Warning! Spoilers forward for Void Rivals #4The Energon Universe is right here, bringing the worlds of Transformers and G.I. Joe collectively extra intently than they’ve ever been earlier than. And in accordance with new writer Skybound’s Robert Kirkman, the identify of the brand new shared universe isn’t only a catchy moniker, however reasonably an important story level that impacts all titles concerned.
The just lately launched Void Rivals #4 (by Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo de Felici, Matheus Lopes and Rus Wooten) expands on the world by introducing the Decepticon Shockwave, who was left accountable for Cybertron following the struggle between the Autobots and Decepticons. After being provided a bounty on a Quintesson by a Skuxxoid bounty hunter, Shockwave turns them each away. “What forex would you anticipate me to have that I haven’t already spent on sources?” Shockwave asks. “I barely have sufficient Energon to maintain myself!”
It’s solely two pages of story within the concern, but it surely reveals an terrible lot concerning the total course of the Energon Universe. Very similar to the unique G1 cartoon, this new period of Transformers started millennia in the past, with Optimus Prime and his Autobots fleeing Cybertron within the hopes of discovering extra Energon, their useful energy supply. Judging from the solicitations of future Energon Universe titles, the Transformers will discover what they’re on the lookout for on Earth, beginning the outdated Autobot/Decepticon struggle anew, albeit this time with some new gamers added to the combination. Subsequent yr’s Cobra Commander #1 will see the titular character planning to “make the most of the mysterious alien substance often called Energon” in a approach that may “ship shockwaves throughout the globe.” This can finally result in the formation of the G.I. Joe and Cobra organizations on this continuity.
Kirkman additional reinforces the significance of Energon within the Void Rivals letters column, stating, “Energon is soooo vital that we named the universe after it.” The idea of various civilizations warring over useful sources appears to be the driving theme of the Energon Universe, beginning with the launch title Void Rivals. Kirkman and de Felici’s sci-fi epic takes place within the Sacred Ring, the remnants of two planets caught within the grip of a black gap. The Agorrian and Zertonian have been locked in a bitter battle over dwindling sources, with the primary story of Void Rivals starting when two younger warriors from all sides uncover there is probably not as a lot distinction between their peoples than they initially thought.
How the battle over the Sacred Ring will tie into the Transfomers’ bigger quest for Energon stays to be seen, however the thematic parallels between the totally different titles making up the Energon Universe are arduous to disregard. One factor’s for positive: Transformers followers gained’t wish to miss a single concern of any of the brand new titles within the shared continuity, because it seems to be just like the Energon Universe would be the most cohesive crossover with G.I. Joe but seen.
Void Rivals #4 is on sale now, Transformers #1 is on sale October 4 and Cobra Commander #1 is on sale January 17, all from Skybound Leisure.