Skybound Announces New Middle Grade Graphic Novel Series ‘Transformers: Worst Bot Ever’

Skybound Comet, the original graphic novel imprint aimed at Young Adult and Middle Grade audiences, in collaboration with Image Comics and Hasbro, announced TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint, the first book in a new series of graphic novels from writer Brian “Smitty” Smith (Pea, Bee, and Jay) and artist Marz Jr. (Void Rivals cover artist).  

Middle grade readers will be introduced to the misadventures of the bot who is mightier than the sword when TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint hits stores next July. 

The Decepticons are known for being bad…but Ballpoint is truly the worst –the biggest failure of them all. After the latest attempt to take down the Autobots goes horribly wrong, he’s kicked out of the Decepticons, for good! Will Ballpoint be able to prove his worth by defeating the Autobots all by himself? Or will he keep failing and find that being the “best” is…More than Meets the Eye? 

“It’s been awesome bringing Ballpoint to life,” said Brian “Smitty” Smith. “Getting to add a brand-new character to the TRANSFORMERS universe is a once in a lifetime opportunity!” 

“I’ve been obsessed with TRANSFORMERS since I was a kid,” said Marz Jr. “The 1986 animated movie blew my mind! I’ve tried to put that magic and love into each page.” 

The inaugural offering in Skybound’s young readers line Skybound Comet is an integral component of its overall comics partnership with Hasbro. Other key components include Skybound’s new Energon Universe comic book series (Void Rivals, the two-time Eisner Award winning TRANSFORMERS, and G.I. JOE) and miniseries (Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett and Destro), Skybound’s reboot of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, and Skybound’s ongoing publishing of TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero compendiums.  

“Ballpoint might be the worst/best Transformer ever created, and we’re over-the-moon to bring you his (mis)adventures starting in 2025!” Said Alex Antone, Editorial Director at Skybound. “Smitty and Marz Jr.’s work is guaranteed to thrill every TRANSFORMERS kid out there – no matter what age!” 

TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday July 9, 2025 and at booksellers, along with digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Tuesday July 22, 2025.