Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro, have revealed the first Energon Universe appearance of ROM.
The pop culture icon debuts in ROM #1, a standalone issue available only through the M.A.S.K. #1 Blind Bag program. The release is part of Skybound’s first Energon Universe blind bag initiative.
The issue reunites Void Rivals co-creators Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici. Kirkman, known for Invincible and The Walking Dead, writes the issue. De Felici, his Void Rivals collaborator, provides the art.
ROM has long been a fan-requested addition to the Energon Universe. The character has built a decades-long following across comics, toys, and pop culture.
Robert Kirkman Celebrates ROM’s Arrival
“Nothing is more exciting to me than an unexpected comic drop! Getting to a store and finding out a brand-new book exists is just the coolest thing. The only thing that could make it better… is if it was ROM!” exclaimed Robert Kirkman. “ROM is such an iconic character with a rich history spanning decades. He’s been a constant request for the Energon Universe. Getting to develop him for the Energon Universe alongside my pal Lorenzo De Felici was an absolute blast and I can’t wait for fans to see our long-range plans for the character! ROM! WOO!!”
ROM’s story will continue beyond the surprise issue. Fans can expect to see more of ROM and his alien companion, Carpet, as the search for Dire Wraiths continues in upcoming issues of Void Rivals.
Executive Editor Ben Abernathy also confirmed the character’s arrival.
“I can finally say it—ROM HAS JOINED THE ENERGON UNIVERSE!” exclaimed Executive Editor Ben Abernathy. “And will we see him again? You’ll have to read Void Rivals #33 to find out!”
M.A.S.K. #1 Blind Bags Include Surprise Releases
The M.A.S.K. #1 Blind Bags give fans a chance to find any of the solicited covers from A through K. The covers appear at varying degrees of rarity that mirror existing ratios.
In addition to ROM #1, the blind bags include two equally rare surprise Energon Universe comics.
M.A.S.K. Origins #1 reprints and collects the first appearances of M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. in the Energon Universe.
A special advance edition of M.A.S.K. #2 is also included in the program. The release lets fans read the next issue in full ahead of schedule.
M.A.S.K. Enters a Dangerous New World
In M.A.S.K. #1, the world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs help saving it.
M.A.S.K. is a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that transforms their vehicles and their drivers into the ultimate weapon.
But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are already moving ahead in a secret arms race. They are searching the globe for deadly weapons from Earth and beyond. Their goal could put the entire human race at risk.
Only M.A.S.K. can stop them. But Trakker’s own secrets may threaten the entire mission.
The Energon Universe Expands
M.A.S.K. is the latest addition to the collaboration between Skybound and Hasbro. The series joins the shared Energon Universe alongside Void Rivals, Transformers, and G.I. Joe.
Void Rivals features writer Robert Kirkman, artist Conor Hughes, known for White Ash, and colorist Patricio Delpeche, known for Catwoman.
The two-time Eisner Award-winning Transformers features writer Robert Kirkman, artist Jason Howard, known for The Astounding Wolf-Man, and colorist Mike Spicer, known for Stillwater and Murder Falcon.
G.I. Joe features writer Joshua Williamson, known for Superman and Dark Ride, artist Andrea Milana, known for X-Men ’97, and colorist Lee Loughridge, known for Thor and Star Wars.
M.A.S.K. #1 is available now at comic book shops and digital platforms.
