Energon Universe (comics)

"Energon Universe"
PublisherSkybound Entertainment (Image Comics)
Publication dateJune 2023 – present
Genre
Main characters
Creative team
WriterVarious
ArtistVarious
LettererRus Wooton
ColoristVarious
Editors

The Energon Universe (EU) is an American mass media franchise and shared fictional universe created and overseen by Robert Kirkman, and being developed by Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro.[1]

The franchise is the successor of the Hasbro Comic Book Universe (2005–2018) by IDW Publishing, and features concepts and characters from old and new intellectual properties, including Transformers and G.I. Joe, among others.[2]

This article is about the comics featured in the franchise.

Publication history

Background

Before IDW Publishing lost the licenses to produce Transformers and G.I. Joe comics at the end of 2022, in December 2021, it was reported that Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics, was in talks with Hasbro to acquire those licenses.[5][6] Skybound would officially announce it in June 2023.[3]

Development

The Energon Universe debuted on June 14, 2023, with the original series Void Rivals, written by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Lorenzo De Felici and Conor Hughes, and colored by Matheus Lopes and Patricio Delpeche.[1] Kirkman and De Felici had previously worked together in another comic titled Oblivion Song.[7]

Kirkman said, "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."[8]

Michael Kelly, who was Vice President of Global Publishing on Hasbro until December 2023, added, “When we first discussed the plan for the surprise reveal in Void Rivals #1, I never expected it would be a secret we could keep for over a year. Now that it is finally here, we are all excited to finally be able to talk about all the amazing stories to come from our great new partners at Skybound.”[8]

Void Rivals is followed by a Transformers ongoing series and four G.I. Joe limited series featuring Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett, and Destro as main protagonists.[9] Kirkman also brought up the possibility of adding other action brands from Hasbro in the future,[10] and confirmed that they will not have more than four series running at once,[a] as well as not adding more titles (for now) to keep the line at a manageable, easy-to-follow size.[b]

In June 2024, Skybound officially announced the new G.I. Joe ongoing series that follows its four previous prequels.[11] In November 2024, Skybound announced deluxe editions during the coming years.[12]

In 2025, characters from the M.A.S.K. franchise were officially introduced into the universe. Matt Trakker (in the IDW version appearance) debuted in the G.I. Joe story of the 2025 Special, while Miles Mayhem debuted in Transformers #25.[13] In February 2026, Skybound officially announced a M.A.S.K. ongoing series for June 2025.[14]

Distribution and localization

Publisher Country Language Ref.
Ades Media Sweden Swedish N/a
Moztros Editorial Spain and Spanish [15][16]
Nagle Comics Poland Polish [17]
OVNI Press Argentina Spanish [18]
Panini Comics Brazil Portuguese N/a
Germany German N/a
saldaPress Italy Italian [19]
Szukits Kiadó Hungary Hungarian N/a
Tiandi Press China Chinese N/a
Urban Comics France French [20]

List of publications

Ongoing series

Title Writer Artist(s) Colorist(s) Debut date
Void Rivals[note 1] Robert Kirkman Lorenzo De Felici
Conor Hughes
Andrei Bressan 		Matheus Lopes
Patricio Delpeche 		June 14, 2023[1]
Transformers Daniel Warren Johnson (1–24)[21]
Robert Kirkman (25–)[22] 		Daniel Warren Johnson[21]
Jorge Corona
Jason Howard
Ludo Lullabi
Dan Mora[22] 		Mike Spicer
Sarah Stern
Adriano Lucas 		October 4, 2023[9]
G.I. Joe Joshua Williamson Tom Reilly
Andrea Milana
Marco Foderà 		Jordie Bellaire
Lee Loughridge
Tom Reilly 		November 13, 2024[11]
M.A.S.K. Dan Watters Pye Parr Pierluigi Casolino June 3, 2026[23]
  1. ^ Original series.

Limited series

Title Issues Writer Artist(s) Colorist Debut date Conclusion date
Duke[note 1] 1–5 Joshua Williamson Tom Reilly Jordie Bellaire December 27, 2023[9] April 24, 2024[24]
Cobra Commander[note 1] Andrea Milana Annalisa Leoni January 17, 2024[9] May 15, 2024[25]
Scarlett[note 1] Kelly Thompson Marco Ferrari Lee Loughridge June 5, 2024[26] October 9, 2024
Destro[note 1] Dan Watters Andrei Bressan
Andrea Milana 		Adriano Lucas June 19, 2024[26] October 16, 2024
  1. ^ a b c d G.I. Joe prequel series; Codename: G.I. Joe storyline.

Specials

Title Side story Writer Artist Colorist Release date
Energon Universe 2024 Special Void Rivals Robert Kirkman Lorenzo De Felici Matheus Lopes May 4, 2024 (Free Comic Book Day)[27]
May 8, 2024 (variant covers)[28]
Transfomers Daniel Warren Johnson Ryan Ottley Mike Spicer
G.I. Joe Joshua Williamson Jason Howard Annalisa Leoni
Energon Universe 2025 Special Void Rivals Robert Kirkman Conor Hughes Patricio Depelche May 3, 2025 (Free Comic Book Day)[29]
May 14, 2025 (variant covers)
Transfomers Daniel Warren Johnson Mike Spicer
G.I. Joe Joshua Williamson Andrea Milana Lee Loughridge
Energon Universe 2026 Special Void Rivals Robert Kirkman Conor Hughes TBA May 2, 2026 (Free Comic Book Day)[30]
Transfomers Jason Howard Mike Spicer
G.I. Joe Joshua Williamson Tom Reilly TBA
M.A.S.K. Dan Watters Pye Parr Pierluigi Casolino

Other

Title Writer Artist Release date
Energon Universe 2025 Aschan Robert Kirkman and Joshua Williamson Dan Mora and Tom Reilly July 27, 2024 (San Diego Comic-Con)
M.A.S.K. Preview/Ashcan #1 Dan Watters Pye Parr February 25, 2026

Story arcs

Main article: List of Energon Universe story arcs

Reception

Critical response

The EU comics have been receiving general positive reviews for their narrative, tone and complex storylines, with critics praising Void Rivals for the surprising guest appearances of several Transformers and G.I. Joe characters in each issue.[31]

Comic Book Round Up
Series Critic rating Ref.
Ongoing series
Void Rivals 8.4 [32]
Transformers 9.1 [33]
G.I. Joe 8.6 [34]
Limited series
Duke 8.7 [35]
Cobra Commander 8.5 [36]
Scarlett 8.3 [37]
Destro 8.4 [38]

Sales

Until March 2024, the franchise sold over one million copies of Void Rivals, Transformers, Duke and Cobra Commander in total.[39] Following their highly positive critics, reprints have been made.[40][41]

In June 2024, Transformers #10, Scarlett #2, Destro #2 and Void Rivals #11 were part of Image's Top 10 Comics in Direct Market.[42]

Accolades

Year Award Category Nominee Comic Result Ref.
2024 Eisner Awards Best Continuing Series Daniel Warren Johnson Transformers Won [43]
Best Lettering Rus Wooton N/a Nominated [43]
Best Writer/Artist Daniel Warren Johnson Transformers Won [43]
ComicBook.com Golden Issue Awards Best Artist Jorge Corona Transformers Won [44][45]
Best Colorist Jordie Bellaire G.I. Joe Nominated [44]
2025 Eisner Awards Best Coloring Jordie Bellaire Duke and G.I. Joe Won [46]
Best Writer Kelly Thompson Scarlett Nominated [46]

See also

Other universes

References

Notes

  1. ^ As depicted in the letters page for Void Rivals #3.
  2. ^ As depicted in the letters page for Void Rivals #15.

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c "Walking Dead Creator's New Series Is an Invincible-style Shared Sci-Fi Universe". CBR. 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  2. ^ "IDW Is Merging G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Its Other Hasbro Comics Into One Giant Universe". io9. June 2016. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
  3. ^ a b Schedeen, Jesse (2023-06-14). "Skybound Acquires Transformers and G.I. Joe Comic Book License". IGN. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  4. ^ Marston, George (2025-06-26). "The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is taking over Transformers, and he's bringing DC's best artist with him". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
  5. ^ Kit, Borys (2022-01-21). "IDW to Lose 'G.I. Joe,' 'Transformers' License at End of 2022 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  6. ^ Kit, Borys (2021-12-10). "Robert Kirkman's Skybound in Talks to Acquire G.I. Joe, Transformers Publishing License (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  7. ^ Wigler, Josh (2018-03-06). "'Walking Dead' Creator Begins New Chapter With 'Oblivion Song'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  8. ^ a b First Comics News (2023-06-14). "SURPRISE! TRANSFORMERS AND G.I. JOE LAUNCH A NEW SHARED COMIC BOOK UNIVERSE TODAY!". Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  9. ^ a b c d Salmon, Will (2023-06-14). "Skybound roll out a new shared Transformers and G.I. Joe universe - and it starts today!". gamesradar. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  10. ^ Cabaniss, Nathan (2023-09-01). "New Transformers Canon Could Include Other Hasbro Properties, Confirms Kirkman". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  11. ^ a b First Comics News (2024-06-27). "YO JOE! JOSHUA WILLIAMSON & TOM REILLY DEBUT NEW ENERGON UNIVERSE SERIES G.I. JOE #1". Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  12. ^ "Skybound Plans Energon Universe Hardcovers". icv2.com. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
  13. ^ Burlingame, Russ (October 9, 2025). "TRANSFORMERS rolls out the red carpet for another iconic '80s property in the Energon Universe". Comics Beat. Archived from the original on October 9, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  14. ^ "ComicsPRO: M.A.S.K. Joins the Energon Universe". icv2.com. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  15. ^ Muñiz, Igor Álvarez (2024-01-17). "Moztros publicará Transformers y G.I. Joe en España - Zona Negativa". Zona Negativa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  16. ^ Iglesias, Joel (2024-01-17). "Los Transformers aterrizan en Moztros". Tomos y Grapas (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  17. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  18. ^ OVNI Press (2025-01-08). ¡Prepárense, porque este año llega desde España el nuevo UNIVERSO ENERGON! 🚀🔥. Retrieved 2025-06-29 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ "L'Energon Universe arriva in Italia: il futuro è già qui!". saldaPress (in Italian). 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  20. ^ "L'Energon Universe arrive chez Urban Comics en 2024". Urban Comics (in French). 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  21. ^ a b Aguilar, Matthew (2024-08-23). "Transformers: Daniel Warren Johnson Reveals When His Image Comics Run Will End". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  22. ^ a b Marston, George (2025-06-26). "The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is taking over Transformers, and he's bringing DC's best artist with him". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
  23. ^ "ComicsPRO: M.A.S.K. Joins the Energon Universe". icv2.com. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  24. ^ Duke #5
  25. ^ Cobra Commander #5
  26. ^ a b Marston, George (2024-03-07). "GI Joe veterans Scarlett and Destro get their own titles as part of Skybound's Energon Universe". gamesradar. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  27. ^ Donohoo, Timothy (2023-11-14). "Skybound and Hasbro Announce Transformers and G.I. Joe Special". CBR. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  28. ^ Writer, Graeme McMillan Staff (2024-02-13). "Transformers and G.I. Joe headline Skybound and Hasbro's surprise Energon Universe Special this May". Popverse. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  29. ^ Brooke, David (2024-11-19). "'Energon Universe Special' 2025 set for Free Comic Book Day". AIPT. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  30. ^ Brooke, David (2026-01-08). "Skybound and Hasbro announce Energon Universe Special 2026 for Free Comic Book Day". AIPT. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
  31. ^ "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
  32. ^ "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-08-20. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  33. ^ "Transformers (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-09-11. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  34. ^ "G.I. Joe (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-09-19. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  35. ^ "Duke (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-08-21. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  36. ^ "Cobra Commander (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-08-20. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  37. ^ "Scarlett (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-08-29. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  38. ^ "Destro (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025-09-02. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  39. ^ Johnston, Rich (2024-03-12). "Robert Kirkman's Energon Universe Sold Over A Million Copies So Far". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
  40. ^ Donohoo, Timothy (2023-12-22). "Transformers Comics Get New Printings From Skybound and Hasbro". CBR. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  41. ^ Johnston, Rich (2024-06-14). "Printwatch: Void Rivals #1 Gets 9th Printing, Transformers #1 Gets 7th". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  42. ^ "Energon Universe, Witchblade Dominate Image's July Sales Charts". Comics. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  43. ^ a b c First Comics News (2024-05-16). "NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS". Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  44. ^ a b Adams, Tim (2024-12-06). "The 2024 ComicBook.com Golden Issue Awards Nominees for Comics". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-12-11.
  45. ^ Deschamps, Marc (2024-12-27). "Transformers' Jorge Corona Wins Best Artist (Golden Issue Awards 2024)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
  46. ^ a b Ross, Patrick (2025-05-15). "2025 Eisner Award nominees announced". AIPT. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
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