NYCC 2026: Fan Favorites, Deep Cuts, And Betrayal Inside The Energon Universe
by Gary Catig
The Energon Universe sparked new interest in both G.I. Joe and Transformers comics. Skybound Entertainment’s approach was more gritty and adult oriented compared to the children’s cartoons from before, and after the initial phase, even more franchises have been added to the shared universe. The creatives behind the various series teased what’s to come at New York Comic Con 2026.
Transformers sees some high profile changes and appearances in the future. This fall, Megatron becomes Megatronus Rex. Then, in January, issue #40 places Beachcomber into the spotlight. The guest artist for the issue is Howard Porter. A few issues later in #42 the series’ most requested debut finally arrives. Fans have been asking for it, and now, the Dinobots make their first appearance. Dan Mora will return to illustrate the issue.
Over on the Void Rivals side, a new arc called “Pit of Destruction” begins in December with issue #37. Darak, Solila, and Pythona make the trip back to Cobra-La on Earth, but new dangers arise. This March, Lobotomaxx makes their Energon Universe comics debut in issue #40.
Dan Watters, writer of M.A.S.K., discussed the Baron Karza cameo and teased what else is coming in the next few months. Another example of the interconnectedness of the universe is the reveal of G.I. Joe characters Battle Force 2000, making their debut in the January issue of M.A.S.K. They appear on the cover of M.A.S.K. #8, which includes a bionic version of Maverick. Yet, it is still a mystery on how this connects with M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M.
That leads us into G.I. Joe. The war with Night Force continues. While the victor is still up in the air, there was a tease on who may look a little different once all the dust settles. The biggest shocker of the entire panel is the news that Baroness becomes an agent of Cobra this January in G.I. Joe #30.
