Darak and Solila traverse the northern wasteland. Danger lurks around every corner. The Void Rivals corner of the Energon Universe continues to grow as Proximus is on the hunt! Void Rivals #7 kicks off a new arc but feels like an issue that’s a little padded out with only a few key moments.

Written by Robert Kirkman, Void Rivals #7 is an interesting issue in this intriguing series. Kirkman has a difficult task, telling the story of this new world while also have it tie into the greater Energon Universe featuring G.I. Joe and Transformers. While the series began as a series of guest spots, it has now instead focused on Darak and Solila who have discovered a conspiracy among their worlds’ leaders. They are now on the run, entering the norther wasteland in hopes of escaping and figuring out their next steps.

When it comes to details, Void Rivals #7 adds a bit to the characters and delivers who will pursue the two individuals on the run. That packs the majority of the issue and those key moments feel a bit stretched out. What takes multiple pages could be condensed into one or two. Void Rivals #7 feels like half an issue that’s been expanded. Not enough to be on its own and little too much to fit elsewhere. Standing on its own, Void Rivals #7 is a bit of a letdown for a series that has been getting better with each issue. Yes, there’s a lot packed in expanding on the characters and worlds but that seems to drag on a bit too long.

The art by Lorenzo De Felici continues to look great. With color by Patricio Delpeche and lettering by Rus Wooton, the new setting of the wastelands continues the interesting look of this world that feels like it’s in-between the lush world of Earth and the techno world of Cybertron. The wasteland, like the city seen the last few issues, has a coldness about it that feels brutal. While the plot of the issue leaves a lot to be desired, the look stands out in how well it conveys the bleak nature of the world.

Void Rivals #7 is an interesting comic in that it will absolutely be better read as part of the current arc than on its own. It gets a few plot points rolling and all it needed to happen. The issue just feels a bit thin overall and a little boring. It’s a big stumble as it’s the start of a brand new arc.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Lorenzo De Felici
Color: Patricio Delpeche Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

---

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle