The Energon Universe Is Officially Copying Marvel Comics

Robert Kirkman confirms that Image Comics and Skybound’s Energon Universe is establishing a foundation that will hold up the franchise for years to come.

Speaking to Collider during San Diego Comic-Con, Kirkman opened up about not just the expansive nature of the Energon Universe, but how he and other creators are working to build a franchise that will last for decades. “Our goal with the Energon Universe is to build something as sustainable as the core DC and Marvel Universe,” Kirkman stated.

Skybound and Image Comics’ Energon Universe Is Already a Massive Hit

GI Joe's heroes and villains from Skybound's Energon Universe

Since its debut with the release of Void Rivals back in 2023, the Energon Universe has expanded its spotlight to include both the Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises. Earlier this year, the heroes of M.A.S.K. joined the Energon Universe, while the likes of former Marvel mainstay ROM and the Micronauts are slated to take center stage in their own respective titles soon enough.

In June, it was reported that M.A.S.K. #1 almost immediately sold out at the distributor level, making it just the latest Energon Universe title to head back to the presses for a second printing. M.A.S.K. writer Dan Watters said of the news at the time, “Thanks so much to everyone who’s preordered and talked about the book for this unimaginable sellout. Welcome to the M.A.S.K. network, one and all!”

Apart from bringing together such iconic casts of characters, the Energon Universe has also introduced plenty of original concepts and shocking twists. Earlier this year, the Decepticons’ ruthless leader Megatron underwent a massive transformation upon being saddled with the power of the Matrix of Oppression, which has shaken the infamous villain and everything he knows to his very core.

How Robert Kirkman Wants to Make the Energon Universe into the Next DC or Marvel

“There’s just so many different things that we can do with these characters,” Kirkman said in regard to the decidedly drastic direction the Energon Universe has taken some of its most recognizable figures. “There’s just so many different things that come out of the characters interacting and having this like cohesive universe that they’re existing in. There’s no limit to the ideas that we can do.”

There’s a desire to gain momentum in-universe while still meeting fan expectations. “We want to make sure that the fan base, if they want to experience the entire universe, [that] it is simple to experience the entire universe and affordable to experience the entire universe for as long as possible.” Kirkman continued, “The Marvel Universe, back in the ’60s, grew at a very slow and steady pace, with them adding a book or two every year. That’s the way that you build a foundation that can last for a while.”

Kirkman added, “I would be thrilled to, in 30 years, still be involved in Energy Universe books and see that it’s become this staple of the comic book industry. That’s our lofty goal. Whether we get there or not, who knows?”

Energon Universe comics can be read wherever comic books are sold.