Robert Kirkman Expands the Energon Universe With ROM, M.A.S.K. & Transformers

The Energon Universe isn't slowing down. At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, The Comic Source went inside the Skybound press room for an extended conversation with Robert Kirkman, Void Rivals artist Conor Hughes and Skybound publisher Sean Mackiewicz about the past, present and future of the interconnected universe. Kirkman discusses rebuilding ROM for a new continuity, including the research he did into the character's Marvel history and why he worried ROM's damaged appearance could be interpreted the wrong way. Hughes explains why that damage represents sacrifice and "scars of war," while Mackiewicz details how ROM and M.A.S.K. became part of Skybound's larger Energon plans. The conversations also reveal that Matt Trakker was included in Skybound's original pitch to Hasbro and was once intended to appear in Duke before Clutch ultimately filled that role. Mackiewicz and Kirkman both tease major developments beginning in M.A.S.K. #3, while Kirkman discusses the Energon Universe animated project currently in development and his hope that the comics may eventually reach their own version of the story represented by 1986's The Transformers: The Movie. And when asked whether there's a limit to how far the Energon Universe can expand, Mackiewicz's answer is simple: "no limits." 00:00 – Kirkman Teases the Energon Universe's Transformers: The Movie 00:12 – Sean Mackiewicz on M.A.S.K., ROM & Expanding Energon 02:40 – How ROM & M.A.S.K. Fit Into the Energon Universe 05:20 – Why Skybound's Comics Are Connecting With Readers 07:20 – G.I. Joe, Lara Croft & Expanding Beyond Nostalgia 11:25 – Finding New Creators & Building Skybound's Future 12:15 – Matt Trakker Was Originally Going to Be in Duke 13:25 – M.A.S.K. #3 Has a Surprising Energon Connection 14:35 – Does the Energon Universe Have Any Limits? 15:20 – Robert Kirkman & Conor Hughes Reinvent ROM 19:15 – Kirkman Went to "ROM School" 21:20 – Building ROM & Void Rivals Together 23:40 – M.A.S.K. Was in the Original Energon Universe Pitch 25:45 – Kirkman Takes Over Transformers 27:55 – The Energon Universe Animated Series 29:20 – Could Energon Reach Its Own Transformers: The Movie?