Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast.
For this entry, we are diving into a series that caught both the comics and pop culture world by storm! When Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics dropped Void Rivals onto comic readers, the hype behind a mystery surprise was big. Few knew it was going to be as big as it was!
The issue marked the debut of the Energon Universe, combining the worlds of G.I. Joe and Transformers. With a bright future ahead, many are wondering where the story goes from here. VOID RIVALS #2 by Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, Matheus Lopes and Rus Wooton gives fans the answer to that question. Let’s take a closer look at where things shape up now, shall we?
VOID RIVALS #2 by Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, Matheus Lopes and Rus Wooton (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
When an Agorrian named Darak crashes on an unknown planet, he runs into a Zertinian named Solila. Both alien races have been fighting for years. Now stuck on a planet, the pair have to work together to survive.
As they search the planet, they stumble across a Cybertronian known as Jetfire! With more unknown secrets lurking, the pair remove their helmets. It appears there is more than meets the eye happening on this planet.
This issue kicks off with Darak preparing for his ill-fated trip. With the race for supplies heating up, Darak is feeling the pressure of the mission. After a stern talk from his father, Darak takes flight.
During his time in space, Darak encounters visions of the history of Zertinians and Agorrians. The message becomes more clear that the two races must come together to survive. Readers get a true insight to what is really behind the opposing forces.
What will the pair do next after the information is revealed? Can they co-exist now? The pair fonds themselves in a interesting position as it appears there might be light at the end of the tunnel, but at what cost? Get ready for another big surprise as the issue closes with a final image guaranteed to get fans talking!
BREAKDOWN: Kirkman dives into the history behind the warring alien groups. Darak’s visions tell the bigger picture and give readers some clarity into the events unfolding. The reaction to the new information is telling with the pair. Both had their preconceived notions shattered. Kirkman weave the complexity of the pair’s newfound partnership in with the uneasiness of needed reliance. The latter half of the books plays heavier with this notion. When the next obstacle appears, Kirkman unveils it in grand fashion. There is one noticeable trend with this series: expect the unexpected.
De Felici and Lopes construct many personal scenes between Darak and the people of his world. None feel greater than the ones with his father. Readers get a quick sense about their relationship and how this ties in with him on the planet. There is a gorgeous two page full panel spread of the Sacred Ring that will catch readers eyes. This leads into a full page shot of the two alien races. Little moments like this jump right off the pages. Once back to present time, the banter and body language of the pair helps orchestrate how much work has to be completed and time having been spent. This all leads into a solid closing act with a great exiting panel to conclude the story with.
FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10
Kirkman, De Felici and the team usher in another solid issue expanding on the Energon groundwork. Outstanding writing bridges with exceptional art giving readers a new favorite story to jump on board with. Don’t leave the comic shops with picking up this issue.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Void Rivals #2. Thanks for reading!
