Lyles Movie Files
void rivals #4
Comic Book

Image Comics reviews 9/27/23 – Void Rivals #4

Jeffrey Lyles , , ,

Sure, the Energon Universe connection is probably drawing more eyeballs to the title than it otherwise would, but Void Rivals #4 shows that this title would be fine on its own. Even without the occasional amazing Transformer cameo.

With this issue, writer Robert Kirkman explores the fallout of Solila betraying Darak and handing him over to her superiors. The fun aspect of this is how Kirkman is incredibly patient and thoughtful with plot points he could have rushed through yet is giving space to breathe.

It makes Solila’s actions more meaningful as Darak actually feels hurt and foolish for ever trusting his makeshift ally. And in turn, Solila is having regrets about her decisions even if she knows it was the right thing to do to help her side get the upper hand in the war.

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There’s a fun exchange with Solila and Darak’s handroid, which is another unique aspect of the series. Kirkman subtly works in a little meta-commentary on racism and ignorance when Darak is brought before Solila’s people who have no idea they look the same. But maybe someone else in the upper ranks of the war effort knows that secret as well?

Kirkman establishes a ‘who can you?’ trust dynamic that also applies to this issue’s big cameo. There’s an unpredictability to the guest appearance, but it doesn’t feel wasted with diminishing values.

Artist Lorenzo De Felici keeps doing stellar work in creating the style and Void Rivals aesthetic. It’s always compelling to watch a skilled artist establish the foundation of a new title with the feel and flow of how the characters are posed, the scope of the environment and their place in the world. Throwing in Transformers every so often helps mix that up some as well.

Matheus Lopes’ color work is crisp using brighter colors that avoid blowing out the pages while providing just the right amount of pop as letterer Rus Wooton adds some dynamic sound effects and dialogue along the pages.

Void Rivals #4 has a pretty solid cliffhanger that seems to tease the full direction of the series going forward.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics

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