Energon Universe (comics)
| "Energon Universe" | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Skybound Entertainment (Image Comics) |
| Publication date | June2023– present |
| Genre | |
| Main characters |
|
| Creative team | |
| Writer | Various |
| Artist | Various |
| Letterer | Rus Wooton |
| Colorist | Various |
| 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
[edit ]
Background
[edit ]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
[edit ]Phase One
[edit ]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]
Phase Two
[edit ]In 2025, characters from the M.A.S.K. franchise were officially introduced into the universe. Matt Trakker[c] 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
[edit ]| Publisher | Country | Language | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ades Media | Sweden | Swedish | N/a |
| Moztros Editorial | Spain | 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
[edit ]Ongoing series
[edit ]| 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 | Simon "Pye" Parr | Pierluigi Casolino | June 3, 2026[23] |
- ↑ Original series.
Limited series
[edit ]| 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 |
Specials
[edit ]| 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 | Patricio Delpeche | May 2, 2026 (Free Comic Book Day)[30] May 6, 2025 (variant covers) |
| Transfomers | Jason Howard | Mike Spicer | ||
| G.I. Joe | Joshua Williamson | Tom Reilly | Lee Loughridge | |
| M.A.S.K. | Dan Watters | Simon "Pye" Parr | ||
One-shots
[edit ]| Title | Writers | Artists | Colorists | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A.S.K. Origins | Robert Kirkman and Joshua Williamson | Andrea Milana and Dan Mora | Lee Loughridge and Mike Spicer | June 3, 2026 |
| Rom | Robert Kirkman | Lorenzo De Felici | Matheus Lopes |
Other
[edit ]| Title | Writers | Artists | 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 | Simon "Pye" Parr | February 25, 2026 |
Story arcs
[edit ]| Series | Volume | Story arc | Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Void Rivals | 1 | "More than Meets the Eye" | 6 | |
| 2 | "Hunted Across the Wasteland" | 6 + 2024 Special | ||
| 3 | "The Key to Vector Theta" | 6 | ||
| 4 | "First Chosen" | 6 | ||
| 5 | "Quintesson War" | 6 + 2025 Special | ||
| Transformers | 1 | "Robots in Disguise" | 6 | |
| 2 | "Transport to Oblivion" | 6 | ||
| 3 | "Combiner Chaos" | 6 + 2024 Special | ||
| 4 | "Conquer and Control" | 6 + 2025 Special | ||
| 5 | "Generation One" | 6 | ||
| 6 | "Decepticons Attack!" | 6 | ||
| Duke | 1 | "Knowing is Half the Battle" | 5 + 2024 Special | |
| Cobra Commander | 1 | "Determined to Rule the World" | 5 | |
| Scarlett | 1 | "Secret Mission" | 5 | |
| Destro | 1 | "The Enemy" | 5 | |
| G.I. Joe | 1 | "The Cobra Strikes!" | 6 | |
| 2 | "Bludd's Revenge" | 6 + 2025 Special | ||
| 3 | "Dreadnok War" | 6 | ||
| 4 | "The Hunt for Energon" | 6 | ||
| 5 | "Night Force" | 6 + 2026 Special | ||
| M.A.S.K. | 1 | "The Ultimate Weapon" | 6 + 2026 Special | |
Reception
[edit ]Critical response
[edit ]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]
| Series | Critic rating | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing series | ||
| Void Rivals | 8.4 | [32] |
| Transformers | 9.1 | [33] |
| G.I. Joe | 8.6 | [34] |
| M.A.S.K. | 8.8 | [35] |
| Limited series | ||
| Duke | 8.7 | [36] |
| Cobra Commander | 8.5 | [37] |
| Scarlett | 8.3 | [38] |
| Destro | 8.4 | [39] |
| Other | ||
| Annual specials | 9.2 | [40] |
Sales
[edit ]Until March 2024, the franchise sold over one million copies of Void Rivals, Transformers, Duke and Cobra Commander in total.[41] Following their highly positive critics, reprints have been made.[42] [43]
In June 2024, Transformers #10, Scarlett #2, Destro #2 and Void Rivals #11 were part of Image's Top 10 Comics in Direct Market.[44]
Accolades
[edit ]| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Comic | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Eisner Awards | Best Continuing Series | Daniel Warren Johnson | Transformers | Won | [45] |
| Best Lettering | Rus Wooton | N/a | Nominated | [45] | ||
| Best Writer/Artist | Daniel Warren Johnson | Transformers | Won | [45] | ||
| ComicBook.com Golden Issue Awards | Best Artist | Jorge Corona | Transformers | Won | [46] [47] | |
| Best Colorist | Jordie Bellaire | G.I. Joe | Nominated | [46] | ||
| 2025 | Eisner Awards | Best Coloring | Jordie Bellaire | Duke and G.I. Joe | Won | [48] |
| Best Writer | Kelly Thompson | Scarlett | Nominated | [48] |
See also
[edit ]- List of comics based on Hasbro properties
- G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, an unrelated G.I. Joe series published by Skybound
- Hasbro Universe
- Hasbro Comic Book Universe by (2005–2018)
Other universes
[edit ]- DC Universe by DC Comics (1938–present)
- Marvel Universe by Marvel Comics (1940–present)
- Comics' Greatest World by Dark Horse Comics (1990–2000)
- Valiant Universe by Valiant Comics (1992–present)
- Image Universe by Image Comics (1992–present)
- Sigilverse by CrossGen Comics (2000–2004)
- Stan Lee Universe by Boom! Studios (2010–2011)
- MonsterVerse by Legendary Comics (2014–present)
- Catalyst Prime by Lion Forge Comics and Oni Press (2017–2023)
- H1 Ignition by Humanoids Publishing (2019–2021)
- The Resistance y AWA Studios (2020–2024)
- Massive-Verse by Image Comics and Black Market Narrative (2021–present)
- NacelleVerse by The Nacelle Company Oni Press (2024–present)
- Underworld by Mad Cave Studios (2024–present)
References
[edit ]Notes
[edit ]Footnotes
[edit ]- 1 2 3 "Walking Dead Creator's New Series Is an Invincible-style Shared Sci-Fi Universe". CBR. 2023年05月16日. Retrieved 2023年06月11日.
- ↑ "IDW Is Merging G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Its Other Hasbro Comics Into One Giant Universe". io9. June 2016. Retrieved 2020年12月30日.
- 1 2 Schedeen, Jesse (2023年06月14日). "Skybound Acquires Transformers and G.I. Joe Comic Book License". IGN. Retrieved 2024年01月18日.
- ↑ Marston, George (2025年06月26日). "The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is taking over Transformers, and he's bringing DC's best artist with him". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 2025年06月26日.
- ↑ Kit, Borys (2022年01月21日). "IDW to Lose 'G.I. Joe,' 'Transformers' License at End of 2022 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023年06月11日.
- ↑ Kit, Borys (2021年12月10日). "Robert Kirkman's Skybound in Talks to Acquire G.I. Joe, Transformers Publishing License (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023年06月11日.
- ↑ Wigler, Josh (2018年03月06日). "'Walking Dead' Creator Begins New Chapter With 'Oblivion Song'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023年06月12日.
- 1 2 First Comics News (2023年06月14日). "SURPRISE! TRANSFORMERS AND G.I. JOE LAUNCH A NEW SHARED COMIC BOOK UNIVERSE TODAY!" . Retrieved 2023年06月14日.
- 1 2 3 4 Salmon, Will (2023年06月14日). "Skybound roll out a new shared Transformers and G.I. Joe universe - and it starts today!". gamesradar. Retrieved 2023年06月14日.
- ↑ Cabaniss, Nathan (2023年09月01日). "New Transformers Canon Could Include Other Hasbro Properties, Confirms Kirkman". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023年11月08日.
- 1 2 First Comics News (2024年06月27日). "YO JOE! JOSHUA WILLIAMSON & TOM REILLY DEBUT NEW ENERGON UNIVERSE SERIES G.I. JOE #1" . Retrieved 2024年06月27日.
- ↑ "Skybound Plans Energon Universe Hardcovers". icv2.com. Retrieved 2024年12月02日.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "ComicsPRO: M.A.S.K. Joins the Energon Universe". icv2.com. Retrieved 2026年02月21日.
- ↑ Muñiz, Igor Álvarez (2024年01月17日). "Moztros publicará Transformers y G.I. Joe en España - Zona Negativa". Zona Negativa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024年01月18日.
- ↑ Iglesias, Joel (2024年01月17日). "Los Transformers aterrizan en Moztros". Tomos y Grapas (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024年01月18日.
- ↑ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024年04月10日.
- ↑ OVNI Press (2025年01月08日). ¡Prepárense, porque este año llega desde España el nuevo UNIVERSO ENERGON! 🚀🔥 . Retrieved 2025年06月29日 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "L'Energon Universe arriva in Italia: il futuro è già qui!". saldaPress (in Italian). 2024年04月17日. Retrieved 2024年04月22日.
- ↑ "L'Energon Universe arrive chez Urban Comics en 2024". Urban Comics (in French). 2024年02月08日. Retrieved 2024年02月10日.
- 1 2 Aguilar, Matthew (2024年08月23日). "Transformers: Daniel Warren Johnson Reveals When His Image Comics Run Will End". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2025年04月07日.
- 1 2 Marston, George (2025年06月26日). "The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is taking over Transformers, and he's bringing DC's best artist with him". GamesRadar+. Retrieved 2025年06月26日.
- ↑ "ComicsPRO: M.A.S.K. Joins the Energon Universe". icv2.com. Retrieved 2026年02月21日.
- ↑ Duke #5
- ↑ Cobra Commander #5
- 1 2 Marston, George (2024年03月07日). "GI Joe veterans Scarlett and Destro get their own titles as part of Skybound's Energon Universe". gamesradar. Retrieved 2024年03月08日.
- ↑ Donohoo, Timothy (2023年11月14日). "Skybound and Hasbro Announce Transformers and G.I. Joe Special". CBR. Retrieved 2023年11月15日.
- ↑ Writer, Graeme McMillan Staff (2024年02月13日). "Transformers and G.I. Joe headline Skybound and Hasbro's surprise Energon Universe Special this May". Popverse. Retrieved 2024年02月21日.
- ↑ Brooke, David (2024年11月19日). "'Energon Universe Special' 2025 set for Free Comic Book Day". AIPT. Retrieved 2025年04月07日.
- ↑ Brooke, David (2026年01月08日). "Skybound and Hasbro announce Energon Universe Special 2026 for Free Comic Book Day". AIPT. Retrieved 2026年01月08日.
- ↑ "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023年06月22日.
- ↑ "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年08月20日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "Transformers (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年09月11日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "G.I. Joe (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年09月19日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "M.A.S.K. (2026) Reviews". Comic Book RoundUp. Retrieved 2026年06月13日.
- ↑ "Duke (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年08月21日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "Cobra Commander (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年08月20日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "Scarlett (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年08月29日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "Destro (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Archived from the original on 2025年09月02日. Retrieved 2025年10月31日.
- ↑ "Energon Universe (2024) Reviews". Comic Book RoundUp. Retrieved 2026年05月29日.
- ↑ Johnston, Rich (2024年03月12日). "Robert Kirkman's Energon Universe Sold Over A Million Copies So Far". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024年03月15日.
- ↑ Donohoo, Timothy (2023年12月22日). "Transformers Comics Get New Printings From Skybound and Hasbro". CBR. Retrieved 2024年03月27日.
- ↑ Johnston, Rich (2024年06月14日). "Printwatch: Void Rivals #1 Gets 9th Printing, Transformers #1 Gets 7th". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024年06月18日.
- ↑ "Energon Universe, Witchblade Dominate Image's July Sales Charts". Comics. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 2024年08月10日.
- 1 2 3 First Comics News (2024年05月16日). "NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS" . Retrieved 2024年05月17日.
- 1 2 Adams, Tim (2024年12月06日). "The 2024 ComicBook.com Golden Issue Awards Nominees for Comics". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024年12月11日.
- ↑ Deschamps, Marc (2024年12月27日). "Transformers' Jorge Corona Wins Best Artist (Golden Issue Awards 2024)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2025年02月25日.
- 1 2 Ross, Patrick (2025年05月15日). "2025 Eisner Award nominees announced". AIPT. Retrieved 2025年05月17日.
