The Energon Universe (EU) debuted on June 14, 2023, with the original series Void Rivals, written by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Lorenzo De Felici and colored by Matheus Lopes and Patricio Delpeche.[1] Kirkman and De Felici had previously worked together in another comic titled Oblivion Song.[6]
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."[7]
Michael Kelly, who was Vice President of Global Publishing on Hasbro until December 2023, added, “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.”[7]
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.[8] Kirkman also brought up the possibility of adding other action brands from Hasbro in the future,[9] and confirmed that they will not have more than four series running at once.[a]
In May 2024, Skybound announced four connecting variant covers to celebrate the Energon Universe's first anniversary for June 2024. The covers are drawn by Jason Howard and colored by Annalisa Leoni.[10] In June 2024, Skybound officially announced the new G.I. Joe ongoing series that follows its four previous prequels.[11] In November 2024, Skybound deluxe editions for the coming years.[12]
The Energon Universe is set in the present (modern era); the franchise name makes reference to the substance that Transformers need to survive.[18]
In the Sacred Ring, there is a war between Agorrians and Zertonians. When two rivals named Darak and Solila crash on a mysterious planetoid, they must work together in order to survive. In the process, they learn a secret that will change everything they believed about their war.[19]
Meanwhile, the other war between Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron expands to Earth, leading to the foundation of G.I. Joe and Cobra in response. A chain of events will cause all those factions to fight against each other, changing the fate of humanity (and the universe) forever.[20]
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 appearance of several Transformers and G.I. Joe characters in each issue.[26]
Sales
Until March 2024, the franchise sold over one million copies of Void Rivals, Transformers, Duke and Cobra Commander in total.[27] Following their highly positive critics, reprints have been made.[28][29]
In June 2024, Transformers #10, Scarlett #2, Destro #2 and Void Rivals #11 were part of Image's Top 10 Comics in Direct Market.[30]
