Like a semi truck that turns into a robot, or an ancient artifact known as a “cassette tape player” that transforms into a robot and also shoots out cassette tapes that transform into robots, Skybound’s Transformers series is about to undergo a transformation of its own. News broke today that writer and Skybound impresario Robert Kirkman will be taking over the writing duties on the series as of issue #25, and will be joined by artist Dan Mora.
Kirkman has been playing in the Energon Universe he helped create since its inception via its introductory series Void Rivals, and while elements of both Transformers and GI Joe have appeared in that book, this will mark the first time Kirkman digs in on one of the established Hasbro IP properties since he acquired the license in 2023. Launched in October 2023, Transformers has been a critical and commercial success under writer Daniel Warren Johnson (who also illustrated the first six issues) and artist Jorge Corona, mixing fan favorites like Optimus Prime and Starscream with deeper character cuts like Astrotrain and the Aerialbots along with original creations like Shredhead, while expanding Transformers lore and focusing on the humanity (or lack thereof) at the core of these giant robots.
Also, the giant robots do suplexs and neckbreakers and junk to each other.
Transformers #25 is scheduled for release this October with the usual onslaught of variant covers that accompany big comics issues these days. Check out the full press release and preview pages from Image/Skybound below.
Superstars Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora Begin a New TRANSFORMERS Era with Issue #25
LOS ANGELES 06/26/2025 — Today Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company Hasbro, revealed the new creative team for the two-time Eisner Award winning series TRANSFORMERS. Writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead, Void Rivals) and artist Dan Mora (Justice League Unlimited, Superman) kick off a bold new era for TRANSFORMERS that will be …MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE with issue #25, in comic book shops October 8, 2025.
Joining current series colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon) and letterer Rus Wooton (G.I. JOE, Void Rivals), Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora begin a new age of TRANSFORMERS with an oversized issue, celebrating the blockbuster series’ second anniversary. A perfect jumping on point for new readers, issue #25 will also feature a stunning story from Kirkman and current series artist Jorge Corona (Ain’t No Grave).
“Holy smokes, I’m writing a TRANSFORMERS comic!” said Kirkman. “I’ve been so invested in this series since the beginning. I’ve marveled at what Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona have brought to some of my all-time favorite characters. When Daniel’s run came to an end, I could stand on the sidelines no more! I just had to get in the ring! It’s a tremendous honor to be a small part of the legacy of these amazing characters. This world has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can’t wait for everyone to see what the legendary Dan Mora and I are cooking up!”
“I’ve been a huge TRANSFORMERS fan ever since I can remember, so it’s been a real thrill to come aboard the series with the equally thrilling Robert Kirkman,” said Dan Mora. “I’ve also been a huge fan of Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona, and what they’ve done on this title has literally been out of this world. Drawing my favorite Autobots and Decepticons brings me back to all of the fun I had playing with them as a kid, so I hope to add my own spark to their legacy and can’t wait for fans to see what Robert and I have been toying with for the Energon Universe next!”
The Energon Universe will never be the same as the Autobots and Decepticons begin the most surprising new chapter in their war on Earth.
Optimus Prime and the remaining Autobots must join forces with unlikely allies in order to protect their adopted planet. But Prime’s next challenge lies closer to home than he ever imagined. And what is the fate of the Decepticons?
“Robert Kirkman and Dan Mora on TRANSFORMERS?! Talk about a dream come true,” noted Executive Editor Ben Abernathy. “I think everyone’s going to have their minds blown once they read what these two geniuses are cooking up!”
In addition to the main cover by David Nakayama, the lineup of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #25 includes an open-to-order cover by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer, incentive variant covers by Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer, Kael Ngu, Dan Mora, Jae Lee & June Chung, Autobot & Decepticon blank sketch covers, and specialty finish covers by David Nakayama, John Amor, and Leonardo Romero.
TRANSFORMERS #25 (Lunar Codes Coming Soon| $4.99, unless otherwise noted) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover A by David Nakayama
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover B by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) by Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Kael Ngu
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Dan Mora & Andres Juarez
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover F (1:100 Copy Incentive) (Foil) by Jae Lee & June Chung
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover G Blank Sketch Cover (Autobot)
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover H Blank Sketch Cover (Decepticon)
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover I (Foil) by David Nakayama ($5.99)
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover J (Foil Mask Cover) (Optimus Prime) by John Amor & Andres Juarez ($5.99)
TRANSFORMERS #25 Cover K Battle Damage Die Cut Cover by Leonardo Romero ($6.99)
Austin Gorton also reviews older issues of X-Men at the Real Gentlemen of Leisure website, co-hosts the A Very Special episode podcast, and likes Star Wars. He lives outside Minneapolis, where sometimes, it is not cold. Follow him @austingorton.bsky.social.
