Hey everyone, as the resident Transformers reviewer, I’ve decided to take over the review duties for “Void Rivals” as well! This is a great book with the same worldview and many Transformers! So why not? This issue, Void Rivals #13, is written by Robert Kirkman and penciled by Lorenzo De Felice. I’ve obviously never picked up this book before, but I’ve been reading it, so I’m assuming you’ve been reading too, so I hope you can start reading it right away without any problems. I hope. right.
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Continuing the series’ continued trend of slow mixing with other titles in the Energon universe, it also brings in the GI Joe villain from Cobra La. Actually, I don’t know if they matter. I’m not a Joe fan and can’t keep up with this corner of the world at this point, but thankfully that’s one of Void Rivals’ strengths as a title. You don’t need to know much about these series to enjoy this book. I didn’t even remember who Skuxoid was when this book started, but Kirkman turned him into a really fun recurring character that’s definitely more memorable than the old Transformers episodes he starred in. I made it something that will stick. Let’s get back to Cobra. But secondly, I think it’s interesting that they’re both above and deep in space. I’m really fascinated by the way this connection is being made, as I never expected an Earthbound society to have any sort of hook into a grand cosmology.
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As usual, Void Rivals’ original material is definitely the best part. I enjoy the slowly unfolding story that makes this book feel more and more like Transformers than it initially appears, yet firmly feels like the beginning of a whole new series. It feels like we are reaching a boiling point and the real big facts will come out sooner or later. And I really can’t wait to see the characters in this book become big players on a bigger scale. It’s a bold attempt at a new multi-franchise connected universe that isn’t part of the Big Two, but thankfully a small number of focused books have helped so far in the long run. I am.
Kirkman has managed to create the feel of a modern reboot of an old toy line that never existed, and I absolutely love that vibe. With all its ties to Transformers as a kind of central canon, this film serves as a nice supporting, third pillar companion to GI Joe’s. It’s a much better attempt at synergizing ideas from different brands than what was attempted during IDW’s “Hasbroverse” days (I respect Rom, but you’re better at Marvel) did). Void Rivals fits right in here, like the missing puzzle piece you never knew you needed. Also, there are a lot of hot rods in this book, and he’s my favorite, so he’s automatically good. (You have great taste, Robert!)
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This is the first time I’ve said this in an official capacity, but Lorenzo de Felice’s art is amazing. I think it has a great comic book sci-fi feel that fits in perfectly with other Hasbro works. The way he portrays the characters with their body language goes a long way, especially considering there’s so little emotion in the helmeted faces of the two main characters. This is very much a Mandalorian or Master Chief effect. You don’t need a face to convey their emotions because their personality comes through through their body language. This is more difficult to achieve with non-video media like movies. comics. Of course, colorist Patricio Delpeche also deserves praise here. The book’s muted, bluish tones give it a great 80’s sci-fi look and feel.
All in all, a big problem in the ongoing story. Books like this, like much of Kirkman’s previous work, can be difficult to tell because they are ongoing stories. True brilliance (or lack thereof) can only shine through in the long run. That said, it’s good in the short term and introduces enough new stuff each month to keep you coming back for more. And since this is Kirkman’s book, you know that even if things are delayed, good things are always around the corner.
“Void Rivals” #13 Review
Void Drivers #13
It’s a solid issue of an ongoing story, and shows off Kirkman’s usual talent for tying you in and teasing you in enough ways to make you want to see what happens next. Oh, and the snake man is here and in space too, so that’s pretty cool.
Great art with great visual language and great colors
Kirkman’s usual strong character portrayals are on full display.
Fascinating new lore keeps us hooked
Springer. He’s been here for a while and I like him.
