The Start of the Energon Universe: Void Rivals
What is Void Rivals and what's the big deal about it? The new Skybound title from the creator of The Walking Dead and Invincible has generated a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason! Void Rivals, which released it's first issue June 14, is about two rival space pilots who crash on a desolate planet in the middle of a raging war. Stranded, they have to work together to escape but they're not alone on this strange planet. If that synopsis doesn't pique your interest, perhaps the surprise twist we receive half way through will: Jetfire, one of the Transformers, is also here!
Void Rivals, which at its core, is a deep space adventure series, is also the start of a new shared universe with two iconic 80's franchises: G.I. Joe and Transformers. According to Robert Kirkman, this collab has been in the works for at least the past two years. Transformers and G.I. Joe, both which were previously under IDW Publishing, has officially been licensed under Skybound comics. With this new acquisition, Kirkman thought it would be best to start anew with these characters, establishing a new beginning in the shared Energon Universe, where they can all interact in organic ways.
Although not much has been released about the other titles in this new universe, we do know that a new Transfomers series and several limited G.I. Joe series are set to premiere towards the end of this year and early 2024. With that being said, does this mean following along with each new series is necessary? Is reading Void Rivals a requirement to dive into the new Tranformers or G.I. Joe series? In short, no.
According to Kirkman, each series will act as it's own hub with hints of the other hubs scattered throughout. If you've enjoyed Void Rivals and have no interest in the other titles, rest assured that the other titles are not required to continue the series.
However, if you are interested in the entire Energon Universe, is it necessary to start with Void Rivals? The answer to this is also, no. While Void Rivals is the first series in this new universe, it does not affect the other stories aside from introducing the Transformers into its own universe. Reading all of them will create an additive experience where it will feel like one big, enriched story, but Kirkman insists that each book will be a standalone narrative, not dependent on each other.
So, what's next? Next is Void Rivals #2, which is set to drop July 19th. As for the other titles, Transformers #1 is scheduled to hit shelves in early- October followed by the first of G.I. Joe limited series, Duke #1, in late-December and Cobra Commander #1 in January 2024.
From the sounds of it, there's still so much more to come from Skybound and Kirkman in relation to these characters. If you want to keep up with this new universe, subscribe to the series below so you don't miss anything!
