At New York Comic Con, Skybound and Image Comics joined Hasbro to reveal new covers, interior art, and character designs from the expanding Energon Universe. The announcement came during the official Energon Universe panel featuring Robert Kirkman (Void Rivals, Transformers), Joshua Williamson (G.I. Joe), Dan Mora (Transformers), Jorge Corona (Transformers), Tom Reilly (G.I. Joe), Conor Hughes (Void Rivals), and Ben Abernathy, Executive Editor for the Energon Universe at Skybound.
Transformers and G.I. Joe Take Center Stage
The panel, titled Transformers & G.I. Joe: A New Era for the Energon Universe, marked the first public event following the release of Transformers #25 by Kirkman and Mora. It also previewed two major upcoming storylines: G.I. Joe: Dreadnok War launching in issue #13 this November, and Void Rivals: Quintesson War beginning in issue #25 this December.
Kirkman and Mora celebrated the second anniversary of the Eisner Award–winning Transformers series alongside artist Jorge Corona. They revisited key moments from Transformers #25, which introduced Miles Mayhem, the main villain from Hasbro’s M.A.S.K. franchise. They then previewed covers and pages from Transformers #26 and confirmed the return of Autobot Brawn in issue #27, arriving this December.
Kirkman also unveiled a 7.25-inch Leader Scale Optimus Prime action figure inspired by a dramatic battle scene. In it, Optimus is badly injured fighting Skywarp and the Decepticons. Instead of repairing himself, he uses the Matrix to power a hospital and save lives. Ratchet later replaces his arm with Megatron’s, complete with the fusion cannon. The collectible figure is now available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse and will ship later this fall.
G.I. Joe Unleashes the Dreadnok War
The original G.I. Joe creative team, Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly, shared an early look at the Dreadnok War arc. They revealed designs for Ripper, Zarana, Zandar, and Torch, along with new pages from G.I. Joe #13 and covers spanning issues #13–#17. Fans also got a first look at Road Pig, debuting in issue #14.
The team announced that G.I. Joe #18 will feature a standalone Night Force story introducing Roadblock. Character designs for Lady Jaye, Flint, Beach Head, and Shooter were also revealed. Finally, they teased the return of M.A.S.K.leader Matt Trakker in G.I. Joe #19.
Void Rivals Sets the Stage for the Quintesson War
Kirkman and Conor Hughes discussed the latest Void Rivals storylines, featuring fan favorites Skuxxoid, Wheelie, and Pythona. Kirkman teased dark surprises ahead in the upcoming Quintesson War arc. Artist Andrei Bressan (Destro) will join the series for what promises to be its most intense story yet.
Covers for Void Rivals #25 and #26 hint at massive changes. The Sacred Ring will never be the same after this storyline unfolds.
A New Chapter in Comic Book History
The Energon Universe represents a historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound. It unites the Transformersand G.I. Joe franchises in a single, shared universe. The ongoing titles — Void Rivals, Transformers, and G.I. Joe — continue to deliver major revelations and action-packed stories.
Fans can expect more surprises as the Energon Universe continues to grow, connecting some of the most beloved characters in comics today.
