Skip to main content

FIRST LOOK: 'Transformers' #1 by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer

 The Next Series in the Energon Universe Launches This October   


Today Skybound, in collaboration with leading toy and game company Hasbro, revealed an impressive lineup of variant covers and a first look at the interior pages of Daniel Warren Johnson’s hugely anticipated Transformers #1.  The second series in the recently launched Energon Universe, Transformers will debut on shelves in comic book shops beginning October 4, 2023.  

Transformers #1 begins an all-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. 

The recently announced rosters of Autobots and Decepticons headlining the first story arc of the all-new Transformers series include Autobots Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Wheeljack, and Decepticons Starscream, Rumble, Skywarp, Laserbeak, and Soundwave.  

In addition to the already-iconic main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, the stacked list of variant covers for Transformers #1 includes Autobot and Decepticon covers by Johnson and Spicer, a cover by iconic artist Ryan Ottley (Invincible), a 1:10 incentive variant that kicks off a connecting cover series by Orlando Arocena (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), a 1:25 incentive variant by Cliff Chiang Paper Girls), a 1:50 incentive variant by Francis Manapul (The Flash), a 1:100 incentive variant by Ian Bertram (Little Bird), and finally, an open-to-order blank sketch cover. 

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, by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook), and Annalisa Leoni (Oblivion Song). 

Transformers #1 (Lunar Codes Below | $4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. 

The full list of variant covers is below: 

  • Transformers #1 Cover A by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code 0623IM805) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Autobot) (Lunar Code 0823IM287) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover C by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Decepticon) (Lunar Code 0823IM288) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover D by Ryan Ottley (Lunar Code 0823IM289) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover E (1:10 Copy Incentive – Connecting) by Orlando Arocena (Lunar Code 0823IM290) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover F (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Cliff Chiang (Lunar Code 0823IM291) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover G (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Francis Manapul (Lunar Code 0823IM292) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover H (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Ian Bertram (Lunar Code 0823IM293) 
  • Transformers #1 Cover I Blank Sketch Cover (Lunar Code 0823IM294) 













Courtesy of Skybound

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW: 'Little Monsters' #1 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

  LITTLE MONSTERS #1 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Dustin Nguyen Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: March 9, 2022 Cover Price: $3.99 They are the last children on Earth... who also happen to be vampires. For longer than they can remember, these child vampires have lived a life of eternal wonder amongst the ruins of humanity. But shocking events fracture the group and set them on a path of discovery that will shatter their innocence forever. Score: ★★★★1/2 (4.5/5) There are certain comic book creators whose books I'll pick up without hesitation. One of those creators is Jeff Lemire. He instills confidence knowing that his stories will be thoughtful and engaging. You add a talented artist like Dustin Nguyen on another collaborative effort and well, 'Little Monsters,' is a must-buy. I know, shocking.   They team up again with an intriguing post-apocalyptic vampire tale featuring "the last children on Earth" who've been left to their own devices among the ruin...

PREVIEW: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Omnibus, Vol. 1

Explore never-before-seen adventures of the hit Paramount+ show in this graphic novel omnibus! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Omnibus, Vol. 1 Writers: Mike Johnson, Kristen Beyer, Ryan Parrot Artists: Megan Levens, Angel Hernandez Publisher: IDW Publishing Trade Paperback: August 20, 2025, $24.99 First, in The Illyrian Enigma, set between seasons one and two, Una is accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet and Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove her innocence. But when Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise get caught in the Pryllia colony, home to the elusive Illyrians, the mission objective quickly shifts from gathering evidence to exonerate Una to…breaking out. Then, in The Scorpius Run, set course with Captain Pike and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to the Scorpius Constellation as they become the first Federation vessel to explore this uncharted region of space! In this romp across the stars, the Enterprise crew learn what i...

Aliens & Humans Make Forbidden Contact In Graphic Novel STAR-CROSSED

 First Contact Evolves Into An Interstellar Romance In An Epic Sci-Fi Adventure This February 2024 Internationally renowned publisher Humanoids announced today STAR-CROSSED , a brand new original sci-fi graphic novel from highly acclaimed writer Jerry Frissen and artist Roberto Zaghi, about an impossible interstellar romance set in the near future where humanity has made contact with an alien civilization. Landing in stores February 2024.  The dawn of a new era for humanity has arrived. First contact has been made with an advanced alien species known as the Eo’Tarx, and the two civilizations begin the path toward understanding. CIA linguist Danko Orton is dispatched, tasked with studying communication with the Eo’Tarx alongside his alien counterpart No’mi.  But their work is quickly disrupted when it becomes clear that the two are attracted to one another, despite all barriers and obstacles. Will No’mi and Danko’s blossoming love compromise everything they’ve...