VOID RIVALS #13, by Image Comics & Skybound on 10/23/24, sets the Sacred Ring on a collision course with destiny when Darak and Solila part ways to fight for Unity, which may destroy their way of life.
Credits:
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
- Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Lorenzo De Felici, Patricio Delpeche
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: October 23, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of VOID RIVALS #13:
First Impressions:
Writer Robert Kirkman takes on a gargantuan challenge in Void Rivals #13 by furthering the sci-fi adventure started by Darak and Solila and taking one big step toward the eventual crossover between G.I. Joe and Transformers. If there was any doubt whether or not a massive crossover is in the works, this issue seals the deal.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Darak and Solila in Void Rivals #12, they won their fight against military forces with the help of a marooned Transformer, Springer. The issue concluded with the two rebels separating for solo missions – Solila and Handroid set off to find the spiritual source of her people, Zerta, and Darak swore to spread the knowledge of the Cybertronian tech to all citizens of the Sacred Ring. Their tender parting awoke something very large in the cosmos when their forehead crystals touched.
In Void Rivals #13, readers get a rapid-fire succession of scenes to show the status quo of every character since the last volume concluded and where the series is headed next.
The story begins with Golobulus from Cobra-La chastising Pythona for not finding the source of Cybertronian tech. Pythona jerks awake from her dream as her spaceship continues tracking the trail of Cybertronian energy to the farthest reaches of space, eventually landing on the desolate planetoid where Darak and Solila crashed way back in Void Rivals #1.
If you’ve been waiting for proof that a crossover is coming, this is it. We last saw Pythona accept her mission to launch into space way back at the end of Cobra Commander #5, and as predicted, her journey puts her on a path to the Sacred Ring.
Elsewhere, Solila and Handroid continue the dangerous trek into the bowels of the Sacred Ring to find the centermost point. After a series of dangerous leaps and falls, Solila arrives at a black pyramid. Meanwhile, Darak and Springer make it to the edge of Agorria. Darak leaves Springe at the border because his presence would create a riot. As soon as Darak is spotted, he’s escorted immediately to see his father, Minister Dulin.
We’ve noted in previous reviews how well Robert Kirkman handles multiple threads moving at once with equal efficiency and interest. Throughout the rest of the comic, you get a strong handle on everyone’s progress since the end of the last volume, and each thread gets enough progress to keep you interested.
Elsewhere, Zalilak visits the head of the Zerta faith, Mistress Zill, to ask for help because he fears Unity can’t be stopped. Zill chastises Zalilak because she believes Unity will happen and end their way of life but bring about a new beginning. On the other side of the ring, Darak meets with his father, and the two immediately argue over Darak’s revelation about Solila and whether or not Unity should happen.
The issue ends with everyone confronted with a challenge.
Overall, Void Rivals #13 picks up where the last volume left off with peak drama, imaginative sci-fi elements, excellent momentum toward some grand event in the future, and the promise of the long-awaited crossover with Transformers and G.I. Joe. What more could you want?
Artwork and Presentation:
We’ve also noted in previous issues that Lorenzo De Felici’s artwork has gotten cleaner, sharper, and more refined toward the end of the last volume. Here, De Felici keeps up that progress with excellent character designs, particularly for Golobulus and Pythona, and excellent alien cityscapes during the wide shots.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
That’s right. Although no formal dates have been announced, it’s clear Skybound is guiding all their Energon Universe titles toward a crossover that connects the characters from G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Void Rivals into a mega event. The timing is TBD, but we’ll be the first to let you know once Skybound announces more information.
Final Thoughts:
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VOID RIVALS #13 begins a new volume with drama, cool developments, and the biggest step yet towards an eventual crossover with G.I. Joe and Transformers. Robert Kirkman expertly keeps multiple threads moving to give all the players a meaningful moment, and De Felici’s artwork keeps getting better and better.
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