Skybound/Image
4 Oktober 2023
- Cover A: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
- Cover B: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
- Cover C: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
- Cover D: Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni
- Cover E (1:10): Orlando Arocena
- Cover F (1:25): Cliff Chiang
- Cover G (1:50): Francis Manapul
- Cover H (1:100): Ian Bertram
- Cover I: Blanc Sketch Cover
- Convention Exclusive Ashcan - Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
- Convention Exclusive Ashcan B&W - Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
- TFAW Exclusive Cover (Limited 1000) - Frederic Pham Chuong
- Transmission Podcast Exclusive Cover - E.J. Su
2 ComicTom101 x Carnivore Comics Exclusives:
- Raf Grasetti Trade Dress (Limited 1000)
- Raf Grasetti Virgin (Limited 500)
- Stadium Comics Exclusive Cover (Limitied 1000) - Santa Fung
- Stronghold Collectibles Exclusive Cover (Limited 1000) - Alan Quah
- Comic Kingdom Exclusive Cover (Limited 800) - Von Randal
- Condemned Comics Exclusive Cover (Limited 100) -Chris Mitten
- EastSide Comics Exclusive Variant Cover - Darls Draws
- Exclusive Variant Cover - Patrico Delpeche
- 2 Fan Art Covers (NOT Produced) - Elvis Ching
Cover Gallery
Alternative Covers
Cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Autobot)
Cover C by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Decepticon)
Cover D by Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni
A few asked to see my Transformers cover without color and trade dress. Sending the original art to @FelixComicArt for a special art drop!
And here’s the layout for you. Gotta lay down the composition and structure of it all first!
Cover E (1:10 Copy Incentive – Connecting) by Orlando Arocena
It's your first look at the Transformers #1-6 connected covers by @OrlandoArocena! Pick up Transformer #1 at your local comic book shop on October 4, 2023! #EnergonUniverse
— Skybound Entertainment (@Skybound) September 14, 2023
W/A: @danielwarrenart
C: #MikeSpicer
L: @RusWooton
CVR: @OrlandoArocena pic.twitter.com/DzpEZv8aoU
Rolling Out Tomorrow to Comicbook shops!
— Orlando Arocena (@OrlandoArocena) October 3, 2023
Heres a #vector BTS of my official Transformers 1 of 6 sequential cover panoramic! Thanks to @Skybound @MendolaArtists !#thisisvector #madeonz @ZbyHP @Illustrator @wacom #transformers pic.twitter.com/PMSn0ORX6G
"Nah, not exciting enough"
Final Optimus Prime
Cover F (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Cliff Chiang
Cover G (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Francis Manapul
Cover H (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Ian Bertram
Transformers #1 Cover I Blank Sketch Cover
Transformers #1 Convention Exclusive Ashcan - Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
Here’s just a peek inside the Transformers ashcan. Will not spoil some very DWJ moments in this first issue.
Daniel Warren Johnson WIP
WIP Video
WIP Images
TFAW Exclusive Variant Cover (Limited 1000) - Frederic Pham Chuong
This Variant of Transformers #1 was created Exclusively for TFAW by artist Frederic Pham Chuong. It is an edition of 1000, raw copies will be shipped bagged and boarded.
Transmission Podcast Exclusive Variant Cover - E.J. Su
We’ve got an exciting announcement! In 2016 we became the first podcast to commission an exclusive comic cover with IDW Publishing’s “Transformers: Till All Are One #1.” In celebration of our 10th anniversary and with a new Transformers series by Skybound and Image, we’re doing it again!
We are excited to have the only exclusive cover by a returning Transformers comic artist, E.J. Su, with an amazing depiction of Starscream. We will be selling it for $15 USD plus shipping and handling. Sales will be restricted to the US and Canada at this time. The book will be released on October 4, 2023 and more information about sales will be coming soon.
As thanks to our Donatreons, the awesome people that support us on Patreon, we are giving a copy to everyone that’s a supporter in good standing through August 2023 regardless of donation level. We couldn’t have done this without you, and are very thankful for all the support over the years.
Skybound Transformers #1 Retail Exclusive cover for Transmissionspodcast.com
I painted it this while on vacation in Taiwan, 15"x20" hot pressed illustration board with watercolors. I believe this is the first Transformers cover that I painted with watercolors.
Transformers a/w by the amazing @danielwarrenart I think people are in for a treat.
Pre-order your copy at transmissionspodcast.com
#art #artist #artwork #cover #image #imagecomics #skybound #transformers #starscream #decepticon #Cybertron #cybertronian #robot #watercolors
Exclusive Variant Cover - Pato del Peche
Virgin?
Poohformers Homage Cover Black & White - Marat Mychaels
Fan Art Cover (NOT Produced) - Elvis Ching
Fan Art Cover (NOT Produced) - Elvis Ching
Promo
Promo in Void Rivals #3
Daniel Warren Johnson WIP
Looking forward to talking about TRANSFORMERS on my livestream tonight at 8:30 pm CT! Linked below!
Online Promotional Posters
In June of 2023 two online posters were created to promote Transformers #1. With both the Autobots and the Decepticons Poster it was a build up process, with a new character revealed in a number of executive days, with the full poster as the endresult.
From June 20th 2023, over the course of 4 days, a graduate build up of a promotional Transformers #1 Autobots Poster was shared on Twitter by Skybound. Artwork by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Their fourth tweet read:
"AUTOBOTS...ROLL OUT! Ratchet, Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, Optimus Prime, and Arcee will appear in writer/artist powerhouse @danielwarrenart and @SpicerColor Transformers, launching with issue #1 October 3, 2023.
#EnergonUniverse"
Skybound
Here's the Autobots Team in Daniel Warren Johnson's Transformers #1!
Question: What’s better than Skybound’s upcoming relaunch of the Transformers in the all-new shared Energon Universe with G.I. Joe? Answer: Rockstar comic creator Daniel Warren Johnson writing and illustrating Skybound’s new Transformers comic book! Yes, the Autobots will indeed be rolling out under the guiding hand of Johnson, the maestro responsible for such titles as Wonder Woman: Dead Earth, Beta Ray Bill, Murder Falcon, Do a Powerbomb, and Extremity. And today, we’ve got your first look at Johnson’s full lineup of Autobots as they’ll appear when Transformers #1 rolls out in October. Check out Optimus Prime, Arcee, Cliffjumper, Wheeljack, and Ratchet after these official details on the first issue and its variant covers…
Today Skybound, in partnership with toy and game company Hasbro, announced the full lineup of Autobots team members that will appear in writer/artist powerhouse Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers, launching with issue #1 Wednesday October 4, 2023.
Teasers of each character appeared on Skybound social channels this week, showcasing the all-star team of Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Wheeljack. Fans should stay tuned to Skybound social channels next week, as the Decepticon team will be unveiled daily.
In the recent surprise heard ‘round the world, Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici’s Void Rivals #1 launched the all-new shared “Energon Universe” with the surprise first appearance of iconic Transformers character Jetfire. The stealth launch introduced the historic new partnership between Hasbro and Skybound, with Transformers and G.I. Joe comics finding a new home with the publisher.
Transformers #1 (Lunar Code 0623IM805) begins an all-new era for the iconic Robots in Disguise from Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon). Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope for survival is Optimus Prime.
Transformers #1 (Lunar Code 0623IM805| $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Fans will discover more about the Energon Universe at Comic-Con International: San Diego this July, with Skybound set to announce programming and exclusive drops in the coming weeks.
Gallery
From June 26th 2023, over the course of 5 days, a graduate build up of a promotional Transformers #1 Decepticons Poster was shared on Twitter by Skybound. Artwork by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer. Their fifth tweet read:
"DECEPTICONS…ATTACK! Skywarp, Rumble, Laserbeak, Soundwave and Starscream will appear in writer/artist powerhouse @danielwarrenart and @spicercolor’s Transformers, launching with issue #1 October 4, 2023."
Skybound
Here's the Decepticons lineup in Daniel Warren Johnson's Transformers #1
Decepticons, attack! One week ago we brought you your first look at the team of Autobots to be featured in writer-artist Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers #1. Now today, we’ve got your first glimpse of the enemy Decepticons roster. Check out a full look at the team after these official details on the issue, arriving October 2023…
Today Skybound, in partnership with toy and game company Hasbro, revealed the full lineup of Decepticons team members that will appear in writer/artist powerhouse Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers, launching with issue #1 October 4, 2023.
Teasers of each character appeared on Skybound social channels this week, culminating with the full Decepticons team reveal of Starscream, Rumble, Skywarp, Laserbeak, and Soundwave.
This squad joins the Transformers Autobots roster unveiled last week, consisting of Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Wheeljack. These iconic characters and more will be introduced throughout the first story arc of the all-new Transformers series.
The shocking conclusion to Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici’s Void Rivals #1 served as the kickoff to the all-new shared “Energon Universe” with the surprise first appearance of iconic Transformers character Jetfire. The stealth launch introduced the historic new partnership between Hasbro and Skybound, with Transformers and G.I. Joe comics finding a new home with the publisher.
Transformers #1 begins an all-new era for the iconic Robots in Disguise from Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon). Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope for survival is Optimus Prime.
Transformers #1 (Lunar Code 0623IM805 | $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Fans will discover more about the Energon Universe at Comic-Con International: San Diego this July, with Skybound set to announce programming and exclusive drops in the coming weeks.
Gallery
SDCC 2023
Autobots Roll Out on Saturday at SDCC2023
Come Saturday at at SDCC 2023, the Transformers and G.I. Joe are taking over! And fans can expect special appearances from iconic celebrities and creators at the Skybound booth (#3735) in the San Diego Convention Center! Here are the official details on all this goodness from yer pals at Skybound HQ…
Transformers & G.I. Joe Return in The Energon Universe
4:15-5:15 PM, Room 6A
The Transformers and G.I. Joe are back at Skybound, kicking off THE ENERGON UNIVERSE! Superstars Robert Kirkman (Void Rivals), Daniel Warren Johnson (Transformers), Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander) and Sean Mackiewicz (SVP/Publisher, Skybound) reveal the secrets behind Image/Skybound’s most anticipated comics of 2023. Moderated by James Viscardi (ComicBook.com).
At the Skybound booth:
Iconic actress Katee Sackhoff will be making an appearance on the broadcast livestream to talk about her new podcast, Blah Blah Blah with Katee Sackhoff (1:30-2:00pm*). Artist Bear Walker will be hosting a signing and debuting his all-new The Walking Dead skate deck (12:00-1:00pm*). Daniel Warren Johnson (Transformers) and Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander) will also be hosting an Energon Universe signing (6:00-7:00pm*).
For more details about signings and other exceptional events, take a look at our complete SDCC 2023 schedule!
Poster via Steven Boyd
Skybound Booth at SDCC
SDCC 2023 Skybound Booth
SDCC 2023 Panel
Larry Hama, Robert Kirkman and Daniel Warren Johnson had a short panel at San Diego Comic Con 2023.
Phillip Donnelly of Articulated Points shot a video of it, which you can find below. Skybound shared a short clip on Twitter. From this it becomes clear that the "roll out" of the series with their figures, and how everything is intertwined, will go smoothly.
Void Rivals will flow into Transformers, that will flow into G.I. Joe.
“We’re starting from the ground floor, so we’re going to see how Cobra and G.I. Joe are formed”
@RobertKirkman at Twitter
“Transformers leads into Duke, Duke leads into Cobra Commander, Cobra Commander leads into… ehhh you’ll have to wait and see!” -@RobertKirkman talking about the “slow roll” of the #EnergonUniverse.
“Transformers leads into Duke, Duke leads into Cobra Commander, Cobra Commander leads into… ehhh you’ll have to wait and see!” -@RobertKirkman talking about the “slow roll” of the #EnergonUniverse. pic.twitter.com/fbBTrLZdqb
— Skybound Entertainment (@Skybound) July 21, 2023
Void Rivals Covers met Transformers
In aanloop naar Transformers #1 zijn er inmiddels vier issues van Void Rivals verschenen, met opgeteld tientalle Covers. Op sommige van die Covers zijn Transformers te zien die (Spoiler) voorkomen in de verhaallijn van Void Rivals, het zogeheten Energon Universe.
Er waren zes Covers met Transformers erop bij Void Rivals #1, twee bij Void Rivals #2, ook twee bij Void Rivals #3, maar bij Void Rivals #4 voorlopig nog geen covers met een Transformer erop.
Deze covers zie je hieronder in de galerij, waarbij wellicht opvalt dat twee covers op elkaar aansluiten. Dit is de vierde druk van #1 met de derde druk van #2, Connecting Covers door Flaviano Armentaro!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Enjoy! 🙏🏼
Cover A - Daniel Warren Johnson
Cover A - Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
AUG230408 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR B JOHNSON & SPICER – 4.99
AUG230409 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR C JOHNSON & SPICER – 4.99
AUG230410 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR D OTTLEY – 4.99
AUG230411 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR E 10 COPY INCV AROCENA – 4.99
AUG230412 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR F 25 COPY INCV CHIANG – 4.99
AUG230413 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR G 50 COPY INCV – 4.99
AUG230414 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR H 100 COPY INCV – 4.99
(W) Daniel Warren Johnson (A / CA) Mike Spicer, Daniel Warren Johnson
Transformers and G.I. Joe launch new shared comic book universe!
One of the best-kept secrets in comic-book history has finally been revealed. With today’s release of writer Robert Kirkman and artist Lorenzo De Felici’s Void Rivals #1, Skybound has stealth-launched the “Energon Universe,” a universe shared by the ever-popular Transformers and G.I. Joe! In October, that universe expands with Transformers #1 from creator Daniel Warren Johnson. December will bring the first of four G.I. Joe limited series, Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly’s Duke #1 (exploring the origins of the Joes and Cobra). And January 2024 will witness the arrival of Williamson and Andrea Milana’s Cobra Commander #1. Read on for all the official details and a look at the full cover of Transformers #1 by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer — featuring everyone’s favorite Autobot, Optimus Prime!
Today, it was announced that two of the world’s most popular franchises – Transformers and G.I. Joe – have a new comic book home as part of the historic partnership between toy and game company Hasbro and Skybound, effective immediately.
Comic book fans who picked up their copies of Void Rivals #1 in comic shops today were the first to learn the news, as the blockbuster Oblivion Song team of writers Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and artist Lorenzo De Felici (Kroma), along with colorist Matheus Lopes (Step By Bloody Step) and letterer Rus Wooton, revealed that the highly anticipated series was actually a stealth launch of this new shared “Energon Universe” with the surprise first appearance of iconic Transformers character Jetfire.
Three upcoming releases, alongside Void Rivals, mark the beginning of the interconnected “Energon Universe” featuring both the characters and franchises you know and love, along with entirely new concepts developed in partnership by Hasbro and Skybound.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be able to reintroduce this world to a new audience under the Skybound banner,” said Robert Kirkman. “I’ve loved these characters for most of my life and to have the opportunity to add to the already rich tapestry Hasbro has built with the all-new Void Rivals is an unbelievable opportunity. If you look at everything done with Transformers and G.I. Joe, you can see the inkling of a vast universe with tremendous potential for crossovers and interaction that will enhance the fan experience while staying true to the individual identities of both concepts. I look forward to exploring that potential for years to come.”
“When we first discussed plan for the surprise reveal in Void Rivals #1, I never expected it would be a secret we could keep for over a year,” said Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s VP of Global Publishing. “Now that it is finally here, we are all excited to finally be able to talk about all the amazing stories to come from our great new partners at Skybound.”
Launching in October, Transformers #1 begins an all-new era for the iconic robots in disguise from superstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth). Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.
“To my readers, retailers, and fellow transformer fans: GET READY! I’ve only been drawing Optimus Prime and the rest of this amazing cast since I was in FIRST GRADE,” said Daniel Warren Johnson. “This is a dream project for me, and I’m so glad to be adding a new chapter to the decades long celebration of robots turning into cars. Also, cab-over trucks are so fun to draw!”
The new Energon Universe expands in December with Duke #1, a limited series from Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride) and Tom Reilly (The Thing), that tells the story you’ve never read before – the origins of G.I. Joe and Cobra in a world grappling with the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons. When Conrad S. Hauser (codename DUKE) investigates the mysteries behind The Transformers, the answers will lead to the birth of forces for good and evil that the world never imagined.
Duke will be the first of four G.I. Joe limited series coming from Skybound, setting the stage for a fresh new take on G.I. Joe, Cobra and the iconic characters that you only think you know!
“Childhood dreams come true! Get hyped! Tom and I are bringing you a new take on Duke and the formation of G.I. Joe that honors all that we love about the characters but takes it into a new and exciting direction,” said Joshua Williamson. “It’s been awesome working with Skybound and Hasbro to bring this new take on the G.I. Joe franchise. For the last few years, I’ve been picking up all of the new G.I. Classified figures, so I am pumped to contribute to this new world of G.I. Joe and Transformers!”
“I’m super excited to be working with Josh and the team at Skybound to usher in a new beginning for these iconic characters,” said Tom Reilly. “The Joes have a rich history in comics, one that we look forward to adding something new and exciting to. It’s going to be a fun ride!”
This will be followed by the launch of Cobra Commander #1 in January 2024, from Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook). In a world where Cobra doesn’t exist, one man’s sinister plans to utilize the mysterious alien substance known as Energon will send shockwaves across the globe.
“My first comic was G.I. JOE, and I couldn’t be more excited to unite the Transformers and G.I. Joe into one universe,” said Sean Mackiewicz, SVP, Publisher. “This line is being guided by the best comic creators in the world and features the same action-packed, surprise-filled, emotional storytelling you expect from all Skybound comics.”
Void Rivals #1 (JAN238443) is available today at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play.
Fans can pre-order their copies of Transformers #1, Duke #1, and Cobra Commander #1 right now at their local comic book shops.
IMAGE COMICS Solicits via BleedingCool
- AUG230407 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR A JOHNSON & SPICER
- AUG230408 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR B JOHNSON & SPICER – 4.99
- AUG230409 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR C JOHNSON & SPICER – 4.99
- AUG230410 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR D OTTLEY – 4.99
- AUG230411 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR E 10 COPY INCV AROCENA – 4.99
- AUG230412 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR F 25 COPY INCV CHIANG – 4.99
- AUG230413 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR G 50 COPY INCV – 4.99
- AUG230414 – TRANSFORMERS #1 CVR H 100 COPY INCV – 4.99
(W) Daniel Warren Johnson (A / CA) Mike Spicer, Daniel Warren Johnson
SERIES PREMIERE
THE ALL NEW TRANSFORMERS ERA STARTS HERE!
Superstar creator DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON (DO A POWERBOMB, Wonder Woman: Dead Earth), alongside ENERGON UNIVERSE showrunner ROBERT KIRKMAN (VOID RIVALS, INVINCIBLE), reimagines Hasbro's robots in disguise for a brand-new generation.
Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies-the Decepticons.
As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity's only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.
Discover THE TRANSFORMERS like you've never seen them before!
In Shops: Oct 04, 2023
SRP: 4.99