Void Rivals #7
Review
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo de Felici
Publisher: Skybound
Release Date: March 6, 2024
Page Count: 28
Format: Single-issue
The hunter Proximus makes his foreboding debut in the story of Void Rivals, setting the tone for an interesting and deadly story arc to come.
Void Rivals #7
ReviewWriter: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo de Felici
Publisher: Skybound
Release Date: March 6, 2024
Page Count: 28
Format: Single-issue
The hunter Proximus makes his foreboding debut in the story of Void Rivals, setting the tone for an interesting and deadly story arc to come.
Void Rivals is back! With Skybound’s line of Energon Universe titles killing it weekly over the last few months, it feels great to dive back into the series that kickstarted it all. While it’s natural for franchises like the Transformers and G.I. Joe to generate so much buzz from name value alone, Void Rivals stands strong with its original premise and fascinating cast of new characters. Robert Kirkman and artist Lorenzo de Felici have worked their magic to create an engrossing space opera within an all-new corner for the beloved shared universe. Want to see what’s in store for the series’ new story arc? Continue reading for my full review of Void Rivals #7!
Image: Skybound
Overview
Darak and Solila take the first steps in their journey through the Sacred Ring’s wasteland. On the run from Zertonian forces, the Void Rivals push forward through the desolate land hoping to breach into Agorra’s side of the warring planet. However, they have much more than the treacherous terrain to worry about as Zalilak enlists the deadly and mysterious Proximus to hunt the two down. All for the sake of stopping a supposed prophecy, Zalilak may have unleashed an unstoppable force.
Review
With their squabbling and backstabbing behind them, Darak and Solila roll into this new story arc on the same page and on the run from half the planet. Issue #7 picks right up where #6 left off, establishing the dangers the Void Rivals face as they venture deeper into the Sacred Ring’s wasteland. However, the highlight of this issue is not the road ahead of the Void Rivals but the terrifying force that chases behind them. The mercenary Proximus makes his debut and instantly sets a new tone for the upcoming story arc. In my review of Void Rivals #6, I lamented how the Proximus tease lacked punch because the story was missing context on who he is. Now that we finally know what he looks like, I’m fascinated to see what he brings to the table. Artist Lorenzo de Felici and colorist Patricio Delpeche did a fantastic job crafting one of the series’ most visually striking scenes to present Proximus as a massive threat right off the jump. Not only is he physically imposing, but there’s an eeriness to his background that adds so much to his overall mystique. Then, based on how other characters talk about him, you can easily imagine the chaos he will bring into the story.
Image: SkyboundBut enough about Proximus for now. As great as his debut is, there’s plenty more to unpack about the story for the coming arc. This latest issue gives a glimpse into Darak’s past as an Edgewaker, showing why he feels confident about entering the Sacred Ring’s wasteland to escape. Meanwhile, Solila continues to fiddle with the mysterious trinket connected to her past with Mistress Vill. All it takes is a cautious look in Darak’s eye to show that the rift between the two Void Rivals is much larger than they put on. With Proximus on the hunt, Mistress Vill with her schemes, and doubts brewing between the two leads, this issue puts into motion many subtle story threads that will be interesting to see mesh together as we progress further into the new arc. Not to mention all the dangers naturally within wastelands, we’re in for a wild ride as the Void Rivals venture deeper into uncharted territory.
Final Thoughts
Issue #7 of Void Rivals is an awesome tone-setter for this new story arc. From the Proximus’ fascinating reveal to the mystery surrounding Solila’s trinket, this issue hits you with plenty of teases of the treacherous road that lies ahead of the Void Rivals. Having a pursuing villain in this arc adds a unique layer of intrigue to the story, making the journey through the dangerous regions of the Sacred Ring much more interesting. Void Rivals continues to be one of the best comics out today, giving you another reason to get hooked on the Energon Universe.
Image: Skybound
Why You Should Read Void Rivals
- Proximus is a fascinating new character who looks to be a dangerous foil for the Void Rivals.
- Lorenzo de Felici’s art and Patricio Delpeche’s colors elevate the comics’ big moments.
- Every piece of the Energon Universe has been a must-read.