Void Rivals, Vol. 1: More than Meets the Eye

Void Rivals #1

by Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici (Artist), Mat Lopes (Colorist)

The blockbuster Oblivion Song team of ROBERT KIRKMAN and LORENZO DE FELICI launch an all-new shared universe connected to the Transformers and G.I. Joe!

War rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war.???

However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe????

Collects VOID RIVALS #1-6.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Fiction, Action

136 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2024

About the author

Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.

Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.

In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You're not going to kill me?" -- Solila the Zertonian

"If we work together, we might just survive this." -- Darak the Agorrian

With a rear cover blurb announcing "an all-new shared universe connected to the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE!" and one blazingly obvious nod with the volume's subtitle, I sort of expected more of an association to those beloved 80's franchises. (Show - don't tell?) What the reader receives instead is two fleeting cameo appearances - one an Autobot, one a Decepticon - in an otherwise old chestnut of a narrative, depicting two adversaries working together to survive certain death. It's a fairly good sci-fi / adventure plot with the two somewhat ingratiating leads - amiable chatterbox Darak and the icily mysterious Solila - forming an uneasy alliance to escape a desolate planet in their jerry-rigged spacecraft. I'm just not sure there's enough of a spark here to continue reading subsequent volumes.

[Sean Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

All right, Kirkman--you've got me intrigued. But I want to see some energon cubes soon, dig?

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EN What a wonderful surprise this turned out to be!

Robert Kirkman, the mind behind The Walking Dead and Invincible, is back — this time launching an entirely new universe that brings together the intellectual properties of Transformers and G.I. Joe, two iconic series from the '80s.

But this isn’t just about reviving old franchises. Kirkman introduces a fresh core storyline that stands strong on its own. So far, he offers only a few glimpses of connection to the Transformers lore, which hints at something bigger being carefully built.

What I’m saying is: this doesn’t feel like a lazy cash grab. He’s taking these two well-loved properties and weaving them into a new, coherent universe with genuine narrative potential.

This was my first entry into this new world, so it’s still early days — but it’s a promising start, and I can’t wait to dig deeper.

--

PT Que bela surpresa isto acabou por ser!

Robert Kirkman, o criador de The Walking Dead e Invincible, está de volta — desta vez com o lançamento de um universo inteiramente novo que junta as propriedades intelectuais de Transformers e G.I. Joe, duas séries icónicas dos anos 80.

Mas isto não se trata apenas de ressuscitar franquias antigas. Kirkman apresenta uma nova linha narrativa central que se sustenta por si própria. Até agora, dá-nos apenas alguns vislumbres de ligação ao universo dos Transformers, o que dá a entender que algo maior está a ser cuidadosamente construído.

O que quero dizer é: isto não parece um projeto preguiçoso feito apenas para ganhar dinheiro. Ele está a pegar nestas duas propriedades bem conhecidas e a entrelaçá-las num novo universo coeso, com verdadeiro potencial narrativo.

Este foi o meu primeiro contacto com este novo mundo, por isso ainda é cedo — mas é um começo promissor, e mal posso esperar para explorar mais.

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very Enemy Mine start to the Energon Universe with some Transformers lore thrown in the mix. I’m excited to see how the story progresses.

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not so good as I was expecting from all the positive reviews, but still a solid start to Skybound's Energon Universe and I'm digging a lot the Enemy Mine (1985) movie vibes in this first volume.

3.5 rounded up optimistic stars.

[Jim Ef · Rating 3 out of 5]

6.8/10
The main reason i picked this one up, is that i liked the first volume of Transformers. I didn't want to feel a bit lost later, when there would be crossovers. So i thought to learn more about the Energon Universe. What better way to start than the beginning.

Unlike the other titles in this universe, Void rivals isn't about established characters. Darak and Solila are from different worlds, but now they are both in the same desolated planet. To make things worse, their worlds are actually in war with each other. In order to survive and make it out from that planet, they will have to put their differences aside and work together.

I might have started this because i wanted to see how and why these characters are going to interact with the Transformers. However now I'm curious about Solila's and Darak's future. Their story its interesting on itself.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two different species or tribes who have to work together to survive and now have to stay together.

Issue one got a lot of hype cause it's a backdoor story to the new Transformers series/universe but also the main story is really good. Robert Kirkman gives us two flawed people trying to work together to survive while also growing up hating each other's people. A real nice growth of character as we get deeper into the lore, and plenty of great moments to enjoy.

[Matthew Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely loved this first volume of this series and first volume for the Energon Universe. I know I would’ve appreciated certain moments more if I were a bigger fan of certain franchises, but I still thought the world building and character development was done very well in this one. I especially am a big fan of Handroid! Very excited to see where this series and the overall Energon Universe goes!

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember Enemy Mine? This is kind of like that, but with a random Transformer tossed in because Energon Universe, amirite?.



Kirkman still writes fun dialogue and I like the worldbuilding details like the Handroid, I'll keep reading.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first volume. Two different worlds, the Zertonians and Aggorians, that form the sacred ring around a black hole. They used to be united years and years ago. They days of them being unified have now just turned to myth or legend or even just forgotten about. Now they have been at war for centuries. A pilot form one side and a warrior from the other are forced to work together and in doing so discover that the war and beef between the two civilizations has been manufactured. The powers that be are trying to keep them from ever being unified again. Interesting when you see some of the players that are behind this and how far they are willing to go to keep the secret and keep the two side separate. Very cool story so far with some very cool cameos who seem to be very interested in finding the Zertonians. Can’t wait to read more.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard this was the backdoor introduction to a shared Hasbro universe, but whoa! It's a sweet standalone sci-fi story! By Robert Kirkman, who can write the pants off a fast-paced, quippy, colorful story. Sure, it's tropey and the main characters are kinda one-note. But damn if Void Rivals doesn't push all the right buttons for me.

It's a simple story: space fighter pilots from competing races both crash land on an abandoned planet and are forced to work together to survive. Oh, and they also discover that they're actually the same race and have been lied to by their cultures, which share a goofy ring space station around a black hole. "Surviving" also means getting caught up in a handful of strange scenarios that gently handwave at other Hasbro products (though never in a grating way, always in service of zippy plot).

The volume ends back on the ring station where the characters originated from, fleeing into the no-man's zone after numerous double crosses. The next volume can't come soon enough! And even though there was just one glimpse of a Transformer in this volume...I'm pretty excited to dive into the other "Energon Universe" series.

[Benji Glaab · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The opening sequence to the Energon Universe is a pretty solid outing from Kirkman. The main characters have that forbidden love storyline emerging with loads of daring adventure to forge a relationship on. There are so many strange characters in here it really feels like a story a kid would make up with some weird ass 80's action figures. Which I suppose is the energy the creators are trying to emulate. It's a fun universe so far so I'll be checking out the next one

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no expectations heading into this one other than I knew it was a keystone in Kirkman’s new Hasbro EU. I enjoyed it! Nothing too original, but there are Easter eggs all over the place for Transformers fans.

3.5/5

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout out to my man James for the recommendation

I’ve never been a transformers fan, only have seen the first Shia labeouf movie but man this world is just pure imagination- robots, aliens, creatures, swordsman- just a kid with a toy box crafting a truly unique story. Kirkman nails the voices of comic characters - never feels like a comic just real people (and robots) dealing with their situations.

The overall story is simple enough that you don’t need to know anything going in and is enjoyable for new fans to the genre and franchise

[Jeff Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how Kirkman brought all the elements of the transformers universe into a unique story. I opened it and couldn’t put it down.

[Rory Wilding · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first volume of Void Rivals certainly isn’t hiding itself as being part of the Energon Universe, as seen on both the front and back covers. War rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together.

Please click here for my full review.

[Matty Dub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once the sweet reveal of issue 1 is forgotten, this series settles into the “all right” territory.

[J MaK · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)This was a solid start (slow and kinda boring) where not much stood out. The world building sets the stage for two warring races. However, I was more interested in the Transformer cameos. Not sure if I want to read the next volume or pass.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was an intersting start to the "Energon Universe." I've never been a massive Transformers fan so some of the references definitely went over my head. This felt like a general sci-fi story that happened to have some Transformers characters in it briefly. I really liked the art style. I thought it was colorful and very fluid. I think my biggest criticism is the pacing. It felt at times that entire panels or pages were missing from the book. We'd be in one scene and then turn the page fully into another without any transition or indication of where we were. It was jarring. I think the narrative is interesting, but it's walking a tightrope between the "people from two worlds must work together to survive" plot and then throwing in Transformers randomly to remind you they're there. I think it could have been handled a bit better. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I will continue on with the other Energon Universe comics from here.

[Rahul Nadella · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Andrew Shaffer]

Like listening to a breathless 10 year old tell you about the shared universe all their action figures inhabit. And then THIS happens! And then a Transformer appears and FLIES OFF FOR NO REASON! And then…and then…and then…

[Lucille · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5/5
J’ai beaucoup aimé le début de ce nouvel univers, les perso venant de peuples ennemis - qui doivent finalement s’entraider pour survivre - sont top à suivre et visuellement c’était très beau! De la bien bonne sf divertissante

[Paul Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the first issue of Void Rivals, the latest comic from Oblivion Song creators Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici, was published, it dropped a major bombshell with the appearance of a certain Transformer. This was to announce the series as part of Skybound Entertainment’s Energon Universe, which combines new comics based on Hasbro brands Transformers and G.I. Joe, both properties were previously published by IDW. Considering there were plans for a Hasbro cinematic universe at Paramount Pictures, who eventually cancelled such plans, will Kirkman succeed with his comic book empire?

The first volume of Void Rivals certainly isn’t hiding itself as being part of the Energon Universe, as seen on both the front and back covers. War rages around the Sacred Ring, where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war. However, when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet, these two enemies must find a way to escape together.

Whilst the story itself focuses on these two original characters, each representing the opposing side of an intergalactic war, it is not far off from another Image title, Saga. This may lack the shock value of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ comic, or even Kirkman’s more popular works like The Walking Dead, but there are some interesting ideas going on.

As Darak the Agorrian and Solila the Zertonian find themselves in a Hell in the Pacific scenario but in space – with the addition of Darak’s Handroid, serving as the humorous third wheel – it’s only when they unmasked in front of each other that they are revealed to have the same racial features. Despite a weird reference to the Marvel character, the Vision, this opens the door for an uneasy alliance between Darak and Solila, who delve into the conspiracy behind their war, whilst going through their own personal issues.

Regarding its role in this shared universe, Kirkman may have shot himself in the foot with the inclusion of the Transformers. Whilst you have the main narrative going on, there is a funny subplot involving a Skuxxoid – an alien species introduced in the original Transformers cartoon – trying to sell a Quintesson, just to support himself and his family. With the numerous Easter Eggs throughout, such as the cameos of Jetfire and Shockwave, it makes you more excited about what Daniel Warren Johnson has planned for his current Transformers comic.

While the few characters from the Transformers lore are greatly represented, resembling their G1 incarnations, artist Lorenzo De Felici’s priority is to showcase a whole new alien world. Starting with the two leads themselves, even in their initial robotic armoured appearances, the art conveys so much expression, including the Handroid that has a mind of its own. Along with Matheus Lopes’ subdued colouring, the art nicely evokes that Star Wars sensibility of a used space future, even with the presence of giant robots.

Void Rivals has a compelling enough main narrative, but the expansion of the Energon Universe is a more enticing prospect with the various titles being published now.

[Justin Partridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Well? You up for that?”

“I’m as good as dead if I stay here.”

“THATS THE SPIRIT!”

My Summer of Image takes a hard right turn into the Energon Universe! A publishing umbrella I’ve been genuinely enjoying despite myself and one I’ve been curious to dive deeper into (especially now that it’s gotten the Thrillems seal of approval).

I had also bought some drips and drabs of this as more printings have come out, but the only one I’ve really kept up with seriously is G. I. Joe: ARAH (since I’ve loved that since IDW) and the main line Transformers. I have issues #1 and 2 of this around here somewhere but I was basically coming into this one cold.

And good stuff up top, this is pretty fun! I super appreciate the ambition and confidence in a licensed comic to be like “We know you love Transformers, but what if also, we started this whole line with a wholly original thing that is building out wholly original stuff on the outskirts of this Massive Other Thing You Like”. Even better that it’s actually pretty cool (and cool LOOKING throughout).

I am really into the flinty nature of the leads. I’m totally intrigued with the core mysteries of the series. And I’m curious as to where and when the crossovers between Joe and Transformers will pop out as this never really telegraphs those connections, which I very much appreciate. It keeps it from feeling like marking time between issues (though I very much wish Image would put covers between the issues again in their collections; I wanna know what issue im reading, Stephenson!)

Some not so great stuff (aside from my production nitpicks), I think it might exist toooo much on the outskirts of TF/Joe to maybe catch on with casuals? Obviously, the Patrick Willems shoutout expressly contradicts that but imo it might be too dorky for people to just see it on a shelf and want to buy it. Opening with the Jetfire cameo might have been too front loaded as people now might expect that sorta deal every issue and this creative team is very much interested in NOT doing that. I can see that losing some people.

But for my money, I’m way more into this than I expected to be. I’ve never been the biggest Kirkman person but this I think plays to his strengths and despite some drag toward the end of the arc, I was pretty engaged throughout. Maybe even enough to start catching up in single issues for the second arc.

Summer of Image! Sometimes toy comics are pretty good!

[Lukas Deicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a series taking place in the shared universe of Transformers and G.I. Joe....wait where are you all going!? It's very good, I promise!

It is actually pretty good. I know next to nothing of the Transformers comics and G.I. Joe are those weird action figures....this is all I know. But Void Rivals opens up a riveting, intriguing new setting in which you can immerse yourself in, even if you're not a fan of the franchises mentioned above. I should mention, that Robert Kirkman wrote the story and although I am not a fan of his previous work (The Walking Dead, Invincible), this series fascinates me. Through the amazing colour composition and blend of modern artwork depicting a golden-age-esque sci-fi setting, this comic series tells something new with some cameos of old characters which I do not understand. Although I recognise a Transformer when I see one. I am looking forward to September when the next volume is going to come out.

[James Hawk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, I can see why people were hesitant when this was first released because of the monthly release of each issue and it being a slow start and all. Once Darak and Solila meet the Skuxxoid the pace picks up for sure. This was a lot of setup and world building but it’s really intriguing how the galaxy and universe is interconnected with the Quintessons, which ties Void Rivals to the Transformers. The art is also gorgeous and the way the two different factions are portrayed is really unique. The moment with Shockwave (while him looking really good and his personality feeling like shockwave) felt really out of place and honestly if it was taken out nothing would be different, they definitely just added him to sell more issues when this was first being released. Overall I would definitely recommend this and I’m excited to read Vol 2 once I get that.

[Benjamin Kimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Energon Universe started with a bang in this one. I’d picked up the single issues for Transformers and loved it so I knew I needed to check this out but I kept putting it off. I regret that. I read this pretty much in one sitting. Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici created an incredibly engaging universe with interesting characters. The idea of two warring factions fighting but it all being based on secrets and lies is a very simple one that they pull off expertly. Everything flowed so well and I was into it the whole time. The main characters are from opposing factions but are forced to work together which makes an interesting story. They don’t trust each other but can only trust each other. We don’t know anything about either one and only learn things as the characters do which keeps things changing. The characters all have a ton of mystery around them that I can’t wait to see come into light. De Felici draws super fun super a unique sci-fi world. I love the look of everything. All the ships and different species have so much character. They struck gold with this, I can’t wait to see it continue.

[Raül · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

Un hàbitat gegantí en forma d'anell orbita un forat negre. És el resultat de milers d'anys de guerra entre dos faccions, els agorrians i els zertonians, enfrontats a mort pels escasos recursos del seu sistema. Un pilot agorrià i una guerrera zertoniana queden atrapats en un planetoide després d'un enfrontament i es troben en la situació d'haver de col·laborar per sortir-se'n. En el viatge de tornada a casa s'enfrontaran a enemics, amics i a fosques i misterioses conspiracions.

Space opera lleugera i trepidant, amb continues sorpreses i girs argumentals; amb l'aparició de personatges dels còmics clàssics de Transformers. Tot açò obre un munt de línies argumentals i misteris que s'hauran d'anar resolent i generen interès en saber com continuarà la trama. Dibuix correcte.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real interesting read. We have two sides that are enemies and now two of them must work together. There was a lot of compelling moments and some betrayal. The art is stylish for the story being told and the designs are fun. The world building was well done. Kirkman is off to a good start with this one. Just another series of his that I enjoy.

[Jonas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not a big Kirkman guy and read this mostly because I want to read Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers. In his attempts to crank up the pacing while decompressing the hell out of everything, he simply can’t seem to get the pacing right. A lot of stuff happens, which keeps you engaged, but it simply feels off on a moment to moment basis. But De Felicis art made this a pretty okay read overall.