The Transformers ##30
Marvel Comics • The Transformers (Vol. 1)
Writer
Bob Budiansky
Interior Artist
Jose Delbo
Cover Artist
Jose Delbo
Publication Date
July 1987
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (Captain America head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Title: 'The Last Autobot?' Inside, the story features the debut of the Throttlebots (Goldbug, Rollbar, Chase, Searchlight, Freeway, and Wideload). The plot involves G.B. Blackrock and his creation of the giant mechanoid 'The Centurion' to fight Decepticons.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate to heavy wear visible. Significant spine stress with multiple color-breaking ticks. Pronounced crease on the top-left corner through the 'Marvel' box. Visible blunting and wear on all four corners. Possible edge wear and slight tanning on the white borders. Dirt/smudging visible near the bottom edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $12.00; Graded (9.8): $150.00 - $200.00; This specific condition (4.0): ~$5.00
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (9.6-9.8) sell for significantly more due to registry sets, but mid-to-low grade raw copies typically sell in bulk or for under $10.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (CGC/CBCS) would exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. Professional cleaning and pressing would likely not improve the grade beyond a 5.0-5.5 due to color-breaking creases.
Notable Features
First appearance of the Throttlebots. Direct edition copy (indicated by the Spider-Man/Captain America face in the UPC box rather than a barcode).
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1987 Marvel original. Newsprint paper quality and color registration are consistent with Marvel's production standards of that era. No signs of restoration or reproduction visible.