The Energon Universe – which is what Skybound are calling their shared continuity comics, featuring Transformers, GI Joe and more – kicked off stealthily in Void Rivals #1.

It wasn’t a secret that Skybound had snapped up the license, but it was kept remarkably under wraps that Robert Kirkman’s new sci-fi series, seemingly an entirely new property, featured the Transformers.

Secrets like that are few and far between in the current era, with news, rumours and leaks spoiling surprises constantly and way in advance of comics being published.

So Void Rivals was a neat surprise; not only a great sci-fi comic in its own right, but part of the new, shared universe that was still to see its main comics launch.

Well, here we are with the first issue of the Energon Universe’s Transformers comic – so how is it?

Written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson – who was responsible for the interesting, anarchic Jurassic League and the fantastic, wrestling-themed sci-fi/fantasy comic Do A Powerbomb – it’s a really strong start.

It has the human element that was so badly handled by Michael Bay in his live action Transformers movies, but Johnson is careful to not only feature that as our gateway to meeting the Transformers, but also for the tone to remain stable and reasonably grounded, even with the emergence of giant robots.

There’s also some interesting dynamics among even familiar Autobot and Decepticon characters here – and more than one truly shocking scene.

Is it worth a read for long term Transformers fans? It absolutely is.

It’s not so mired in continuity that it’s difficult to follow for non-fans (as IDW’s superb Transformers comics could often be) and keeps its cast members at a reasonable number too, so there’s not too much to keep track of.

There’s some notable character omissions too, so no doubt we’ve got a good few more shocks and surprises lined up as the series progresses.

After the deft, clever introduction of Transformers in Void Rivals, I wasn’t concerned about their own comic at all; especially in the very capable hands of Daniel Warren Johnson.

I’m pleased to say that my confidence in Skybound and Johnson was well placed; Transformers #1 is an exciting start to a new era for the eternally warring Cybertronians.

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