Transformers #25, the first issue from writer Robert Kirkman and artist Dan Mora, was released by Skybound this week and features a moment that looks like it could add a new element to the Energon Universe. That’s because this issue introduces the character Miles Mayhem to the series, revealing that he’s part of a secret government project working with the Autobots.
If this name sounds familiar, you’re probably over 40 or an avid reader of IDW’s Hasbro Universe. Mayhem is the leader of the villainous organization Venom in the short-lived animated series The Mask. The character also appeared in IDW’s Transformers and related comics, where his views were very broadly anti-alien, hating both the Autobots and Decepticons.
So far, Mayhem has been presented as an ally of the Autobots, but the Decepticons are a more immediate, existential threat, so their characterization as “anti-alien” might make sense. On the other hand, he may be a double agent or involved in some other kind of ruse. However, if the Autobots can’t detect a little trouble coming from a man named “Mayhem”, then perhaps they deserve what they receive.
In this issue, Mayhem reveals that his organization, called Shadow Watch, has a stockpile of Energon and two disabled Transformers. These Transformers, Mirage and Bulkhead, were discovered by the U.S. government decades ago, and Mayhem has been conducting experiments in hopes of reactivating them.
Considering what kind of person he is, the idea is probably to “…and control them,” but that part is left unspoken, at least for now.
Mayhem is not the first MASK character to appear in the Energon universe. His nemesis, MASK leader Matt Tracker, appeared in this year’s Energon Universe Annual. This marks the return of the MASK heroes and their villains, who have been mostly on ice since IDW MASK comics ended in 2017.
Masks are like a natural companion for Transformers, as the hero “Mobile Armored Attack Commando” travels on a transforming truck. The fact that their villain is called VENOM (Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem) also feels like a very natural fit for a G.I. Joe crossover, as its particular attack power goes toe-to-toe with the similarly snake-themed Cobra.
MASK aired for 75 issues per year from 1985 to 1986. The series, like nearly all cartoons at the time, was locked into a toy line, but it never managed to connect with viewers (or move the toys) like the GI Joe series of the ’80s. MASK was originally owned by Kenner and joined Hasbro’s portfolio in 1991. The company closed in 2000 and now exists only as a legacy brand of Star Wars toys.
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