First Look: Optimus Prime vs Elita-1 Changes the Future of TRANSFORMERS

Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company Hasbro, revealed interior pages and the lineup of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #30, the two-time Eisner Award winning series from the powerhouse creative team of writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Void Rivals), artist Dan Mora (Justice League Unlimited), colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater), and letterer Rus Wooton (Void Rivals). The arc-ending chapter of the tentpole Energon Universe story will be available on shelves in comic book shops on March 11, 2026.

Who will lead the Autobots? It’s Optimus Prime vs Elita-1. The fate of the Autobots hangs in the balance, because in the end, one shall stand…

One thing’s for sure; nothing will be the same in the TRANSFORMERS universe when a victor emerges.

In addition to the main cover by artist David Nakayama, the lineup of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #30 includes an open-to-order cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer, the final cover of the connecting cover series by Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer, a 1:25 incentive variant by Taurin Clarke, a 1:50 incentive variant by Dan Mora & Andres Juarez, and a special Invincible Month team-up variant cover by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr.

TRANSFORMERS is the cornerstone of the Energon Universe, the crown jewel of the historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, who has introduced a brand-new era of the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE franchises in one shared comic book universe. Other Energon Universe titles include the ongoing series Void Rivals by writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), artist Andrei Bressan (Destro), and colorist Patricio Delpeche (The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country) and G.I. JOE by writer Joshua Williamson (Superman, Dark Ride), artist Andrea Milana (Cobra Commander), and colorist Lee Loughridge (Universal Monsters: The Mummy). Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions from some of the biggest franchises in comics today.

The full list of variant covers is below:

TRANSFORMERS #30 Cover A by David Nakayama (Lunar Code: 0126IM0426)
TRANSFORMERS #30 Cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code: 0126IM0427)
TRANSFORMERS #30 Cover C (Connecting) by Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code: 0126IM0428)
TRANSFORMERS #30 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Taurin Clarke (Lunar Code: 0126IM0429)
TRANSFORMERS #30 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Dan Mora & Andres Juarez (Lunar Code: 0126IM0430)
TRANSFORMERS #30 Cover F (Invincible Month Cover Variant) by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr. (Lunar Code: 0126IM8060)

TRANSFORMERS #30 (Lunar Codes Above | $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Author Profile

Al Mega: I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!