At the end of 2020, IDW lost the license to publish comic books from the Hasbro Universe. Therefore, series like Transformers and G.I. Joe went elsewhere. More precisely, they went to Image Comics via Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment imprint.
Naturally, the new creative teams didn’t continue with what was done at IDW. Instead, a new comic book universe was launched: The Energon Universe. It uses creative elements from Transformers and G.I. Joe, such as familiar concepts and characters, but also introduces original materials, notably with the all-new Void Rivals.
“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.” – Robert Kirkman.
Juggling between ongoing and limited series, with some one-shots added to the mix, the Energon Universe was officially launched in June 2023. The creative teams are made of top talents with writers like Robert Kirkman, Daniel Warren Johnson, Joshua Williamson, Kelly Thompson, and Dan Watters (and more to come), and artists like DW Johnson, Lorenzo De Felici, Jorge Corona, Tom Reilly, Andrea Milana, Marco Ferrari, and more.
At the start of Void Rivals, which launched the new Energon Universe, a war rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe?
As for the Transformers, it begins as 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.
G.I. Joe didn’t start with a new ongoing series, but limited ones exploring the origin stories of some of the iconic characters from the franchise. Let’s note that legendary Joe writer Larry Hama came back to write more new G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero stories, but it’s not part of the Energon line.
But there’s more to come, way more! It’s only the beginning of the Energon Universe with more series, crossovers, and upcoming events.
Energon Universe Recommended Reading Order
Energon Universe by Trade Paperbacks
First, let’s take a look at the collected editions. After, you’ll find the issue-by-issue release order.
- Void Rivals, Volume 1: More than Meets the Eye
Collects Void Rivals #1-6. - Transformers, Volume 1: Robots in Disguise
Collects Transformers #1-6. - Duke, Volume 1: Knowing is Half the Battle
Collects Duke #1-5, Energon Universe 2024 Special (G.I. Joe story). - Cobra Commander, Volume 1: Determined to Rule the World
Collects Cobra Commander #1-5. - Void Rivals, Volume 2: Hunted Across the Wasteland
Collects Void Rivals #7-12, Energon Universe 2024 Special (Void Rivals story). - Transformers, Volume 2: Transport to Oblivion
Collects Transformers #7-12, Energon Universe 2024 Special (Transformers story) - Scarlett, Volume 1: Special Mission
Collects Scarlett #1-5 - Destro, Volume 1: The Enemy
Collects Destro #1-5.
Energon Universe – Issue-by-Issue Release Order
If you can put your hands on the single issues, here is the order they were released, which is considered to be a good way to follow the story.
Energon Universe Year One
- Void Rivals #1-4
- Transformers #1
- Void Rivals #5
- Transformers #2
- Void Rivals #6
- Transformers #3
- Duke #1
- Transformers #4
- Cobra Commander #1
- Duke #2
- Transformers #5
- Cobra Commander #2
- Duke #3
- Void Rivals #7
- Transformers #6
- Cobra Commander #3
- Duke #4
- Void Rivals #8
- Transformers #7
- Cobra Commander #4
- Duke #5
- Energon Universe 2024 Special
Energon Universe Year Two
- Transformers #8
- Cobra Commander #5
- Void Rivals #9
- Scarlett #1
- Transformers #9
- Destro #1
- Void Rivals #10
- Scarlett #2
- Transformers #10
- Destro #2
- Void Rivals #11
- Scarlett #3
- Transformers #11
- Destro #3
- Void Rivals #12
- Scarlett #4
- Transformers #12
- Destro #4
- Scarlett #5
- Transformers #13
- Destro #5
- Void Rivals #13
- G.I.Joe #1
- Transformers #14
- Void Rivals #14
- Transformers #15
- Void Rivals #15
