It’s official: Transformers and G.I. Joe are now part of a new, shared universe. Announced today by Skybound, the release of Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici’s Void Rivals #1 has ushered in the Energon Universe. While we won’t get into spoilers for the book itself, this is just the tip of the iceberg for these two major franchises.
Skyboudn took over both the Transformers and G.I. Joe comic book licenses from IDW recently. Rather ambitiously, Robert Kirkman and Skybound hatched a plan for an entire universe around these characters. In addition to Void Rivals, Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers #1 hits shelves in October. There are also four G.I. Joe limited series on the way beginning in December with Duke #1. Readers can also look for Cobra Commander #1 in January 2024. Kirkman had the following to say about it.
“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.”
Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s VP of Global Publishing, had this to add.
“When we first discussed 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.”
Here is the synopsis for Void Rivals.
“War rages around the Sacred Ring where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet these two enemies must find a way to escape together. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe?”
While specific details on how the characters and various books will connect have yet to be revealed, the whole thing was done in partnership between Skybound and Hasbro. The company says that the Engergon Universe will feature “both the characters and franchises you know and love, along with entirely new concepts.” On the G.I. Joe side, Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly are heading up the Duke series, with Williamson and Andrea Milana taking on Cobra Commander.
Void Rivals #1 is out now.
What do you think? Do you like the idea of a new shared universe for these characters? Do you plan on reading any of the books? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
