Secrets of the Sacred Ring revealed! Void Rivals finally puts the “energon” in their corner of the Energon Universe! Void Rivals #10 packs in the teases and reveals for an interesting issue that makes the bigger picture clearer.

Void Rivals has been an interesting series since its debut. The first issue launched the “Energon Universe” with a guest appearance by Jetfire. It was a surprise, kicking off the relaunch of Transformers and G.I. JOE with a series that had no real connection. Ten issues in, we’re starting to finally see that connection.

Written by Robert Kirkman, the previous issue featured Springer the popular triple-changer, in what felt like another guest appearance. Void Rivals #10 delivers the backstory to his appearance and it teases so much more. For ten issues we’ve gotten hints that Void Rivals was an underlying story about energy and resources and it’s in this issue we get the confirmation that Energon is involved. But, that’s not all and to say more would ruin the surprise and fun.

This second arc has been a very slow build and slog but it would seem that Void Rivals #10 and what’s to follow will make the wait pay off. There’s a lot packed in and it adds to the Transformers history in interesting an unexpected ways.

The issue also does a great job of playing up the aspects of the trio of universes that make up the Energon Universe. G.I. JOE is the organic side of things, the Transformers are the mechanical side of things and Void Rivals is that in-between blending the two. The implications should set things up for years to come.

The art by Lorenzo De Felici continues to be solid. With color by Patricio Delpeche and lettering by Rus Wooton, the comic continues its interesting look that plays up the aspects of the three worlds of the Energon Universe. While not robotic and not organic, the world of Void Rivals is a cold world. The designs feel like brutalist architecture, emphasizing the people of the story. This issue continues that though we get to see Springer’s headquarters, adding in the robotic nature of Transformers but still feeling like Void Rivals. There’s clearly thought in how the visuals of all three series stand apart but at the same time go together.

Void Rivals #10 is the highlight of the second arc so far. It begins the payoff and wait for what has been a slow go of a story. It’s implications are massive and will reverberate across all three lines of comics. For fans of Transformers, this looks like one that’ll be a must get.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Lorenzo De Felici
Color: Patricio Delpeche Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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