Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics‘ Energon Universe Special won’t just be a Free Comic Book Day release.
As previously announced, Image and Skybound will put out their Energon Universe Special for free as part of Free Comic Book Day 2024 on Saturday, May 4 — kicking off year two of the shared universe that includes Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals. However, Skybound has now confirmed that is also releasing a purchasable edition of the comic just four days after FCBD.
In addition to the main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, the non-FCBD edition features variant covers by Lorenzo De Felici, Tom Reilly, Stephen Green, and Khary Randolph. The comic itself features a collection of stories from Robert Kirkman, Johnson, Joshua Williamson, De Felici, Ryan Ottley, and Jason Howard. At this time, Skybound has shared two of the Energon Universe Special’s covers, as well as two fully-lettered interior pages.
Check out the covers and preview pages for Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 below:
Image’s Energon Universe Special promises a ‘perfect jumping on point’
The Energon Universe began in June 2023 with the debut of the ongoing Void Rivals by Kirkman and De Felici. The series’ debut issue included a surprise appearance by Jetfire, of Transformers fame. Void Rivals went on hiatus in November, and will return for its second story arc starting with issue #7 next month.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s ongoing Transformers series launched in October 2023. Johnson currently writes and illustrates Transformers, with his first story arc set to wrap up in next month’s issue #6. Jorge Corona will take over as artist starring with April’s Transformers #7, while Johnson will continue to write the series.
The G.I. Joe franchise properly entered the fray in December 2023 with the launch of Duke by Williamson and Tom Reilly. Cobra Commander by Williamson and Andrea Milana followed suit in January. Duke and Cobra Commander are two of four G.I. Joe limited series Skybound and Image currently have planned for the Energon Universe.
Skybound describes the upcoming FCBD special as a “perfect jumping on point for new readers and a can’t miss for long time fans.” The comic’s three original stories promise “stunning revelations” for their respective franchises.
The non-FCBD edition of Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 goes on sale Wednesday, May 8 from Image Comics.
