'G.I. Joe' comic-book series set for November release at Image Comics
Word Balloons #1222: Series to be part of Skybound Entertainment's "Energon Universe."
One of comics’ most successful recent universes will expand in November.
Skybound, Image Comics and Hasbro have revealed an all-new ongoing “G.I. Joe” series will be released, with the first issue hitting shops on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The creators for the series include writer Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander), artist Tom Reilly (Duke) and colorist Jordie Bellaire (W0rldtr33).
According to Skybound, the first issue will feature many familiar faces, along with the debut of an all-new character.
Skybound describes the series as follows: Conrad Hauser, Codename DUKE, has assembled a special force known as G.I. Joe to battle the rising power of the mysterious COBRA in the aftermath of the Autobots and Decepticons’ arrival on Earth. But the enigmatic Cobra Commander has unleashed the power of Energon like never before!
"Finally! The team is together! The response to the mini-series that led to this moment has been phenomenal; it's been exciting to see lifelong fans of the iconic series and new readers come together to support G.I. JOE in the Energon Universe,” said Joshua Williamson in a news release. “What has come before was just a glimpse into the massive world full of action and drama that we're bringing with the new ongoing series. Now it's time to amp up the story as newly formed G.I. Joe and Cobra meet for the first time! Our first issue rocks the Energon Universe in major ways with big moments we've been dying to unleash. Tom and Jordie are killing it and bringing the heat with every page. You do not want to miss G.I. JOE #1. Yo Joe!"
The Energon Universe launched with “Void Rivals,” a new property featuring warring planets in outer space and two pilots from opposite sides whose fates become intertwined. This was followed up by “Transformers,” adapting the classic Hasbro property of robots who disguise themselves as Earth vehicles. And four “Joe”-releated miniseries have been released or are in mid-series, with “Duke,” “Cobra Commander,” “Scarlett” and “Destro.”
"I love it when a plan comes together. With the foundation laid, Skybound is primed to expand the Energon Universe with an ongoing G.I. JOE series,” said Skybound founder Robert Kirkman in the news release. “Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett and Destro have been mere teases of what we have in store. Now Josh, Tom and crew are bringing us a new vision of these beloved characters that will stand next to TRANSFORMERS and Void Rivals as the cornerstones of the Energon Universe!”
G.I. JOE #1 will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Matthew Price, matthew@matthewLprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman.