Surprise! ‘Void Rivals’ #1 Kicks Off A New Transformers And G.I. Joe Shared Universe At Skybound

Hasbro’s Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises are making their new home Skybound/Image Comics with this revelation having been dropped on fans surprisingly with a stealth launch in Void Rivals #1 from writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), artist Lorenzo De Felici (Kroma), colourist Matheus Lopes (Step By Bloody Step) and letterer Rus Wooton. The comic promised a new shared univesre, and now we know what that universe will include. Entitled the “Energon Universe”, both Tranformers and G.I. Joe will share the same time and space as one another, with this new series’ debut issue featuring the first appearance of iconic Transformers character Jetfire.

Following this we’ll be getting three additional new titles too. First up and launching in October we’ll get Transformers #1 from superstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colourist Mike Spicer (Stillwater).:

“Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.” 

Kirkman said of this new venture and bold new era in toy/comic licensing:

“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.”

Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s VP of Global Publishing 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.”

And, speaking up about Transformers #1, Daniel Warren Johnson said:

“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!”

Then, in December we get Duke #1, a limited series from Joshua Williamson (Superman, Dark Ride), Tom Reilly (The Thing) and Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33), “that tells the story you’ve never read before – the origins of G.I. Joe and Cobra in a world grappling with the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons. When Conrad S. Hauser (codename DUKE) investigates the mysteries behind The Transformers, the answers will lead to the birth of forces for good and evil that the world never imagined.”

Duke will be the first of four G.I. Joe limited series coming from Skybound, setting the stage for a fresh new take on G.I. Joe, Cobra and the iconic characters that you only think you know!

Speaking about Duke #1, Joshua Williamson stated:

“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!”

Tom Reilly added;

“I’m super excited to be working with Josh and the team at Skybound to usher in a new beginning for these iconic characters. The Joes have a rich history in comics, one that we look forward to adding something new and exciting to. It’s going to be a fun ride!”

Then, in Januray 2024, we’ll be getting another G.I Joe series withCobra Commander #1. Again from writer Joshua Williamson, with Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song).

“In a world where Cobra doesn’t exist, one man’s sinister plans to utilize the mysterious alien substance known as Energon will send shockwaves across the globe.”

Adding to the convesration, Sean Mackiewicz, SVP, Publisher, added:

“My first comic was G.I. JOE, and I couldn’t be more excited to unite the Transformers and G.I. Joe into one universe. This line is being guided by the best comic creators in the world and features the same action-packed, surprise-filled, emotional storytelling you expect from all Skybound comics.”

Void Rivals #1 is out now and destined to be a sell out. So, you know the drill. If you are anywhere near your local comic book store, I’d go and grab an issue now, while you can.