Kirkman Unveils Epic Future for Energon Universe!
Robert Kirkman's Skybound imprint is experiencing immense success with its Energon Universe, revitalizing Hasbro properties like Transformers and G.I. Joe through a carefully streamlined, long-term strategy. Simultaneously, Kirkman is launching 'Terminal,' a new creator-owned comic about a woman embroiled in a superhuman war, further expanding his influential work in the industry.
More than four decades after their initial debut, the Transformers are once again leading comic book sales charts, largely due to the efforts of Robert Kirkman and his Skybound imprint. Kirkman's initiative has successfully launched the Energon Universe, an interconnected narrative world featuring various Hasbro properties. This ambitious project, which appears to have limitless potential, was recently discussed by Kirkman himself at San Diego Comic Con, where he also unveiled his newest creator-owned book, Terminal.
The Energon Universe made its debut subtly with Void Rivals, initially presented as a standalone science fiction series. The reveal of the Transformer Jetfire in the final panel of its first issue initiated the shared universe. This led to a dedicated Transformers comic, initially penned and illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson, with Kirkman assuming writing duties from issue #25 onwards. Following this success, Skybound expanded the universe to include other iconic Hasbro franchises such as G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K., and most recently, Rom, an alien-fighting armored space knight who received a surprise one-shot comic.
Despite the burgeoning success, Kirkman is keen on maintaining a streamlined approach to the Energon Universe. While he personally expressed a desire to create a solo book for the porcine space pirate Skuxxoid from Void Rivals, he prioritizes avoiding a convoluted web of mini-series and tie-ins that could become "tedious" for readers. His focus is on building a foundation that ensures the line remains accessible and affordable, fostering sustainable growth rather than rapid, complex expansion.
This patient strategy has evidently paid off, with Kirkman stating the line is "insanely successful" and exceeding internal expectations. The cohesive universe allows for numerous creative possibilities as characters interact. Currently, the Energon Universe consists of four ongoing series: Void Rivals, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and M.A.S.K. Kirkman's long-term vision is to emulate the slow, steady growth of the Marvel Universe in the 1960s, aiming to establish the Energon Universe as a lasting staple in the comic book industry for decades to come. Beyond comics, an animated series adapting these books is already in development.
In addition to his work on the Energon Universe, Kirkman, known for co-creating highly successful and adapted creator-owned comics like The Walking Dead and Invincible, is launching a new project titled Terminal. Co-written by Joe Casey and featuring art from legendary pencilers Andy Kubert, David Finch, and Art Adams, Terminal delves into a new mystery.
The premise of Terminal centers on Marilyn Howe, whose quest to find her missing sister thrusts her into the midst of a covert war between two factions of superhumans. This new series promises a compelling narrative from one of the industry's most influential creators, adding another significant title to his diverse portfolio.