The Energon Universe is officially leveling up. According to Deadline, Skybound Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment are developing an adult animated series based on the hit comic book universe that unites Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals.
The show will be helmed by Lucifer creator Joe Henderson, who’s set to write and serve as showrunner. If you’ve been following this new interconnected universe since Void Rivals launched in 2023, this is the expansion fans have been waiting for.
A Comic Universe With Serious Momentum
The Energon Universe has quickly become one of the most successful comic launches in recent memory, reportedly selling over seven million copies worldwide. It brought classic Hasbro properties like Transformers and G.I. Joe back into the spotlight, blending them with Skybound’s original sci-fi concept, Void Rivals. What started as a bold crossover idea has turned into a full-fledged shared universe with genuine storytelling depth.
Skybound and Hasbro struck gold by balancing nostalgia with modern storytelling. The comics feel cinematic, emotional, and full of the kind of character drama that makes readers crave more. Now, with the jump to animation, that same energy is set to reach a wider audience.
Why the “Adult Animated” Angle Matters
One of the most exciting parts of this announcement is the tone. Deadline confirmed that the series will be an adult-oriented animated show, which immediately puts it in the same league as Invincible and The Legend of Vox Machina. That’s a huge step for Transformers and G.I. Joe, two brands long associated with kid-friendly adventures.
Adult animation allows for more complex storytelling — emotional arcs, moral gray areas, and the kind of stakes that actually stick. Imagine the political tension of G.I. Joe colliding with the cosmic mythology of Transformers, told with the same intensity Skybound brought to Invincible. This could easily redefine what audiences expect from Hasbro’s franchises.
Joe Henderson Brings The Heat
Joe Henderson is an inspired choice to lead the project. His work on Lucifer showed he can balance humor, heart, and heavy themes without losing momentum. He knows how to write characters who feel human, even when they’re angels, demons, or in this case, robots and soldiers.
His presence also signals Skybound’s intent to treat the Energon Universe as prestige television, not just a nostalgia play. If anyone can bring emotional weight to Optimus Prime and Cobra Commander in the same story, it’s Henderson.
Where Will It Air?
No streaming platform or network has been announced yet, but that only fuels speculation. Skybound already has a strong relationship with Prime Video thanks to Invincible, but Hasbro’s ties to Paramount could also make Paramount+ a strong contender. Wherever it lands, the platform will shape the show’s tone and scope — and fans are hoping for something with a real budget behind it.
Until we get more details, fans are left to imagine how the crossover will unfold. Will we see Void Rivals characters serve as the connective tissue? Could Cobra ally with the Decepticons? The possibilities are wide open, and that’s part of the fun.
A Universe Ready for Its Next Phase
This new animated series feels like the natural next step for the Energon Universe. The comics laid a strong foundation, proving that shared universes can still feel fresh when handled with care. Now, the jump to adult animation could make it one of the most ambitious crossovers in modern pop culture.
Between Joe Henderson’s leadership, Skybound’s creative edge, and Hasbro’s timeless characters, all the pieces are in place for something special. If this show hits the same quality level as the comics, we could be witnessing the rise of the next big animated phenomenon.