SDCC 2023: Robert Kirkman & Friends (The Energon Universe)

We close our San Diego Comic-Con International coverage with an epic roundtable conversation with Energon Universe shepherds Robert Kirkman, Sean Mackiewicz, Joshua Williamson, and Daniel Warren Johnson. As you have undoubtedly heard, Skybound Entertainment is the new G.I. Joe and Transformers license holder. They recently launched their shared universe with a new comic book series called Void Rivals, written by Kirkman and illustrated by Lorenzo De Felici, and we think it's the most exciting event in comics.

And that's based on only a tiny taste from Skybound. So far, we've read three Void Rivals issues, a three-page preview of Daniel Warren Johnson's Transformers, a Tom Reilly cover for Williamson's Duke #1, and an Andrea Milana cover for Williamson's Cobra Commander #1. Before we plunge into the chat, we dive deep into reviewing these early peeks, consider the cultural apocalypse on the brink within Void Rivals, and how it may ripple into the Transformers and G.I. Joe books.

We find beginnings to be the most exciting moments in stories. In these early stages, characters (and their creators) determine their principles. What do the G.I. Joes stand for in 2023? What does Cobra stand for? How will the Autobots' interaction with humanity alter their already well-established mission? We bring these questions to the creators, whose answers give you some idea of how the Energon Universe will stand apart from previous interpretations.

We did not steer this conversation alone. We were joined by a few other reporter friends: Lance from Comic Book Keepers, Jeremy from The Geekly Grind, Jace Milam from The Comic Source, and Gerard "HipHopGamer" Williams. Please take the time to visit their sites and support their work, as their perspectives created a unique collaboration for this episode.

Also, listen to our guests' previous appearances on Comic Book Couples Counseling: Robert Kirkman on Invincible, Joshua Williamson on Superman, Daniel Warren Johnson on Beta Ray Bill, and Daniel Warren Johnson on Do a Powerbomb!

Skybound is set to release Transformers #1 in October, Duke #1 in December, and Cobra Commander #1 in January. Keep up to date on the Energon Universe by visiting their website and pre-order the comics through your local comic book store. What shop is closest to you? Find out by clicking HERE.

As we discuss toward the end of this week's episode, cartoonist extraordinaire Jeff Smith recently suffered a cardiac arrest and was forced to cancel his "Dawn of Man" book tour. This means he won't be able to promote new books like Tuki and Bone: More Tall Tales. It's on you and us to get the word out. Help an artist who brought joy to our lives by nabbing his new comics for yourself and your friends. Visit Boneville HERE.

Make sure that you follow Robert Kirkman on his Twitter. Follow Sean Mackiewicz on Twitter and Instagram. Keep up to date on all things Joshua Williamson by following him on Twitter, Instagram, and Substack. And follow Daniel Warren Johnson on Twitter, Instagram, and his Website. 

Listen to Danie Warren Johnson discuss The 'Nam #9 in detail, breaking down the single issue with us panel-by-panel on our Patreon. 

Other Relevant CBCC at SDCC Links:

• Todd McFarlane on Todd McFarlane

• Nicole Maines on Dreamer

• Jamie Lee Curtis, Russell Goldman, and Karl Stevens on Mother Nature

• Erik Burnham on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• Julie Sakai and Stan Sakai on Usagi Yojimbo

• Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips on The Enfield Gang Massacre

• Adrian Tomine on Shortcomings

• Paul Cornell on Con and On

FINAL ROUND OF PLUGS (PHEW):

Don't forget to grab your tickets for our August 27th Alamo Drafthouse Winchester screening of The Mask, co-sponsored by Four Color Fantasies and featuring a Tradd Moore in-person introduction.

Don't forget! Watch the latest episode of The B&B Show, where Brad and Bryan Review the Hottest Cinematic Releases.

And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.

Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts.

Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators.

Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.