Void Rivals Clash!
They do, here in issue # 20 of Void Rivals! Void Rivals is Robert Kirkman’s sci-fi comic that tells the tale of two crumbling planets linked by a “Sacred Ring” (it’s not Halo), their peoples at war for generations. When a member of each culture are stranded together, the two find they must put aside their differences if they want to survive. This story takes place in the so-called “Energon Universe”, Skybound Entertainment’s initiative to relaunch properties like Transformers and G.I. Joe within a shared universe that also happens to include the original characters and setting of Void Rivals.
New ongoing artist Conor Hughes joins Kirkman and colorist Patricio Delpeche in this issue as Darak and Solila come to blows over what is to be done about the uniting of their peoples against the looming threat of Goliant!
Dey fight?
Yes, Darak and Solila have gotten conflicting information over what to do about Goliant, which leads them into combat this issue. Darak’s father, Minister Dulin oversees the battle and doesn’t do much to deescalate it. Zalilak is also on a path that will further divide the two peoples in regards to Unity and Goliant. So yeah… it doesn’t seem like the conflict here is going to be easily resolved anytime soon.
There’s some other check-ins with other subplots, including Skuxxoid and Akronus and the Junkions, but the bulk of this issue is the confrontation between Darak and Solila. Their bond remains mostly intact, at least, which is good since they’re the title characters and the driving force of this series.
How’s Conor Hughes doing?
His second issue penciling and he already fits like a glove. I enjoy the more animated stylings of his characters and it helps them fit into the Sunbow cartoon vibe that Kirkman obviously favors when it comes to Transformers and G.I. Joe. I think he does better facial expressions than Lorenzo De Felici too, which really sells the more emotional outburst-y scenes.
Cube?
Void Rivals is still going strong and Kirkman seems to be moving forward with more purpose now. I think we’ll be seeing a major turning point soon and this issue was already sort of going there. The two planets linked by the Sacred Ring will soon unite… or become more fractured than ever.
Buy Void Rivals # 20 this week and you too could gain some garbage armor.
