Energon Universe - ongoing Transformers and G.I. Joe comics from Skybound

Magnusblitz

Active member
Citizen
I just have a feeling that Void Rivals is probably the lowest selling of the Energon Universe books. So, they might decide to replace it with something else, purely for business reasons. But, I could be completely off on that. I have no idea how well or poorly Void Rivals is actually selling.

Looking at the sales figures on ICv2 (so can only see top 50; number in parentheses is overall rank in units sold among all single issues that month, spoilered for space):

July 2024
(5) Transformers #8
(16) Destro #2
(31) Void Rivals #11

June 2024
(5) Transformers #9
(9) Scarlett #1
(11) Destro #1
(36) Void Rivals #10

May 2024
(4) Transformers #8
(18) Cobra Commander #5
(21) Energon Universe 2024 Special (wow)
(32) Void Rivals #9

April 2024
(3) Transformers #7
(12) Cobra Commander #4
(26) Duke #5

March 2024
(6) Transformers #6
(18) Cobra Commander #3
(25) Void Rivals #7

So yeah, TF is easily their top seller (frequently in the top 5 of all comics period), the GIJOE stuff is doing pretty well, usually in the top 10-15, and Void Rivals is definitely the slowest seller of the Energon Universe stuff, in the 30s. Still nothing to sniff at though, that lands around the same area as titles like Wonder Woman or Immortal Thor, and Image doesn't have much else that hits the top 50.
 

ZakuConvoy

Well-known member
Citizen
Oh, it's consistently selling in the Top 50! That's pretty good, then. They might want to keep that going for a long haul. Glad to see I was wrong!

I'm still not sure how long Kirkman, himself, will stay on the book. If only because he likes to move on to different projects from time to time. But, if it keeps selling within the Top 50, then I could see him getting someone else to take it over, rather than combining it with another book.
 

ZakuConvoy

Well-known member
Citizen
Scarlett #4 is out!

This issue is basically one big ninja fight. Which isn't really a bad thing. All the action is fun. It just doesn't give one much to talk about.

We do finally find out what the weapon is that the Arashikage want so bad this issue. So, that's kind of a major development.

Otherwise, yeah, this is another solid issue. Although, again, nothing in the way of actual Transformer tie-in, if you only care about that side of things.
We take a moment away from this exciting Ninja Heist to bring you FEELINGS! Okay, it's kind of sweet for Scarlett and Jinx to reunite, but it's weird timing. Considering they're surrounded by ninja and yakuza and thieves. This feels like this should wait for a different moment. But, I guess being in a building that isn't full of the Arashikage's own cameras and spy equipment means this might actually BE the best moment they get to reconnect.

I don't know why Scarlett assumes Jinx can't attack her while they're hugging. It seems like that'd be the easiest time to stab her in the back. Also, Jinx is more upset about Scarlett killing her plants than about her infiltrating her ninja mission. Priorities!

Also, Scarlett finds out about Cobra for the first time! I don't recognize any of these Cobra agents, but they might be cameos that I just don't recognize.

And we FINALLY find out what the weapon is that the Arashikage have been after this whole time. The Sword of Life (AKA Inochi no Ken)! No, not Excalibur from the cartoon episode "Excalibur". And not the Sword of Destiny from the DiC season episode "The Sword". I'm pretty sure this Sword of Life is new. And...probably made out of Energon, since it's glowing pink? I'm guessing this is a Energon Saber of some sort. Not sure what that means going forward, but if I'm right, it could be a interesting development.
 

Magnusblitz

Active member
Citizen
Transformers #12 came out last week (9/11), surprised to not see any comments here yet especially since it wraps up the second arc.

My thoughts:
I didn't comment on #11 because it was the first issue I didn't really like, but I knew the arc finale was coming up next so I'd wait to see how things turned out. Unfortunately I felt the same, not really liking it. It's not bad but definitely not vibing with me the same as the rest of the title so far.

- The Autobots' desire to not kill (well, most of them) is starting to grate. I was sorta on the fence re: Cliffjumper executing Starscream given the circumstances (and that Cliff isn't as much of a warrior here) but Optimus really screwed up with Shockwave in #11. Similarly, I think Optimus gets a little too bent out over crushing Shockwave's head. Dude definitely deserved it. I'm not saying I want Optimus to be the rage monster from the live-action movies but I also don't think he should be so regretful here.

- The way he talks about "something come over me" and looks at his hand, I had the thought that maybe Megatron's arm has been attached to Optimus so much it's influencing him? God I hope not, that would be dumb.

- Ultra Magnus looks like he's finally gonna get a chance to kick some ass... then sees Shockwave and immediately breaks down and goes who knows where. I get that PTSD is a thing, and totally understandable given that Magnus was tortured for years, but it's still a really disappointing moment. I was hoping he'd get a chance to amend in #12, but nope, he doesn't show up at all.

- I did really like Elita's heel turn here blowing up the portal, and never setting the charges. I do sorta question Optimus' decision about blowing up the energy though - surely it can't be returned to Earth, right? It certainly can't be turned back into whales... It does have the benefit of stopping the teleportation (so he can remain on Earth) but once Elita boxed him in, I do kinda wonder if he might've not been better off just keeping it intact. I suppose it is supposed to be a tough decision, and if Cliffjumper survives with him, it could be argued to at least be 'emotionally' right, but I'm not sure Optimus made the right call here.

- Pretty sure Earth would be completely extinction-level screwed with a piece of Cybertron that big hitting it, but to be fair, it is a pretty common thing in sci-fi stories and such to minimize such consequences for Rule of Cool reasons.

On re-read I did like it more than the first read, but I still do have some reservations.
 
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ZakuConvoy

Well-known member
Citizen
My comic shop finally got in Destro #4 and Transformers #12 in, so now I can finally talk about them!

First up Destro #4.

It’s solid. And there actually IS a little, tiny bit of Transformers connection in this issue…sorta. We learn more about a character who showed up a few issues ago…and we get a bit of a twist. It’s an interesting development. I’m looking forward to the conclusion to this miniseries.

Even though, I still feel like this is skippable if you don’t care about the GI Joe side of things. Mainly, this is about the formation of the Cobra organization as we usually know them from other media. If you’re not interested in seeing that, I think you can skip it. But, it's a fun time seeing all these factions trying to stab each other in the back...only for it all to end in a big metaphorical group hug.
Destro spent BILLIONS of dollars creating technology that doesn't even work just so he could unload it onto someone else and make them THINK he was brilliant and ahead of the curve...There's a metaphor for the tech industry here, if you look VERY closely. I know, it's so subtle.

I guess Darklon (the person, not the country) is in control of MARS now that Destro’s captured. And he’s making a deal with Tomax and Xamot.

Destroy learns all about what GI Joe has been up to in some of the other minies. Not the best look, with the US government teaming up with Destro. I’m not sure if the GI Joe fans will like it, but I’ll admit, it makes for good drama.

Astoria Carlton Ritz shows back up! I was starting to wonder if she’d actually be important to the rest of the miniseries. Turns out SHE’S Chameleon, the assassin who tried to kill Destro last issue. I honestly didn’t see that coming. Good job! Also, Astoria’s tech-jinxes have a technical term now. The FLUKE Pulse. Some fathers give their daughters pepper spray, others give their daughters EMPs.

Turns out she was working on Project Overkill! A series of satellites that would bring peace to the world…or else! Overkill is usually a robot who controls the BATS in other GI Joe media, so I’m guessing this Overkill will eventually become more like THAT Overkill. Although, there are versions that are a cyborg. So, maybe the satellite AI is going to merge with someone else?

Also, Tomax/Xamot/Darklon decide to bring in ANOTHER party to their business merger…Cobra Commander! So, yeah, this is basically Cobra as we know it being formed. Neat!

Then we have Transformers #12, and this one was a doozy.

It’s the second arc’s big finale. Your head may explode with excitement, and I don’t think it’ll be the only one. I enjoyed it. Again though, it’s VERY violent. And kinda dark. But, I’m still enjoying it. It’s bombastic in a way few Transformer comics are.

There might be some interesting fallout from this issue…maybe literally. We'll see.
“We’re in the Circle Pit, now!” Was that a COMIC reference!? A reference to the gladiator matches on Cybertron?! In THIS heavily-cartoon inspired comic?! *Looks up what a circle pit is to see if it's a specific reference to anything* Oh...it's a reference to Mosh Pits, like at a concert. Nevermind, I got excited for nothing.

Carly’s here to save the day! I’m a little glad she came to save her buddy Cliffjumper. Cliffjumper really needs a win after the last few issues.

Because this is going to be the ONLY win Cliffjumper gets this issue. Getting pinned by Devastator’s big toe (truck). And getting batted around like a cat’s toy. Smacking head first right into the Combaticons…which only makes them ANGRIER. It’s never a good day to be Cliffjumper in this universe.

But, hey, blowing up Shockwave’s tower also sends Cybertron back where it used to be! Convenient!

You know, Shockwave hasn’t been in this universe very long. But, it still feels pretty cathartic to see Optimus just wail away on the guy for all his schemes. Don’t mess with the whales, ya creep!

Optimus sees baby Spike slowly get taken over by wires. And I can’t help but be reminded of the Swarm from G2. Or the cyberforming goo from Dreamwave. I wonder if they’re foreshadowing something?

Optimus using both hands to gouge out Shockwave’s single eye is…disturbing. But, I do like the intensity. I guess this is the end of Shockwave, at least until they can get repair parts for his head.

Okay, I’ll admit, I was NOT expecting Elita to blow up the Space Bridge to trap Optimus back on Cybertron. But, it kind of tracks.

And…look, I’ll miss the whales…but blowing up the Energon wouldn’t bring the whales back. I don’t think there’s a way to reverse this. So, Optimus deciding to just blow it all up was a little short sighted. It’s a even bigger waste than otherwise. But…I do appreciate the he’s tempted to do it, if only because it’s so horrifying to him. I like the bit of character it gives Optimus, even though I’m not sure it really reflects well on him or not. I’m a bit split on this decision. Just…DUMPING a ton of Energon into the ocean might not be too good for whatever sea life remains, just saying.

I guess Elita will probably be a enemy the next time we see her.

Also, hopefully nothing important was in this sector of the planet that got shaved off.

Lookit Beachcomber! Going all Silver Surfer on us! This is probably the best Beachcomber moment we’ve ever gotten. Surf those spaceways!

Okay, I guess I’m a bit confused. Was the stuff in the tubes JUST Energon or was it also all the ocean water that Shockwave was sucking up? Because, if Optimus just returned all the ocean water to Earth…then I guess that’s a okay call. But, if it’s ocean water MIXED with Energon…I don’t even know what that would do to the environment. Is all of Earth going to end up mutating because of this?

“What have I done?” Well, the sea level has probably risen about 50 feet, due to all the new metal in the ocean, I guess.

And we don’t find out where Ultra Magnus went this issue. I guess we’ll get a issue with him later. Travelling the road. Hiding out. Riding the rails like a hobo. *Sad Hulk music plays*
- The way he talks about "something come over me" and looks at his hand, I had the thought that maybe Megatron's arm has been attached to Optimus so much it's influencing him? God I hope not, that would be dumb.
You know what? I didn't even really think about that. Mostly, I was thinking this was still caused by combining his Spark with Sparkplug. But, it's possible it's both. Maybe there's this theme of Optimus slowly becoming more and more this Frankenstein monster thing that he starts losing who he once was? Or maybe a Ship of Theseus Paradox moment, where we start to wonder how much of Optimus is still Optimus if we keep changing more and more of his parts?

I'm willing to see where they're going with this.

I do sorta question Optimus' decision about blowing up the energy though - surely it can't be returned to Earth, right? It certainly can't be turned back into whales...
Same. I guess it probably has to do with the ocean water that Shockwave also stole from Earth? But even if that's the case...Optimus just dumped TONS of "radioactive" sea water onto the Earth. That CANNOT be a good thing! The entire planet really should be a very different place after something like that, with a LOT of kaiju roaming around. But...I mean, GI Joe still has to exist, so probably not?
 
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