The Autobots and Decepticons have been at war since time immemorial in the Transformers (2023) franchise, but a new enemy for both might be ing the fray in the Energon Universe. The solicitations for Transformers #16 tease a new entity that will be taking on both Cybertronian factions in the new continuity.

Set to be released in January of next year, Transformers #16 continues the white hot streak Skybound has had for their new imprint combining the worlds of Transformers & G.I. Joe. The cover teases at least one epic smack-down for fans to expect, as the Decepticon Combiners Devastator and Bruticus come to blows. But they won't be alone.

As to be expected, Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s cover captures the impact of the Combiners’ titanic tussle. One has to wonder what is causing the two massive bots to fight, and whether or not it has something to do with the “SPOILER” enemy faction that will be ing the battle.

What A New Faction Means For The 'Autobots vs Decepticons' War

Decepticon Combiners Bruticus & Devastator Face Off in the Energon Universe

The Constructicons made their Energon Universe debut in Transformers’ first arc, combing into Devastator to take on Optimus Prime and his Autobots in the climactic issue of that story. The Combaticons have been steadily appearing in subsequent issues, with some of them coming through the portal opened up by Soundwave, although they have yet to combine into Bruticus – even though they tried to in Transformers #11, before they were thwarted by Elita-One. Even though Combaticon Brawn was badly damaged by the space bridge from Cybertron to Earth, it would appear that he’s going to be repaired in time to combine with his brothers into Bruticus and throw down with Devastator.

Devastator is made up of the Constructicons Scrapper, Bonecrusher, Hook, Mixmaster, Long Haul and Scavenger, while Bruticus is made up of the Combaticons Onslaught, Brawl, Vortex, Blast Off and Swindle

The Energon Universe introducing the Combiner bots so early on into Transformers’ new continuity is heartening, and it makes sense that Devastator/the Constructicons would be the first to appear. They were the first Combiners released for the toy-line in 1985, introducing the concept to the line in its second year. Bruticus/the Combaticons appeared the following year, along with fellow Combiners the Aerialbots, the Protecticons and the Stunticons. Combining robots have been a staple of Transformers ever since, with each iteration of the franchise containing their own version of Combiners.

While the cause of Devastator and Bruticus’ conflict hasn’t been addressed in any current issues, there have been several fissures brewing within the Decepticon ranks. While Soundwave was roundly accepted as the new leader of the Decepticons on Earth following his defeat of Starscream, he did come into conflict with Soundwave once the space bridge opened and brought more Transformers to Earth. While Shockwave was destroyed by Optimus Prime, it’s entirely possible that more friction will develop between the remaining Decepticons. With Energon being in scarce supply, it’s easy to see why the Combaticons might fight the others when one of their own is still recovering from his wounds.

Our Take on The New Transformers Faction

Who is the New Enemy of the Autobots AND the Decepticons?

While the cover teases a fight between Bruticus and Devastator, there is still the matter of who the “SPOILER” enemy teased in the solicits will be. The Energon Universe has already added its own original characters into the franchise, so it’s not entirely out of the question that the creators could be introducing an entirely new faction of Cybertronians. It could also more than likely be any of the currently existing entities already in the Energon Universe, whether it’s the G.I. Joe team, Cobra, Cobra-La or the cast of Void Rivals.

The new G.I. Joe team would make the most sense, as that team was formed at the end of Duke with the express purpose of dealing with threats like the Transformers. Cobra Commander’s ruthless quest for Energon means he will likely come into conflict with the Cybertronians sooner than later, and it would be entirely in keeping with the Cobra organization to go after the Decepticons as well as the Autobots. Readers also shouldn’t forget that the hidden society of Cobra-La has been so zealous in its war against Transformers that it sent a contingent led by villain Pythona into space to confront the Cybertronians directly.

And as the first original property created for the Energon Universe, fans have been eagerly awaiting to see how Void Rivals will tie into the events currently unfolding on Earth. Intriguing developments in Void Rivals have tied the main setting of the Sacred Ring to classic Transformers lore. Knowing this, it’s not out of the question to have the Zeronians and Agorrians of the Sacred Ring somehow find their way to Earth. Whoever the faction battling the Autobots and Decepticons in Transformers is revealed to be, the Energon Universe continues to be one of the best lines in comics today.

Transformers #16 is available 1/8/25 from Skybound Entertainment