by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

Over the last few months, we’ve been hearing rumblings about Void Rivals, the next title from Robert Kirkman (the mastermind behind The Walking Dead and Invincible) and Lorenzo De Felici (Oblivion Song) at Skybound Entertainment & Image Comics, which was being touted as the “next big thing” in comics. With Kirkman’s name attached, it’s not surprising that a title would garner attention from the industry, but everything being shared with retailers and press felt…different. 

Official Synopsis:

The blockbuster OBLIVION SONG team of ROBERT KIRKMAN & LORENZO DE FELICI debut the biggest new comic book series of 2023 with the launch of AN ALL-NEW SHARED UNIVERSE and a SURPRISE you won’t see coming!

War rages around the Sacred Ring where the last remnants of two worlds have collapsed around a black hole in a never-ending war.

However when pilot Darak and his rival Solila both crash on a desolate planet these two enemies must find a way to escape together. But are they alone on this strange planet? And what dark forces await that threaten the entire universe?

Creative Team:

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
Colorist: Matheus Lopes
Letterer: Rus Wooton

For years, Robert Kirkman has taught readers to “expect the unexpected”. Despite knowing Kirkman’s penchant for surprises (Robert, I’m still not over Carl being shot in the face), there is absolutely no way that anyone could have predicted the massive twist in the launch of Void Rivals #1. Not only does this issue launch a new series with its own respective characters, but it acts as a stealth launch for a surprising new expanded universe.

Early access was granted to retailers and press to promote the book, but the entire back half was “redacted”. The first pages were solid from both a story and art standpoint, but I was still waiting for the big moment to hit. Thanks to our friends at Skybound, I’ve had the honor of reading the full un-redacted copy. Without spoiling anything, I can confidently say that no one could have predicted THIS shocking development. The implications of the story elements introduced in Void Rivals are simply staggering.

Unlike traditional comic book launches, the Skybound/Image marketing teams at took a stealth approach to this book, and I am truly shocked that these secrets didn’t get out in advance. Frankly, this marketing choice was just brilliant, and it will surely make Void Rivals and these publishers the talk of the industry for the coming months. 

We live in an age of spoilers. Do yourself a favor and call your Local Comic Store to ask them to pull a copy of Void Rivals #1. Read this on your own as soon as possible so you can have the full experience. Void Rivals is start of something big in the comic world, and I’m thankful that the surprises weren’t revealed in advance. 

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Void Rivals #1 – 5/5 moments to shock the comic industry.