The Energon Universe Explodes at SDCC With ROM, Major Medusa, M.A.S.K. and a Transformed Thundercracker

Skybound, Image Comics and Hasbro celebrated three years of their shared universe by revealing new characters, creative teams, covers and major storylines across Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals and M.A.S.K.

The Energon Universe rolled into Comic-Con International: San Diego with its foot on the gas and absolutely no interest in slowing down.

During the official Energon Universe comics panel, Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro, pulled back the curtain on what is coming next for one of the hottest shared universes currently tearing through comic shops. Fans were treated to an all-new trailer, upcoming covers, fresh character designs and some seriously juicy teases involving Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals and M.A.S.K.

The panel featured Energon Universe architect Robert Kirkman, G.I. Joe writer Joshua Williamson, Void Rivals artist Conor Hughes and Skybound Senior Vice President and Publisher Sean Mackiewicz. Together, they celebrated the line’s third anniversary while making one thing crystal clear: this universe is only getting bigger, stranger and more dangerous.

Three years into this experiment, the Energon Universe has grown from a surprise connection inside Void Rivals into a full-blown comics powerhouse. This year’s SDCC presentation gave fans a look at how Skybound plans to keep that momentum moving, complete with unexpected character reveals, major creative announcements and an exclusive M.A.S.K. wristband giveaway for those lucky enough to be inside the room. Yeah, the people watching from home got the news. The folks inside Hall H got activated like they were waiting for Matt Trakker to send them on a mission. SDCC privilege is real, fam. M.A.S.K., long planned as the fourth major series in the Energon Universe, received a well-deserved spotlight following the launch of its new high-octane comic from writer Dan Watters and artist Pye Parr.

As fans activated their M.A.S.K. network wristbands and awaited their orders, Skybound revealed new character designs for Scott Trakker, the son of franchise hero Matt Trakker, and his robotic protector, T-Bob. Both characters are scheduled to enter the series in upcoming issues, expanding the world beyond the initial launch and bringing even more classic M.A.S.K. mythology into the Energon Universe.

The panel then shifted toward Void Rivals, which has entered a bold new chapter following the explosive Quintesson War. Series artist Conor Hughes joined Robert Kirkman to discuss the upcoming arrival of ROM inside the Sacred Ring. The inclusion of ROM opens another massive door for the shared universe, connecting yet another beloved Hasbro property to the cosmic madness already unfolding throughout Void Rivals.

Fans were also introduced to Predacron, a dangerous new bounty hunter whose character design was revealed during the presentation. Kirkman and Hughes teased the next major story arc while announcing that artist Frank Mazzoli will join the series. Because apparently the Sacred Ring was not already dangerous enough. Now ROM is coming, a bounty hunter is on the loose and everybody involved seems perfectly comfortable pouring gasoline near the fireworks.

G.I. Joe is preparing to launch its biggest storyline yet with an extra-sized issue #25 arriving in August. Joshua Williamson discussed the events that have pushed the series toward G.I. Joe vs. Night Force, a confrontation that promises to shake both teams and reshape the battlefield. The panel also introduced Major Medusa, an all-new Cobra character making her first appearance within the Energon Universe.

Her striking new design was revealed alongside covers for G.I. Joe #26, although the full details surrounding her mission and loyalties remain under wraps. Based on the hints dropped during the panel, Major Medusa is not showing up to exchange friendship bracelets. Cobra just added another problem to the board, and she looks ready to make somebody’s life miserable.

Then came Transformers, a title that has lived up to its name by refusing to let its characters, alliances or body parts remain unchanged for very long.

Robert Kirkman spoke about the creative freedom that comes with pulling characters from different eras of Transformers history and reimagining them inside this new continuity. One of the biggest examples appears on the main cover for Transformers #36, where Superion is shown with the newly christened Autobot Thundercracker serving as his new arm. Yes, Thundercracker is now an Autobot. He is also somebody’s arm. Comics, baby. Where else are you getting this kind of beautiful madness?

Kirkman and Mackiewicz also teased what lies ahead for Elita Prime and how far she may be willing to go to win the war. With Cybertronian loyalties continuing to shift and the conflict becoming increasingly brutal, Elita Prime’s decisions could have enormous consequences for both Autobots and Decepticons.

Skybound also announced that acclaimed artist Karl Kerschl will serve as guest artist on Transformers #37, adding another major creative talent to the series’ growing roster.

The Energon Universe remains the crown jewel of Skybound and Hasbro’s historic publishing collaboration, bringing Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals and M.A.S.K. together inside one constantly evolving comic book continuity.

What started as a shocking reveal has become one of the most ambitious interconnected universes in modern comics. Three years later, Skybound is still finding new ways to surprise readers, remix familiar characters and create moments that feel dangerous, unpredictable and worth talking about.

With ROM entering the Sacred Ring, Major Medusa joining Cobra, Scott Trakker and T-Bob preparing to enter the M.A.S.K. network, and Thundercracker becoming an Autobot limb, the Energon Universe is not coasting on nostalgia. It is weaponizing it.

The third anniversary may have been the reason for the celebration, but based on everything revealed at SDCC, the real party is just getting started.