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Void Rivals
Void Rivals, Vol. 1: More than Meets the Eye
The blockbuster Oblivion Song team of ROBERT KIRKMAN and LORENZO DE FELICI launch an all-new shared universe connected to the Transformers and G.I. Joe!
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. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe????
Collects VOID RIVALS #1-6.
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. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe????
Collects VOID RIVALS #1-6.
136 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2024
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,647 books6,612 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 28, 2024
"You're not going to kill me?" -- Solila the Zertonian
"If we work together, we might just survive this." -- Darak the Agorrian
With a rear cover blurb announcing "an all-new shared universe connected to the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE!" and one blazingly obvious nod with the volume's subtitle, I sort of expected more of an association to those beloved 80's franchises. (Show - don't tell?) What the reader receives instead is two fleeting cameo appearances - one an Autobot, one a Decepticon - in an otherwise old chestnut of a narrative, depicting two adversaries working together to survive certain death. It's a fairly good sci-fi / adventure plot with the two somewhat ingratiating leads - amiable chatterbox Darak and the icily mysterious Solila - forming an uneasy alliance to escape a desolate planet in their jerry-rigged spacecraft. I'm just not sure there's enough of a spark here to continue reading subsequent volumes.
"If we work together, we might just survive this." -- Darak the Agorrian
With a rear cover blurb announcing "an all-new shared universe connected to the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE!" and one blazingly obvious nod with the volume's subtitle, I sort of expected more of an association to those beloved 80's franchises. (Show - don't tell?) What the reader receives instead is two fleeting cameo appearances - one an Autobot, one a Decepticon - in an otherwise old chestnut of a narrative, depicting two adversaries working together to survive certain death. It's a fairly good sci-fi / adventure plot with the two somewhat ingratiating leads - amiable chatterbox Darak and the icily mysterious Solila - forming an uneasy alliance to escape a desolate planet in their jerry-rigged spacecraft. I'm just not sure there's enough of a spark here to continue reading subsequent volumes.
May 27, 2024
All right, Kirkman--you've got me intrigued. But I want to see some energon cubes soon, dig?
December 18, 2023
Two different species or tribes who have to work together to survive and now have to stay together.
Issue one got a lot of hype cause it's a backdoor story to the new Transformers series/universe but also the main story is really good. Robert Kirkman gives us two flawed people trying to work together to survive while also growing up hating each other's people. A real nice growth of character as we get deeper into the lore, and plenty of great moments to enjoy.
Issue one got a lot of hype cause it's a backdoor story to the new Transformers series/universe but also the main story is really good. Robert Kirkman gives us two flawed people trying to work together to survive while also growing up hating each other's people. A real nice growth of character as we get deeper into the lore, and plenty of great moments to enjoy.
April 9, 2024
Great first volume. Two different worlds, the Zertonians and Aggorians, that form the sacred ring around a black hole. They used to be united years and years ago. They days of them being unified have now just turned to myth or legend or even just forgotten about. Now they have been at war for centuries. A pilot form one side and a warrior from the other are forced to work together and in doing so discover that the war and beef between the two civilizations has been manufactured. The powers that be are trying to keep them from ever being unified again. Interesting when you see some of the players that are behind this and how far they are willing to go to keep the secret and keep the two side separate. Very cool story so far with some very cool cameos who seem to be very interested in finding the Zertonians. Can’t wait to read more.
February 25, 2024
Genuinely loved this first volume of this series and first volume for the Energon Universe. I know I would’ve appreciated certain moments more if I were a bigger fan of certain franchises, but I still thought the world building and character development was done very well in this one. I especially am a big fan of Handroid! Very excited to see where this series and the overall Energon Universe goes!
August 21, 2024
I heard this was the backdoor introduction to a shared Hasbro universe, but whoa! It's a sweet standalone sci-fi story! By Robert Kirkman, who can write the pants off a fast-paced, quippy, colorful story. Sure, it's tropey and the main characters are kinda one-note. But damn if Void Rivals doesn't push all the right buttons for me.
It's a simple story: space fighter pilots from competing races both crash land on an abandoned planet and are forced to work together to survive. "Surviving" also means getting caught up in a handful of strange scenarios that gently handwave at other Hasbro products (though never in a grating way, always in service of zippy plot).
The volume ends back on the ring station where the characters originated from, fleeing into the no-man's zone after numerous double crosses. The next volume can't come soon enough! And even though there was just one glimpse of a Transformer in this volume...I'm pretty excited to dive into the other "Energon Universe" series.
It's a simple story: space fighter pilots from competing races both crash land on an abandoned planet and are forced to work together to survive. "Surviving" also means getting caught up in a handful of strange scenarios that gently handwave at other Hasbro products (though never in a grating way, always in service of zippy plot).
The volume ends back on the ring station where the characters originated from, fleeing into the no-man's zone after numerous double crosses. The next volume can't come soon enough! And even though there was just one glimpse of a Transformer in this volume...I'm pretty excited to dive into the other "Energon Universe" series.
August 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
The opening sequence to the Energon Universe is a pretty solid outing from Kirkman. The main characters have that forbidden love storyline emerging with loads of daring adventure to forge a relationship on. There are so many strange characters in here it really feels like a story a kid would make up with some weird ass 80's action figures. Which I suppose is the energy the creators are trying to emulate. It's a fun universe so far so I'll be checking out the next one
The opening sequence to the Energon Universe is a pretty solid outing from Kirkman. The main characters have that forbidden love storyline emerging with loads of daring adventure to forge a relationship on. There are so many strange characters in here it really feels like a story a kid would make up with some weird ass 80's action figures. Which I suppose is the energy the creators are trying to emulate. It's a fun universe so far so I'll be checking out the next one
November 27, 2023
Once the sweet reveal of issue 1 is forgotten, this series settles into the “all right” territory.
September 19, 2024
(3.5)This was a solid start (slow and kinda boring) where not much stood out. The world building sets the stage for two warring races. However, I was more interested in the Transformer cameos. Not sure if I want to read the next volume or pass.
February 21, 2024
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.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
March 4, 2024
Overall, Void Rivals is a great start to the Energon Universe. By using a standalone series as the starting point, it gives the creators control over when and how to introduce different characters. By focusing on Darak and Solila, we become invested in their story, and the Jetfire cameo doesn't detract from the overall narrative. The main concern still remains how much involvement Image characters will have and their role in the universe.
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March 8, 2024Like listening to a breathless 10 year old tell you about the shared universe all their action figures inhabit. And then THIS happens! And then a Transformer appears and FLIES OFF FOR NO REASON! And then…and then…and then…
June 6, 2024
4,5/5
J’ai beaucoup aimé le début de ce nouvel univers, les perso venant de peuples ennemis - qui doivent finalement s’entraider pour survivre - sont top à suivre et visuellement c’était très beau! De la bien bonne sf divertissante
J’ai beaucoup aimé le début de ce nouvel univers, les perso venant de peuples ennemis - qui doivent finalement s’entraider pour survivre - sont top à suivre et visuellement c’était très beau! De la bien bonne sf divertissante
August 27, 2024
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.
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 armoured appearances, the art conveys so much expression, including the Handroid that has a mind of its own. Along with Matheus Lopes’ subdued colouring, 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.
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.
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 armoured appearances, the art conveys so much expression, including the Handroid that has a mind of its own. Along with Matheus Lopes’ subdued colouring, 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.
July 10, 2024
“Well? You up for that?”
“I’m as good as dead if I stay here.”
“THATS THE SPIRIT!”
My Summer of Image takes a hard right turn into the Energon Universe! A publishing umbrella I’ve been genuinely enjoying despite myself and one I’ve been curious to dive deeper into (especially now that it’s gotten the Thrillems seal of approval).
I had also bought some drips and drabs of this as more printings have come out, but the only one I’ve really kept up with seriously is G. I. Joe: ARAH (since I’ve loved that since IDW) and the main line Transformers. I have issues #1 and 2 of this around here somewhere but I was basically coming into this one cold.
And good stuff up top, this is pretty fun! I super appreciate the ambition and confidence in a licensed comic to be like “We know you love Transformers, but what if also, we started this whole line with a wholly original thing that is building out wholly original stuff on the outskirts of this Massive Other Thing You Like”. Even better that it’s actually pretty cool (and cool LOOKING throughout).
I am really into the flinty nature of the leads. I’m totally intrigued with the core mysteries of the series. And I’m curious as to where and when the crossovers between Joe and Transformers will pop out as this never really telegraphs those connections, which I very much appreciate. It keeps it from feeling like marking time between issues (though I very much wish Image would put covers between the issues again in their collections; I wanna know what issue im reading, Stephenson!)
Some not so great stuff (aside from my production nitpicks), I think it might exist toooo much on the outskirts of TF/Joe to maybe catch on with casuals? Obviously, the Patrick Willems shoutout expressly contradicts that but imo it might be too dorky for people to just see it on a shelf and want to buy it. Opening with the Jetfire cameo might have been too front loaded as people now might expect that sorta deal every issue and this creative team is very much interested in NOT doing that. I can see that losing some people.
But for my money, I’m way more into this than I expected to be. I’ve never been the biggest Kirkman person but this I think plays to his strengths and despite some drag toward the end of the arc, I was pretty engaged throughout. Maybe even enough to start catching up in single issues for the second arc.
Summer of Image! Sometimes toy comics are pretty good!
“I’m as good as dead if I stay here.”
“THATS THE SPIRIT!”
My Summer of Image takes a hard right turn into the Energon Universe! A publishing umbrella I’ve been genuinely enjoying despite myself and one I’ve been curious to dive deeper into (especially now that it’s gotten the Thrillems seal of approval).
I had also bought some drips and drabs of this as more printings have come out, but the only one I’ve really kept up with seriously is G. I. Joe: ARAH (since I’ve loved that since IDW) and the main line Transformers. I have issues #1 and 2 of this around here somewhere but I was basically coming into this one cold.
And good stuff up top, this is pretty fun! I super appreciate the ambition and confidence in a licensed comic to be like “We know you love Transformers, but what if also, we started this whole line with a wholly original thing that is building out wholly original stuff on the outskirts of this Massive Other Thing You Like”. Even better that it’s actually pretty cool (and cool LOOKING throughout).
I am really into the flinty nature of the leads. I’m totally intrigued with the core mysteries of the series. And I’m curious as to where and when the crossovers between Joe and Transformers will pop out as this never really telegraphs those connections, which I very much appreciate. It keeps it from feeling like marking time between issues (though I very much wish Image would put covers between the issues again in their collections; I wanna know what issue im reading, Stephenson!)
Some not so great stuff (aside from my production nitpicks), I think it might exist toooo much on the outskirts of TF/Joe to maybe catch on with casuals? Obviously, the Patrick Willems shoutout expressly contradicts that but imo it might be too dorky for people to just see it on a shelf and want to buy it. Opening with the Jetfire cameo might have been too front loaded as people now might expect that sorta deal every issue and this creative team is very much interested in NOT doing that. I can see that losing some people.
But for my money, I’m way more into this than I expected to be. I’ve never been the biggest Kirkman person but this I think plays to his strengths and despite some drag toward the end of the arc, I was pretty engaged throughout. Maybe even enough to start catching up in single issues for the second arc.
Summer of Image! Sometimes toy comics are pretty good!
August 9, 2024
So this is a series taking place in the shared universe of Transformers and G.I. Joe....wait where are you all going!? It's very good, I promise!
It is actually pretty good. I know next to nothing of the Transformers comics and G.I. Joe are those weird action figures....this is all I know. But Void Rivals opens up a riveting, intriguing new setting in which you can immerse yourself in, even if you're not a fan of the franchises mentioned above. I should mention, that Robert Kirkman wrote the story and although I am not a fan of his previous work (The Walking Dead, Invincible), this series fascinates me. Through the amazing colour composition and blend of modern artwork depicting a golden-age-esque sci-fi setting, this comic series tells something new with some cameos of old characters which I do not understand. Although I recognise a Transformer when I see one. I am looking forward to September when the next volume is going to come out.
It is actually pretty good. I know next to nothing of the Transformers comics and G.I. Joe are those weird action figures....this is all I know. But Void Rivals opens up a riveting, intriguing new setting in which you can immerse yourself in, even if you're not a fan of the franchises mentioned above. I should mention, that Robert Kirkman wrote the story and although I am not a fan of his previous work (The Walking Dead, Invincible), this series fascinates me. Through the amazing colour composition and blend of modern artwork depicting a golden-age-esque sci-fi setting, this comic series tells something new with some cameos of old characters which I do not understand. Although I recognise a Transformer when I see one. I am looking forward to September when the next volume is going to come out.
June 3, 2024
The Energon Universe started with a bang in this one. I’d picked up the single issues for Transformers and loved it so I knew I needed to check this out but I kept putting it off. I regret that. I read this pretty much in one sitting. Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici created an incredibly engaging universe with interesting characters. The idea of two warring factions fighting but it all being based on secrets and lies is a very simple one that they pull off expertly. Everything flowed so well and I was into it the whole time. The main characters are from opposing factions but are forced to work together which makes an interesting story. They don’t trust each other but can only trust each other. We don’t know anything about either one and only learn things as the characters do which keeps things changing. The characters all have a ton of mystery around them that I can’t wait to see come into light. De Felici draws super fun super a unique sci-fi world. I love the look of everything. All the ships and different species have so much character. They struck gold with this, I can’t wait to see it continue.
November 28, 2023
"More than meets the eye."
July 8, 2024
Just as good as when I read it in the individual issues. An extremely solid start for a space opera, with gorgeous art and sharp writing. One of the things it really does to get its hooks in, and is part of its beauty, is starting with such a simple setup. Two people stranded on rock in the middle of space. It feeds you more at a nice clip, and that first issue cameo letting you know *exactly* how big the universe is going to get…welcome to the Energon Universe, kids of all ages.
It uses just enough familiar pieces of transformers apocrypha mixed into a wholly new contexts that make it feel as fresh as can be. One character specifically hadn’t really been used since the 80s. This is what has immediately set itself apart from the previous G1 Transformers continuities. It’s immediately clear the bots aren’t the only cosmically significant thing in town. And that other thing…that’s the focus of this book.
Those two people stuck on the rock are from warring civilizations that have fought each other over generations to the point of absurdity. And their very survival is a danger to the people who want to keep it that way. It even gestures to some great doom awaiting them all…
Honestly my only misgiving is that it feels a bit rote in a few ways, but that might be to its strength. We get a really good feel for the protagonists due to their strong personalities, and with that definition has allowed their responses to situations to be quite striking and gives these things charm.
The art is gorgeous. Absolutely lovely linework from Lorenzo De Felici. He really manages to give the two civilizations wholly unique feels, and merges aesthetics well. The colors are lush, not super glossy, with a real nice pop to them. Lopes and Delpeche truly bring it all together.
This series can only go up from here, I reckon.
It uses just enough familiar pieces of transformers apocrypha mixed into a wholly new contexts that make it feel as fresh as can be. One character specifically hadn’t really been used since the 80s. This is what has immediately set itself apart from the previous G1 Transformers continuities. It’s immediately clear the bots aren’t the only cosmically significant thing in town. And that other thing…that’s the focus of this book.
Those two people stuck on the rock are from warring civilizations that have fought each other over generations to the point of absurdity. And their very survival is a danger to the people who want to keep it that way. It even gestures to some great doom awaiting them all…
Honestly my only misgiving is that it feels a bit rote in a few ways, but that might be to its strength. We get a really good feel for the protagonists due to their strong personalities, and with that definition has allowed their responses to situations to be quite striking and gives these things charm.
The art is gorgeous. Absolutely lovely linework from Lorenzo De Felici. He really manages to give the two civilizations wholly unique feels, and merges aesthetics well. The colors are lush, not super glossy, with a real nice pop to them. Lopes and Delpeche truly bring it all together.
This series can only go up from here, I reckon.
August 2, 2024
This is a pretty cool story in its own right but I feel it suffers a bit from being a setup for the rest of the Energon Universe. I have a sense that this story and the other EU books get more integrated over the next several issues, but it feels disjointed right now.
August 4, 2024
+ Kirkman writing style that’s easy to follow
- Nothing stands out, little plot progress after 6 issues
- Nothing stands out, little plot progress after 6 issues
April 3, 2024
I’ve been reading this series in single issues as they have been coming out once a month. From the creator of the Walking Dead. We get this fun sci-fi romp of 2 people who are working to survive. Set in the same shared universe as GI Joe and Transformers. But still very much it’s own separate independent story. Just set in the same universe as those IP’s. It’s really good so far! I picked up issue 8 today at the shop and can’t wait to get into it.
May 28, 2024
Boring version of Saga that has me interested in the Transformers, basically a c plot, more than the A plot.
July 6, 2024
Hard to tell if I’m interested in this on its own or just curious how it connects to the big robots
March 24, 2024
Welcome to the Energon Universe!
Awesome Sauce! I haven't been this excited to read a comic book series in sometime. Skybound/Image purchase of the GI JOE & Transformer license is in good hands. A lot of comic book youtubers and reviewers have been raving about the shared GI JOE/Transformers universe Skybound is building. I myself have started to collect one of the series, Cobra Commander, just on a whim. I have only read the first two issues of that series and it is quite good so far. Like that series Kirkman's Void Rivals is offering fans of these well beloved properties something new. These are new characters and concepts fresh to the Transformers/GI JOE universe. What makes this story so good is that we not only get surprising tie-ins to the Transformers mythos but a unique space adventure. Truthfully the trope Kirkman is using in the series has been covered before but the fact it is connected to the Transformers universe is a welcomed bonus. There is some shocking fan service in this book from characters we are familiar with and those long time Transformers fans will be surprise to see. The plot is simple two enemies of rival warring civilizations crash land on a desolate planet and despite their animosity towards each other they have to work together to survive. Those familiar with scifi tales like Enemy Mine can easily follow the plot. Our main characters Darak & Solila are well written and as the story progresses I am glad Kirkman is slowly peeling back the layers of who our hero & heroine are and have been. The story is fast pace and there are some surprising then-what moments. It will be interesting to see how this series will fit into the larger mystery puzzle that is the Energon Universe. The artwork was good but I am hoping future artist will give us some incredible stunning planets and creatures to look. This is a space opera so the visuals can really push this comic book series to top-tier status. Definitely pick up this series if you are eager to dive into the Energon Universe. I can't wait to read Transformers, Vol. 1: Robots in Disguise & Duke Volume 1: Knowing is Half the Battle (1)
Awesome Sauce! I haven't been this excited to read a comic book series in sometime. Skybound/Image purchase of the GI JOE & Transformer license is in good hands. A lot of comic book youtubers and reviewers have been raving about the shared GI JOE/Transformers universe Skybound is building. I myself have started to collect one of the series, Cobra Commander, just on a whim. I have only read the first two issues of that series and it is quite good so far. Like that series Kirkman's Void Rivals is offering fans of these well beloved properties something new. These are new characters and concepts fresh to the Transformers/GI JOE universe. What makes this story so good is that we not only get surprising tie-ins to the Transformers mythos but a unique space adventure. Truthfully the trope Kirkman is using in the series has been covered before but the fact it is connected to the Transformers universe is a welcomed bonus. There is some shocking fan service in this book from characters we are familiar with and those long time Transformers fans will be surprise to see. The plot is simple two enemies of rival warring civilizations crash land on a desolate planet and despite their animosity towards each other they have to work together to survive. Those familiar with scifi tales like Enemy Mine can easily follow the plot. Our main characters Darak & Solila are well written and as the story progresses I am glad Kirkman is slowly peeling back the layers of who our hero & heroine are and have been. The story is fast pace and there are some surprising then-what moments. It will be interesting to see how this series will fit into the larger mystery puzzle that is the Energon Universe. The artwork was good but I am hoping future artist will give us some incredible stunning planets and creatures to look. This is a space opera so the visuals can really push this comic book series to top-tier status. Definitely pick up this series if you are eager to dive into the Energon Universe. I can't wait to read Transformers, Vol. 1: Robots in Disguise & Duke Volume 1: Knowing is Half the Battle (1)
February 27, 2024
A couple of pilots from warring sides crash-land on a rock and must put their differences aside to work together and make it back home. But it turns out that beneath their armour there is… (Transformers -) More Than Meets The Eye!
One of the big comics news stories from last year (which shows you how small the comics world is that something like this counts as “big news”) was that Robert Kirkman’s Skybound had acquired the Transformers and GI Joe licences from IDW and were relaunching them at Image. Void Rivals is the first series in what Kirkman is calling the “Energon Universe”, a shared universe that includes the two toy brands and this, a new original. And is it good? Is it *beep*!
Reuniting with his Oblivion Song (an even worse sci-fi series definitely worth continuing to ignore) artist, Lorenzo de Felici, Kirkman’s Void Rivals is little more than a watered-down Star Wars-esque space opera with a couple of pointless Transformers cameos for the fanboys. I forget the names of the two leads but they’re basically Han and Leia clones, both in character and their dynamic, who whizz bang woohoo their way across the stars dodging space lasers and mean aliens and whatnot. It’s about as compelling as your average Star Wars comic, ie. not very.
The twist reveal at the end of the first issue is kinda corny - the premise has been done many times before - and becomes progressively stupider once you realise they come from a world shaped like a literal ring that is two halves of the same ring!
Even before the Transformers cameos, Kirkman’s hinting hard that this is Transformers-adjacent with the recognisable subtitle and the contrived uniforms the two characters wear that make them look conveniently robot-like. Does that mean you need to read this prior to the first Transformers book, if you’re planning on doing that? *Beep* no! This is completely disposable pap - just jump straight into the Transformers book if that’s your aim; the two cameos in this one are irrelevant.
The “Handroid” was a clever touch, de Felici’s art is decent and he makes the Transformers look cool, and the cameos themselves are actually among the few interesting parts of the story. I feel like Kirkman could write a solid Transformers book, which I’m sure he will in the near future.
Otherwise, Void Rivals is a read you can safely a-void whether or not you’re a Transformers/GI Joe fan. More than meets the eye? Eh, not really. Just another bad Robert Kirkman comic.
One of the big comics news stories from last year (which shows you how small the comics world is that something like this counts as “big news”) was that Robert Kirkman’s Skybound had acquired the Transformers and GI Joe licences from IDW and were relaunching them at Image. Void Rivals is the first series in what Kirkman is calling the “Energon Universe”, a shared universe that includes the two toy brands and this, a new original. And is it good? Is it *beep*!
Reuniting with his Oblivion Song (an even worse sci-fi series definitely worth continuing to ignore) artist, Lorenzo de Felici, Kirkman’s Void Rivals is little more than a watered-down Star Wars-esque space opera with a couple of pointless Transformers cameos for the fanboys. I forget the names of the two leads but they’re basically Han and Leia clones, both in character and their dynamic, who whizz bang woohoo their way across the stars dodging space lasers and mean aliens and whatnot. It’s about as compelling as your average Star Wars comic, ie. not very.
The twist reveal at the end of the first issue is kinda corny - the premise has been done many times before - and becomes progressively stupider once you realise they come from a world shaped like a literal ring that is two halves of the same ring!
Even before the Transformers cameos, Kirkman’s hinting hard that this is Transformers-adjacent with the recognisable subtitle and the contrived uniforms the two characters wear that make them look conveniently robot-like. Does that mean you need to read this prior to the first Transformers book, if you’re planning on doing that? *Beep* no! This is completely disposable pap - just jump straight into the Transformers book if that’s your aim; the two cameos in this one are irrelevant.
The “Handroid” was a clever touch, de Felici’s art is decent and he makes the Transformers look cool, and the cameos themselves are actually among the few interesting parts of the story. I feel like Kirkman could write a solid Transformers book, which I’m sure he will in the near future.
Otherwise, Void Rivals is a read you can safely a-void whether or not you’re a Transformers/GI Joe fan. More than meets the eye? Eh, not really. Just another bad Robert Kirkman comic.
Read
September 25, 2024All the chatter when Void Rivals began was about Robert Kirkman pulling off another big publishing surprise, against all the norms of the comics market, same as when he didn't let on ahead of time that Walking Dead was ending. Releasing and shipping an unannounced comic, which further concealed an appearance by a Transformer, thereby revealing the creative line-up for their new home at Image after years at IDW? Impressive work. So what I didn't expect was how marginal a role the robots play here, a couple of cameos and vague rumblings about some bigger background connection, probably not enough to justify picking it up if you're strictly a Transformers fan – except, of course, for the WTF appeal of that initial surprise.
So what about the rest of it? A war in space between two zealously opposed civilisations, two lone representatives of whom are obliged to work together after a crash, and learn (SPOILER if you've never read a story before, ever) that they have more in common than they thought – indeed, that the whole war is based on a lie maintained by those in power. This is painfully familiar stuff, and should have had me sighing, especially when you consider that even on Kirkman comics I like, I often had to be talked into giving them a second chance after not being convinced by the first volume*. Yet somehow this one engaged me despite that, and I couldn't entirely tell you why, except that a lot of it must surely be down to de Felici's art, which manages to convey emotion despite most of the cast wearing full-face helmets at all times, without cheating and losing the gritty vibe through Spidey or Deadpool-style expressiveness on the masks.
*Honourable exception: the instantly amazing Battle Pope.
So what about the rest of it? A war in space between two zealously opposed civilisations, two lone representatives of whom are obliged to work together after a crash, and learn (SPOILER if you've never read a story before, ever) that they have more in common than they thought – indeed, that the whole war is based on a lie maintained by those in power. This is painfully familiar stuff, and should have had me sighing, especially when you consider that even on Kirkman comics I like, I often had to be talked into giving them a second chance after not being convinced by the first volume*. Yet somehow this one engaged me despite that, and I couldn't entirely tell you why, except that a lot of it must surely be down to de Felici's art, which manages to convey emotion despite most of the cast wearing full-face helmets at all times, without cheating and losing the gritty vibe through Spidey or Deadpool-style expressiveness on the masks.
*Honourable exception: the instantly amazing Battle Pope.
March 31, 2024
This was a lot of fun to read!
The story is pretty classic, structured around two warring species/clans that might just be more related than either side knows. And, there is an enemies-to-lovers/friends/companions dynamic occurring between the two main characters. That dynamic leads to some legitimately funny dialogue, especially in later chapters/issues as the characters get more established.
This does launch the new Energon Universe, connecting G.I. Joe and Transformers in a new timeline and storyline with some new characters and concepts, too. And while I have been dipping my toes into that Universe through some of the other series, you can read this one pretty easily with no knowledge of the greater picture.
The characters are the draw here. There is a slimy space smuggler named Skuxxoid who cracks me up. Anytime he's in trouble he starts talking about having a "wife and kids" so pease spare him, and I'm really hoping Kirkman eventually reveals he doesn't have either or something. The humor makes this more than a space-based melodrama while not being constant or juvenile.
Artwise, this is fine. It's a style I like in independent titles for the most part, sketchier and less refined while still portraying a lot of cybernetic/machine constructs well. It was very reminiscent of Bilquis Evely, but to its detriment because I kept comparing de Felici to Evely, expecting beautiful splashes and it just wasn't quite there.
I'm excited to see where this series go, and think it's a great starting point for people looking for something new outside the Big Two.
The story is pretty classic, structured around two warring species/clans that might just be more related than either side knows. And, there is an enemies-to-lovers/friends/companions dynamic occurring between the two main characters. That dynamic leads to some legitimately funny dialogue, especially in later chapters/issues as the characters get more established.
This does launch the new Energon Universe, connecting G.I. Joe and Transformers in a new timeline and storyline with some new characters and concepts, too. And while I have been dipping my toes into that Universe through some of the other series, you can read this one pretty easily with no knowledge of the greater picture.
The characters are the draw here. There is a slimy space smuggler named Skuxxoid who cracks me up. Anytime he's in trouble he starts talking about having a "wife and kids" so pease spare him, and I'm really hoping Kirkman eventually reveals he doesn't have either or something. The humor makes this more than a space-based melodrama while not being constant or juvenile.
Artwise, this is fine. It's a style I like in independent titles for the most part, sketchier and less refined while still portraying a lot of cybernetic/machine constructs well. It was very reminiscent of Bilquis Evely, but to its detriment because I kept comparing de Felici to Evely, expecting beautiful splashes and it just wasn't quite there.
I'm excited to see where this series go, and think it's a great starting point for people looking for something new outside the Big Two.
July 28, 2024
I wasn't sure what to make of this going in. I knew this was the Image launch title for their rebooted Transformers/G.I. Joe universe but not much else. And, given how many iterations both properties have had over the years, I worried that this would just be regurgitating previous storylines. Much to my surprise, not only did it not do that, but this established characters and a story that, while containing appearances of Transformers characters, feels like it can exist independently.
The story has elements of Enemy Mine, with stranded representatives of warring species forced to cooperate in order to survive. From there, the premise deviates, while still developing the relationship between the main characters. A mystery concerning their species is introduced, introducing intrigue and politics into the mix. While this volume isn't the complete story, it's piqued my interest enough to likely read further volumes.
The writing is sharp, characters well-conceived, and the artwork is solid and stylistic. I can only hope future volumes live up to this standard, as well as any related Transformers and Joe books.
Thanks to the kind folks at Image Comics for providing a copy of this for review.
The story has elements of Enemy Mine, with stranded representatives of warring species forced to cooperate in order to survive. From there, the premise deviates, while still developing the relationship between the main characters. A mystery concerning their species is introduced, introducing intrigue and politics into the mix. While this volume isn't the complete story, it's piqued my interest enough to likely read further volumes.
The writing is sharp, characters well-conceived, and the artwork is solid and stylistic. I can only hope future volumes live up to this standard, as well as any related Transformers and Joe books.
Thanks to the kind folks at Image Comics for providing a copy of this for review.
December 3, 2023
There's a huge reveal at the end of the first issue. You've probably heard about it by now but in case you haven't I'll put some spoiler tags in.
This is about two warring races who are on opposite sides of this ring built around a black hole. The war has been going on for generations, to the point where no one even knows why they are fighting at this point. They both wear full armor and have never seen what the other race looks like. A pilot from each race crash lands on a remote planet and they have to work together to get off it. It reminded me quite a bit of Enemy Mine.
I'm not a big fan of De Felici's art. He's OK most of the time but is really weak at drawing faces. Everyone looks pissed off and constipated. The color palette is very muted and flat. It's the same creative team as Oblivion Song. So I liked this in spite of some of the art.
This is about two warring races who are on opposite sides of this ring built around a black hole. The war has been going on for generations, to the point where no one even knows why they are fighting at this point. They both wear full armor and have never seen what the other race looks like. A pilot from each race crash lands on a remote planet and they have to work together to get off it. It reminded me quite a bit of Enemy Mine.
I'm not a big fan of De Felici's art. He's OK most of the time but is really weak at drawing faces. Everyone looks pissed off and constipated. The color palette is very muted and flat. It's the same creative team as Oblivion Song. So I liked this in spite of some of the art.
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