Summary

• G.I. Joe and Transformers are more closely tied than ever in the Energon Universe's shared continuity – and those connections are starting to become more overt as the continuity is fleshed out further.
• The introduction of Cobra B.A.T.s, or Battle Android Troopers, hints at a deeper connection between the franchises; in classic G.I. Joe continuity these are robotic soldiers created by Cobra, but in the Energon Universe, they may have been forged using Cybertronian technology.
• Transformers tech informing G.I. Joe storylines, and vice versa, is one of the most exciting aspects of the ongoing Energon Universe continuity, adding intriguing twists to the storylines of both iconic franchises.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Duke #4G.I. Joe is back, thanks to Skybound Entertainment's Energon Universe, where the franchise has been tied more closely than ever to the Transformers, thanks to their new shared continuity. Now, the introduction of one classic Cobra trooper may tie the two storied Hasbro franchises together even more, to the extent that they may have even been made from Transformers technology.

Duke #4 – written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire and Rus Wooton – finds the titular character investigating a secret M.A.R.S. Industries base hidden somewhere in the Arctic. Upon sneaking into the facility, Duke is accosted by something with a gnarly-looking robotic claw.

The last page reveals this new combatant to be the Cobra B.A.T., or “Battle Android Trooper.” Traditionally, the B.A.T.s acted as the cannon fodder of the original Cobra ranks. However, the Energon Universe incarnation may be a very different take on the concept.

Cobra's B.A.T. - The “Battle Android Trooper” Explained

The Latest Energon Universe Debut

Now thatthe B.A.T.s have been officially introduced, this exciting connection between the franchises can be explored further in subsequent Energon Universe stories.

Utilizing the B.A.T.s was always a risk for Cobra, because while deadly, the android troopers often didn’t distinguish between friend and foe. First appearing in the franchise's original continuity, in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #44, the Cobra B.A.T.s went through several upgrades throughout the years. Typically, they were portrayed as being equipped with modular arms that could act as laser cannons, claws and flamethrowers. What’s especially interesting about the B.A.T.’s appearance in the Energon Universe in Duke #4 is how it may be connected to the Energon Universe's relaunched Robots in Disguise.

Readers learned in Duke #1 that Destro and M.A.R.S. Industries had been using Transformers tech to develop weapons of war. Classic vehicles like the H.I.S.S. tank could be seen on the warehouse floor, while astute readers spotted an assembly line of B.A.T.s tucked away in a corner. This implies the android troopers have their origins in Transformers technology. Now that the B.A.T.s have been officially introduced, this exciting connection between the franchises can be explored further in subsequent Energon Universe stories.

Was the Cobra B.A.T. Developed From Transformers Technology?

By tying the new Energon Universe continuity versions of G.I. Joe and Transformers more closely together, Skybound has created a line of comics that live up the hype built in the wake of its incredible success.

Connecting G.I. Joe and Transformers through the Battle Android Trooper would make a lot of sense from a story standpoint – instead of having modular hands for different weapons, the B.A.T.s could simply transform their hands, thanks to the Cybertronian tech. That could give Destro and M.A.R.S. the upper hand in the coming conflict with Duke; however, if weapons like the Battle Android Trooper rely on Energon, they’re going to need to find a cache of the rare power source.

With Dreadnoks sitting on a boatload of Energon in the swamps of Louisiana, it is easy to reach the conclusion that Cobra will form from all the disparate pieces in the very near future. By tying the new Energon Universe continuity versions of G.I. Joe and Transformers more closely together, Skybound has created a line of comics that live up the hype built in the wake of its incredible success.

Duke #4 is on sale now from Skybound Entertainment