Jeepney Autobot graces cover of Transformers 40th anniv comic

An iconic Autobot will transform into the Philippines’ iconic jeepney in the cover of Transformers #1 40th Anniversary Edition, which will be released during the SuperManila Comic Con on September 7-8, 2024.

Inspired by his favorite animes, Filipino comic superstar Von Randal and colorists Ellery Santos and Rex Espino drew the limited edition Philippine variant cover showing Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, transforming into his iconic red truck form, and Hound, a beloved Autobot, transforming into a green Pinoy jeepney complete with chrome stallions as hood ornaments, a prominent Manila label, and route signages for Cubao and Welcome Rotonda.

This is a departure from Hound’s original Transformer form of a classic U.S. military jeep.

SuperManila organizer Ivan Guerrero said the team behind SuperManila really wanted an iconic Pinoy cover for the Philippines’ biggest comic convention this year.

“After reading the Transformers’ 40th anniversary issue and seeing that the character of Hound and his classic U.S. jeep form were prominently featured, we realized we had the opportunity of showcasing the beloved jeepney, at least for the comic book’s variant cover,” he said.

He noted the jeepney's immense historical and cultural significance in the country started after World War II, when U.S. military jeeps became a familiar sight on Philippine roads. “These eventually transformed (just like Hound!) into the iconic jeepney,” he said.

Guerrero said the SuperManila team first needed permission from both Image Comics and Hasbro before creating the special cover.

“A variant cover is very unique as you have the opportunity to localize the cover of an upcoming book and work with Filipino artists,” he said.

Organizers of SuperManila have previously released special variant covers for an Archie comic that was set in the Philippines, a comic book featuring a Filipina vampire slayer in Buffy, and some special covers for Marvel books featuring the Filipina superhero, Wave.

These special cover books are printed by the publishers in the US before being shipped to the Philippines.

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Only 1,000 copies have been printed of the special Philippine variant cover of the Transformers’ 40th anniversary issue. The issue, which was first published by Marvel in 1984, features the explosive first appearances of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, and the entire Transformers cast.

The special issue will be available at SuperManila Comic Con. Special guests in this year’s Comic Con include Marvel editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski, Eisner Award-winning artist Peach Momoko, legendary Marvel Secret Wars creators Bob Layton and Mike Zeck, acclaimed Filipino artists Carlo Pagulayan and Stephen Segovia, superstar cover artist Artgerm, and renowned toy designer and street artist Quiccs.

This year’s event is organized by Arigatoys, Ban Kee Trading, Comic Odyssey, and Filbar’s.