by Joe Schickman, Reporter

Official Synopsis:
After the jaw-dropping reveal in the debut issue, everything Darak and Solila thought they knew about the Sacred Ring’s never-ending war has changed. To deliver the truth back home they must first get off this deadly planet-by any means necessary.

Creative Team: 
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
Colorist: Mathues Lopes
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Cover A: Lorenzo De Felici
Cover B: Nick Robles
Cover C: Mindy Lee
Cover D: Karen S. Darboe
Cover E: Tula Lotay

The mystery which took months building intrigue is out, and we can safely say we are ecstatic for the shared “Energon Universe”. After seeing Jetfire take flight at the end of the premier issue of Void Rivals, we know that bigger things are in store for this series and the new comic universe. To get us there, Darak and Solila had to learn to work together, but can they finish their task and find a way off this planet? Complicating matters, Darak’s mission-launch to find water introduced us to the adversarial demeanor his people have towards Solila’s, and the dire situation both Agorrians and Zertonians face as they compete for dwindling resources. The vision Darak references in the first issue is revealed, and it seems before the long years of war their peoples possessed a purposeful peace. But since then, they’ve only been taught hate and distrust.  Can these two overcome the lies and obfuscation compounded generation after generation? Can they continue getting along while on the way home, knowing that their temporary alliance will be immediately denounced by their respective homeworlds? And what further revelations will this shared universe drop on us next? Read till the end to find out!

The creative team behind Void Rivals #2 have done it again! Without giving too much away, the cliffhanger reveal at the end of this issue is a treat for any Transformers fan. I’ve also genuinely enjoyed the budding relationship between Darak and Solila, interspersed with a little witty AI Banter with Handroid. Humor tempers their abysmal predicament, and the message of transcending superficial differences is well done and widely applicable. The anciently futuristic vibe of the aesthetic fits perfectly in this expanded universe, and the unique design of the characters lends itself well to both contemporary comic fans, and those who grew up in the eighties and are looking for a little fun nostalgia. 

Whether you are a fan of the source material, or just looking for a quality comic with the above referenced themes, Void Rivals #2 scratched that itch nicely. There’s action, adventure, humor, disillusionment, self doubt, compassion, and danger.  My only real critique is that my impatience is flexing, and I am eagerly awaiting to see how the grander universe will unfold, how our protagonists will fit into it, and which of our other favorite characters they’ll meet along the way. 

[Rating 3.5/5]

ComicsOnline gives Void Rivals #2 – 3.5 out of 5 Energon Cubes.

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