Talking Joe: A G.I. Joe Comics Podcast

Mark and Tim are talking G.I. Joe ARAH # 329 released Wednesday, June 10, 2026

This is the edited audio only version

Live stream video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORRwbdEC_Lk

Synopsis:

Is G.I. JOE’s most dangerous enemy... one of their own?

Creative team

Writer: Larry Hama

Artist Paul Pelletier

Inker : tony kordos

Colorist: Francesco Segala, with Sabrina Del Grosso (Flatter)

Letterer: Pat Brousseau

Editor: Alex Antone

Assistant Editor Caitlin Chappell

Publication design Jillian Crab,

Production Design Abigail Lee 

Creative Consultant: Diana Davis

Mark and Tim are talking  MASK #1 -  released  Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Also on video https://youtu.be/IUvZp2d9fuk

Official M.A.S.K. #1 Synopsis: 

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. "Mobile Armored Strike Kommand" -- 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?

Creative Team:

writer Dan Watters (Batman: Dark Patterns, DESTRO), 

artist Pye Parr (Petrol Head, New Gods), 

colorist Pierluigi Casolino (DC vs Vampires), 

letterer Rus Wooton (TRANSFORMERS). 

Editor Ben abernathy

Covers

https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/7565027/mask-1 

List of variant covers is below: 

Cover A Pye Parr

Cover B Sabine Rich & J. Scott Campbell

Cover C Cedric Poulat

Cover D Mark Spears

Cover E Julio Ferrerira, Tom Reilly, Adriano Lucas 

Cover F Tom Reilly 

Cover G Kael Ngu 

Cover H E.J. Su

Cover I Jonboy Meyers

Cover J Joshua Cassara, Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Cover K Mike Spicer ,Daniel Warren Johnson

Cover N Pye Parr 

Cover O Sabine Rich  J. Scott Campbell

Cover P Andres Juarez Pye Parr 

Cover Q Andres Juarez Pye Parr 

Cover R Blind bag - includes Marc Silvestri Ian Bertram

Plot Breakdown : plot breakdown – wild warriors 

In the Nevada desert, Picking up where the energon Universe special left off, Matt Tracker is in a car chase, pursued by the military. But pulls to a stop allowing himself to be arrested.

In New Jersey, Vanessa Warfield is looking for the location of something from a one of the research team who had made a discovery in Freusenland. He has freaky swiss cheese holes in his torso. While Sly Rax attewmpts to torture the information from another contact. While in Alaska Miles Myhem talks to another of the team, about the extraterrestrial device the found - a wormhole generator designed for interstellar travel. It is a one way converdsatyoin, given that the professor is dead,. 

In his cell Matt Trakker is interrogated by General Flagg, but one of the guards is an enemy Venom agent and uses compression technology to activate a mask. Trakker defeats him, and Flagg tries to recruit him - but Trakker gives Flagg a MASK network watch and break out using his flying car 

Elsewhere Myhem, Warfield and Rax have arrived inFreusenland, hot on the tracks of a malfunctioning stargate.

Audio only edit - M.A.S.K interview with creators Dan Watters and Pye Parr

Mark and Tim talked with writer Dan Watters and artist Pye Parr about the new M.A.S.K comic from Skybound ahead of the release of issue 1 on 10th June.

This interview references the MASK story from Energon Universe Special 2026 but is spoiler free for MASK # 1

This interview was recorded May 12th, 2026

Video version here: https://youtu.be/-v6zW8NFsI8

Dan Watters is an English comics writer who has written for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and independent comics. He is best known for his work on the Skybound Energon Universe Destro Mini series, and Silent Missions Jinx story with Dani.

He may also have done some other comics too like creator-owned comics Coffin Bound and work for DC including Nightwing and the critically acclaimed Batman: Dark Patterns.

Dan Watters links:

Newsletter: https://thedeadairchannel.ghost.io/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DanPGWatters/

Simon "Pye" Parr is a graphic designer, comic artist and illustrator known for his comic work that Petrol Head with Rob Williams, Intestinauts for 2000 AD,New Gods for DC comics, and battersea power station transformers. His most significant work to date has of course been his covers on GI Joe.

Pye Parr links:

Website: https://www.pyeparr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pyeparr/

Quotes:

Pye Parr: “80s sports cars! Jets! Lasers! Robots! M.A.S.K. has everything that I love to read, watch, and draw, and my inner 12-year-old fought to the surface and made me scream loudly in the meeting when I was offered this gig. Never have I more bitterly regretted selling my beloved childhood toys, but the chance to rebuild all that stuff on the page has more than made up for it, and I can’t wait to see where Dan takes us in the Energon Universe.”

Dan Watters: “Illusion is the ultimate weapon--but also sometimes weapons are the ultimate weapon. M.A.S.K. is a book about ordinary people taking it into their own hands to face down the awesome weaponry of the Energon Universe--and a high octane, nonstop thrill ride to boot. I couldn’t be prouder to be bringing you this story alongside Pye this summer. Welcome to the M.A.S.K. network. Matt Trakker needs you to save the world.”

Executive Editor Ben Abernathy.: "We’ve been working on M.A.S.K. in the shadows for so long, I’m thrilled to finally pull the curtain back and reveal what we’ve cooked up. Dan, Pye, Pierluigi, and Rus are delivering a thrilling new chapter in the Energon Universe!”

M.A.S.K. #1 arrives in comic book shops on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from the powerhouse team of writer Dan Watters (Batman: Dark Patterns, DESTRO), artist Pye Parr (Petrol Head, New Gods), colorist Pierluigi Casolino (DC vs Vampires), and letterer Rus Wooton (TRANSFORMERS).

Official M.A.S.K. #1 Synopsis:

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?

G.I. JOE 22 - May2026 (Skybound Energon Universe) - Talking Joe review

Mark and Tim are talking GI Joe #22 ( released Wednesday, May 20, 2026 )

On Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGKNnKA-lqI

Or as edited audio only podcast https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

Official Synopsis: HUNT FOR ENERGON! After the stunning conclusion to DREADNOK WAR, the Joes and Cobra are in a race to find Energon across the world. But the man known as Crystal Ball has horrifying plans for them all…

After the stunning conclusion to DREADNOK WAR, the Joes and Cobra are in a race to find Energon across the world, but Crystal Ball (making his Energon Universe first appearance) has other ideas, and some D.I.R.E. new tricks up his sleeve. And as the secret origin of G.I. Joe's most unpredictable member Risk is revealed, the future of Joe and Cobra will change forever when Baroness and Destro meet again...

"One of the things I've loved about working in the Energon Universe is that we've created a world that lets us explore the G.I. JOE mythology using different genres. And with these three issues we're taking the team into a horror story.” said writer Joshua Williamson. “We used some of those tools in the Cobra Commander mini-series two years ago, so it's awesome that we're revisiting that kind of story with Andrea Milana again! Be ready for some action-packed horror! Lots of surprises as these issues help set up the next massive storyline that hits the Energon Universe."

Creative Team:

Writer Joshua Williamson

Artist Andrea Milana

Colorist Lee Loughridge

Letterer Russ Wooton

Editor Ben Abernethy

Publication design Andres Juarez

Production Richard Mercado

Covers:

G.I. JOE #22 Cover A by Tom Reilly

G.I. JOE #22 Cover B by Joshua Cassara & Romulo Fajardo Jr.

G.I. JOE #22 Cover C by Ben Oliver

G.I. JOE #22 Cover D (1:25 Incentive) by Tonči Zonjić

G.I. JOE #22 Cover E (1:50 Incentive) by Andrea Milana

ARAH 328 - SKYBOUND G.I. Joe a real American hero review

Mark and Tim talk G.I. Joe ARAH # 328 , which was released Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Youtube version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0MLoVTti84

Or the auduio only version, edited to get rid of the erms and stuff - available wherever good podcasts are stocked.

https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

Synopsis: THE SECRET OF SNAKE-EYES REVEALED? As Dawn infiltrates the Terror Drome, she learns a shocking secret about Snake-Eyes from their time in Springfield...one that could doom their future!

Creative team

Writer: Larry Hama

Artist Andrew Krahnke (rhymes with donkey)

Colorist: Francesco Segala, with Sabrina Del Grosso (Flatter)

Letterer: Pat Brousseau

Editor: Alex Antone

Assistant Editor Caitlin Chappell

Publication design Jillian Crab,

Production Design Richard Mercardo

Creative Consultant: Diana Davis

G.I. Joe Sssilent Missions - Firefly - The Talking Joe review

video version - originally Livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8leIitjqcRs

or Edited audio only version on all the major podcast platforms https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

Mark & Tim discuss G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Sssilent Missions – Firefly #1 from Writer & Artist: Jorge Fornés released April 29, 2026.

Synopsis: Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated superstar Jorge Fornés sends Cobra’s deadly saboteur Firefly on a mission he must complete no matter the cost...even if that means battling the elite special forces known as The Oktober Guard.

Creative team

Writer & Artist: Jorge Fornés

Colors: Dave Stewar

FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) - ENERGON UNIVERSE SPECIAL 2026

Mark, Tim and Special guest Chris McLeod from the Full Force are talking ENERGON UNIVERSE SPECIAL 2026

Youtube Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QTJeNnQLsQ

or audio only podcast https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

Released as a FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) special on  Saturday, May 2, 2026 , and the same content also released as a standard $3.99 paid for comic on Wednesday May 2006.

ENERGON UNIVERSE SPECIAL 2026 (ONE-SHOT)

Creative Team:

MASK: Writer Dan Watters & Artist Pye Parr

Transformers: Writer Robert Kirkman with artist Jason Howard & Colorist Sarah Stern

Void Rivals: Writer Joshua Williamson with artist Conor Hughes & Colorist Patricio Delpeche

G.I. Joe: Writer Robert Kirkman with artist Tom Reilly & Colorist Lee Loughridge

Covers:

COVER A: Pye Parr

COVER B: Howard Porter

COVER C: Jason Howard

COVER D: Conor Hughes

The biggest year in Energon Universe history is here, with all new stories from the worlds of TRANSFORMERS,G.I. JOE, VOID RIVALS and M.A.S.K. in this FCBD 2026 issue. Join the biggest names in comics for both a perfect jumping on point into the Energon Universe and a can't miss experience for long-time fans.

BONUS EPISODE! Ultimate Guide to Energon Universe Years 1-3 & the road to M.A.S.K. - crossovers, continuity and easter eggs

https://youtu.be/1SaMP5E8iJ8

Plus audio only in the normal places you find podcasts!

Ahead of the release of ENERGON UNIVERSE SPECIAL 2026 out as FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) special on Saturday, May 2, 2026 , Mark gives the lowdown of Years 1 -3 of the Skybound Energon Universe. How do the Energon Titles (GI Joe, Transformers and Void Rivals) cross over? And how do they lead into the new ongoing M.A,S.K. series hits comic book shelves June 3, 2026?

Did i miss any big crossover elements?

Mark and Tim talk with Howard Porter, creator of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Sssilent Missions – Copperhead #1

Youtube https://youtu.be/FAJ1i_0C6vg

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Sssilent Missions – Copperhead #1

Writer & Artist: Howard Porter

Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Strap in with Howard Porter (The Flash) for a swamp death race that’s too fast and too fatal for the fearless Copperhead to turn down. Unfortunately, his competition isn't going to let anyone–even Cobra–stop them from winning!

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Sssilent Missions – Copperhead #1 ($3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Creator Spotlight:

Howard Porter is an American comic book artist from southern Connecticut. Porter worked as a penciller and his first major run on a title came with DC Comics' The Ray (vol. 2) (1994–1995), where he worked with writer Christopher Priest. Shortly afterward, Porter worked on DC's summer 1995 crossover event Underworld Unleashed, with writer Mark Waid, followed by the Justice League of America relaunch, JLA (1997–2000), with writer Grant Morrison and inker John Dell. More recent work includes Superman Beyond, Justice League 3000, Superman and Scooby-Doo.

https://comicvine.gamespot.com/howard-porter/4040-3712/issues-cover/

GI Joe #21

Mark and Tim discuss the latest Silent issue from the Energon Universe!

video: https://youtube.com/live/ZDVuU8ATb8g

or edited audio only on your favourite podcast platforms https://talkingjoe.co.uk/#Podcasts

GI Joe #21 - released Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Official Synopsis:

STORM SHADOW AND SCARLETT RETURN! The Arashikage and Cobra have met once before...prepare for ROUND TWO! Will G.I. Joe be forced to put a stop to it?

Creative Team:

Writer Joshua Williamson

Artist Tom Reilly

Colorist Lee Loughridge

Letterer Russ Wooton

Editor Ben Abernethy

Publication design Andres Juarez

Production Abigail Lee