M.A.S.K. Included in New IDW 'First Strike' Comic Event

Building from their Revolution crossover event in 2016, IDW Publishing is bringing the Hasbro universe together again in 2017. First Strike will see G.I. Joe once again teamed up with M.A.S.K. and ROM in a war to protect the Transformers from Baron Ironblood and Cobra. The story will spiral out from the events of previous and current books Revolution, Revolutionaries, G.I. Joe, Optimus Prime and Transformers: Till All Are One.

The debute issue of First Strike is expected to hit comic store shelves on August 9, 2017 and run twice a month for six total issues. Writing team will consist of IDW Transformers vet Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez. Artist will be Max Dunbar who current handles IDW’s Micronauts series. Cover art will be illustrated by Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles artist Freddie E. Williams II to go with several variants.

The initial report from CBR did not detail how M.A.S.K. will be involved nor for how many issues. From the initial cover and listing Revolution as a tie-in, it appears the continuity of the current M.A.S.K. series will be kept. We'll provide more info as the launch date approaches for First Strike, but for now here are two covers released for Issue #1 as well as the synopsis for the first 2 issues:

Issue #1:

The crossover of the year is here! Earth is finally ready to officially join the Cybertronian Council of Worlds and appoint their first representative to the Council. Too bad the ceremony is interrupted by a massive explosion and the forces of COBRA! Now it’s up to Scarlett, Optimus Prime, G.I. Joe and the Autobots to save two worlds!

Issue #2:

The crossover of the year continues! Scarlett learns the truth behind Baron Ironblood’s plan to destroy all life on Cybertron, but with her team stranded on Earth, she must turn to an unlikely ally to help her reach the besieged planet. Enter: Soundwave!

All images and info via CBR