You Won't Believe the All-New Character Designs in Epic Trailer for G.I. Joe/Transformers Crossover

Summary G.I. Joe #1 introduces new designs for the Real American Heroes and Cobra in the Energon Universe, setting up a major crossover event.

Tom Reilly's revamped designs for G.I. Joe and Cobra characters combine classic looks with modern updates for the second year of the Energon Universe.

The upcoming launch of the new ongoing G.I. Joe series in November promises to be the biggest debut yet in the Energon Universe, with fresh storylines and designs.

G.I. Joe #1 is about to launch in the shared Energon Universe with Transformers, and the characters are getting brand-new designs to mark the occasion. Revealed during this year’s SDCC, the Real American Heroes and the forces of Cobra have rarely looked better, and an all-new trailer for the EU line could be setting up the imprint’s first major crossover.

Released via Skybound.com, the new designs and the trailer point the way forward as the Energon Universe enters its second year. Showing off the recent events of Void Rivals, Transformers, and the G.I. Joe miniseries, check out the trailer below:

Transformers and Void Rivals are currently going strong, and the recent Scarlett and Destro miniseries have kept the Joe corner of the Energon Universe alive and well. It’s all leading up to the launch of the new ongoing G.I. Joe series in November, which is poised to be the Energon Universe’s biggest debut yet.

New G.I. Joe Designs Put A New Spin on Some Old Favorites

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Tom Reilly’s designs for the refurbished Joe and Cobra teams recall the classic designs while also updating them for the modern day. Fans have already got a glimpse of the new design for Baroness, who is joining up with the Joe team in the new continuity. Duke is keeping things classic with his tan shirt, with the added green giving the field leader a more distinguished look. Cover Girl is looking a bit different from when fans last saw her in Duke, now sporting longer blonde hair and a stylish black turtleneck beneath her trademark bomber jacket.

We also get a better look at the mystery character seen on the G.I. Joe #1 cover, sporting a suit and a repeating rifle. Looking closely at the design, the character has palm-coverings that seem ideal for quick-draws, further highlighting an “Old West” connection. Reilly also provides an intricate bird design accompanying the character, hinting at a possible Indigenous heritage for the mysterious team member. Curiously, the character also seems to be missing his pinky finger, a tradition of atonement practiced by the Japanese Yakuza, although any connection there remains to be seen.

G.I. Joe #1 Brings the Real American Heroes Into the Energon Universe

Reilly certainly doesn’t skimp on the villains' designs. Cobra Commander is also keeping things classic, although he’s got some red trim added to his classic blue outfit. Destro also gets a revamped outfit based on his classic look, as well as a fancy red suit for when he has to make an impression in the board room. Rounding out the villains are the Crimson Twins Tomax & Xamot, who fittingly get matching outfits that act as the perfect updates on their classic designs. However the G.I. Joe winds up crossing over with the Transformers in the Energon Universe, at least they’ll look spiffy doing it.

G.I. Joe #1 is available November 13th from Skybound Entertainment.

G.I. Joe #1 (2024) Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Tom Reilly

Colorist: Jordie Bellaire

Cover Artists: Tom Reilly & Jordie Bellaire

Source: Skybound