The Autobots and Decepticons have been at war since time immemorial in theTransformers (2023)franchise, but a new enemy for both might be joining the fray in theEnergon Universe. The solicitations forTransformers#16 tease a new entity that will be taking on both Cybertronian factions in the new continuity.
Set to be released in January of next year,Transformers#16 continues the white hot streak Skybound has had for their new imprint combining the worlds ofTransformers&G.I. Joe. The cover teases at least one epic smack-down for fans to expect, as theDecepticon Combiners Devastator and Bruticus come to blows. But they won’t be alone.
January 8th, 2025
Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
Autobots vs Decepticons vs!
As to be expected,Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s covercaptures the impact of the Combiners’ titanic tussle. One has to wonder what is causing the two massive bots to fight, and whether or not it has something to do with the “SPOILER” enemy faction that will be joining the battle.
What A New Faction Means For The ‘Autobots vs Decepticons’ War
Decepticon Combiners Bruticus & Devastator Face Off in the Energon Universe
The Constructicons made their Energon Universe debut inTransformers’ first arc, combing intoDevastator to take on Optimus Primeand his Autobots in the climactic issue of that story. The Combaticons have been steadily appearing in subsequent issues,with some of them coming through the portal opened up by Soundwave, although they have yet to combine into Bruticus – even though they tried to inTransformers#11, before they were thwarted by Elita-One. Even though Combaticon Brawn was badly damaged by the space bridge from Cybertron to Earth, it would appear that he’s going to be repaired in time to combine with his brothers into Bruticus and throw down with Devastator.
Devastator is made up of the Constructicons Scrapper, Bonecrusher, Hook, Mixmaster, Long Haul and Scavenger, while Bruticus is made up of the Combaticons Onslaught, Brawl, Vortex, Blast Off and Swindle
The Energon Universe introducing the Combiner bots so early on intoTransformers’ new continuity is heartening, and it makes sense that Devastator/the Constructicons would be the first to appear. They were the first Combiners released for the toy-line in 1985, introducing the concept to the line in its second year.Bruticus/the Combaticons appeared the following year, along with fellow Combiners the Aerialbots, the Protecticons and the Stunticons. Combining robots have been a staple ofTransformersever since, with each iteration of the franchise containing their own version of Combiners.
While the cause of Devastator and Bruticus’ conflict hasn’t been addressed in any current issues, there have been several fissures brewing within the Decepticon ranks. While Soundwave was roundly accepted as thenew leader of the Decepticons on Earth following his defeat of Starscream, he did come into conflict with Soundwave once the space bridge opened and brought more Transformers to Earth. While Shockwave was destroyed by Optimus Prime, it’s entirely possible that more friction will develop between the remaining Decepticons. With Energon being in scarce supply, it’s easy to see why the Combaticons might fight the others when one of their own is still recovering from his wounds.
Our Take on The New Transformers Faction
Who is the New Enemy of the Autobots AND the Decepticons?
While the cover teases a fight between Bruticus and Devastator, there is still the matter of who the “SPOILER” enemy teased in the solicits will be. The Energon Universe has already added its own original characters into the franchise, so it’s not entirely out of the question that the creators could be introducing an entirely new faction of Cybertronians. It could also more than likely be any of thecurrently existing entities already in the Energon Universe, whether it’s the G.I. Joe team, Cobra, Cobra-La or the cast ofVoid Rivals.
The new G.I. Joe team would make the most sense, as that team was formed at the end ofDukewith theexpress purpose of dealing with threats like the Transformers.Cobra Commander’s ruthless quest for Energon means he will likely come into conflict with the Cybertronians sooner than later, and it would be entirely in keeping with the Cobra organization to go after the Decepticons as well as the Autobots. Readers also shouldn’t forget that the hidden society of Cobra-La has been so zealous in its war against Transformers that it sent a contingent led by villain Pythona into space to confront the Cybertronians directly.
And as the first original property created for the Energon Universe, fans have been eagerly awaiting to see howVoid Rivalswill tie into the events currently unfolding on Earth. Intriguing developments inVoid Rivalshave tied themain setting of theSacred Ring to classicTransformerslore. Knowing this, it’s not out of the question to have the Zeronians and Agorrians of the Sacred Ring somehow find their way to Earth. Whoever the faction battling the Autobots and Decepticons inTransformersis revealed to be, theEnergon Universecontinues to be one of the best lines in comics today.
Transformers#16is available 1/8/25 from Skybound Entertainment
Transformers (2023)
Optimus Prime was supposed to have led the Autobots to victory. Instead, the fate of Cybertron is unknown, and his allies have crash-landed far from home, alongside their enemies—the Decepticons. As these titanic forces renew their war on Earth, one thing is immediately clear: the planet will never be the same. New alliances are struck. Battle lines are redrawn. And humanity’s only hope of survival is Optimus Prime.
