Void Rivals #33 Review – The Castaways Meet Their Newest Ally

Void Rivals #33 (Image Comics, 8/26/26): Writer Robert Kirkman & Artist Conor Hughes introduce Darak, Solila, and the Cobra-La castaways to ROM the Space Knight. Meanwhile, Skuxxoid returns home. Focused and tighter than the more recent issues, ROM’s introduction to the Energon Universe is a pleasant surprise. Verdict: A solid issue.

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Conor Hughes
• Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Lorenzo De Felici (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: August 26, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Void Rivals #33

First Impressions:

This may not sound like a compliment, but ROM is the most engaging character in the Void Rivals saga to date. Not since the surprise reveal that Void Rivals was a tie-in to Transformers and G.I. Joe has the series inspired such keen interest.

Recap:

In Void Rivals #32, the Leviathan crashed on an alien world, killing the ship and sending Pythona into a grief-stricken tailspin after a poorly timed joke from Darak. Darak eventually made peace with Pythona over her loss, while Pythona revealed Leviathan had spawned a grub that would one day take her place, and Solila supported Darak as he mourned his father. As the group began building shelters for the long wait ahead, their work was interrupted when the mysterious lifeform watching them from the shadows finally stepped forward: ROM the Space Knight.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

Void Rivals #33 picks up immediately from the end of the previous issue. ROM the Space Knight introduces himself to Darak and Solila and offers to assist them. After an awkward explanation that Carpet is a helpful companion, and not just something he wears like a cloak, Pythona arrives and attacks, presuming ROM is a threat. ROM easily subdues Pythona with Carpet’s help.

Unfortunately, the skirmish awakens a giant, frog-like beast that has been hibernating beneath their feet. ROM and Carpet calmly de-escalate the beast and send it back to hibernation. Impressed by ROM’s steadfast intention to help, the group (including Pythona) explain their circumstances. ROM leaps away in search of any tools they can use.

Elsewhere, Skuxxoid finally returns home and confronts the Junkions over the state of Rockerroid.

How is the story in Void Rivals #33?

Robert Kirkman’s latest chapter is tighter, focused, and more engaging. ROM adds a breath of fresh air to the entire saga, and he quickly establishes himself as a hero with a quirky companion and an unusual arm.

[Author’s NOTE: It helps if your read ROM Special #1 first before reading this issue.]

ROM not only adds a welcome bit of character diversity to the story, but he quickly assesses the planet and spares the castaways from a lengthy survey to explore. That said, Kirkman is still playing the long game with subplots, like Skuxxoid’s homecoming, that don’t appear to be going anywhere. Furthermore, the conflict on the Sacred Ring is completely ignored in this issue, which you’d think would be the more urgent and pressing element of the story.

How is the art in Void Rivals #33?

Conor Hughes’s artwork is excellent. Trapped on a gloopy, swamp-like world, Hughes and colorist Patricio Delpeche bring the surroundings to life with vivid pinks, greens, and yellows on tiny insects and massive frogs to give you the impression of a world that’s full of whimsy and danger. Plus, Hughes’s action and figure work are excellent here, especially during the brief fight between ROM and Pythona.

Characters

If it wasn’t clear enough, ROM is the star of the show. The entire issue centers around the castaways’ reactions to this stranger who appears out of nowhere and presents himself as the ultimate Good Samaritan. ROM is polite, friendly, and just short of cheery, with a can-do attitude.

Originality & Concept Execution

Nobody expected ROM the Space Knight to show up in the series, so bonus points go to Kirkman on that development alone. As for the rest of the crew, there is a tease that the lifeforms on the planet may have an adverse effect on Cobra-La armor, which is an intriguing surprise.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• ROM is the best new addition in a while.
• The art team outdid themselves for the alien aesthetic
• The twist about Cobra-La armor is intriguing

Room for Improvement

• The Skuxxoid subplot comes out of nowhere
• Pythona’s order to find a ship is redundant after ROM’s search
• The Sacred Ring is ignored… again.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 2/2

Final Thoughts:

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Void Rivals #33 introduces ROM the Space Knight to the Sacred Ring castaways with loads of heart, charm, and action. Kirkman’s choice to bring in ROM is a master stroke, and the art team’s construction of an alien world is excellent.

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