SPOILER ALERT: BARON KARZA CRASHES THE ENERGON UNIVERSE IN M.A.S.K. #3

Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro Drop a Jaw-Dropping First Appearance That Changes the Game

The companies have revealed that the legendary Micronauts villain Baron Karza makes his first Energon Universe comic book appearance in M.A.S.K. #3, available in comic shops today. Yeah, you read that correctly. Baron Karza has officially entered the building, and judging by the circumstances surrounding his arrival, he did not show up to make friends.

The blockbuster issue comes from writer Dan Watters (Nightwing, DESTRO), artist Pye Parr (Petrol Head, New Gods), colorist Pierluigi Casolino (DC vs. Vampires), and letterer Rus Wooton (Transformers). Together, the creative team continues to expand M.A.S.K.’s place inside the Energon Universe while planting some seriously dangerous seeds for what comes next.

The series made noise right out of the gate with its massive blind-bag launch and the unexpected introduction of ROM into Skybound’s shared universe. Now, only three issues deep, M.A.S.K. has delivered another surprise first appearance that could have major consequences across the entire line.

Inside M.A.S.K. #3, readers discover that Miles Mayhem’s mysterious ally is none other than Baron Karza. That alliance immediately raises the stakes for Mayhem’s ongoing war against Matt Trakker, and worse, places Trakker’s son Scotty directly in the crosshairs.

In other words, this is not some quick cameo tossed into the final page for cheap shock value. Karza’s arrival points toward a much larger threat, one that could stretch far beyond M.A.S.K. and shake up the wider Energon Universe. Mayhem already had revenge on his mind. Now he has one of the most ruthless villains in toy and comic book history standing beside him. That is bad news for Matt Trakker and beautiful chaos for readers.

“The record-setting launch of M.A.S.K. shocked and delighted fans, and we’re continuing the exciting momentum with the reprint of this monumental third issue,” said Executive Editor Ben Abernathy. “With the introduction of the mysterious Baron Karza, who knows what could happen next!” The answer is probably nothing peaceful, fam.

M.A.S.K. is the latest chapter in the historic collaboration between Skybound and Hasbro, joining a stacked Energon Universe lineup that includes Void Rivals, Transformers, and G.I. Joe.

Void Rivals is currently created by writer Robert Kirkman, artist Conor Hughes, and colorist Patricio Delpeche. The two-time Eisner Award-winning Transformers features Kirkman alongside artist Jason Howard and colorist Mike Spicer, while G.I. Joe comes from writer Joshua Williamson, artist Andrea Milana, and colorist Lee Loughridge.

With ROM already on the board and Baron Karza now stepping out of the shadows, Skybound’s Energon Universe is becoming less predictable and a whole lot more dangerous. The walls between these iconic properties are coming down fast, and every new issue feels like it could contain the next first appearance collectors will be hunting tomorrow.

M.A.S.K. #3 is available now at comic book shops. Spoilers are officially loose, Baron Karza has arrived, and the Energon Universe just got a serious villain upgrade.

The full list of covers is below:

• M.A.S.K. #3 Cover A by Pye Parr (Lunar Code: 0626IM0377)
• M.A.S.K. #3 Cover B by Kendrick “Kunkka” Lim (Lunar Code: 0626IM0378)
• M.A.S.K. #3 Cover C by Lucas Meyer (Lunar Code: 0626IM0379)
• M.A.S.K. #3 Cover D (1:25 Incentive) by Alan Quah (Lunar Code: 0626IM0380)
• M.A.S.K. #3 Cover E (1:50 Incentive) by E.J. Su (Lunar Code: 0626IM0381)

M.A.S.K. #3 (SRP: $3.99, unless otherwise noted) is available TODAY at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.