It's been a crazy few weeks for Transformers fans as Skybound Entertainment has revealed its new Energon Universe - a shared Transformers/G.I. Joe continuity spinning out of Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici's Void Rivals. Fans knew that Optimus Prime would lead a new Transformers series coming October, but now Skybound has shared which Autobots will kick off this new continuity.Recently shared via Skybound Entertainment's official Twitter , the Autobots returning in October 3’s Transformers #1 will be Optimus Prime, Arcee, Cliffjumper, Wheeljack and Ratchet. The “roll out” reveal of the Autobots came over the course of several days, with a piece of all-new artwork from Transformers writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson and colorist Mike Spicer adding each member to the team. Showing off the new Autobot lineup, check out Johnson and Spicer’s awesome artwork below:

Optimus Prime Reunites the Autobots In Transformers #1

The Autobot Jetfire was the first Transformer to appear in the Energon Universe, in a surprise cameo in Void Rivals #1. There, he was discovered lying dormant on an alien moon, speculating that he had possibly been there for thousands of year. What fans know of the coming Transformers series involves the Cybertronians crash-landing far from home after a huge battle, with Optimus Prime failing his Autobots in some manner. Now stranded on Earth, Prime has to rally his forces against the Decepticons, in addition to making human allies like the characters of G.I. Joe as everyone vies for control of the scare resource Energon.

Why Skybound Chose Optimus Prime's New Team

The Autobot line-up for the new series revealed thus far is a nice collection of classic and unexpected characters. Wheeljack and Ratchet were among the first toys released in the classic line from 1984, so their inclusion makes the most sense. Their respective roles as "technician/inventor" and "medic/healer" also make them valuable of the Autobot team on Earth. Arcee made her debut in Transformers: The Movie, and has since gone on to become a mainstay of the franchise, so her inclusion also feels like a given; with her status as a gunner and expert marksman making her a combat-focused hero.

Perhaps most interesting of all is the addition of Cliffjumper as opposed to the more-popular Bumblebee. Both have been closely tied together since the debut of their original Generation 1 toys, to the point where many subsequent figures of Bumblebee have just been repainted red to make Cliffjumper. He is an interesting character in his own right, with his fierce hatred of Decepticons, to the point where he questions the loyalty of his fellow Autobots if he suspects they aren’t fully committed. If Cliffjumper retains this characterization in the new Transformers series, it will lead to an interesting dynamic between him and the rest of the Autobots. It also leaves Bumblebee's introduction to later in the series - a smart move when beginning a whole new canon for the franchise.

However things play out, it’s exciting to get confirmation of which Autobots will be returning in this fall’s Transformers #1, and for fans to know which Robots in Disguise they'll have to wait to see.

Transformers #1 will be on sale October 3, 2023 from Skybound Entertainment.

Source: Skybound Entertainment