"Energon Universe" | |
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![]() Official logo. | |
Publisher | |
Publication date | June 2023 – present |
Genre | |
Main character(s) |
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Creative team | |
Writer(s) | Various |
Artist(s) | Various |
Letterer(s) | Rus Wooton |
Colorist(s) | Various |
Editor(s) |
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The Energon Universe (EU) is an ongoing American comic book franchise and shared fictional universe created and overseen by Robert Kirkman, and published by Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro.[1]
Featuring concepts and characters from Transformers and G.I. Joe, alongside original intellectual properties, the franchise is the successor of the Hasbro Comic Book Universe by IDW Publishing (2005–2018).[2]
Setting
The Energon Universe is set in the present (modern era); the franchise name makes reference to the substance that Transformers need to survive.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
Publication history
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Robert_Kirkman_by_Gage_Skidmore_5.jpg/220px-Robert_Kirkman_by_Gage_Skidmore_5.jpg)
Background
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.[7][8] Skybound would officially announce it in June 2023.[6]
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.[9]
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."[10]
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.”[10]
Void Rivals is followed by a Transformers ongoing series and four G.I. Joe limited series.[11] Kirkman also brought up the possibility of adding other action brands from Hasbro in the future,[12] 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.[13]
In June 2024, Skybound officially announced the new G.I. Joe ongoing series that follows the four previous limited series (Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett, and Destro).[14]
Distribution and localization
Publisher | Country | Language | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Moztros | Spain | Spanish | [15][16] |
Nagle Comics | Poland | Polish | [17] |
saldaPress | Italy | Italian | [18] |
Urban Comics | France | French | [19] |
List of publications
Ongoing series
Title | Issues | Writer | Artist(s) | Colorist(s) | Debut date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Void Rivals[note 1] | 1– | Robert Kirkman | Lorenzo De Felici | Patricio Delpeche Matheus Lopes |
June 14, 2023[1] |
Transformers (vol. 4) | Daniel Warren Johnson | Jorge Corona Jason Howard Daniel Warren Johnson |
Mike Spicer | October 4, 2023[11] | |
G.I. Joe (vol. 7) | Joshua Williamson | Tom Reilly | Jordie Bellaire | November 13, 2024[14] |
- ^ Original series.
Limited series
Title | Issues | Writer | Artist | Colorist | Debut date | Conclusion date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Duke[note 1] | 1–5 | Joshua Williamson | Tom Reilly | Jordie Bellaire | December 27, 2023[11] | April 24, 2024[20] |
Cobra Commander[note 1] | Andrea Milana | Annalisa Leoni | January 17, 2024[11] | May 15, 2024[21] | ||
Scarlett[note 1] | Kelly Thompson | Marco Ferrari | Lee Loughridge | June 5, 2024[22] | October 2, 2024 | |
Destro[note 1] | Dan Watters | Andrei Bressan Andrea Milana |
Adriano Lucas | June 19, 2024[22] | October 16, 2024 |
Special
Title | Side story | Writer(s) | Artist(s) | Colorist(s) | Release date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Transfomers | Daniel Warren Johnson | Ryan Ottley | Mike Spicer | May 4, 2024 (Free Comic Book Day)[23] May 8, 2024 (variant covers)[24] |
Void Rivals | Robert Kirkman | Lorenzo De Felici | Matheus Lopes | ||
G.I. Joe | Joshua Williamson | Jason Howard | Annalisa Leoni |
Release order
- Void Rivals #1–4
- Transformers #1
- Void Rivals #5
- Transformers #2
- Void Rivals #6
- Transformers #3
- Duke #1
- Transformers #4
- Cobra Commander #1
- Duke #2
- Transformers #5
- Cobra Commander #2
- Duke #3
- Void Rivals #7
- Transformers #6
- Cobra Commander #3
- Duke #4
- Void Rivals #8
- Transformers #7
- Cobra Commander #4
- Duke #5
- Energon Universe 2024 Special
- Transformers #8
- Cobra Commander #5
- Void Rivals #9
- Scarlett #1
- Transformers #9
- Destro #1
- Void Rivals #10
- Scarlett #2
- Transformers #10
- Destro #2
- Void Rivals #11
- Scarlett #3
- Transformers #11
- Destro #3
- Void Rivals #12
- Scarlett #4
- Transformers #12
- Destro #4
- Scarlett #5
- Transformers #13
- Destro #5
- Void Rivals #13
- G.I.Joe #1
- Transformers #14
Reception
Critical response
Issue | Critic rating | Critic reviews | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Void Rivals | 8.4/10 | 85 | [25] |
Transformers (vol. 4) | 9.0/10 | 105 | [26] |
Duke | 8.7/10 | 48 | [27] |
Cobra Commander | 8.5/10 | 53 | [28] |
Energon Universe 2024 Special | 9.1/10 | 4 | [29] |
Scarlett | 8.5/10 | 13 | [30] |
Destro | 8.6/10 | 3 | [31] |
Sales and reprints
Until March 2024, the franchise sold over one million copies of Void Rivals, Transformers, Duke and Cobra Commander in total.[32] Following their highly positive critics, reprints have been made.[33][34]
In June 2024, Transformers #10, Scarlett #2, Destro #2 and Void Rivals #11 were part of Image's Top 10 Comics in Direct Market.[35]
Accolades
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Comic | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Eisner Awards | Best Continuing Series | Daniel Warren Johnson | Transformers | Won | [36] |
Best Lettering | Rus Wooton | — | Nominated | |||
Best Writer/Artist | Daniel Warren Johnson | Transformers | Won |
Collected editions
Title | Material collected | Pages | Publication date | ISBN |
---|---|---|---|---|
Void Rivals | ||||
Void Rivals, Volume 1: More than Meets the Eye |
|
136 | February 20, 2024 | 1684158958, 978-1684158959 |
Void Rivals, Volume 2: Hunted Across the Wasteland |
|
128 | September 3, 2024 | 1534328378, 978-1534328372 |
Transformers | ||||
Transformers, Volume 1: Robots in Disguise |
|
136 | May 7, 2024 | 1534398171, 978-1534398177 |
Transformers, Volume 2: Transport to Oblivion |
|
128 | November 26, 2024 | 1534345272, 978-1534345270 |
G.I. Joe | ||||
Duke, Volume 1: Knowing is Half the Battle |
|
112 | June 4, 2024 | 1534398163, 978-1534398160 |
Cobra Commander, Volume 1: Determined to Rule the World |
|
June 11, 2024 | 1534398155, 978-1534398153 | |
Scarlett, Volume 1: Special Mission |
|
120 | November 5, 2024 | 1534329552, 978-1534329553 |
Destro, Volume 1: The Enemy |
|
November 19, 2024 | 1534357688, 978-1534357686 |
See also
References
Notes
- ^ As depicted in the letters page for Void Rivals #3.
Footnotes
- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ Cabaniss, Nathan (2023-10-01). "Transformers Reveals Why New Continuity Is Called the ENERGON UNIVERSE". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Schedeen, Jesse (2023-06-14). "Skybound Acquires Transformers and G.I. Joe Comic Book License". IGN. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b First Comics News (2023-06-14). "SURPRISE! TRANSFORMERS AND G.I. JOE LAUNCH A NEW SHARED COMIC BOOK UNIVERSE TODAY!". Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- ^ a b c d 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.
- ^ Cabaniss, Nathan (2023-09-01). "New Transformers Canon Could Include Other Hasbro Properties, Confirms Kirkman". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
- ^ First Comics News (2024-05-08). "CELEBRATE THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENERGON UNIVERSE WITH COMMEMORATIVE VARIANTS IN JUNE!". Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b First Comics News (2024-06-27). "YO JOE! JOSHUA WILLIAMSON & TOM REILLY DEBUT NEW ENERGON UNIVERSE SERIES G.I. JOE #1". Retrieved 2024-06-27.
- ^ Muñiz, Igor Álvarez (2024-01-17). "Moztros publicará Transformers y G.I. Joe en España - Zona Negativa". Zona Negativa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-01-18.
- ^ Iglesias, Joel (2024-01-17). "Los Transformers aterrizan en Moztros". Tomos y Grapas (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-01-18.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "L'Energon Universe arriva in Italia: il futuro è già qui!". saldaPress (in Italian). 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
- ^ "L'Energon Universe arrive chez Urban Comics en 2024". Urban Comics (in French). 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
- ^ Duke #5
- ^ Cobra Commander #5
- ^ a b Marston, George (2024-03-07). "GI Joe veterans Scarlett and Destro get their own titles as part of Skybound's Energon Universe". gamesradar. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
- ^ Donohoo, Timothy (2023-11-14). "Skybound and Hasbro Announce Transformers and G.I. Joe Special". CBR. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
- ^ Writer, Graeme McMillan Staff (2024-02-13). "Transformers and G.I. Joe headline Skybound and Hasbro's surprise Energon Universe Special this May". Popverse. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ^ "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ "Transformers (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "Duke (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "Cobra Commander (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "Energon Universe (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
- ^ "Scarlett (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
- ^ "Destro (2024) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (2024-03-12). "Robert Kirkman's Energon Universe Sold Over A Million Copies So Far". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024-03-15.
- ^ Donohoo, Timothy (2023-12-22). "Transformers Comics Get New Printings From Skybound and Hasbro". CBR. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
- ^ Comments, Rich Johnston | Last updated | (2024-06-14). "Printwatch: Void Rivals #1 Gets 9th Printing, Transformers #1 Gets 7th". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Energon Universe, Witchblade Dominate Image's July Sales Charts". Comics. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ First Comics News (2024-05-16). "NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS". Retrieved 2024-05-17.