Void Rivals #24: The War to Come

Void Rivals #24 serves as the major conclusion and status quo reset for the series, setting up events for the upcoming Quintesson War storyline. Void Rivals has followed a familiar Robert Kirkman structure, balancing a large overarching plotline with several minor storylines that feel tangentially impactful. This issue is no exception, with the main plot reaching that big status quo reset point while the minor storylines continue largely unaffected by the near-galactic consequences of the potential unity that Darak and Solila prevented. Thankfully, this storyline’s conclusion is as satisfying as it is complementary to what’s to come.

Although many of the lingering plot threads are wrapped up, Void Rivals #24 maintains its identity as an ongoing, complete narrative by keeping many of its mysteries alive. One of the more perplexing ones is what will become of Solila, who defied Zerta Trion and ended up imprisoned by her people. As the issue concludes, the threat of the Quintessons is approaching, making it difficult to see how Solila will factor in moving forward. It doesn’t seem likely that Darak will search for her in the midst of a coming war, so seeing how Kirkman navigates this will be very interesting.

Another ending this issue delivers is the team-up between Darak and his two Autobot companions, Springer and Hot Rod. The appearance of these characters has been one of the major connections between this series and the rest of the Energon Universe, so their departure here hopefully means that the next time these characters reunite, it will include more of the Autobots’ allies. Their exit also spells trouble for the upcoming Quintesson War, especially since the conflict on the Sacred Ring has left both sides in a state of rebuilding.

While the minor plotlines have had little impact on the main story so far, there’s no doubt they’re always fun to check in on each issue. One of the most entertaining parts is the interaction between the Cobra-La agents and Wheelie. Kirkman writes Wheelie in a very comical manner, having him speak in rhymes and constantly crack jokes. This characterization makes the segment a joy to read, although the bigger implication here involves the group Wheelie is often associated with, the Dinobots.

The other minor plotline that gains some momentum here is the adventure of Skuxxoid, who breaks free from his captors and begins building his own army of duplicates. Some theorizing here, but what if this new Skuxxoid army is what allows the protagonists to survive the upcoming onslaught from the Quintessons? As it stands, the forces on the Sacred Ring only have a limited chance of survival thanks to the Energon they now control, so the arrival of an army of Skuxxoids would make for an excellent change of momentum, making this seemingly disconnected side plot far more impactful.