Image Comics reviews 6/24/26 – Void Rivals 31, Corpse Knight 3

Void Rivals 31

The letter column of Void Rivals 31 reveals that Skuxxoid tied Megatron (!) for the most standalone issues in the Energon Universe. That’s a wild feat but speaks to the depth of this shared universe that a very deep cut character in the Transformers cartoon can emerge as a fan favorite in this new era.

Void Rivals 31 doesn’t immediately pick up the pieces of the Quintesson War. Instead, writer Robert Kirkman focuses on the fate of Skuxxoid, who learned he was not the only Skuxxoid. He’s just one of countless versions that split off from Skuxxoid Alpha, who rules over Skuxxoid Asteroid Base and treated the others like his servants.

Skuxxoid has reached his breaking point after being tortured and tormented as Skuxxoid Alpha sought answers as to how he arrived on the asteroid base. Rallying their respective forces, Skuxxoid challenges Skuxxoid Alpha for his freedom. Kirkman doesn’t play this fight out like readers might expect as it’s filled with several emotional beats. There’s no winner drinking the Energon drips from their defeated foe in Void Rivals 31.

Artist Conor Hughes impressively delivers this issue, which is not easy considering Void Rivals 31 features dozens of characters who are an exact copy of Skuxxoid. Hughes switches up their posture to make the main Skuxxoid stand out while further embellishing Skuxxoid Alpha’s potbelly and beard. Colorist Patricio Delpeche likewise has a similar challenge as Hughes in making subtle coloring changes to make Skuxxoid stand out among dozens of lookalikes. Letterer Rus Wooton doesn’t have the same issues but delivers his usual enthusiastic sound effects and dialogue.

Void Rivals 31 probably shouldn’t work as well as it does, but the creative team delivered a very enjoyable interlude in the Quintesson War fallout.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics

After reading Void Rivals 31, pre-order Void Rivals Volume 5: The Quintesson War in trade paperback at Amazon. 

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.