Void Rivals #20 gets us back to Darak and Solila’s narrative. This is after the previous issue took us a bit on a side quest to spotlight the Energon Universe’s Skuxxoid and what he’s been up too. Getting back to Darak and Solila story will hopefully provide answers to the big decision being made for them. Specifically, what Darak will do as his clashing loyalty to Agorria and Solila will be tested. We got the chance to check out an early copy of this issue from Skybound and Image Comics. Find out how it turns out with our advanced review of Void Rivals #20.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Conor Hughes
Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Rus Wooton
VOID RIVALS #20 SOLICITATION
“Darak and Solila — rivals once more!” – BOOM! Studios
REVIEW
Void Rivals #20 continues to explore the ramifications of the curveball thrown by Robert Kirkman and company. That curveball has come in the form of Zerta Trion. And as we continue to see in this issue Zertra Trion’s impact on this series has set the stage for consequences that will reverberate throughout the Energon Universe.
With Solila acting as Zerta’s chosen one it obviously puts her into conflict with everyone. Because what Zerta revealed to Solila is something that goes directly against everything the Agorrians and Zertonians believe. That is immediately shown with how Dulin and Darak react to Solila’s presence. There is a chasm that Solila has to overcome.
That chasm dives into the impact religion has on a person. Both the Agorrians and Zertonians have lived their entire history believing a certain doctrine. That doctrine is an absolute truth that neither side will believe anything new that may be introduced. Even if we as the reader have an understanding of the truth that does not translate to the characters in this universe. Solila was only able to come to the truth after having a life altering interaction with Zerta Trion herself.
Unfortunately for Solila the interaction with Zerta is something she must sell to people that don’t believe it because of how they’ve been indoctrinated with their own truth. This does open the door for Solila to showcase how badass she is. Most of this issue really drives home that Solila is one of the best fighters in the Energon Universe. It is a real treat to see her go to work. Mixing in the new abilities she got from Zerta makes Solila’s movements even more dynamic.
Solila’s fighting skills also help to drive home what Darak excels at and that is his craftiness. It is the only thing that allows Darak to keep up with Solila. Though, even for as crafty as Darak is it is hard for him to believe Solila’s words. That all leads Void Rivals #20 to be a real test for the strength of Darak and Solila’s partnership. This creates a fascinating narrative device that leaves you hooked as you don’t know whether Solila can break through to others or if she will continue to be on her own.
Solila’s situation creates intrigue in the sub-plots that are going on in Void Rivals #20 with Zalilak and Skuxxoid. Kirkman has done a very good job at making these characters go beyond being the typical antagonist. The decisions made for each character positions both Zalilak and Skuxxoid as real wild cards in everything that is going on with Solila’s direction.
Conor Hughes artwork continues to get better with each issue of Void Rivals he gets to draw. We even see it in this issue how Hughes artwork gets better as he really nails the design Lorenzo De Felici established by the end of this issue. It is a credit to Hughes talents as an artist to be able to maintain the visual styling Felici established. It makes the action and talking head scenes all have a smooth transition between the two.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Void Rivals #20 continues to elevate the intrigue as the connection to the greater Energon Universe is having a big impact on the series. This issue in particular was a showcase of how badass Solila is and the way the revelation made about Zerta Trion changes so much. How that is all dealt does a great job at further fleshing out the conflict between the Agorrians and Zertonians. That along with the major wild card elements drive home how this is a must-read comic book.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview for Void Rivals #20 by clicking here.
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