Void Rivals#13 is written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image. Artwork is by Lorenzo De Felici, colours by Patricio Delpeche and letters by Rus Wooten. Main cover art (left) is by Lorenzo De Felici and Mattia Iulis.
Void Rivals #13 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon ComiXology UK right here.
Synopsis
NEW STORY ARC
Pythona of Cobra-La ventures deep into space. Will her mission spell certain doom for the Void Rivals?
Review
It has been two long months since Robert Kirkman left us in despair as Darak and Sollia were made to go their separate ways. We’re now back with Void Rivals #13, and we’ve got to remind the readers that this is part of the Energon Universe. While this series opened up with Jetfire, a Transformer, and we’ve had numerous mentions of Energon, the planet Cybertron, and the Quintessons, there has been no mention of G.I. Joe or that side of the universe—until this issue, which finally decides to pick up on the threads that were left in Cobra Commander #5.
The issue opens with Pythona being taunted by Golobulus for failing to find the home world of the Cybertronians, being called a “failure” and a “pathetic child.” Thankfully, it’s a dream, but there seems to be some truth to it. She still hasn’t found their home planet, and it’s clear from just the first spread that it’s eating away at her. These thoughts are not only about what she worries about hearing if she fails; it’s also what she thinks of herself.
Sollia has wasted no time and is traversing the inner workings of the Sacred Ring in hope of finding Zerta, someone we might’ve gotten a glimpse of on the last pages of the previous issue. Handroid is now with Sollia after Darak lent him to her, and so far, it’s a dynamic that I do enjoy, with Sollia being headstrong and Handroid providing the comedic relief that is needed in a moment like this. But as expected, Sollia requests for him to talk less. I can only hope this is not a request that ruins this hilarious dynamic.
It’s not a Void Rivals issue if there isn’t an appearance from Skuxxoid. He doesn’t stay that long, as he’s only around for a page, and although it may seem suspicious that he doesn’t care for receiving payment, it goes deeper than that. Robert Kirkman has always proven with his work that he’ll find the time to flesh out every character. Even in this small panel, with barely any words, there’s a lot being said, and Lorenzo De Felici portrays the emotion well with Skuxxoid, as we remember that his family has left him—the people that probably led him to this bounty hunting job in the first place. I may possibly be reading too deeply into it, and there’s a possibility that Kirkman is throwing me off.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for: Darak has arrived back at home and is now face to face with his father, Dulin. The conversation can go as you expect, but this runs side by side with Zalilak having a conversation with Mistress Zil. Darak and Sollia discovered the secret of the century—that their people are the same—but there’s still more to the mystery and what scares them about the thought of unity.
Verdict
Void Rivals #13 has introduced Cobra-La into the fold of this story, with Pythona featuring on the cover. However, she doesn’t have as much relevance compared to the rest of the issue. While it’s nice to see a greater connection to the Energon Universe, I do wish Kirkman had focused more on Pythona in this issue. I’m sure we’ll gradually learn more about her and the schemes she is involved in as the series progresses.
⭐⭐⭐.5
