Robert Kirkman, known for franchises such as the “Invincible” series, “The Walking Dead” comics, and now Skybound’s current run of the Transformers bringing his latest creation, the “Energon Universe,” to television. As Kirkman’s comics continue to receive animated adaptations, the “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe” comics are beginning to share an overlapping storyline.
Said storyline shall be reflected in this TV-MA adaptation, focusing on both IPs equally. To tell the full story of the “Energon Universe, ” while also breaking ground in adult television. While both series are not strangers to animated television, nor is Kirkman. This situation is rather unique; along with it being a shared story, the mature nature of the show will be the first time in both franchises’ histories that they will have an adult television series.
The shared universe first launched after the release of the pilot comic “Void Rivals” in 2021, created by Kirkman and artist Lorenzo De Felici, following the end of Idea and Design Works’s (IDW) run with the properties, which marked a historic transition in ownership. The intellectual property’s history of ownership is complicated, first with Marvel’s run from 1984-1994, to Dreamwave Productions’ version from 2002-2004, then IDW’s from 2005-2022, being the longest run. Now, it falls into the lap of Skybound.
With fans of the comics hoping that it adapts the source material faithfully both in story and in tone, as writer and artist Daniel Warren Johnson set for the series. One avid Skybound enthusiast and local “Transformers” expert, Cooper Vigue, reflected these sentiments in his own opinion, saying, “The source material is undoubtedly great, but adapting it this quickly and with only a small amount already out seems like a nearsighted move.”
As production on the series moves forward, the comics move into their second phase of the story, with Kirkman taking over completely and Dan Mora being brought on as the new artist. Fans wait in anticipation for the release of this show and the future of the franchise.
