Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Transformers #29For nearly two decades, Michael Bay’s live-action Transformers movies have largely defined the franchise. However, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that a brand-new Transformers series could easily rival those beloved movies.
Having directed five movies and produced two others, Michael Bay reportedly has another live-action Transformers movie in the works. There’s also the Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover teased at the end of Rise of the Beasts. However, the comics’ Energon Universe and its recently announced animated adaptation looks more compelling with every new issue (especially after this week).
Robert Kirkman’s “Energon Universe” Just Keeps Getting Better (Especially Transformers)
Spearheaded by The Walking Dead and Invincible’s Robert Kirkman and Skybound Entertainment, the Energon Universe has been an incredibly fun ride since it first began in 2023, a shared universe combining Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Kirkman’s original Void Rivals IP.
We can absolutely use the brand-new Transformers #29 as a prime example, written by Kirkman with art by Dan Mora, which delivers some of the coolest and most intense Autobot vs Decepticon action on par with what we’ve seen on the screen.
The issue literally opens with a crazed Megatron cannibalizing Autobot Trailbreaker for his energon, “bestowing upon him a permanent death.” Naturally, this kicks off a major brawl between the Autobots and Decepticons in full force, with Optimus Prime and Megatron at its heart.
Stand-out moments include only half of Devastator combining inside Teletran-1, while the Autobots’ Bulkhead holds his own against Bruticus, the Decepticons’ other massive Combiner.
Meanwhile, we also get to see Megatron react to Thundercracker’s recent defection to the Autobots, an exciting and bold Transformers twist showing Kirkman’s willingness to create new lore and arcs beyond what we’ve seen before, whether it’s from the original animated series or in the live-action movies.
Every issue of this new Transformers series released has thus far felt like must-read event storytelling. Heck, it literally began with Optimus Prime using one of Megatron’s arms as a dark replacement.
I Seriously Can’t Wait For The Animated Energon Universe Series
Overall, the success of the Energon Universe on the page is very exciting, especially considering the recent announcement that Skybound is developing an adult-oriented animated series around it, not unlike Invincible on Prime Video.
Throw in what’s been happening in the pages of G.I. Joe and Void Rivals (which are just as awesome), and the Energon Universe franchise is something that could really take off with some impressive longevity for Transformers fans.
If the show faithfully adapts the intensity, character depth, and epic chaos of the comics, I can very much see it becoming a definitive Transformers adaptation rivaling the live-action movies, while also returning to the franchise’s animated roots at the same time. So far, each new issue has only strengthened that possibility in my mind.
Transformers #29 is available now from Image Comics.