Void Rivals has done a lot to build the Energon Universe new mythology out. Of course the big selling point was how it would bring the Transformers and G.I. JOE Universes together under one banner. Now that both Transformers and G.I. JOE franchises have their own comic book series set in the Energon Universe what does that mean for Void Rivals? Will we continue to see it be the bridge that builds out the bigger cosmic elements of this new universe? Or will it do its own thing? Find out with our advance review of Void Rivals #6.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
Colorist: Matheus Lopes
Letterer: Rus Wooton
SOLICITATION
“END OF STORY ARC Premier Zalilak will stop at nothing to prevent Darak and Solila from escaping Zertonia! But what secret awaits at the center of the Sacred Ring?” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
Since it started the connections to the Transformers side of the Energon Universe has been strong for Void Rivals. It was the big hook ending that got all the attention. That connection is continued with Void Rivals #6 but to its strength Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felice don’t simply rely on that part of the narrative. They know they’ve created something special with the journey that Darak and Solila are on to be the driver of the story.
Throughout Void Rivals #6 Kirkman and Felici push the idea of Darak and Solila being the spark of rebellion. The accident that brought them together was what both their worlds wanted to avoid. Now that they’ve gotten to know each other their chemistry has launched them into forming this bond where they finally trust each other.
Its that trust that we see is dangerous with the reaction it gets. What makes this reaction work so well is that the power players know that Darak and Solila still being alive together is a danger. There is a balance created by the leaders of Void Rivals that they do not want taken from them. The disruption caused creates a greater investment in Darak and Solila journey.
Props to Felici in particular for creating so much great energy throughout this issue. Felici blends a cosmic setting with an underground rebellion story direction well. The darker parts of the world have that feeling of Star Wars and Blade Runner. This gives a unique energy to whenever action set pieces happen in Void Rivals #6.
While Void Rivals #6 appropriately focuses on Darak and Solila the Transformers ties are still strong. Given what we see go down with the conversation that is had there are many questions created. These ongoing questions further builds a greater story for the titles in the Energon to tackle in the future.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Void Rivals #6 is an excellent conclusion to the first story arc of the series. From beginning to end Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felice have you completely invested in Darak and Solila journey. The immersion created keeps you in the moment so your paying attention to everything that’s said. If you haven’t checked out Void Rivals yet make sure to fix that by picking up these first six issues or when collection for this first arc comes out next February.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
