When the first issue of Void Rivals, the latest comic from Oblivion Song creators Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici, was published, it dropped a major bombshell with the appearance of a certain Transformer. This was to announce the series as part of Skybound Entertainment’s Energon Universe, which combines new comics based on Hasbro brands Transformers and G.I. Joe, both properties were previously published by IDW. Considering there were plans for a Hasbro cinematic universe at Paramount Pictures, who eventually cancelled such plans, will Kirkman succeed with his comic book empire?
The first volume of Void Rivals certainly isn’t hiding itself as being part of the Energon Universe, as seen on both the front and back covers. War rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together.
Whilst the story itself focuses on these two original characters, each representing the opposing side of an intergalactic war, it is not far off from another Image title, Saga. This may lack the shock value of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ comic, or even Kirkman’s more popular works like The Walking Dead, but there are some interesting ideas going on.
Skybound Entertainment
As Darak the Agorrian and Solila the Zertonian find themselves in a Hell in the Pacific scenario but in space – with the addition of Darak’s Handroid, serving as the humorous third wheel – it’s only when they unmasked in front of each other that they are revealed to have the same racial features. Despite a weird reference to the Marvel character, the Vision, this opens the door for an uneasy alliance between Darak and Solila, who delve into the conspiracy behind their war, whilst going through their own personal issues.
Regarding its role in this shared universe, Kirkman may have shot himself in the foot with the inclusion of the Transformers. Whilst you have the main narrative going on, there is a funny subplot involving a Skuxxoid – an alien species introduced in the original Transformers cartoon – trying to sell a Quintesson, just to support himself and his family. With the numerous Easter Eggs throughout, such as the cameos of Jetfire and Shockwave, it makes you more excited about what Daniel Warren Johnson has planned for his current Transformers comic.
While the few characters from the Transformers lore are greatly represented, resembling their G1 incarnations, artist Lorenzo De Felici’s priority is to showcase a whole new alien world. Starting with the two leads themselves, even in their initial robotic armored appearances, the art conveys so much expression, including the Handroid that has a mind of its own. Along with Matheus Lopes’ subdued coloring, the art nicely evokes that Star Wars sensibility of a used space future, even with the presence of giant robots.
Void Rivals has a compelling enough main narrative, but the expansion of the Energon Universe is a more enticing prospect with the various titles being published now.
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