The Energon Universe (EU) is an American mass media franchise and shared fictional universe created and overseen by Robert Kirkman, and being developed by Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro.
The franchise is the successor of the Hasbro Comic Book Universe (2005âÂÂ2018) by IDW Publishing, and features concepts and characters from old and new intellectual properties, including Transformers and G.I. Joe, among others.
This article is about the comics featured in the franchise.
Before IDW Publishing lost the licenses to produce Transformers and G.I. Joe comics at the end of 2022, in December 2021, it was reported that Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics, was in talks with Hasbro to acquire those licenses. Skybound would officially announce it in June 2023.
The Energon Universe debuted on June 14, 2023, with the original series Void Rivals, written by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Lorenzo De Felici and Conor Hughes, and colored by Matheus Lopes and Patricio Delpeche. Kirkman and De Felici had previously worked together in another comic titled Oblivion Song.
Kirkman said, "It's a tremendous honor to be able to reintroduce this world to a new audience under the Skybound banner. IâÂÂve 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, who was Vice President of Global Publishing on Hasbro until December 2023, added, âÂÂWhen we first discussed the 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.âÂÂ
Void Rivals is followed by a Transformers ongoing series and four G.I. Joe limited series featuring Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett, and Destro as main protagonists. Kirkman also brought up the possibility of adding other action brands from Hasbro in the future, and confirmed that they will not have more than four series running at once, as well as not adding more titles (for now) to keep the line at a manageable, easy-to-follow size.
In June 2024, Skybound officially announced the new G.I. Joe ongoing series that follows its four previous prequels. In November 2024, Skybound announced deluxe editions during the coming years.
In 2025, characters from the M.A.S.K. franchise were officially introduced into the universe. Matt Trakker (in the IDW version appearance) debuted in the G.I. Joe story of the 2025 Special, while Miles Mayhem debuted in Transformers #25. In February 2026, Skybound officially announced a M.A.S.K. ongoing series for June 2025.
The EU comics have been receiving general positive reviews for their narrative, tone and complex storylines, with critics praising Void Rivals for the surprising guest appearances of several Transformers and G.I. Joe characters in each issue.
Until March 2024, the franchise sold over one million copies of Void Rivals, Transformers, Duke and Cobra Commander in total. Following their highly positive critics, reprints have been made.
In June 2024, Transformers #10, Scarlett #2, Destro #2 and Void Rivals #11 were part of Image's Top 10 Comics in Direct Market.