VOID RIVALS #3, from Image Comics on 8/16/23, continues Darak and Solila’s bid for rescue and freedom to return to their respective homes, with a little help from shady Transformers characters.
The Details
- Written by: Robert Kirkman
- Art by: Lorenzo De Felici
- Colors by: Matheus Lopes
- Letters by: Rus Wooton
- Cover art by: Lorenzo De Felici (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: August 16, 2023
Is It Good?
Give Robert Kirkman credit. If VOID RIVALS #3 is any indication, he’s leaning hard into the Transformers license by taking every scrap of canon available and working them into his story about enemy aliens with more in common than not. This latest chapter lightens the tone to deliver an adventurous feel, but the last page cliffhanger escalates the dramatic tension considerably.
When last we let Darak and Solila, their cobbled-together space raft was captured by a Skuxxoid for parts and whatever bounty the two castaways might fetch. Now, Darak and Solila escape into the Skuxxoid’s ship, finding unlikely assistance from a tentacled Quintesson to aid in their negotiated release.
That’s right. Without a single Autobot or Decepticon in sight, this issue digs deep into Cybertronian lore to bring up alien races and references, ensuring there is no mistaking this title’s connection to the Transformers. Better still, VOID RIVALS #3 isn’t a namedrop, nostalgia fest. Kirkman is working the lore into a solid space adventure that feels like it’s a part of the Transformers universe but strong enough to stand on its own.
What’s great about his comic? Without question, Kirkman’s script is the bee’s knees. Darak and Solila have a blossoming camaraderie that echoes other famous partners, ala Han Solo and Leia Organa. The Transformers Easter Eggs are a hoot, especially when Kirkman nails the slimy, double-dealing antics of the Skuxxoid and the Qunitesson. And the last page gotcha turns the adventurous tone on a dime into a more serious and dire situation.
What’s not so great about this comic? As much as the lighthearted, adventurous tone is a lot of fun, it is tonally inconsistent with the previous two issues, which may be jarring for some readers. In particular, Darak is much more cavalier in this issue, which dampens any sense of urgency or danger.
How’s the art? Lorenzo De Felici’s art style is reasonably the weakest aspect of the previous two issues, but it looks better in VOID RIVALS #3. Either De Felici had more time to polish his inks, or his style works better in fast-paced action, but the net result is a cleaner, refined set of visuals.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our VOID RIVALS #2 review to find out how Darak and Solila found themselves the guests of a Skuxxoid.
We begin with the Skuxxoid captain relishing over the thought of turning Darak and Solila in for whatever bounty he can. The castaways leap into action and beat the Skuxxoid back long enough to escape into the bowels of the ship. During the fight, Darak notices Solila showing fighting abilities that wouldn’t be common for a mere pilot.
The castaways race down multiple corridors until they find a series of doors that could contain weapons or food. The first releases a gigantic, cybernetic scorpion, prompting a fight to force the beast back into its cell. The next door contains a prisoner Quentesson who promises Darak and Solila a ride home if they help him escape.
We conclude the issue with a bad bargain, a parting gift, and a shocking return.
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Final Thoughts
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VOID RIVALS #3 is an adventurous, entertaining entry in the sci-fi series that elevates an already engaging story with equally intriguing connections to Transformers lore. Kirkman’s script leans heavily into the spirit of adventure, and De Felici’s art is the strongest yet.
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