VOID RIVALS #17, by Image Comics & Skybound on 3/12/25, unveils the origin of Zerta on Cybertron, the mystery behind the creation of the Sacred Ring, and the terrible risk of Unification.
Credits:
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
- Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Lorenzo De Felici (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: March 12, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 38
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of VOID RIVALS #17:
Recap:
When we last left Darak and Solila in Void Rivals #16, Grakula and her crew were captured by Skuxxoid, but the explorers from Cobra-La got the last laugh. Darak finds an ally in one of his father’s directors, but their secret meeting is interrupted by Darak’s father. Lastly, Solila and Handroid encounter a giant face in the darkness on their quest to find Zerta.
Plot Analysis:
In Void Rivals #17, the mystery behind Zerta’s origin is revealed. Solila, face-to-face with Zerta, learns the Autobot evolved as a member of the Trion ages ago when Cybertron was under the control of the Quintessons. When Zerta’s allies threatened rebellion against the Quintessons, their alien overlords unleashed a planet-sized threat, Goliant, to squelch the uprising. Zerta fled Cybertron to lead Goliant away.
Zerta’s flight ended at a massive star that kept Goliant’s starving frame busy for years. While Goliant fed, Zerta influenced an evolving race of humanoids to construct the Sacred Ring around the diminishing star. When the star formed into a Black Hole, it sucked in Goliant, trapping his body. Zerta used Cybertronian tech to split Goliant’s consciousness into two offshoots of the Sacred Ring’s inhabitants, trapping his mind. Now, the Zertonians and Agorrians have evolved to the point where they can release Goliant and destroy him in his most weakened state. If they delay too long, Goliant will begin to regain strength.
Zerta gives Solila a mission to spread the word of Unification. Meanwhile, Darak is threatened with arrest and execution for siding with the Unification rebels. The issue ends with the Cobra-La ship following the Quintesson ship to its destination and Proximus running through soldiers in his quest to find Zalilak.
First Impressions:
If you were looking for answers, Void Rivals #17 is the big issue that explains (almost) everything. Writer Robert Kirkman spells out the planet-sized threat that could bring about a new era for the Sacred Ring or tear everything apart, causing big trouble for the Transformers. We don’t know which direction this story will go, but this issue is a doozy of a next step.
Artwork and Presentation:
There are parts of this issue where Lorenzo De Felici’s artwork hits the nail on the head and others where it does not. In the modern setting, where Darak and Solila are engaged in critical discussions, the issue looks great. In the flashback sequence where Zerta recalls her early days on Cybertron, the figure work is lacking, and that’s being generous. Therefore, the art is a mixed bag.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
The big deal development in Robert Krikman’s script is Zerta’s backstory and the purpose of the Sacred Ring. When the explanation effectively frames the Sacred Ring as a giant prison with a time-release, that tale sets up big stakes and heavy urgency, which is a plus.
The Negatives:
When so much emphasis is placed on Zerta’s story, the subplots get mildly shortchanged. The Cobra-la astronauts show up but are given almost nothing to do. Likewise, for Darak and Proximus.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Where, when, and how will this series intersect with the main Transformers series and G.I. Joe? The answer is TBD. The collective series are brushing up against each other with increasing regularity, but the particulars concerning how and when the titles will crossover or merge are unknown as of this writing.
Final Thoughts:
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
VOID RIVALS #17 is the issue that explains it all when readers learn the history behind the Sacred Ring and its connection to Transformers history. Robert Kirkman’s script delivers a tall tale with massive stakes for the immediate future, so readers hoping for clarity on the mystery of Unification don’t have to wait any longer.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.