Tag Archives: mask

Baron Karza Makes Shocking Energon Universe Comics Debut in M.A.S.K. #3

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Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro have revealed the landmark first Energon Universe comic appearance of the infamous Micronauts villain Baron Karza in M.A.S.K. #3. From the creative team of writer Dan Watters, artist Pye Parr, colorist Pierluigi Casolino, and letterer Rus Wooton. M.A.S.K. #3 is out now in comic shops.  

M.A.S.K.’s series debut blind bag program introduced ROM to Skybound’s Energon Universe, and the series continues to surprise fans with unexpected first appearances.  

Now, the new M.A.S.K. series revealed Miles Mayhem’s secret ally is none other than Baron Karza, whose first appearance portends dark plans for Mayhem’s retaliation against Matt Trakker…and his son Scotty. 

SDCC 2026: Skybound, Image, and Hasbro reveals the Future of the Energon Universe

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At the official Energon Universe comics panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) this weekend, Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro revealed an all-new trailer, new covers and character designs from the shared universe in a panel featuring Robert Kirkman, Joshua Williamson, Conor Hughes, and Sean Mackiewicz. 

Recently celebrating its third anniversary, the Energon Universe comics have proven to be unstoppable, and this year’s panel was packed with new reveals, unexpected teasers, and an exclusive M.A.S.K. wristband giveaway for the SDCC audience, who were also granted an exclusive debut of the all-new trailer! 

M.A.S.K. has long been planned as the fourth entry in Energon Universe comics and the panel celebrated the recent launch of the high-octane series from writer Dan Watters and artist Pye Parr. While the audience activated their M.A.S.K. network wristbands and awaited Matt Trakker’s orders, they were shown new character designs for iconic M.A.S.K. characters Trakker’s son Scott, and his trusty protector T-Bob, who will be introduced in upcoming issues of M.A.S.K. 

Following the explosive events of the Quintesson War, Void Rivals has entered a new chapter and series artist Conor Hughes joined co-creator and writer Robert Kirkman to discuss ROM’s upcoming arrival in the Sacred Ring. The audience was treated to the reveal of character designs for bounty hunter Predacron and hints of what’s to come in Void Rivals’ next story arc, including new artist Frank Mazzoli!

G.I. Joe kicks off its biggest story arc yet with an extra-sized issue #25 releasing in August and writer Joshua Williamson was on hand to give insight into the key moments that led to G.I. Joe vs. Night Force. Then the all-new Cobra character named Major Medusa was revealed to the world for the first time, including a look at her stunning new character design, with some hints as to what her role might be in the coming issues with G.I. Joe #26 covers featured on screen.

Screenshot

Transformers has proven to be a series true to its title with several key characters experiencing significant changes in recent issues. Robert Kirkman described the process of taking the series in new and unexpected directions with characters introduced across different iterations of Transformers over the years—like Superion, featured in the #36 main cover with newly christened Autobot Thundercracker as his new arm. Energon Universe comics architects Kirkman and Sean Mackiewicz also teased the future of the Transformers, how far Elita Prime might go to win the war, and announced Karl Kerschl will be the guest artist on issue #37. 

M.A.S.K. #2 has its moments but doesn’t feel like a tight enough second issue

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Bruce Sato and Gloria Baker—are you ready to save the world? As Matt Trakker’s newest M.A.S.K. recruits race to recover a weapon of unknown origin, V.E.N.O.M. strikes!

Story: Dan Watters
Art: Pye Parr
Color: Pierluigi Casolino
Letterer: Rus Wooton

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

M.A.S.K. #1 joins the Energon Universe with a Bumpy Debut

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The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. — a network of specialists recruited to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission?

Story: Dan Watters
Art: Pye Parr
Color: Pierluigi Casolino
Letterer: Rus Wooton

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

M.A.S.K. #1 puts the Spotlight on the Classic Toy Line as it Fully Joins the Energon Universe

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M.A.S.K. #1

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. — a network of specialists recruited to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission? M.A.S.K. #1 kicks off the latest entry in the Energon Universe and does a good job of integrating it into G.I. JOE and Transformers.

One of the more intriguing aspects of Skybound‘s Energon Universe is its slow introduction of properties into it, easing them in and making sure they fit right. The new comic universe that unites some of Hasbro’s top brands began with Void Rivals and then slowly expanded into Transformers and a few G.I. JOE miniseries before the current ongoing. With each release, there was an effort to connect the dots making their being part of a cohesive universe make sense and not feel mashed together. G.I. JOE has focused on Energon as a power source with teases and conspiracies of giant robots as an example. M.A.S.K. is another example of this as Matt Trakker debuted over a year ago with Miles Mayhem being brought in later, both tied to General Flagg and thus G.I. JOE. M.A.S.K. #1 dives fully in as the story of Trakker and Mayhem, which have played out in G.I. JOE, get their own series that has Mayhem launching his own organization V.E.N.O.M. in search of what we assume is Cybertronian technology.

Written by Dan Watters, M.A.S.K. #1 lays the cards of the table with Trakker being brought in by General Flagg, arrested for claims made by Mayhem. We get the backstory that has been hinted up to this point with Trakker laying out the history and just what type of villain Mayhem is. We also get a sense as to what will make M.A.S.K. and G.I. JOE different as far as how they operate and a bit with the technology as well. M.A.S.K. #1 sets the tone and expectations and does a pretty good job at that.

The art by Pye Parr with color by Pierluigi Casolino and lettering by Rus Wooton is good. The character designs are generally good though the comic’s visuals never quite excite and feel a bit more “cartoony” at times compared to other comics in the Energon Universe. The opening chase scene never quite hooks visually and feels a little bland overall with some faces feeling almost comedic in their reaction (hence the “cartoony”). It’s not bad though and the comic does a good job in that sequence building up to the conclusion of the chase where those who know the property might have certain expectations. Later, as we see more of what Mayhem and his team are up to, what could be very horrific scenes feel a bit dialed back in their shock and surprise.

M.A.S.K. #1 is a fine addition to the Energon Universe that expands on an element that has played out in other comics for some time now. But, it also feels like it suffers a little from the loss of momentum that the Energon Universe has experienced lately. It’s not quite the jolt of excitement the overall line needs. Still, what Skybound has done connecting all of these properties has been impressive and this latest series is another example of an idea that hasn’t ever been pulled off as well as this. If you’re a fan of this world, it’s one to pick up and get another piece of the overall puzzle.

Story: Dan Watters Art: Pye Parr
Color: Pierluigi Casolino Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: M.A.S.K. #1

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M.A.S.K. #1

(W) Dan Watters (A) Pye Parr (C) Pierluigi Casolino (L) Rus Wooton

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K.–a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission? 

M.A.S.K. #1

M.A.S.K. #1 Sells Out and Heads Back to the Printer before it Hits the Shelves

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Ahead of its blockbuster entrance into the Energon Universe, Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro have announced M.A.S.K. #1 has sold out at the distributor level. From the team of writer Dan Watters, artist Pye Parr, colorist Pierluigi Casolino, and letterer Rus Wooton, the M.A.S.K. Network is officially up and running! 

The second printing of M.A.S.K. #1 will feature new covers by artist Jason Howard and series artist Pye Parr, arriving in comic shops on July 8, 2026. 

In M.A.S.K. #1, the world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K.– a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission? 

The full list of covers is below: 

  • M.A.S.K. #1 Second Printing Cover A by Jason Howard 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Second Printing Cover B by Pye Parr

Skybound Reveals a First Look at M.A.S.K. #1 by Dan Watters and Pye Parr

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Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro have shared a first look at preview pages and covers from  M.A.S.K. #1, the debut issue of the all-new Energon Universe series by writer Dan Watters, artist Pye Parr, colorist Pierluigi Casolino, and letterer Rus Wooton. The first issue of this monumental new ongoing series lands in comic shops on June 10, 2026. 

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K.–a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission? 

In addition to the main cover by Pye Parr, the lineup of variant covers for M.A.S.K. #1 includes open-to-order covers by J. Scott Campbell, Cedric Poulat, and Mark Spears, Energon Universe Third Anniversary connecting covers by Tom Reilly and Adriano Lucas, incentive variant covers by Kael Ngu, E.J. Su, Jonboy Meyers, Joshua Cassara and Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, blank sketch covers featuring M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M., foil covers by Pye Parr and J. Scott Campbell, and die-cut foil mask covers by Pye Parr, Luke Preece and Andres Juarez. 

M.A.S.K. #1 also features a first-ever Energon Universe blind bag program that allows fans a chance to get ANY of the solicited covers from A through K, intermixed at varying degrees of rarity (that mirror existing ratios). However, there are three rare SURPRISE Energon Universe comics that can be found in these blind bags. Those SURPRISE comics will not be publicly announced in advance of the issue release. 

In celebration of M.A.S.K.’s arrival in the Energon Universe, Skybound and Hasbro will feature an exclusive first look at M.A.S.K. in the Energon Universe Special 2026, a Free Comic Book Day issue releasing Saturday, May 2, 2026. The special issue will include four all-new stories from TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and VOID RIVALS and will serve as the first official glimpse into Dan Watters and Pye Parr’s M.A.S.K. 

M.A.S.K. #1

The full list of variant covers is below: 

  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover A by Pye Parr (Lunar Code: 0426IM8000) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover B by J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich (Lunar Code: 0426IM8001) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover C by Cedric Poulat (Lunar Code: 0426IM8002) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover D by Mark Spears (Lunar Code: 0426IM8003) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover E Energon Universe Third Anniversary (Connecting) by Tom Reilly & Adriano Lucas (Lunar Code: 0426IM8004) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover F Energon Universe Third Anniversary (Connecting) by Tom Reilly (Lunar Code: 0426IM8005) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover G (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Kael Ngu (Lunar Code: 0426IM8006) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover H (1:50 Copy Incentive) by E.J. Su (Lunar Code: 0426IM8007) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover I (Foil) (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Jonboy Meyers ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8008) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover J (1:250 Copy Incentive) by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr. (Lunar Code: 0426IM8009) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover K (1:500 Copy Incentive) by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code: 0426IM8010) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover L Blank Sketch Cover (M.A.S.K.) ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8011) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover M Blank Sketch Cover (V.E.N.O.M.) ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8012) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover N (Foil) by Pye Parr ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8013) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover O (Foil) by J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8014) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover P (Die Cut Foil Mask Cover) by Pye Parr & Luke Preece & Andres Juarez ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8015 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover Q (Die Cut Foil Mask Cover) by Pye Parr & Luke Preece & Andres Juarez ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8016) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover R Blind Bag by Andres Juarez ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0426IM8017) 

Skybound, Image, and Hasbro Unveil Energon Universe Special 2026 Variant Covers

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Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro have revealed the lineup of variant covers for Energon Universe Special 2026 which will also serve as the introductory chapter of the upcoming new Energon Universe series M.A.S.K.

First available with an exclusive cover as part of Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 2, 2026, Energon Universe FCBD Special 2026 serves as both a perfect jumping on point into the Energon Universe and a can’t miss experience for long-time fans. 

The biggest year in Energon Universe history is here, and this special issue includes four all-new stories from the worlds of TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, VOID RIVALS, and M.A.S.K. from the biggest names in comics. Energon Universe talent Robert Kirkman, Joshua Williamson, and Dan Watters pen the stories, and Jason Howard, Tom Reilly, Conor Hughes, and Pye Parr provide art for this action-packed special. The retail version of Energon Universe Special 2026 will be available for purchase in comic book shops on Wednesday May 6, 2026, featuring the same story content as the FCBD 2026 special with all-new can’t miss covers for collectors. 

In addition to the main cover by Pye Parr, Energon Universe Special 2026 will feature an impressive slate of variant covers by Energon Universe and top comics talent Howard Porter and Romulo Fajardo Jr., Jason Howard, Conor Hughes, and Cedric Poulat.  

The full list of covers is below: 

  • Energon Universe Special 2026 Cover A by Pye Parr 
  • Energon Universe Special 2026 Cover B by Howard Porter & Romulo Fajardo Jr.  
  • Energon Universe Special 2026 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) by Jason Howard 
  • Energon Universe Special 2026 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Conor Hughes 
  • Energon Universe Special 2026 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Cedric Poulat

ComicsPRO 2026: M.A.S.K. by Dan Watters and Pye Parr joins the Energon Universe in June

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As announced today in Robert Kirkman’s keynote address at ComicsPro, Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro, will deliver an all-new addition to the Energon Universe, M.A.S.K., by writer Dan Watters, artist Pye Parr, colorist Pierluigi Casolino, and letterer Rus Wooton. Together, they’re launching the most anticipated new series of the year, where anyone–and everyone–in the Energon Universe must join the fight for humanity’s survival. The historic first issue of this explosive new ongoing series hits comic book shelves June 3, 2026. 

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. — a network of specialists ready to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles–and their drivers–into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission?   

In addition to the main cover by Pye Parr, the lineup of variant covers for M.A.S.K. #1 includes open-to-order covers by J. Scott Campbell, Cedric Poulat, and Mark Spears, Energon Universe Third Anniversary connecting covers by Tom Reilly and Adriano Lucas, incentive variant covers by Kael Ngu, E.J. Su, Jonboy Meyers, Joshua Cassara and Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer, blank sketch covers featuring M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M., foil covers by Pye Parr and J. Scott Campbell, and die-cut foil mask covers by Pye Parr, Luke Preece and Andres Juarez. 

M.A.S.K. #1 also features a first-ever Energon Universe blind bag program that allows fans a chance to get ANY of the solicited covers from A through K, intermixed at varying degrees of rarity. However, there are rare SURPRISE variant covers related to the Energon Universe that can be found in these blind bags. Those SURPRISE comics will not be publicly announced in advance of the issue release. 

In celebration of M.A.S.K.’s arrival in the Energon Universe, Skybound and Hasbro will feature an exclusive first look at M.A.S.K. in the Energon Universe Special 2026, a Free Comic Book Day issue releasing Saturday, May 2, 2026. The special issue will include four all-new stories from TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and Void Rivals and will serve as the first official glimpse into Dan Watters and Pye Parr’s M.A.S.K. 

Originally launched in 1985, M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) became a pop-culture phenomenon with its mix of spy intrigue and sci-fi action. Brought to life through an animated series and bestselling toy line, M.A.S.K. followed Matt Trakker and his elite civilian task force as they battled Miles Mayhem and the criminal organization V.E.N.O.M. using advanced masks and transforming vehicles enhanced with extraordinary abilities. Now, M.A.S.K. enters the Energon Universe for a revolutionary new era. 

The full list of variant covers is below: 

  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover A by Pye Parr 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover B by J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover C by Cedric Poulat 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover D by Mark Spears  
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover E Energon Universe Third Anniversary (Connecting) by Tom Reilly & Adriano Lucas 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover F Energon Universe Third Anniversary (Connecting) by Tom Reilly 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover G (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Kael Ngu 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover H (1:50 Copy Incentive) by E.J. Su 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover I (Foil) (1:100 Copy Incentive) by Jonboy Meyers ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover J (1:250 Copy Incentive) by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr. 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover K (1:500 Copy Incentive) by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover L Blank Sketch Cover (M.A.S.K.) ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover M Blank Sketch Cover (V.E.N.O.M.) ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover N (Foil) by Pye Parr ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover O Foil) by J. Scott Campbell & Sabine Rich ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover P (Die Cut Foil Mask Cover) by Pye Parr & Luke Preece & Andres Juarez ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover Q (Die Cut Foil Mask Cover) by Pye Parr & Luke Preece & Andres Juarez ($5.99) 
  • M.A.S.K. #1 Cover R Blind Bag by Andres Juarez ($5.99)
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