The New Energon Universe Launch Earns Second Printing with Five New Variant Covers
LOS ANGELES 10/02/2023 — Today Skybound, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, announced that TRANSFORMERS #1, the debut issue of writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson’s massively anticipated series, has sold out at the distributor level days before its release at comic book shops. The second launch in the all-new Energon Universe, TRANSFORMERS #1 will return with five commemorative second printing covers, available in comic book shops beginning November 1, 2023.
TRANSFORMERS #1 begins a brand-new era for the iconic TRANSFORMERS franchise from Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb, DC’s Wonder Woman: Dead Earth) and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon). Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. Humanity’s only hope for survival is Optimus Prime and the Autobots.
The issue will return with five brand-new second printing variant covers:
- Covers A & B, drawn by Jason Howard, spotlight the iconic Optimus Prime and Starscream respectively.
- Covers C & D, drawn by Lewis LaRosa, respectively feature Johnson’s Autobot and Decepticon teams.
- A special spoiler Cover E, drawn by Greg Tocchini.
The Energon Universe officially began in June 2023 with the surprise first appearance of iconic TRANSFORMERS character Jetfire in Void Rivals #1, introducing the historic new collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher. The Energon Universe expands in December with Duke #1, a limited series from Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride), Tom Reilly (The Thing) and Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33). This will be followed by the launch of Cobra Commander #1 in January 2024, from Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook) and Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song).
TRANSFORMERS #1 Second Printing (Lunar Codes Below | $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
The new covers available include:
- TRANSFORMERS #1 Second Printing Cover A by Jason Howard (Optimus Prime) (0923IM824)
- TRANSFORMERS #1 Second Printing Cover B by Jason Howard (Starscream) (0923IM825)
- TRANSFORMERS #1 Second Printing Cover C by Lewis LaRosa (Autobots) (0923IM826)
- TRANSFORMERS #1 Second Printing Cover D by Lewis LaRosa (Decepticons) (0923IM827)
- TRANSFORMERS #1 Second Printing Cover E by Greg Tocchini (Spoiler Cover) (0923IM828)
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.
Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.
ABOUT TRANSFORMERS
The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. Since 1984, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media, bringing incredible "MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE" experiences to fans of all ages. The brand's enduring connection is made possible by its rich storytelling and characters: the heroic Autobots who seek to protect all life, and the evil Decepticons who seek to conquer the universe. The TRANSFORMERS brand is a Hasbro franchise.
ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT
Established in 2010, Skybound is a multiplatform content company that works closely with creators and their intellectual properties to create cool stuff and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to fans. Skybound extends their stories across platforms including comics, television, film, video games, tabletop, books, digital content, audio programming, and beyond. The company is home to critically-acclaimed global franchises including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Superfight, and hit new podcast series Impact Winter.
Led by Skybound Entertainment co-founder Robert Kirkman, Skybound Comics is an award-winning imprint of Image Comics and promotes a shared vision to collaborate with top and emerging talent across the comics industry. The Skybound publishing slate includes acclaimed series such as The Walking Dead, Invincible, Ultramega, Stillwater, Fire Power, and Excellence, while also delivering powerful licensed comics, including a partnership with LEGO Books. It is also home to Skybound Comet, a new original graphic novel imprint aimed at Young Adult and Middle Grade audiences, launching in June 2022 with Clementine Book One, by award-winning writer/artist Tillie Walden and set in the world of The Walking Dead. Skybound has seen numerous comics series adapted for the screen, including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Outcast, with more projects in development.
For the most up to date information on Skybound, please visit the company on X (@Skybound), YouTube (Skybound), Facebook (@SkyboundEntertainment), Instagram (@skyboundent), Discord (Skybound), Reddit (Skybound), and at www.skybound.com.
Press Contacts:
Shannon Meehan | Skybound Entertainment
smeehan@skybound.com
Nia Phillips | Skybound Entertainment
nphillips@skybound.com
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