Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Scarlett #5While Image and Skybound's new Energon Universe has been fascinating and engaging, I'm still waiting for Snake Eyes. Bringing the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises together alongside brand-new characters and all-new storylines, I have loved how the often separate lores and continuities have been merged in fresh and creative new ways. That said, I'm baffled by the absence of Snake Eyes who's indisputably one of the most popular Joes of all time.

Having first begun with Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici's Void Rivals in June 2023, the Energon Universe also features Skybound's Transformers by Daniel Warren Johnson and multiple G.I. Joe miniseries including Duke, Cobra Commander, Destro, and Scarlett. Additionally, G.I. Joe #1 will begin in November for Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly. That said, I don't understand why there have been zero mentions of Snake Eyes, a character who is just as iconic as Duke, Cobra Commander, Optimus Prime, and Megatron.

I Keep Waiting For Snake Eyes In The New Energon Universe...

The Silent Ninja Warrior Is Still Nowhere To Be Found

Ray Park as Snake Eyes in GI Joe franchise

First appearing in 1982's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 from Marvel Comics, Snake Eyes was created by Larry Hama and instantly became an iconic member of the heroic Joes in their war against Cobra. One of the team's original commandos and martial arts experts, much of the ninja warrior's history and origins were meant to be highly classified, though it was eventually revealed that Snake Eyes trained in advanced martial arts with the Arashikage Clan. Becoming sword brothers with fellow ninja Storm Shadow, the duo eventually became rivals when Storm Shadow was believed to have killed one of their masters.

G.I. Joe characters including Duke and Snake Eyes shouting in triumph.
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Snake Eyes would later be recruited by the Joes while Storm Shadow ed Cobra. Known as the "silent warrior", original Joe continuities saw Snake Eyes receiving permanent damage to his vocal cords during a mission, while others saw him choosing to take a vow of silence after his master's death (and was also adapted in the live-action G.I. Joe movies). Snake Eyes also received his own solo movie in 2021, a testament to the character's enduring popularity. Keeping that in mind, I can't fathom why the ninja warrior still hasn't appeared in the Energon Universe canon nearly a year and a half after its beginnings.

I Really Thought The New Scarlett Series Was Going To Be It

Storm Shadow, Arashikage...But Not Snake Eyes

Amid my ongoing anticipation, I really thought Snake Eyes would have at least been teased in the recently concluded Scarlett miniseries from Kelly Thompson and Marco Ferrari. After all, the miniseries sees Shana O'Hara aka Scarlett infiltrating the Arashikage Clan. In most continuities, Scarlett and Snake Eyes are romantically involved, so an appearance with Snake Eyes with the Arashikage would have made sense. Instead, it's revealed that Scarlett is quite close with Jinx who's been with the Arashikage for quite some time, investigating their activities. The series also revealed that the two had been partners and roommates before Jinx left to go undercover.

"There wasn't even a tease regarding when Snake Eyes might debut in the Energon Universe, dashing my hopes as I continue waiting for my favorite Joe..."

Before the Energon Universe, Jinx was one of Snake Eyes' apprentices, and yet the silent warrior is nowhere to be found by the end of the new Scarlett series. Even Storm Shadow is heavily involved in the miniseries as the Arashikage works to recover the energon-powered "Sword of Life" before Cobra, signifying the dawn of a new age for the ninja clan. However...there wasn't even a tease regarding when Snake Eyes might debut in the Energon Universe, dashing my hopes as I continue waiting for my favorite Joe.

My Fingers Are Crossed For G.I. Joe #1 Next Month

Perhaps A Surprise Reveal At The End of the First Issue?

Comic book art: Duke leads the Joes through rubble

With any luck, Snake Eyes will finally make his Energon Universe debut once the ongoing G.I. Joe series gets rolling in mid-November. While fairly ambiguous, it's worth noting that the leading Energon Universe creatives did tease at New York Comic-Con 2024 that they should eventually get around to Snake Eyes' introduction at some point. As such, my fingers are very much crossed that Snakes Eyes will make his first appearance sooner rather than later.

Scarlett #5 is on sale now from Image Comics and G.I. Joe #1 is set for release on November 13th.