Energon Universe
The Energon Universe (EU) is an ongoing American comic book franchise and shared fictional universe created and published by Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro.[1] Featuring characters from Transformers and G.I. Joe, alongside original properties, the franchise is a successor of the Hasbro Comic Book Universe by IDW Publishing (2005–2018).[2]
"Energon Universe" | |
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Publication date | June 2023 – present |
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Main character(s) |
Publication history
Background
Before IDW Publishing lost the licenses to produce Transformers and G.I. Joe comics at the end of 2022,[3] in December 2021, it was reported that Skybound Entertainment (an Image Comics company) was in talks to acquire those licenses.[4]
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 colored by Matheus Lopes.[1] Kirkman and De Felici had previously worked together in another comic titled Oblivion Song.[5]
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."[6]
Michael Kelly, Vice President of Global Publishing on Hasbro, 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.”[6]
Void Rivals is followed by a Transformers ongoing series and four G.I. Joe limited series.[7]
Setting
In the Sacred Ring, there is a war between Angorrians 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.[8]
Meanwhile, the war between Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron expands to Earth, leading to the foundation of G.I. Joe and Cobra in response, and causing all those factions to fight against each other.[9]
List of works
2023
Title | Issue(s) | Premiere date | Finale date | Note(s) | Ref. |
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Void Rivals | 1– | June 14, 2023 | Present | Original series. | [1] |
Transformers (vol. 4) | October 4, 2023 | [7] | |||
Duke | 1–5 | December 27, 2023 | TBA | [7] |
2024
Title | Issue(s) | Premiere date | Finale date | Note(s) | Ref. |
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Cobra Commander | 1–5 | January 17, 2024 | TBA | [7] | |
Release order
- Void Rivals #1–4
- Transformers #1
- Void Rivals #5
Reception
Title | Critic rating | Critic reviews | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Void Rivals | 8.4/10 | 39 | [10] |
Transformers (vol. 4) | 9.0/10 | 13 | [11] |
See also
References
- "Walking Dead Creator's New Series Is an Invincible-style Shared Sci-Fi Universe". CBR. 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- "IDW Is Merging G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Its Other Hasbro Comics Into One Giant Universe". io9. June 2016. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wigler, Josh (2018-03-06). "'Walking Dead' Creator Begins New Chapter With 'Oblivion Song'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- First Comics News (2023-06-14). "SURPRISE! TRANSFORMERS AND G.I. JOE LAUNCH A NEW SHARED COMIC BOOK UNIVERSE TODAY!". Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- 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.
- First Comics News (2023-02-24). "ROBERT KIRKMAN & LORENZO DE FELICI LAUNCH A NEW SHARED COMICS UNIVERSE IN VOID RIVALS #1". Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- Cabaniss, Nathan (2023-10-18). "Why G.I. Joe and Transformers HATE Each Other In New Shared Continuity". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- "Transformers (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023-10-06.