Image via De Laurentiis entertainment Group/courtesy Everett Collection
Published Jun 3, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT
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.
One of the Transformers franchise's most iconic (and gut-wrenching) stories is finally back after 40 years, and it is just as spectacular as ever.
There is just one day left before the first issue of Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment's The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Edition arrives in comic book stores everywhere. This brand-new printing of the classic comic book adaptation not only brings the original story back into the hands of fans today, but it also features stunning new covers from artists such as Sean Murphy, Clayton Crain, and Alan Quah.
The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Edition #1
Image via Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment- Written by RALPH MACCHIO
- Art by DON PERLIN
- Inks by BRIAN GARVEY & IAN AKIN
- Colors by NEL YOMTOV
- Letters by JANICE CHIANG
- Main cover art by SEAN MURPHY & SIMON GOUGH
- Variant covers by DON PERLIN, BRIAN GARVEY & IAN AKIN; E. J. SU; CLAYTON CRAIN; MICHAEL WATKINS; STEVEN AHOLA; LENO HERNANDEZ; and ALAN QUAH
The official solicit synopsis for The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Edition #1 from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment reads, "CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOVIE THAT DEFINED A GENERATION! Experience this new printing of the limited series adapting one of the most iconic animated films of all time — THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE! When Optimus Prime and Megatron wage their final battle on Earth...from the ashes rises a whole new beginning for the Autobots and Decepticons that is truly more than meets the eye! Re-presented on deluxe newsprint, this is the comic book celebration that no TRANSFORMERS fan can miss!"
Marvel Comics' classic The Transformers: The Movie comic book series ran for three issues in 1986, and gave audiences an opportunity to bring home all the harrowing and heartbreaking action for themselves. The series adapted the events of The Transformers: The Movie, as produced by some of the greatest names in the industry, such as the legendary Ralph Macchio and Don Perlin.
What Else To Expect From The Transformers: The Movie's Anniversary
Image via Sunbow ProductionsApart from the upcoming reprint series, The Transformers: The Movie was also reprinted by Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment for The Transformers: The Movie Deluxe Edition hard cover, which collects both the Marvel series and IDW Publishing's four-part Transformers: The Animated Movie adaptation in a single volume. Currently, The Transformers: The Movie Deluxe Edition is slated for release on August 12, which lines up almost perfectly with the original film's Aug. 8, 1986, release date.
Hasbro Vice President of Global Brand & Franchise Strategy for Action Brands, Alyse D'Antuono, previously said of the occasion and reprints, "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 40th Anniversary Edition #1 from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment goes on sale on June 3.
First Film Transformers
Latest Film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
First TV Show The Transformers
Latest TV Show Transformers: EarthSpark
Cast Peter Cullen, Wil Wheaton, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Luna Lauren Velez, Dominique Fishback
Transformers is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, such as vehicles and animals.
English (US) · 