CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is teaming up with multiplatform entertainment company Skybound Entertainment and leading toy and game company Hasbro to encourage people to roll out to their libraries with the TRANSFORMERS franchise, featuring Optimus Prime, as part of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.

“We love the energy of the TRANSFORMERS franchise, and we’re excited for this collaboration with Skybound and Hasbro to encourage kids both young and old to roll out to their libraries and get their library cards during Library Card Sign-Up Month in September,” said 91´«Ã½ President Emily Drabinski. “Library cards open worlds of opportunity for Autobots and humans alike. Whether or not your favorite genre is science fiction, library cards spark creativity and inspire critical thinking skills. Join Optimus Prime, who I’m told is a huge library fan, and check out your local library.”

“Libraries are more important than ever to our communities, opening up worlds of knowledge and adventure to all people,” said Arune Singh, VP, Brand, Editorial, Skybound Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to work with 91´«Ã½ to bring Optimus Prime’s message of respect and inclusivity to all sentient beings, whether bots, humans or anyone else who loves to read! There’s no better time to show your support for your local libraries than now.”

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the beloved TRANSFORMERS franchise, marking “40 Years. One Legacy.”, new comic book and graphic novel collections based on the TRANSFORMERS series will be released from Skybound and Image Comics throughout the year. A new graphic novel compendium series collecting the landmark TRANSFORMERS series from Marvel Comics will launch Fall 2024.

The historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, with TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE comics finding a new home with the publisher, kicked off last summer with the launch of an all-new shared universe and a reimagining of Hasbro’s Robots in Disguise for a brand-new generation. The Energon Universe has delivered a fresh new start for these franchises in Void Rivals by creator/writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) and creator/artist Lorenzo De Felici (Oblivion Song), TRANSFORMERS by writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb) and artist Jorge Corona (Middlewest), Duke by writer Joshua Williamson (DC’s Superman, Dark Ride) and artist Tom Reilly (The Thing), and Cobra Commander by writer Joshua Williamson and artist Andrea Milana (Impact Winter: Rook), with new limited series Scarlett, from writer Kelly Thompson (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist Marco Ferrari (Frontiersman)and Destro, from writer Dan Watters (Loki, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!) and artist Andrei Bressan (Dark Ride, Birthright) launching in June. Energon Universe graphic novels are available at libraries nationwide, with new releases to come throughout the year.

Posters and bookmarks, by artist Marz Jr., feature Optimus Prime with a library card and are available for purchase in the . In the coming months, free Library Card Sign-up Month graphics will be made available along with media tools such as a press release template, proclamation, and sample social media posts.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the 91´«Ã½ and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure everyone signs up for their own library card.

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .

ABOUT HASBRO

Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers play experiences for fans of all ages around the world, through toys, games, licensed consumer products, digital games and services, location-based entertainment, film, TV, and more. With a portfolio of over 1,800 iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen.

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit or @Hasbro on LinkedIn.

ABOUT TRANSFORMERS

The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. Since 1984, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media, bringing incredible "MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE" experiences to fans of all ages. The brand's enduring connection is made possible by its rich storytelling and characters: the heroic Autobots who seek to protect all life, and the evil Decepticons who seek to conquer the universe. The TRANSFORMERS brand is a Hasbro franchise.

ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT

Established in 2010, Skybound is a multiplatform content company that works closely with creators and their intellectual properties to create cool stuff and deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to fans. Skybound extends their stories across platforms including comics, television, film, video games, tabletop, books, digital content, audio programming, and beyond. The company is home to critically-acclaimed global franchises including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Superfight, and hit new podcast series Impact Winter.

Led by Skybound Entertainment co-founder Robert Kirkman, Skybound Comics is an award-winning line of comics published by Image Comics and promotes a shared vision to collaborate with top and emerging talent across the comics industry. The Skybound line includes acclaimed series such as The Walking Dead, Invincible, Ultramega, Stillwater, Fire Power, and Excellence, while also delivering powerful licensed comics, including a partnership with LEGO Books. It is also home to Skybound Comet, a new line of Young Adult and Middle Grade original graphic novels published by Image Comics, launching in June 2022 with Clementine Book One, by award-winning writer/artist Tillie Walden and set in the world of The Walking Dead. Skybound has seen numerous comics series adapted for the screen, including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Outcast, with more projects in development.

For the most up to date information on Skybound, please visit the company on Twitter (), YouTube (), Facebook (), Instagram (), and at .