The 1980’s were full of halcyon days if you were into cartoons.
Not only were the great animated offerings of the 1960’s and 1970’s still available on a plethora of national and local broadcast stations, but imported features from Japan were also gaining in popularity here in North America.
Whether it was after school during the work week or Saturday and Sunday mornings in front of the television, classic cartoon like Jonny Quest, Speed Racer, Scooby Doo, Where Are You?, Looney Tunes and Battle of the Planets joined new favourites like Thundarr The Barbarian, Robotech, Voltron, Thundercats and Masters of the Universe, among many others.
I can distinctly recall talking about two blockbuster shows with huddled and fervent cartoon friends at school time recess. These new offerings were all the rage, especially riveting to kids because they occasionally borrowed from their Japanese counterparts and presented soap opera-like longform storytelling. Episodes would end in cliffhangers and continue across multiple installments over multiple days and weeks.
“Did you watch G.I. Joe yesterday? Cobra got the first piece of the weather dominator!”
“Did you watch The Transformers? The Autobots were banished from earth and they’re on a rocket headed straight into the sun!”
G.I. Joe, a real American hero! The Transformers, more than meets the eye!
Two of the greatest cartoons of any era. And oh, the childhood drama! You couldn’t help but tune in and then, afterwards, discuss with your excited schoolyard gang.
Imagine if those cartoon worlds were to collide…the minds and hearts of fanboys and fangirls sizzle at the thought.
Well, here in 2023 they have! Toy company Hasbro and publishers Skybound/Image Comics have made a famed partnership and the next important chapter of their amazing endeavour drops today, featuring an all-time fave character in Duke #1.
Written by Joshua Williamson (Superman, Batman) and illustrated by Tom Reilly (The Thing, Ant-Man), Duke is a miniseries from Image Comics/Skybound that continues the shared universe crossover of G.I. Joe and The Transformers that began earlier this year. The inspired matchup is being billed as the Energon Universe.
Following the titles, Void Rivals and Transformers (the first issue of which was released in October), Duke features the famous and favourite U.S. Army soldier, Conrad Houser, who has made first contact with a U.F.O. – or some kind of alien being. But no one will believe that he witnessed a jet fighter transform into a giant robot. Looking for answers, “Duke” Houser is drawn into a conflict and a threat that no amount of training has prepared him for – one he has little chance of surviving!
Duke is a fresh and compelling take on G.I. Joe and that part of this new, burgeoning Energon Universe shared with Transformers. Look for other titles to quickly follow with Cobra Commander #1 dropping next month, promising the origins and rise of the feared Cobra terrorist organization. What part will they play? Let’s discuss at recess!
G.I. Joe is there – and you should be, too! Make the run to your local comic book shop and pick up Duke #1 today!
You can catch a sneak peek at the shared Energon Universe in the trailer directly below.
