Bottalk Reviews

We’re back in business, huh? Yep, a brand-new Transformers comic series after nearly ten months of no new Transformers comics! With Robert Kirkman’s Void Rivals having launched Skybound’s new Energon Universe, noted writer/artist rolled-into-one Daniel Warren Johnson takes the reins on what will likely be the linchpin of this new initiative. In this second issue, Optimus Prime and his functioning Autobots must quickly adjust to the new world they’ve awakened into, while Starscream and the active Decepticons cause even more havoc! The larger world takes notice of the giant robots running amok and musters a response, but can anything prepare anyone for a threat on this level? So thrill me, now that the Big Ark Nap is over, it’s balls-to-the-wall action, right? Well, yes and no… this issue mostly focuses on the Autobots and Optimus in particular getting more acquainted with their new settings and human friends Spike and Carly. Meanwhile, the Decepticons continue their rampage as they try

Oh, is this still happening? Well obviously, you incomparable ignoramus! Void Rivals continues here with issue # 5. It’s Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, and Matheus Lopes’ new 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 new 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. Last issue, Darak and Solila found themselves both in Zertonian jail- Darak for being an enemy agent, and Solila for being suspected of showing sympathy towards him. Meanwhile, the Skuxxoid is still trying to unload his Quintesson prisoner, showing up on Cybertron and being rejected by Shockw

Explore! Explore! Repair! Repair! Review! Review! Spoilers! Spoilers! Carly and a grieving Spike Witwicky discover the Autobot Ark. The Shuttle is full to the gills with deactivated G1 Transformers. Jetfire (last seen in Void Rivals #1) arrives to reactivate Teletraan One. He chooses his long time friend Starscream to be repaired first... What I did like: A letters page! Is that the G.I. Joe Crusader Space Shuttle? Optimus Prime is using pro wrestling moves. Is Daniel Warren Johnson a sports entertainment aficionado? Yes he is and we are smelling what he's cooking and it's just too sweeeeeet. Ratchet utilizing flying kicks is actually cartoon accurate. Carly is a Frazetta Girl! The transformations are fantastically drawn. The Autobot Ark never looked this amazingly detailed. Soundwave using his shoulder batteries cannon is a rare treat. Thank you! Soundwave caring about Ravage. If you have pets, you know. Optimus Prime running towards us is very Sunbow Productions. Bravo! Opt

So is this finally it? Yep, we’re here! A brand-new Transformers # 1 after nearly ten months of no new Transformers comics! With Robert Kirkman’s Void Rivals having launched Skybound’s new Energon Universe, noted writer/artist rolled-into-one Daniel Warren Johnson takes the reins on what will likely be the linchpin of this new initiative. In this inaugural issue, we’re introduced to many familiar concepts to longtime fans- a crashed ship, human allies, an awakening, conflict, death, the hunt for resources, and of course… ROBOTS IN DISGUISE. So we’ve seen this before, have we? Yes. If you’re remotely familiar with Transformers as a franchise, either from the cartoons, movies, or previous comics, you’re gonna recognize a lot of beats here. Thankfully, Daniel Warren Johnson’s kinetic pencils mean that these moments pack the appropriate punch. Complimented by Mike Spicer’s colors, Johnson’s style is certainly a distinct one and something that gives this book much of its identity. I was not

Zzzzzzzz, uh? What’s going on? You miserable sack-about! We’re reading Void Rivals # 4 today! It’s Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, and Matheus Lopes’ new 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 new 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. Last issue, our two protagonists finally made it home after escaping the Skuxxoid’s clutches, only for Solila to betray Darak and prepare to bring him to her leaders as a prisoner! Right, right… so, what happens now? As Darak lies in captivity, Solila must appeal to her planet’s ruler- the Premier Zalilak, to reco

Okay, what was this again? You uncomprehending dolt, have you already forgotten? This is the third issue of Void Rivals, Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, and Matheus Lopes’ new sci-fi comic. It 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 new 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. Last issue, our two titular rivals of the void were captured by the Skuxxoid and brought aboard his Rockeroid whilst trying to avoid the Noid! (That last bit may not be true.) Right… so should I keep reading? I wouldn’t quit yet, and I’m not just saying that! Kirkman delivers a more action-he