Invincible Creator Robert Kirkman Talks Transformers Run, Future G.I. Joe Crossover, And More (Exclusive)

by

Robert Kirkman, renowned in the comic book realm for his merits, is rightfully acclaimed due to his creation of the iconic zombie series, “The Walking Dead.” His fame has grown further with the animated adaptation of Invincible, which originated from his Image Comic. Presently, Kirkman ventures into writing for the Transformers comic book series, contributing to the Energon Universe and guiding the series “Void Rivals” as well. Not long ago, we had an engaging conversation with Robert where we discussed the Autobots, Decepticons, their ongoing conflict, and a potential major event that could bring together the Transformers and G.I. Joe worlds.

Kirkman shared his initial motivation for getting involved in the development of the Energon universe: “As a child born in 1978, I was captivated by Transformers when it debuted in 1984. I watched the Transformers movie at the theater and though I claimed to have seen G.I. Joe’s movie there, I doubt it happened. I rushed home daily to watch both Transformers and G.I. Joe shows, and owned toys from both lines. My first comic was a G.I. Joe issue, and my introduction to Spider-Man’s black suit came via a Transformers comic. Throughout the years, I embraced all versions of Transformers and G.I. Joe, and still collect their toys.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must confess that I was taken aback by the unexpected origins of the Energon Universe. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t just Hasbro handing us the keys; they were shopping around the rights to various publishers. In a race against time, we found ourselves scrambling to get in on the action as well. With our hearts pounding and creativity flowing, we managed to put together an impressive presentation at the eleventh hour. Miraculously, we secured the rights to this universe – a victory that feels like destiny! It’s more than just business for us; it’s a passionate endeavor that fills us with excitement and joy. There’s not much talk of strategy or planning in all this – instead, it’s about unleashing our creativity and having fun. We can’t wait to delve deeper into the Energon Universe!

Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe

In the realm of the Energon Universe, the blending of Transformers with the ongoing battle between G.I. Joe and Cobra has been a significant aspect. During our conversation with Kirkman, he hinted at a potential crossover between these two factions: “Behind the scenes, there’s a plan for a major clash that could take place someday. We aren’t eager to rush into it. The ‘event book’ in this industry often loses its impact when there are numerous events each year. If and when it happens, it will be carefully thought out and will mark the biggest event in the history of the Energon Universe. Its repercussions will echo for years afterwards, so we’re taking our time to prepare for it. Don’t expect it anytime soon.

Returning to the Transformers themselves, Robert expressed his delight in crafting the Cybertronians, particularly when writing Optimus Prime’s dialogue. He found it incredibly enjoyable to emulate Peter Cullen’s voice while writing for the character, having had the privilege of collaborating with him on Invincible. Interacting with Peter was a significant milestone in his life, and he finds it significant in maintaining Optimus’ character. He considers whether the lines could be spoken by Peter, and the same applies to Frank Welker (Megatron) and Soundwave. He strives to capture their voices and make the dialogue feel as if it belongs in the original cartoon. Writing for the new character, Bulkhead, is especially fun since he didn’t exist in Generation One, which adds an intriguing twist to their work that mainly revolves around ‘G1’.

The Violence of Cybertron

Previously, Daniel Warren Johnson was responsible for writing the initial twenty-four issues of the Transformers comic series set in the Energon Universe. During his tenure, Johnson subjected both Autobots and Decepticons to challenging circumstances, a fact that Kirkman acknowledged when he took over the comic. Kirkman said about Johnson’s run: “Daniel’s storyline was unyielding in the most exciting way. I don’t believe there was any issue where no character met their demise. People often comment online about my penchant for killing characters, and they say, ‘Oh dear, the death toll will only rise with Robert taking over.’ I enjoy subverting expectations. In my first issue, I actually resurrect two characters, and I don’t kill anyone! I might give readers a temporary sense of safety, we’ll see.

Robert pointed out that death has been a recurring theme in the Transformers series, which was established in the 1986 animated film, but there’s also a pattern of resurrection. He finds it fascinating because these characters are mechanical, often repairable, such as Optimus Prime who was revived. He emphasized that they’re not human or biological, so their existence and way of life will be unique compared to ours. He plans to emphasize their alien nature in his work.

Working With Dan Mora

A delightful twist for writer Kirkman joining the Transformers team, was the emergence of artist Dan Mora into the Energon Universe. Known for his popular works such as Superman, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest and Absolute Power to name a few, Mora has been causing quite a stir in the realm of superheroes. Kirkman spoke highly of Mora’s artistry before disclosing how he joined the project.

As a passionate movie critic who’s always eager to delve into the world of comics, let me share my insights about an exceptional talent gracing the pages of DC Comics – a man who’s not just an invaluable asset, but a beacon of creativity. This remarkable artist has expressed a lifelong fascination for Transformers, and as fate would have it, he found himself reaching out to none other than Ben Abernathy, the Executive Editor at Skybound.

Overwhelmed by his admiration for Optimus Prime and the Transformers universe, he’s been itching to explore this captivating sandbox – a desire that shines through every carefully crafted panel on each page. We are incredibly fortunate to have him contributing to the world of comics, as he stands among the best artists working today.

His unbridled enthusiasm for his work is palpable, a testament to his deep-rooted passion for this medium. With so many projects vying for his attention, it’s no small feat that he dedicates himself so wholeheartedly to creating comics. When I learned Dan Mora was working on a Transformers project, my excitement could barely be contained. The opportunity to collaborate with such a gifted artist was too enticing to resist, and I eagerly agreed to join the team.

In conclusion, Dan Mora is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of comics, and his love for storytelling through this medium makes every collaboration an exciting adventure. Whether it’s Transformers or other projects, I can’t wait to see what he brings to life next!

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, mark your calendars! The thrilling new chapter in the Transformers saga by Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora, “Transformers #25,” storms into cinemas on October 8th, 2025. But don’t miss out-if you’re a retailer, be sure to place your orders before September 15th to secure your ticket to this unmissable event!

How do you feel about the creator of Invincible shifting to work on the Transformers comic? Feel free to share your thoughts below and get involved in the discussion happening right now over at our ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/transformers-comics-debut-ide-marvel-dreamwave-list/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-12 17:11