CATALOG RECORD

The Transformers #4

Marvel · Series began 1984 · March 1985

first appearance of Grimlock, Shockwave, Sludge and others

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WHY COLLECTORS WANT IT

Grimlock (Transformers, Marvel) — introduction
Shockwave (Transformers, Marvel) — introduction
Sludge (Transformers, Marvel) — introduction
Slag (Transformers, Marvel) — introduction
Snarl (Transformers, Marvel) — introduction
Swoop (Transformers, Marvel) — introduction

Dates

Cover date: March 1985
On sale: November 13, 1984
In stores: November 14, 1984
Pages: 36

Values

Looking up values…

Editions and covers (3)

Copies of #4 are not all the same book. Here is how to tell each one apart.

Direct edition75¢ cover

Direct

No UPC barcode in the corner box: direct editions show artwork, a logo or a blank box there.
Source ↗
Newsstand edition75¢ cover

Newsstand

A UPC barcode in the cover's corner box.

Barcode 0714860237903 · shared with another edition
This edition’s page
Canadian price edition1.00 CAD cover

Canadian

Printed cover price 1.00 CAD.

Barcode 0714860237903 · shared with another edition
This edition’s page

Creators

pencils: Mark Texeira, Frank Springer, Jim Mooney, June Brigman, Sergio Aragonés, Archie Goodwin, Butch Guiceinks: Mark Texeira, Brian Garvey, Ian Akin, Mike Esposito, Bob Wiacek, Archie Goodwin, Sergio Aragonés, Butch Guicescript: Jim Salicrup, Archie Goodwincolors: Nel Yomtovletters: John Workman

Stories

The Last Stand · 22 pages
The Autobots have almost lost against the Decepticons in a last stand battle, but are victorious due to Buster's dad (Sparkplug) poisoning the fuel that recharged them earlier. However, the unexpected arrival of Shockwave (with untainted fuel in him) causes them to lose.

Publisher’s description

The Decepticons have been provided with a suitable fuel by the human Sparky Witnicky. As the Decepticons make their preparations for a final attack on the Autobots, the Autobots argue amongst themselves as to the actions of Sparky and the role of humans in general. During the argument, Sparky suffers a heart attack and is taken to the local hospital by the Autobot Ratchet. Finally, the Decepticons attack leading to a massive battle. When the Decepticons have essentially beaten the Autobots, the Decepticons all collapse due to a hidden acid Sparky put in the fuel he created for them. However, as the Autobots, fatigued from the battle, celebrate the apparent victory over the Decepticons, the Decepticon Shockwave appears to finish off the weakened Autobots.

Characters

Optimus PrimeMegatronStarscreamSoundwaveGrimlockShockwaveRatchetProwlBuster WitwickyJazzRavageWheeljackLaserbeakThundercrackerSkywarpBuzzsawHoundFrenzyIronhideSludgeSparkplug WitwickyRumbleGearsSlagSnarlSwoopBrawnSideswipeMirageBlue Streak

Reprinted in

The Transformers (1984), The Transformers Collected Comics (1985), Transformers (2001), The Transformers Classics (2011), Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection (2016), Transformers Compendium (2025)