The Transformers ##29
Marvel Comics • The Transformers Vol. 1
Writer
Bob Budiansky
Interior Artist
Don Perlin
Cover Artist
Herb Trimpe
Publication Date
June 1987
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Title of story: Crater Critters. This issue features the first comic book appearances of the Scraplets and the Triple Changers (Blitzwing and Astrotrain). The story follows Goldbug and the Throttlebots as they encounter a specialized plague of mechanical parasites known as Scraplets on Earth.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible minor spine stress ticks that do not appear to break color significantly. Slight corner blunting on the bottom right. Minor edge wear. Gloss remains high but shows some light surface scuffing over the dark background areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded 9.8: $150 - $200; Graded 7.5: $40 - $55
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold between $12 and $18 on eBay. CGC 9.8 copies have a higher premium due to the white cover's tendency to show aging.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless sentimental. While the copy is clean, the market value for a mid-tier issue from 1987 does not usually justify the $50+ cost of grading and shipping unless it is likely to hit a 9.6 or 9.8 grade.
Notable Features
First appearance of Scraplets; First appearance of Triple Changers; Captain America 25th Anniversary border (head shot in bottom left corner). This is a Direct Edition indicated by the graphic in the UPC box.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980s Marvel newsprint and cover stock. The color registration on the red Transformers logo is aligned properly. Staple placement is consistent with factory standards of the era.