[FunkyBunch]

Talking Joe livestream video discussion is here

https://youtube.com/live/l4NRlOcYZ4U

An edited audio only version will follow.

This past Saturday was Free Comic Book day - and on the Sunday Mark, Tim and Chris had a spoiler filled discussion.

First available with an exclusive cover as part of Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and then to be released as the Energon Universe Special 2025 on May 14, 2025, featuring the same story content as the Free Comic Book Day 2025 special with all-new covers.

The blurb-
This special serves as a perfect jumping on point for new readers and a can?t miss for longtime fans, with huge revelations in store, including the first appearance of a major character.
Discover three all new stories from the Energon Universe, with stunning revelations for the worlds of G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, and VOID RIVALS from the biggest names in comics. Energon Universe talent Joshua Williamson (Duke, Superman), Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), and Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb) pen the stories, and Andrea Milana (Cobra Commander), Conor Hughes (White Ash) and Johnson will provide art. Andrea Milana also serves as artist for the FCBD exclusive cover.

[Josh Z]

I really enjoyed the Clutch and Hound story, and love that M.A.S.K. has now officially been made part of the Energon Universe continuity.

[flashtronaut8]

Are they using the '80s M.A.S.K. or the IDW Revolution M.A.S.K. for this?
Either way, nice to see another favorite back in the lineup.

[Josh Z]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashtronaut8

Are they using the '80s M.A.S.K. or the IDW Revolution M.A.S.K. for this?
Either way, nice to see another favorite back in the lineup.

I don't know anything about the IDW comic, but Matt Trakker is Black in this version.

[flashtronaut8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Z

I don't know anything about the IDW comic, but Matt Trakker is Black in this version.

As was the IDW Revolution version.
https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Matt_Trakker

[Josh Z]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashtronaut8

As was the IDW Revolution version.
https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Matt_Trakker

Yeah, the current one looks like it's based on that, then.

[flashtronaut8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Z

Yeah, the current one looks like it's based on that, then.

I'll have to re-read all of it again. I can't remember which version suggests that VENOM was once part of COBRA. I think this may be the one that gives Trakker a brother who helped him form MASK w/ Miles Mayhem until MM killed MT's brother.

[Rares]

Really looking forward to the idea of a Dreadnoks vs Cobra Commander sub-arc. I honestly forgot Buzzer had his hand completely mauled by Nemesis, had to recheck the CC comic for that.

[FunkyBunch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashtronaut8

I'll have to re-read all of it again. I can't remember which version suggests that VENOM was once part of COBRA. I think this may be the one that gives Trakker a brother who helped him form MASK w/ Miles Mayhem until MM killed MT's brother.

Worth reminding that while Matt Trakker here is a black guy (similar to the revolution design) this is a new Universe - so up to the writers as to what if any of the old lore they take as inspiration.