Skybound’s Kickoff Issue to the All-New Energon Universe Earns Second Printing with Two New Variant Covers
LOS ANGELES 06/15/2023 — Skybound announced today that Void Rivals #1, the debut issue of the massive new comic book series, sold out at the distributor level on the same day it hit comic book shops. Void Rivals #1, from the iconic Oblivion Song team of Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and Lorenzo De Felici (Kroma), along with colorist Matheus Lopes (Step by Bloody Step) and letterer Rus Wooton (Fire Power), will return with a second printing on July 19, 2023, the same day Void Rivals #2 arrives in comic book shops.
Void Rivals #1 launches the all-new shared “Energon Universe” with the surprise first appearance of iconic Transformers character Jetfire. The stealth launch introduced the historic new partnership between toy and game company Hasbro and Skybound, with Transformers and G.I. Joe comics finding a new home with the publisher.
"We’ve kept this secret hidden in plain sight for so long, it’s thrilling to see the reception to Void Rivals #1,” said Sean Mackiewicz, Skybound’s SVP, Publisher. “We couldn’t be more excited to share the Energon Universe with readers and build a surprising new chapter with Hasbro’s greatest characters.”
The issue will return with two brand-new second printing variant covers drawn by Jason Howard and Marz Jr.
In Void Rivals, war rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe?
Void Rivals #1 Second Printing Variants (Diamond Codes listed below | $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
The new covers available include:
- Void Rivals #1 Second Printing Variant Cover A by Jason Howard (APR239177)
- Void Rivals #1 Second Printing Variant Cover B by Marz Jr (APR239178)
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro is a 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 Twitter (@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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