Energon Universe Gives A Better Look At M.A.S.K's Return Ahead Of 2026's Crossover Event

Skybound Entertainment just gave fans their best look yet at the heroes of M.A.S.K before their comic book debut.

Per AIPT Comics, Skybound Entertainment has officially unveiled the full slate of covers for the upcoming Energon Universe 2026 Special one-shot. Set to be released on May 6, the Energon Universe 2026 Special will feature stories from all three of the Energon Universe's pre-existing headline titles, as well as one dedicated to the incoming M.A.S.K. franchise.

Energon Universe 2026 Special #1

• Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN; DAN WATTERS; and JOSHUA WILLIAMSON

• Art by JASON HOWARD; TOM REILLY; CONOR HUGHES; and SIMON PARR

• Letters by RUS WOOTON

• Main cover art by SIMON PARR

• Variant covers by HOWARD PORTER & ROMULO FAJARDO JR.; JASON HOWARD; CONOR HUGHES; and CEDRIC POULAT

The official solicit synopsis for the Energon Universe 2026 Special from Skybound Entertainment reads, "The biggest year in Energon Universe history is here, with all-new stories from the worlds of TRANSFORMERS,G.I. JOE, VOID RIVALS and beyond in this new printing of the FCBD 2026 special. Join the biggest names in comics for both a perfect jumping point into the Energon Universe and a can't-miss experience for long-time fans. "

Skybound Entertainment executive editor Ben Abernathy said of the upcoming special, "The release of the Energon Universe Special is an exciting annual event in the [Energon Universe]. We bring the best talent together to tell exciting short stories that help seed the future of the Energon Universe…and the stories get more exciting each year!"

What To Know About The Energon Universe Before Its Anniversary

Since the release of Void Rivals #1 back in 2023, the Energon Universe has quickly become one of the most exciting and explosive realms in the world of comics. At its core, the Energon Universe consists of the Void Rivals, Transformers, and G.I. Joe lines of comics, although that is all about to change with the introduction of the cast of M.A.S.K. this Spring.

Beginning June 3 with the release of M.A.S.K. #1, the Energon Universe will enter a bold new era unlike any that has come before it. In the weeks that follow, Transformers #33, G.I. Joe #23, and Void Rivals #31 will be released, all featuring connecting variant covers celebrating the wider franchise's third anniversary.

Abernathy said of the news in a press release in mid-March, "It’s that time of the year when we once again celebrate the anniversary of the Energon Universe, now welcoming the stars of our new series M.A.S.K., and to have Skybound-exclusive Tom Reilly bring his artistic skills, with the colors of Adriano Lucas, is absolute magic!"

Based on the Kenner Products action figure line of the same name, the original M.A.S.K. animated series by Ashi Productions premiered back in 1985 and introduced audiences to the heroes of the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand. Although M.A.S.K. was far from a critical darling at the time, it has continued to hold a special place in the hearts of fans, not to mention in the annals of pop culture as an example of peak '80s cartoon marketing.

Energon Universe 2026 Special #1 from Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics goes on sale on May 6.