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While it's mostly known for toys, cartoons and movies, the Transformers franchise has also been associated with comic books since it debuted. Now, the latest printed versions of the robots in disguise are being put on the small screen, and they're being joined by some real American heroes and other characters.
Robert Kirkman's Skybound Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment are teaming up to produce a new animated TV series titled Energon Universe. This will be based on Skybound's shared comic book universe that includes the titles Transformers, G.I. Joe and the original series Void Rivals. While the concept is just now being shopped around, it could easily be the path forward for Hasbro's biggest brands.
Transformers and G.I. Joe are Rolling Out With an Energon Universe Cartoon
Image via SkyboundThe potentially upcoming Energon Universe animated series is being helmed by Joe Henderson, who previously worked on the live-action show version of the comic book Lucifer. This will seemingly be a sort of anthology adaptation that combines the stories of each Energon Universe comic book into one show, with these tales perhaps intermingling as the seasons go on. This might include the four prequel comic book miniseries (Duke, Destro, Cobra Commander and Scarlett) that preceded the main G.I. Joe comic book. While the exact tone and scope of this animated series hasn't been announced, it might be a somewhat more adult-oriented series. The tone of the Energon Universe comic books is skewed toward a slightly older audience than most takes on Transformers, albeit without being obscene or purely meant for mature readers.
Thus, it's not nearly as graphic as works such as Robert Kirkman's Invincible series, which is now notable for its animated adaptation on Amazon Prime Video. This may be who picks up Energon Universe, as the streaming service has had success with other comics based on more mature properties, such as The Boys. Winning two Edgar Awards in 2024, Skybound's Transformers comic books have been tremendously successful since 2023, frequently selling just as high as titles in Marvel's Ultimate Universe relaunch and DC's Absolute Universe comic books. Currently seen as the most popular iteration of the brand, these comics have also helped G.I. Joe remain relevant through the hype of the Energon Universe. Given that the show is just now being shopped around, it's unknown when Energon Universe will hit the air, though by then, the comics will have ample material to draw from.
Source: Deadline
English (US) · 