Summary
- Skybound Entertainment introduces a new version of Cobra Commander in a self-titled series set in the Energon Universe, which combines Transformers and G.I. Joe.
- The new series explores the origins and sinister plans of Cobra Commander, who seeks to utilize the mysterious alien substance Energon for his evil organization.
- Cobra Commander #1 is coming from Skybound Entertainment January 17, 2024.
In a series of variant covers, Skybound Entertainment is showcasing its new version of Cobra Commander - soon to appear in his own self-titled series as part of the publisher's Energon Universe combines Transformers and G.I. Joe with new series Void Rivals, depicting an intergalactic story where the fall of Cybertron had far-reaching consequences.
Now, Skybound is showcasing one of the Energon Universe's most despicable villains in some truly breathtaking art. In one example below, artist David Mack (American Gods, Daredevil) renders the COBRA leader in his distinctive painterly style, with a Decepticon logo eerily reflected in his mask. This is just one of several new covers (shared later in the article.)
Cobra Commander #1 is coming from Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana in January 2024. Running alongside Duke (from Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly), the two series depict a world where COBRA and G.I. Joe don't yet exist. Their creation occurs in response to the Transformers' arrival on Earth, with the existence of Energon kicking off a new arms race. The issue's official summary reads:
The Cobra threat begins HERE. 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. Who is Cobra Commander? Where does he come from? And what horrors is he planning to unleash that will rock the world - and maybe the universe - to its core?
Cobra Commander Art Gives G.I. Joe's Villain Some Major Gravitas
Fans Will Follow Cobra Commander from the Beginning
In a surprise move, Skybound's new series Void Rivals shocked fans by introducing Transformers' Jetfire, who hinted at a thousand-year old war for Cybertron. Now, as all three constituent franchises of the Energon Universe launch in earnest, fans are beginning to see how they connect. Cobra will follow the titular villain establishing his evil organization, though perhaps not as fans know it. After all, the recently revealed roster of Joes includes franchise villain the Baroness.
Issue #1 will release with a main cover from Andrea Milani & Annalisa Leoni (above), and variants from Mack, David Aja (Hawkeye, The Immortal Iron Fist), Chris Burnham (Batman Incorporated, Die!Die!Die!), Steve Epting (Avengers, Captain America), and Tom Reilly (Ant-Man, Duke).
Each cover depicts a different side to the iconic villains, with Aja's art speaking to his imposing tactical mind, Burnham depicting a deadly, Cold War-style operative, and Epting and Reilly going for pure explosive action. As G.I. Joe enters the Energon Universe, Cobra Commander is at the beginning of his reign of terror, and he's rarely looked cooler.
Cobra Commander #1 is coming from Skybound Entertainment January 17, 2024.
