Image Comics reviews 5/22/24 – Cobra Commander #5, Void Rivals #9
Void Rivals #9
After their encounter with Proximus, Darak and Solila are desperately searching for sanctuary. They might have found it in the unlikely form of the Autobot Triple Changer, Springer.
Always a fan favorite, Springer’s arrival is a welcome one. Robert Kirkman writes him like the competent, confident Autobot whose got better things to do tonight than die. That comes in handy when Proximus makes his return setting up an unlikely battle between Autobot and assassin. One that might not play out as simple as expected.
Beyond the main story, Kirkman does a brief, but somber look-in on Skuxxoid. It seems clear Kirkman has big plans for the character. Possibly involving pairing him with the two leads. Meanwhile, the Quintessons are learning of the return of a new presence — one that has them terrified of even hearing its name.
Artist Lorenzo De Felici is so versatile. He’s able to make these thrilling action sequences and shift to a heartfelt, emotional moment the next. Regardless of the scenario, De Felici always delivers. It seems weird to make a big deal of an artist staying on a title for nine issues, but that’s not the norm these days. And De Felici is establishing a consistent look for Void Rivals, which is vital for a new title.
Colorist Patricio Delpeche has also set up a steady color palette of rich oranges and deep purples. That’s not a typical color combination, helping to keep the look distinct. And also allowing a character like Springer with green and yellows to stand out immediately. Letterer Rus Wooton always creatively stages the sound effects and unique dialogue boxes and fonts for the various races and species at play.
Again, the only minor complaint with Void Rivals is the characters and main plot is strong enough to not need the Transformers’ cameos. Undoubtedly, it’s cool seeing characters like Springer randomly show up to illustrate this Energon Universe is all connected, but Void Rivals is fully capable of standing on its own.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Photo Credit: Image Comics