Transformers Teases Game-Changing Debut of an '86 Movie Hero

Summary Khary Randolph's variant cover for Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 teases the debut of Hotrod.

Set to release May 8, the comic features stories from Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals by top comic creators.

Skybound's Energon Universe continues to draw inspiration from the 1986 Transformers movie, exciting longtime fans.

The Transformers corner of the Energon Universe is about to get a little bit bigger, as one character from 1986’s Transformers: The Movie looks to be making their debut. Ever since the appearance of Jetfire in Void Rivals #1, Skybound has provided Transformers fans with one surprise appearance after another, making the Energon Universe one of the most exciting lines in comics.

Releasing on May 8, the Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 features three stories set in Skybound’s new shared universe of Hasbro properties. Readers were previously treated to a preview of the Transformers story by Daniel Warren Johnson and Ryan Ottley, and a new variant cover by Khary Randolph features the exciting debut of Hot Rod:

Containing three stories, the Energon Universe Special will also feature stories starring the G.I. Joe and Void Rivals cast, coming from the creative teams of Joshua Williamson & Jason Howard and Robert Kirkman & Lorenzo de Felici, respectively.

Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 Release Date: May 8, 2024 Writers: Robert Kirkman, Daniel Warren Johnson & Joshua Williamson Artists: Lorenzo de Felici, Ryan Ottley & Jason Howard Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer A special new printing of ENERGON UNIVERSE FCBD 2024 SPECIAL featuring three all new stories from the Energon Universe, with stunning revelations for the worlds of TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and VOID RIVALS from the biggest names in comics.

Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 is a repackaging of the FCBD special set to be released on Free Comic Book Day, May 4.

Related Transformers 1986 Broke An '80s Movie Rule In Order To Traumatize Children The Transformers: The Movie broke one unspoken rule from '80s Hollywood to deliver a scene that traumatized children. Here is the story behind it.

Will Hot Rod Turn the Tide In the Autobot/Decepticon War?

The Decepticons Got a Huge Start in Gathering Their Team, Now Optimus Needs Allies

First appearing in Transformers: The Movie, Hot Rod was the brash young warrior operating out of Autobot City. Always quick to action, Hotrod often jumped into battle without thinking things through, but his courage and bravery were never in question. Powerful Autobot Ultra Magnus was thought to be the new leader following the death of Optimus Prime, but Hot Rod surprised everyone when he was selected by the Matrix of Leadership at the climax of the movie. Getting a power upgrade and going by Rodimus Prime, he acted as the official leader of the Autobots until Optimus Prime was resurrected.

Hot Rod’s original alt mode was a high-speed racecar, while Rodimus Prime transforms into what appears to be a futuristic winnebago

The 1986 movie has been a touchstone for the creators behind the Energon Universe thus far, as several characters, concepts and even spaceships have been utilized in Skybound’s line thus far. Hot Rod appearing in the new continuity would be incredibly exciting for longtime fans, and it will be interesting to see what type of role he will play going forward. Is he being set up for leadership like in the original G1 continuity, or will he fulfill another purpose? Whatever the case, his appearance promises major ramifications for the Autobot/Decepticon war taking place on Cybertron and Earth.

The Energon Universe Era of Transformers Has An Impressive Cast

1986's Transformers Continues to Be a Touchstone for This New Shared Universe

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Whether or not Hot Rod appears in the actual issue, the Energon Universe Special will be a comic that fans both new and old won’t want to miss. With Skybound promising an even bigger year for the Energon Universe than the first, the publisher seems to be setting the stage for a major crossover event… perhaps even one that will bring Megatron out of his current imprisonment by Cobra Commander and set him up as the major antagonist of the Energon Universe. Of course, that's just speculation, and Transformers fans will have to keep reading to find out what huge surprise comes next.

Energon Universe Special 2024 #1 is on sale May 8 from Skybound Entertainment