Get ready for a nostalgia-fueled thrill ride, because the worlds of G.I. Joe and Transformers are colliding in a brand-new animated series, and it’s being masterminded by none other than Robert Kirkman, the genius behind The Walking Dead and Invincible. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t your childhood Saturday morning cartoon. Skybound Entertainment’s Energon Universe is bringing these iconic franchises to life in an adult-oriented series, complete with the grit and intensity older fans crave. And this is the part most people miss: Kirkman, a self-proclaimed lifelong fan of both franchises, is weaving his love for these characters into a story that promises to be both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
According to Deadline, the series is already in the works, with Lucifer’s Joe Henderson at the helm as writer and showrunner. Kirkman, who acquired the comic rights to both Hasbro brands in 2023, has been laying the groundwork for this moment with the Energon Universe comics, starting with Void Rivals and an ongoing Transformers series penned by Daniel Warren Johnson. Fun fact: Kirkman credits the emotional gut-punch of Optimus Prime’s death in the 1986 Transformers movie as a pivotal moment in his storytelling journey.
But let’s talk controversy: while Transformers has thrived in animation, G.I. Joe has been MIA since G.I. Joe: Renegades was canceled in 2011. Will this new series finally give G.I. Joe the animated revival it deserves? And how will the two franchises blend? So far, the Energon Universe comics have only teased crossovers, like Duke’s cameo in Transformers and Hound’s appearance in G.I. Joe. Could this series deliver the full-scale team-up fans have been dreaming of?
One thing’s for sure: the tone will be unapologetically mature, mirroring Skybound’s comics, which aren’t afraid to get gritty. Think Invincible meets Transformers, with all the action and stakes you’d expect. Speaking of Invincible, Kirkman’s animated adaptation has been a hit on Prime Video, but will this new series follow suit? Deadline reports it’s being shopped around, so its streaming home is still up in the air.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Kirkman’s track record of blending heart-wrenching drama with jaw-dropping action, could this series redefine what a Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover can be? And if Peter Cullen, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime, were to return, would that seal the deal for you?
The series is still early in production, so details are scarce—no release date, no voice cast, and no confirmation on whether it’ll adapt the comics or forge its own path. But one thing’s certain: this isn’t just another reboot. It’s a bold reimagining of two beloved franchises, and it’s coming whether you’re ready or not. So, what do you think? Excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between? Let’s debate in the comments!
