The Autobots and Decepticons have been at war since time immemorial in the Transformers (2023)
franchise, but a new enemy for both could be joining the free in the Energy Universe. The solicitations for Transformers #16 Teases a new entity that will take on both Cybertronian factions in the new continuity.
will be released in January of next year, Transformers #16 continues the white hot streak Skybound has had for their new imprint combining the worlds of Transformers & GI Joe. The cover teases at least one epic smack-down for fans to expect, like these Decepticon Combiners Devastator and Bruticus come to blows. But they won’t be alone.
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Transformers #16 |
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Release date: |
January 8, 2025 |
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writer: |
Daniel Warren Johnson |
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Artist: |
Jorge Corona |
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Colorist: |
Mike Spicer |
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writer: |
Russ Wootton |
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Cover artist: |
Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer |
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Autobots vs. Decepticons vs |
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As expected, the cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer captures the impact of the Combines’ titanic struggle. One has to wonder what makes the two massive bots fight, and whether it has anything to do with the “spoiler” enemy faction that will join the battle.
What a new faction means for the ‘Autobots vs. Decepticons’ war
Decepticon Combiners Bruticus & Devastator Face Off in the Energon Universe
The Constructicons made their Energon Universe debut in Transformers‘ first arc, combing into Devastator to take on Optimus Prime and his Autobots in the story’s climactic issue. The Combaticons appeared steadily in subsequent issues, With some of them coming through the gate opened by SoundwaveAlthough they have yet to join in Bruticus – although they tried to enter Transformers #11, before they were thwarted by Elite-One. Even though Combaticon Brawn was badly damaged by the space bridge from Cybertron to Earth, it would seem that he will be repaired in time to join his brothers in Bruticus and throw down with Devastator.
The Energon Universe is introducing the Combiner bots so early in Transformers‘ New continuity is heartening, and it makes sense that Devastator/The Constructicons would be the first to appear. They were the first combiners released for the toy line in 1985, introducing the concept to the line in its second year. Bruticus/The Combaticons appeared the following year, along with fellow Combiners The Aerialbots, The Protecticons and The Stunticons. Combining robots have been a staple of Transformers Since then, with each iteration of the franchise having their own version of combiners.
Although the cause of Devastator and Bruticus’ conflict has not been addressed in any current issues, there have been some fissures brewing in the Decepticon ranks.. While Soundwave was roundly accepted as the new leader of the Decepticons on Earth after his defeat of Starscream, he was at odds with Soundwave once the space bridge opened and brought more Transformers to Earth. While Shockwave is destroyed by Optimus Prime, it is entirely possible that more friction will develop between the remaining Decepticons. With Energon in short supply, it’s easy to see why the Combaticons might fight each other when one of their own is still recovering from his wounds.
Our take on the New Transformers faction
Who is the new enemy of the Autobots and the Decepticons?
While the cover teases a fight between Bruticus and Devastator, there is still the matter of who the “spoiler” enemy teased in the solicitations will be. The Energon Universe has already added its own original characters to the franchise, so it’s not entirely out of the question that the creators could introduce an entirely new faction of Cybertronians. It could also more than likely be none of these Now existing entities already in the Energon Universe, whether it’s the GI Joe team, Cobra, Cobra-La or the likes of void rivals.
The new GI Joe team would make the most sense since the team was formed at the end of Duke With the express purpose of dealing with threats like the Transformers. Cobra Commander’s ruthless quest for Energon means he’ll likely come into conflict with the Cybertronians sooner rather than later.And it would be completely in keeping with the Cobra organization to go after the Decepticons as well as the Autobots. Readers should also not forget that the hidden society of Cobra-La was so ardent in its war against Transformers that it sent a contingent led by the villain Python into space to confront the Cybertronians directly.
And as the first original property created for the Energon Universe, fans have been eagerly waiting to see how void rivals Will tie into the events now unfolding on Earth. Interesting developments in void rivals have bound the Major setting from the Sacred Ring to Classic Transformers Study. Knowing this, it is not out of the question to have the Zeronians and Agorians of the Sacred Ring somehow find their way to Earth. Whoever the faction is battling the Autobots and Decepticons in Transformers is revealed to be, the Energy Universe Continues to be one of the best lines in comics today.
Transformers #16 is available 1/8/25 from Skybound Entertainment