Void Rivals
| Void Rivals | |
|---|---|
 Issue #1, cover A. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Skybound Entertainment (Image Comics) |
| Schedule | Monthly |
| Format | Ongoing series |
| Genre | |
| Publication date | June 14, 2023 – present |
| No. of issues | 13 |
| Main character(s) | Energon Universe |
| Creative team | |
| Created by | Lorenzo De Felici Robert Kirkman Matheus Lopes |
| Written by | Robert Kirkman |
| Artist(s) | Lorenzo De Felici |
| Letterer(s) | Rus Wooton |
| Colorist(s) | Patricio Delpeche Matheus Lopes |
| Editor(s) | Ben Abernathy Sean Mackiewicz Jonathan Manning Bixie Mathieu |
Void Rivals is an American comic book ongoing series written by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Lorenzo De Felici, colored by Matheus Lopes and Patricio Delpeche, and published by Skybound Entertainment, an imprint of Image Comics.[1]
It is the first original installment in the Energon Universe, a shared universe that combines new Transformers and G.I. Joe comics developed by Skybound, in collaboration with Hasbro.[2]
The series debuted on June 14, 2023.[3]
Publication history
[edit]Void Rivals was announced in February 2023 as part of an "all-new shared universe" developed by Skybound Entertainment.[1]
The series is being written by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Lorenzo De Felici and colored by Matheus Lopes.[4] Kirkman and De Felici had previously worked together in another comic titled Oblivion Song.[5]
Kirkman said, "With every project I do, I’m always trying to challenge myself. One thing I’ve always loved doing is starting small with a story and expanding the depth, scope and stakes as we progress. With Void Rivals we’ll be going bigger than I ever have and at a much faster pace. This project is going to be monumental. I can’t wait for people to see what Lorenzo and I have cooking."[4]
Sean Mackiewicz, publisher and SVP for Skybound Entertainment, also added, "Void Rivals takes every element fans expect from Skybound comics—incredible worlds, dynamic characters, and jaw-dropping twists—and kicks off our first shared universe. This comic is the start of something we’ll be talking about for years to come."[4]
By the time the first issue was published, Skybound announced the series to be part of the Energon Universe, which combines new comics based on Hasbro brands Transformers and G.I. Joe.[2]
Premise
[edit]Around the Sacred Ring, there is an interplanetary war between planets Agorria and Zertonia. In the middle of this, two survivor enemies get lost on a planetoid and must work together to return home, but they also discover their war is based on a cycle of secrets and lies.[1]
Characters
[edit]Agorrians
[edit]- Darak
- Minister Dulin
- Director Elander
- Handroid
Zertonians
[edit]- Solila
- Keepers of the Light
- Mistress Vill
- Premier Zalilak
- Unifiers
- Kanela
- Ultum
- Proximus
Cybertronians
[edit]- Autobots
- Jetfire
- Hot Rod
- Springer
- Zerta Trion
- Decepticons
- Shockwave
Monacolians
[edit]- Skuxxoid
- Slizardo
- Bosch
- Lord Gyconi
Quintessons
[edit]- Judge
- Prosecutor
- Scientist
- Scorpia
- Allicons
Earthlings
[edit]- Cobra-La
- Golobulus
- Akronus
- Pythona
- Vipria
Other
[edit]- Goliant
Overview
[edit]| Title | Issue(s) | Writer(s) | Artist(s) | Colorist(s) | Premiere date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Void Rivals | 1– | Robert Kirkman | Lorenzo De Felici | Patricio Delpeche Matheus Lopes |
June 14, 2023[1] |
| Energon Universe 2024 Special | One-shot | Daniel Warren Johnson Robert Kirkman Joshua Williamson |
Lorenzo De Felici Ryan Ottley Jason Howard |
Annalisa Leoni Matheus Lopes Mike Spicer |
May 4, 2024 (Free Comic Book Day)[6] |
Reception
[edit]The series received positive reviews, with critics praising the surprising guest appearance of several Transformers characters in each issue.[7]
Collected editions
[edit]| Title | Material collected | Pages | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade paperback | ||||
| Void Rivals, Volume 1: More than Meets the Eye |
|
136 | February 20, 2024 | ISBN 978-1534398184 |
| Void Rivals, Volume 2: Hunted Across the Wasteland |
|
128 | September 3, 2024 | ISBN 978-1534328372 |
| Void Rivals, Volume 3: The Key to Vector Theta |
|
June 10, 2025 | ISBN 978-1534326910 | |
| Deluxe | ||||
| Void Rivals: Deluxe Edition, Book 1 |
|
272 | June 24, 2025 | ISBN 978-1534328242 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d First Comics News (2023-02-24). "ROBERT KIRKMAN & LORENZO DE FELICI LAUNCH A NEW SHARED COMICS UNIVERSE IN VOID RIVALS #1". Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ^ a b Salmon, Will (2023-06-14). "Skybound roll out a new shared Transformers and G.I. Joe universe - and it starts today!". gamesradar. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ^ "REVIEW: Image Comics' Void Rivals #1 is a Monumental Sci-Fi Epic". Comic Book Resources. 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- ^ a b c "Walking Dead Creator's New Series Is an Invincible-style Shared Sci-Fi Universe". CBR. 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ Wigler, Josh (2018-03-06). "'Walking Dead' Creator Begins New Chapter With 'Oblivion Song'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
- ^ Donohoo, Timothy (2023-11-14). "Skybound and Hasbro Announce Transformers and G.I. Joe Special". CBR. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
- ^ "Void Rivals (2023) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
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