Skybound Entertainment has placed the Transformers and G.I. Joe together in the Energon Universe, a new shared universe that was launched, without prior announcement, in Void Rivals #1, which went on sale on June 14. Both G.I. Joe and the Transformers are owned by Hasbro, which had licensed them to IDW Publishing through 2022 (see “IDW’s G.I. Joe and Transformers Licenses to Conclude at End of Year”).
The reveal came with the appearance of the Transformer Jetfire in Void Rivals #1, by writer Robert Kirkman, artist Lorenzo De Felici, and colorist Matheus Lopes. On release day, Skybound announced that the comic marks the beginning of a new shared universe that will be the home for new G.I. Joe and Transformers stories. Three new releases will carry the story forward:
Transformers #1, by Daniel Warren Johnson and colorist Mike Spicer, will launch in October 2023 with a storyline that kicks off with both the Autobots and the Decepticons crash-landing on a new planet. With Optimus Prime missing and unaccounted for, a new power struggle begins on a new planet.
Duke #1, a limited series by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, and Jordie Bellaire, tells a new origin story of G.I. Joe and Cobra set the world where the Transformers have landed, with Duke kicking off the action when he investigates the Transformers. The first issue is scheduled for December 2023. This is the first of four planned G.I. Joe limited series that will reframe the story and the characters.
Cobra Commander #1, by Williamson, Andrea Milana, and Annalisa Leoni, due out in January 2024, follows one man’s attempt to harness the mysterious alien substance known as Energon.
“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,” said Kirkman, who is also the Chairman of Skybound, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “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.”
Source: ICv2
