Void Rivals #1: Transformers and G.I. Joe Collide for One Shared Universe in Skybounds’ Energon Universe

Void Rivals #1: Transformers and G.I. Joe Collide for One Shared Universe in Skybounds’ Energon Universe

Skybound Entertainment has announced that Void Rivals #1 will be the entry point of the Energon Universe which will bring two of the biggest pop culture properties as Transformers and G.I. Joe collide into one shared universe.

The partnership between Skybound and Hasbro is going to bring about one of the biggest collisions of universes and to do so, they are bringing in superstar creators Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, Matheus Lopes, and Rus Wooten. Their work on Void Rivals #1 has kicked open the door to this epic partnership between the publisher and the toy and game company which has paved the path for more iconic projects coming our way.

Along with Void Rivals, three upcoming releases are headed our way and expands the newly interconnected universe that will not only feature characters from the two franchises we love but also sees a collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound that will introduce brand-new concepts as well.

Kirkman shares the tremendous honor felt to be able to introduce this universe, saying:

“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.” 

It all begins in October with Transformers #1 which will jumpstart a new era for the iconic characters with creators Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer at the helm. The series will follow Optimus Prime in a world that sees the fate of Cybertron in question and his allies having crash-landed in a far-off distance.

But allies are not the only ones who have arrived as the Decepticons also arrive on our planet and reignite the deadly feud between the two factions in a battle that will leave Earth in a state it may never recover from.

Johnson urges fans to get ready, saying:

“To my readers, retailers, and fellow transformer fans: GET READY! I’ve only been drawing Optimus Prime and the rest of this amazing cast since I was in FIRST GRADE. This is a dream project for me, and I’m so glad to be adding a new chapter to the decades long celebration of robots turning into cars. Also, cab-over trucks are so fun to draw!” 

In December, the Energon Universe takes a step further with Duke #1 which will be a limited series by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, and Jordie Bellaire which spins a tale never read before as the origin of the battle between the G.I. Joe and Cobra is shaken to its core with the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons.

This leads Duke to investigate the mysteries behind The Transformers. The limited series will mark the first of four planned limited series in the G.I. Joe line.

Williamson expresses his dream coming true, saying:

“Childhood dreams come true! Get hyped! Tom and I are bringing you a new take on Duke and the formation of G.I. Joe that honors all that we love about the characters but takes it into a new and exciting direction. It’s been awesome working with Skybound and Hasbro to bring this new take on the G.I. Joe franchise.

For the last few years, I’ve been picking up all of the new G.I. Classified figures, so I am pumped to contribute to this new world of G.I. Joe and Transformers!” 

Then the new year will see the arrival of Cobra Commander #1 which sees Williamson returning to the Energon Universe alongside creators Andrea Milana and Annalisa Leoni for a story that sees the infamous Cobra out of existence and a man’s sinister plan to use the alien substance, Energon to their advantage which will send ripples across the entire planet.

You can find Void Rivals #1 at your favorite local comic shop and digitally now with Transformers #1, Duke #1, and Cobra Commander #1 available for preorder.