In this review of Void Rivals #12, Darak and Solila prepare to go their separate ways. However, there is something afoot as they say their good-byes.
Void Rivals #10
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Art and Main Cover by: Lorenzo De Felici
Colors: Patricio Delpeche
Variant Covers: Stefano Simeone, André Lima, Chris Stevens, Jorge Fornés
Release Date: August 28, 2024
This review contains spoilers
After the events of Void Rivals #10 and Void Rivals #11, one has to wonder what the team of Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici would have in store for Void Rivals #12. True to form, the dynamic duo of the Energon Universe did not fail. As the last issue ended, after repelling the Zertonian forces, Solila made the decision that it was time for she and Darak to go their separate ways. It was a truly rough scene for those who are fans of the duo.
Void Rivals #12 picks up immediately after this as Solila is preparing to make her departure. Darak implores that he should accompany her, but she insists that he return home to tell his people about Energon and the Energon ports on their heads. For Solila, Zerta has foretold everything that has happened thus far. As such, it was up to Darak to prepare his people for what is coming with the Unity.
Meanwhile, Zalilak is admitting failure to his Agorrian counterpart. The tension between the two leaders seem to be increasing, especially with the ego of Dulin, Darak’s father, clouding the relationship more and more. It is also apparent that hatred between the two people stem from the top. What keeps them from tearing each other apart is the secret that they share about the unity of their two cultures. Zalilak departs where he is told about the data on the Energon that the soldier received in issue #11.
Elsewhere, Proximus is hiding while he tends to his wounds. He’s approached by Ultum, the young boy who freed Solila from the Zertonian prison. He’s hiding because he betrayed his friends and others left him behind. He asks if he can join Proximus in hiding.
On a far off planet, Skuxxoid is running for his life after stealing something from Lord Gyconi. He truly hopes that it is worth it. He quickly realizes that it isn’t. I understand that every time Skuxxoid appears in this series, there’s a reason. However, with everything else going on in the issue, Void Rivals #12 would have been perfectly fine without this piece of the story.
Since the Cybertronian reveal in Void Rivals #10, I have been waiting for the next shoe to drop in terms of surprises. We get it in Void Rivals #12 where Kirkman puts Darak and Solila the closest they’ve ever been in the series, but it’s truly more than that.
For Solila, it is time to go. She wishes her travel partner good luck with his people one final time. Ironically, Darak is feeling good about his chances, considering he has Springer in tow. Yet, as Solila begins to walk away, Darak calls out to her one last time. He has a gift for her. Despite the objections, he gives her his Handroid. Solila thinks back to her brother as she bids her friend farewell one final time. This time, however, they come together, allowing their Energon ports to connect. It’s truly a touching moment…
So in yet another reveal that may prove pivotal somewhere down the line, Kirkman and De Felici present a touching connection between Darak and Solila. I truly thought they were about to kiss before their ports connected. Is this how they show affection or if it is something new or a bigger plot twist. It could be either one or both of them. What lends credence to the latter appears right after. Somewhere deep beyond the barrier within the Sacred Ring, something stirs. On first look, it appears to be a planet. But then, it reveals to be something much more as the entity briefly opens its eyes before closing them back. Could this be Zerta?
It’s amazing that in the entirety of the Energon Universe, Kirkman alone can add so many different layers to this one title. If there is any doubt that Void Rivals is the linchpin of the Energon Universe, what has happened since #10 to now should put those doubts to rest. Plus, as already seen, we know the world of G.I. Joe will make their appearance in issue #13 as the inhabitants of Cobra-La make their appearance for the first time.
Finally, a word on the art. Without a doubt, I have loved De Felici’s work on this series. However, on second look… it is getting BETTER. What really struck me in Void Rivals #12 is simply how beautiful Solila looks. I had to go back to be sure. However, from the first issue until now, the warrior’s appearance seems to have become clearer, almost a glow. I don’t know if this is just progress or intentional from a plot point perspective. Whatever it is, I love it.
Final Thoughts
Void Rivals #12 continues to solidify its place as the best book on shelves for this comic reader. Kirkman’s and De Felici’s mastery of storytelling has not slowed down one bit.
Skybound/Image Comics provided The Comic Book Spot with an advance copy of Void Rivals #12 for review purposes. Find more reviews here. If you would like to buy a copy of this title, and help support the Comic Book Spot at the same time, consider purchasing this book at Amazon, My Comic Shop, or from Things From Another World.
