Adult Animated ‘Energon Universe’ Series in Development, Bringing Transformers and G.I. Joe Crossover to TV

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Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment are joining forces to produce an adult animated series based on the hugely successful Energon Universe comics, which unites the mythologies of Transformers, G.I. Joe, and the original IP Void Rivals.

The project is currently being developed with a focus on a mature, serialized tone, drawing comparisons to Kirkman’s hit Amazon Prime series, Invincible.

Joe Henderson, best known as the co-showrunner of the Netflix hit Lucifer, is attached to write the adaptation and serve as the series showrunner.

Despite the source material featuring Hasbro characters traditionally aimed at children, the series is being pitched with an “adult sensibility.” This aligns with the darker, grittier world established in the Energon Universe comics, which features intense action and a cohesive, high-stakes narrative.

The animated series is a direct result of the commercial and critical triumph of the comic book publishing initiative, which launched in June 2023 with the surprise connection between Void Rivals and the Transformers universe.

  • Shared Mythology: The comics successfully merged the franchises, establishing the arrival of the Transformers on Earth as the catalyst for the formation of G.I. Joe and the villains of Cobra utilizing Energon technology.
  • Sales Success: The Energon Universe has become one of Hasbro’s best-selling comic book lines ever, with over 7 million combined units sold worldwide across all titles.
  • Critical Acclaim: The Transformers comic run, specifically, has earned high praise, including a pair of Eisner Awards in 2024.

The news of the animated project comes as development on the long-anticipated live-action Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover film has reportedly stalled, positioning the animated series to be the first full crossover of the two iconic franchises on screen.

The Energon Universe animated series is expected to be taken out to various buyers and streaming platforms shortly, though a network or streaming home has not yet been announced.