Skybound’s Energon Universe panel at this weekend’s New York Comic Con brought plenty of reveals for upcoming issues of the publisher’s Transformers, G.I. Joe, and more. Attendees got a first look at a new design for Megatron by Jason Howard, the destiny of G.I. Joe’s Baroness, and last but not least, the long-awaited debut of the Dinobots in the new shared universe in March.
Megatron, redesigned here by Jason Howard, was last seen in this year’s issue #31 undergoing a metamorphosis after submitting to the will of his counterpart from the original Thirteen Primes, Megatronus (the Fallen). He will emerge as Megatronus Rex in issue #38 on November 11. His new body includes literal flames like his predecessor, and a purple-and-black color scheme similar to him, as well as the stealth bomber design he had at IDW Publishing.
January’s issue #40, starring the peaceful, nature-loving Autobot Beachcomber, will feature interiors by guest artist Howard Porter.
March’s issue #42 will debut the Dinobots, who have been conspicuously absent from the Energon Universe so far, although Wheeljack was seen taking an interest in dinosaur fossils in the first issue of Robert Kirkman‘s Transformers run in 2024. Snarl, the team’s Stegosaurus, is not seen on the cover, which features fellow original members Grimlock (in T. rex mode), Swoop (the Pteranodon), Sludge (Brontosaurus), and Slug (Triceratops).
Void Rivals is kicking off the “Pit of Destruction” arc with issue #37 in December, which will see Darak, Solila, and Pythona return to Cobra-La on Earth. March’s issue #40 will introduce the snake-like bounty hunter Lobotomaxx (pictured), who made their debut in the G.I. Joe toy line in 1994.
January’s M.A.S.K. #8 will introduce the G.I. Joe subgroup Battle Force 2000, who’ll include a new, cyborg version of the pilot Maverick.
January’s G.I. Joe #30 will see the Baroness defect to her traditional group Cobra, after having been a Joe for the Energon Universe’s run until now. The series, by Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly, is currently in the midst of the Night Force arc, which will conclude with issue #29 on December 16.
Skybound’s Energon Universe recently celebrated the third anniversary of its debut in Void Rivals #1 (by Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici), and has sold a purported 7.5 million copies to date. The teases came shortly after the imprint revealed its Visions line, which will include standalone take on Hasbro and non-Hasbro properties alike.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from NYCC ’26.
