions feature lists the upcoming three months of comics on their schedule. I will now attempt to cram in all that TF goodness into one image. Here, we see the final team for TF #5!
January 26, 2026 at 5:58 PM
MARVEL AGE 26
On Sale 2/12/1985
We're now heading into the regular Transformer series and Marvel Age's Coming Attractions feature lists the upcoming three months of comics on their schedule. I will now attempt to cram in all that TF goodness into one image. Here, we see the final team for TF #5!
On Sale 2/12/1985
We're now heading into the regular Transformer series and Marvel Age's Coming Attractions feature lists the upcoming three months of comics on their schedule. I will now attempt to cram in all that TF goodness into one image. Here, we see the final team for TF #5!
MARVEL AGE 25
On Sale 1/8/1985
January 1985 and we're one month closer to the launch of Transformers #5. But who will be the creative team? The artists announced in TF #4 are no longer on board. If Marvel Age #25 is to be believed, Frank Springer was set continue his run!
On Sale 1/8/1985
January 1985 and we're one month closer to the launch of Transformers #5. But who will be the creative team? The artists announced in TF #4 are no longer on board. If Marvel Age #25 is to be believed, Frank Springer was set continue his run!
January 24, 2026 at 3:29 PM
MARVEL AGE 25
On Sale 1/8/1985
January 1985 and we're one month closer to the launch of Transformers #5. But who will be the creative team? The artists announced in TF #4 are no longer on board. If Marvel Age #25 is to be believed, Frank Springer was set continue his run!
On Sale 1/8/1985
January 1985 and we're one month closer to the launch of Transformers #5. But who will be the creative team? The artists announced in TF #4 are no longer on board. If Marvel Age #25 is to be believed, Frank Springer was set continue his run!
MARVEL AGE 24
On Sale 12/11/1984
Just one week after Transformers #4, Marvel Age's Coming Attractions lists TF#5 on its schedule for February. Unlike other entries, no creative staff is listed.
By the way, I love that Rocket Raccoon is right there. A character that would be huge 30 years later.
On Sale 12/11/1984
Just one week after Transformers #4, Marvel Age's Coming Attractions lists TF#5 on its schedule for February. Unlike other entries, no creative staff is listed.
By the way, I love that Rocket Raccoon is right there. A character that would be huge 30 years later.
January 21, 2026 at 3:43 PM
MARVEL AGE 24
On Sale 12/11/1984
Just one week after Transformers #4, Marvel Age's Coming Attractions lists TF#5 on its schedule for February. Unlike other entries, no creative staff is listed.
By the way, I love that Rocket Raccoon is right there. A character that would be huge 30 years later.
On Sale 12/11/1984
Just one week after Transformers #4, Marvel Age's Coming Attractions lists TF#5 on its schedule for February. Unlike other entries, no creative staff is listed.
By the way, I love that Rocket Raccoon is right there. A character that would be huge 30 years later.
TRANSFORMERS 4
On Sale 12/4/1984
We've now caught up to the "final" issue of Marvel's TF comic, where its letters page revealed the news that it was going to be an ongoing series, though Marvel Age broke that news months earlier. Note the announced creative team. That will change very soon!
On Sale 12/4/1984
We've now caught up to the "final" issue of Marvel's TF comic, where its letters page revealed the news that it was going to be an ongoing series, though Marvel Age broke that news months earlier. Note the announced creative team. That will change very soon!
January 21, 2026 at 12:21 PM
TRANSFORMERS 4
On Sale 12/4/1984
We've now caught up to the "final" issue of Marvel's TF comic, where its letters page revealed the news that it was going to be an ongoing series, though Marvel Age broke that news months earlier. Note the announced creative team. That will change very soon!
On Sale 12/4/1984
We've now caught up to the "final" issue of Marvel's TF comic, where its letters page revealed the news that it was going to be an ongoing series, though Marvel Age broke that news months earlier. Note the announced creative team. That will change very soon!
MARVEL AGE 23
On Sale 11/6/1984
Woah! Spoiler alert! A month before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age maybe gives away a little more information than necessary.
On Sale 11/6/1984
Woah! Spoiler alert! A month before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age maybe gives away a little more information than necessary.
January 19, 2026 at 12:12 PM
MARVEL AGE 23
On Sale 11/6/1984
Woah! Spoiler alert! A month before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age maybe gives away a little more information than necessary.
On Sale 11/6/1984
Woah! Spoiler alert! A month before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age maybe gives away a little more information than necessary.
MARVEL AGE 22
On Sale 10/9/1984
TWO MONTHS before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age announced that the four-issue limited series would continue! The creative team for the ongoing series would be a very interesting topic as the months progress...
On Sale 10/9/1984
TWO MONTHS before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age announced that the four-issue limited series would continue! The creative team for the ongoing series would be a very interesting topic as the months progress...
January 17, 2026 at 4:38 PM
MARVEL AGE 22
On Sale 10/9/1984
TWO MONTHS before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age announced that the four-issue limited series would continue! The creative team for the ongoing series would be a very interesting topic as the months progress...
On Sale 10/9/1984
TWO MONTHS before the release of Transformers #4, Marvel Age announced that the four-issue limited series would continue! The creative team for the ongoing series would be a very interesting topic as the months progress...
MARVEL AGE 21
On Sale Sept 1984
Marvel Age previews the upcoming third issue of Transformers, featuring an appearance by Spider-Man! Despite Spidey and Nick Fury appearing in this issue (not to mention the Savage Land later on), Transformers was later stated as not being part of the 616 universe.
On Sale Sept 1984
Marvel Age previews the upcoming third issue of Transformers, featuring an appearance by Spider-Man! Despite Spidey and Nick Fury appearing in this issue (not to mention the Savage Land later on), Transformers was later stated as not being part of the 616 universe.
January 14, 2026 at 3:40 PM
MARVEL AGE 21
On Sale Sept 1984
Marvel Age previews the upcoming third issue of Transformers, featuring an appearance by Spider-Man! Despite Spidey and Nick Fury appearing in this issue (not to mention the Savage Land later on), Transformers was later stated as not being part of the 616 universe.
On Sale Sept 1984
Marvel Age previews the upcoming third issue of Transformers, featuring an appearance by Spider-Man! Despite Spidey and Nick Fury appearing in this issue (not to mention the Savage Land later on), Transformers was later stated as not being part of the 616 universe.
MARVEL AGE 20
On Sale August 7, 1984
I always liked the letter columns, but Transformers had very few in its first year. However, some TF letters would actually appear in Marvel Age. This letter hilariously applauds the vary rare instance of Marvel advertising a comic on television.
On Sale August 7, 1984
I always liked the letter columns, but Transformers had very few in its first year. However, some TF letters would actually appear in Marvel Age. This letter hilariously applauds the vary rare instance of Marvel advertising a comic on television.
January 5, 2026 at 9:34 PM
MARVEL AGE 20
On Sale August 7, 1984
I always liked the letter columns, but Transformers had very few in its first year. However, some TF letters would actually appear in Marvel Age. This letter hilariously applauds the vary rare instance of Marvel advertising a comic on television.
On Sale August 7, 1984
I always liked the letter columns, but Transformers had very few in its first year. However, some TF letters would actually appear in Marvel Age. This letter hilariously applauds the vary rare instance of Marvel advertising a comic on television.
MARVEL AGE 19
On Sale July 10, 1984
With Transformers being fresh bi-monthly title, comic updates at this time are limited. However, MA #19 posted a crazy-long list of their "Marvel Books" publications, including upcoming releases. Here are the scans edited to focus on Transformers titles.
On Sale July 10, 1984
With Transformers being fresh bi-monthly title, comic updates at this time are limited. However, MA #19 posted a crazy-long list of their "Marvel Books" publications, including upcoming releases. Here are the scans edited to focus on Transformers titles.
January 3, 2026 at 9:59 PM
MARVEL AGE 19
On Sale July 10, 1984
With Transformers being fresh bi-monthly title, comic updates at this time are limited. However, MA #19 posted a crazy-long list of their "Marvel Books" publications, including upcoming releases. Here are the scans edited to focus on Transformers titles.
On Sale July 10, 1984
With Transformers being fresh bi-monthly title, comic updates at this time are limited. However, MA #19 posted a crazy-long list of their "Marvel Books" publications, including upcoming releases. Here are the scans edited to focus on Transformers titles.
MARVEL AGE 18
On Sale June 5, 1984
Only one week after the release of the first Marvel Transformers comic, Coming Attractions would reveal the plot for TF #2, while Newswatch would report Bill Mantlo would be departing the series handing off to Jim Salicrup.
On Sale June 5, 1984
Only one week after the release of the first Marvel Transformers comic, Coming Attractions would reveal the plot for TF #2, while Newswatch would report Bill Mantlo would be departing the series handing off to Jim Salicrup.
December 29, 2025 at 8:59 PM
MARVEL AGE 18
On Sale June 5, 1984
Only one week after the release of the first Marvel Transformers comic, Coming Attractions would reveal the plot for TF #2, while Newswatch would report Bill Mantlo would be departing the series handing off to Jim Salicrup.
On Sale June 5, 1984
Only one week after the release of the first Marvel Transformers comic, Coming Attractions would reveal the plot for TF #2, while Newswatch would report Bill Mantlo would be departing the series handing off to Jim Salicrup.
MARVEL AGE 17
On sale May 8, 1984
Believe it or not, this unsuspecting issue of Marvel Age is more significant than meets the eye. Released three full weeks before Marvel's Transformers #1, this magazine gave readers their first glimpse at the upcoming limited series. (more coming...)
On sale May 8, 1984
Believe it or not, this unsuspecting issue of Marvel Age is more significant than meets the eye. Released three full weeks before Marvel's Transformers #1, this magazine gave readers their first glimpse at the upcoming limited series. (more coming...)
December 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
MARVEL AGE 17
On sale May 8, 1984
Believe it or not, this unsuspecting issue of Marvel Age is more significant than meets the eye. Released three full weeks before Marvel's Transformers #1, this magazine gave readers their first glimpse at the upcoming limited series. (more coming...)
On sale May 8, 1984
Believe it or not, this unsuspecting issue of Marvel Age is more significant than meets the eye. Released three full weeks before Marvel's Transformers #1, this magazine gave readers their first glimpse at the upcoming limited series. (more coming...)
I wanted to reboot this account and focus on the fascinating history of the Marvel Transformers comic. Marvel Age magazine is a wonderful time capsule and shares many insights to the publisher's activities.
Starting off with a house ad for some of the toy books at that time. Marvel Age #36 Mar 86
Starting off with a house ad for some of the toy books at that time. Marvel Age #36 Mar 86
December 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
I wanted to reboot this account and focus on the fascinating history of the Marvel Transformers comic. Marvel Age magazine is a wonderful time capsule and shares many insights to the publisher's activities.
Starting off with a house ad for some of the toy books at that time. Marvel Age #36 Mar 86
Starting off with a house ad for some of the toy books at that time. Marvel Age #36 Mar 86
Reposted by Marvel Age of Transformers
Circuit Breaker, by @natphoenix25.bsky.social with colors by me.
July 13, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Circuit Breaker, by @natphoenix25.bsky.social with colors by me.
Pictured here is a layout sketch by Bob Budiansky along with its final counterpart by Frank Springer for Marvel's Transformers: Headmasters spinoff series.
Interesting to see that Kup was considered for the center spot. That could explain the absence of Hot Rod's spoiler.
Both from my collection.
Interesting to see that Kup was considered for the center spot. That could explain the absence of Hot Rod's spoiler.
Both from my collection.
May 6, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Pictured here is a layout sketch by Bob Budiansky along with its final counterpart by Frank Springer for Marvel's Transformers: Headmasters spinoff series.
Interesting to see that Kup was considered for the center spot. That could explain the absence of Hot Rod's spoiler.
Both from my collection.
Interesting to see that Kup was considered for the center spot. That could explain the absence of Hot Rod's spoiler.
Both from my collection.
Reposted by Marvel Age of Transformers
Here is a note that was just sent out by BBTS regarding tariffs and how they will be operating with them going forward.
April 10, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Here is a note that was just sent out by BBTS regarding tariffs and how they will be operating with them going forward.
I stumbled across Hot Wheels Ultra Magnus this morning.
I still have never seen Optimus Prime.
I still have never seen Optimus Prime.
February 18, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I stumbled across Hot Wheels Ultra Magnus this morning.
I still have never seen Optimus Prime.
I still have never seen Optimus Prime.
Still one of the best ever.
February 6, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Still one of the best ever.
Form Blazing Sword!
January 30, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Form Blazing Sword!
This.
This is what the mainline of the Dynamite Transformers trading card series should have looked like. The best stuff was used for expensive gimmick sets.
And I fell for it.
Sigh.
This is what the mainline of the Dynamite Transformers trading card series should have looked like. The best stuff was used for expensive gimmick sets.
And I fell for it.
Sigh.
January 25, 2025 at 12:40 AM
This.
This is what the mainline of the Dynamite Transformers trading card series should have looked like. The best stuff was used for expensive gimmick sets.
And I fell for it.
Sigh.
This is what the mainline of the Dynamite Transformers trading card series should have looked like. The best stuff was used for expensive gimmick sets.
And I fell for it.
Sigh.
Reposted by Marvel Age of Transformers
POWER OF THE PRIMES EVOLUTION RODIMUS PRIME (2017)
I really liked the concept of the Evolution toys from POTP. Like the old G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime, you have a smaller figure that combines with its trailer to form the superbot. Hot Rod here can upgrade and become the torso of Rodimus Prime!
I really liked the concept of the Evolution toys from POTP. Like the old G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime, you have a smaller figure that combines with its trailer to form the superbot. Hot Rod here can upgrade and become the torso of Rodimus Prime!
June 17, 2024 at 1:52 PM
POWER OF THE PRIMES EVOLUTION RODIMUS PRIME (2017)
I really liked the concept of the Evolution toys from POTP. Like the old G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime, you have a smaller figure that combines with its trailer to form the superbot. Hot Rod here can upgrade and become the torso of Rodimus Prime!
I really liked the concept of the Evolution toys from POTP. Like the old G1 Powermaster Optimus Prime, you have a smaller figure that combines with its trailer to form the superbot. Hot Rod here can upgrade and become the torso of Rodimus Prime!
"No treats for Bruticus?
Bruticus hates you all!"
Bruticus hates you all!"
January 22, 2025 at 4:13 PM
"No treats for Bruticus?
Bruticus hates you all!"
Bruticus hates you all!"