Recently, Hasbro made a major shift by reclaiming its G.I. Joe and Transformers licenses from IDW and partnering with Robert Kirkman's Skybound Entertainment. This move paved the way for an entirely new comic book universe where the worlds of the Autobots and the Joes are deeply intertwined.
Launched in June 2023, the Energon Universe marked a clean slate for both franchises. Free from the constraints of past storylines, it reimagined familiar characters and lore through a modern lens.
The universe began with Transformers, written by Daniel Warren Johnson, which opened with the Autobots crash-landing on Earth and introduced them to readers as though for the first time.
The G.I. Joe side of the story unfolded through a string of miniseries exploring the early days of the Joes and Cobra. These stories took place as humanity struggled to respond to the arrival of towering alien robots.
Tying it all together is Void Rivals, an original creation that serves as the narrative bridge between both franchises and expands the mythos in unexpected directions.
Now, according to Bleeding Cool, an animated series based on the Energon Universe is reportedly in development. While not officially confirmed, Robert Kirkman and Skybound’s involvement makes Amazon a strong candidate to host the series if the rumor holds true. The report also hints that an announcement could arrive at San Diego Comic-Con next month or at New York Comic Con later this year.
In light of the disappointing box office results for Transformers One, Hasbro may be looking to animation as a way to reinvigorate interest in its brands. If this effort falls short, it could lead to a pause on future Transformers adaptations.
Despite that risk, a live-action crossover between Transformers and G.I. Joe remains in development. The film is intended to follow Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and was teased in that movie’s post-credits scene, where Noah Diaz, played by Anthony Ramos, is invited to join the G.I. Joe organization.
More recently, it was teased that Michael Bay may be returning for a new live-action Transformers film.
Although the crossover film made headlines after its San Diego Comic-Con 2024 reveal, there have been few updates since, leaving its future somewhat uncertain.
For ongoing coverage on this report, be sure to follow our animation-focused sister site, Toonado.
We’ll have up-to-the-minute reports from both San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic Con, with key updates and in-depth follow-ups if any major announcements are made.