Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Void Rivals #4!

Summary

  • Shockwave's appearance in Void Rivals #4 confirms that the Decepticons have won the war on Cybertron in the Energon Universe.
  • The revelation of the Decepticons ruling Cybertron amps up the stakes for the Transformers series by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer.
  • Skybound's decision to align G.I. Joe with Transformers has generated excitement for both franchises and given fans plenty to be excited about.

Skybound’s new Transformers series is set to debut in October 2023, but the publisher has already revealed that Optimus Prime’s Autobots will have their backs to the wall in the Energon Universe. Appearing in Void Rivals #4, the Decepticon Shockwave is left in control of Cybertron, suggesting that the Decepticons won the Cybertronian war millennia ago.

Skybound shocked the world when they revealed they had acquired the Transformers license with the surprise appearance of Jetfire in Void Rivals #1, and now they’ve provided a shock of a different kind with the latest Transformer to appear in the Energon Universe. The appearance of Shockwave in Void Rivals #4 by Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo de Felici, Matheus Lopes and Rus Wooten is a major revelation, not least because the Decepticon warrior’s appearance confirms that the Decepticons have won the war.

Transformers' Shockwave, back on Cybertron, is low on Energon

Shockwave appears on Cybertron as a Skuxxoid bounty hunter attempts to sell off a bounty to the Decepticons. Shockwave turns the Skuxxoid away, saying they don’t have the resources on Cybertron to keep themselves running full-time, let alone to pay for any bounties.

In the Energon Universe, the Decepticons Are Absolutely Triumphant

Transformers #3 cover by Daniel Warren Johnson

The Decepticons ruling Cybertron following some failure on the part of Optimus Prime is something that’s been hinted at since the Energon Universe was first announced, so getting confirmation of that story point is a huge reveal and should amp up the stakes for the coming Transformers series by writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson and colorist Mike Spicer. The set-up is reminiscent of the original G1 Transformers cartoon, which features a band of Autobots and Decepticons stranded on Earth following the great Cybertronian war.

At that point, Shockwave was left in control of the remaining Decepticons on Cybertron while Megatron followed after Optimus Prime to search the universe for more Energon. It further hammers home how Skybound is pulling heavily from Transformers’ G1 era, and it’s not a bad direction for the franchise to take. Having Optimus Prime and his Autobots reeling from losing the Cybertronian war makes for a great starting point for the new series, as they now must overcome insurmountable odds by standing up to the triumphant Decepticons once more.

Where the Energon Universe era goes from here is anyone’s guess, but Skybound has certainly given fans plenty to be excited about. By aligning fellow Hasbro property G.I. Joe more closely to the world of the Transformers than ever before, the creators have found a way to relaunch both properties in a way that’s generated unprecedented levels of excitement for both franchises.

Void Rivals #4 is on sale now, and Transformers #1 is on sale October 4th, both from Skybound Entertainment.