Dustin Gebel
Skybound announces the launch of a new shared comic book universe, spinning out of today’s Void Rivals #1. The Energon Universe will see Skybound publishing comics based on Transformers and G.I. Joe, in a partnership with Hasbro Delight. Along with Void Rivals, three upcoming titles have been revealed along with their creative teams.
Void Rivals #1 from writer Robert Kirkman, artist Lorenzo De Felici, colorist Mattheus Lopes, and letterer Rus Wooton, ended with the reveal that this series was stealth launching the interconnected universe. Review and advanced copies of the issue had four pages redacted due to the nature of the reveal, as a Transformer character makes their appearance in those pages.
In the press release, Kirkman spoke about setting up the shared universe:
“It’s a tremendous honor to be able to reintroduce this world to a new audience under the Skybound banner. I’ve loved these characters for most of my life and to have the opportunity to add to the already rich tapestry Hasbro has built with the all-new Void Rivals is an unbelievable opportunity. If you look at everything done with Transformers and G.I. Joe, you can see the inkling of a vast universe with tremendous potential for crossovers and interaction that will enhance the fan experience while staying true to the individual identities of both concepts. I look forward to exploring that potential for years to come.”
The first of the three new titles is the flagship Transformers series, which will reunite writer/artist/letterer Daniel Warren Johnson and colorist Matt Spicer. The pair recently finished Do a Powerbomb for Skybound, and will now reignite the war between the Autobots and Decepticons on earth. The series will launch this October with a new #1 and promises to define a new era for the robots in disguise.
Johnson stated in the press release:
“To my readers, retailers, and fellow transformer fans: GET READY! I’ve only been drawing Optimus Prime and the rest of this amazing cast since I was in FIRST GRADE. This is a dream project for me, and I’m so glad to be adding a new chapter to the decades long celebration of robots turning into cars. Also, cab-over trucks are so fun to draw!”
The second title confirmed is Duke #1, the first issue in a limited series from writer Joshua Williamson, artist Tom Reilly, and colorist Jordie Bellaire. The miniseries reveals the secret origins of the G.I. Joes and Cobra, set against the backdrop of the Autobots and Decepticons appearing. Duke is also slated to kick off four limited series from Skybound that connect to the larger Energon universe.
Artist Tom Reilly discussed his inspiration for the series:
“I’m super excited to be working with Josh and the team at Skybound to usher in a new beginning for these iconic characters,” said Tom Reilly. “The Joes have a rich history in comics, one that we look forward to adding something new and exciting to. It’s going to be a fun ride!”
The third series announced is Cobra Commander #1, also from Williamson with art by Andrea Milana and colors by Annalisa Leoni, which is slated for a January 2024 release date. The limited series will follow up on Duke and see a villain taking advantage of the newly introduced Energon to set a dark agenda into motion.
Writer Joshua Williamson describes his connection to the G.I. Joes and Cobra in the press release:
“Childhood dreams come true! Get hyped! Tom and I are bringing you a new take on Duke and the formation of G.I. Joe that honors all that we love about the characters but takes it into a new and exciting direction,” said Joshua Williamson. “It’s been awesome working with Skybound and Hasbro to bring this new take on the G.I. Joe franchise. For the last few years, I’ve been picking up all of the new G.I. Classified figures, so I am pumped to contribute to this new world of G.I. Joe and Transformers!”
Alongside the announcement of the three series, Skybound has also revealed a first look at Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s cover for Transformers #1, which can be seen below:
Void Rivals #1 is available today at?comic book shops?and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play. Transformers #1, Duke #1, and Cobra Commander #1 are available for preorder right now at their local comic book shops.
Stay tuned to Comic Watch for more coverage of the burgeoning Energon Shared Universe.
