(Warning: This review contains spoilers for Void Rivals #1. )
Void Rivals brings together a shared universe not only of Skybond properties but also Transformers and G.I. Joe into the new Energon Universe. It all begins in this issue, where two members of warring factions must work together to survive and escape from a desolate planetoid.
Written by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Lorenzo De Felici
Colors by: Matheus Lopes
Letters by: Rus Wooton
Stranded on a void planetoid, we are introduced to Darak from Agorrian and his bitter rival Solila from Zertonian. They are forced to work together in order to escape the desolate planetoid prison. Despite their generational hatred towards each other, they stumble upon a slim glimmer of hope when all seems lost.
The glimmer of hope turns out to be the Autobot Jetfire, who departs for Cybertron after being awakened by Darak and Solila. With one of their few chances of escape gone, they have to reconsider their exit strategy, which forces them to set aside their differences and animosity towards each other.
This issue reveals the start of the Energon Universe, which will be further expanded in future issues and series. By making a small appearance, the story can focus on integrating the Hasbro properties, rather than keeping them as standalone universes. This opens up more creative possibilities and allows for cameos from both fan favorites and lesser-known characters.
One of the biggest concerns with a shared universe is which Image characters will be involved or excluded from this universe. Will the Transformers have to fight alongside Spawn against demons, or will Duke and Cobra Commander need to travel to a distant planet to save Invincible?
The first issue does a great job by not focusing on any of that and instead building things from the ground up. Kirkman, who has previously worked on The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead, knows how to manage separate series and cross them over when the story requires it.
Final Thoughts on Void Rivals
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.