40 Years Later, The Transformers: The Movie Returns With A Twist

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Published Feb 14, 2026, 8:30 AM EST

John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.

Fans of The Transformers: The Movie are getting the collected edition they didn't even know they needed.

In a press release from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, the fan-favorite indie publishers are teaming up with Hasbro to produce the very first hardcover collected edition of both comic book adaptations of the infinitely iconic (and infamous) film. The official The Transformers: The Movie Deluxe Edition will roll into comic book stores everywhere on August 12.

The Transformers: The Movie Deluxe Edition will offer fans both Marvel Comics' classic three-part The Transformers: The Movie limited series from 1986 and IDW Publishing's four-part Transformers: The Animated Movie adaptation in a single collection for the very first time. The Transformers: The Movie Deluxe Edition will also feature a stunning piece of brand-new cover art by Batman: White Knight artist Sean Murphy.

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Senior Editor Nachie Marsham opened up about their personal experience with the original animated film, stating, "The Transformers: The Movie hit like a lightning bolt. Anyone who's seen it (including me!) has at least one moment forever burned into their memory. Reprinting both the original and the 20th anniversary adaptations in this new volume is a great way for folks to experience it all over again!"

Per the official press release from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, "Relive the legendary final battle between two legends, the heartbreaking fate of Optimus Prime, and witness the rise of a new generation of Autobots and Decepticons as they face the ultimate threat – Unicron! Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering the original saga for the first time, this deluxe hardcover is a must-have."

The Transformers: The Movie was directed by Nelson Shin from a screenplay by Ron Friedman, and gave fans a glimpse at a not-so-distant future for the franchise. Set two decades after the events of The Transformers Season 2, The Transformers: The Movie sees the Autobots' ongoing war against the Decepticons take a decidedly devastating turn with the tragic death of Optimus Prime in its opening moments.

The Transformers: The Movie Is Celebrating A Major Milestone

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Although The Transformers: The Movie only barely failed to make back its $6 million budget at the box office during its original run in theaters, the film has become a seminal piece of pop culture for countless fans across generations. In fact, the impact of The Transformers: The Movie is so profound that Hasbro has announced an upcoming "1986 Apology Tour," during which the film will make its way back into theaters, presumably in the hopes of breaking the hearts of audiences all over again in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Hasbro Vice President of Global Brand & Franchise Strategy for Action Brands Alyse D'Antuono said in a recent statement, "The Transformers: The Movie marked a defining moment for the franchise. From the emotional impact of Optimus Prime’s passing to the dynamic storytelling that followed, we recognize just how powerful, and unforgettable, that moment remains. This anniversary is about honoring the legacy, thanking fans for four decades of loyalty and passion as Hasbro and our partners mark this milestone across entertainment, toys, and surprises."

The Transformers: The Movie Deluxe Edition from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics goes on sale August 12.