Void Rivals Deluxe Edition Book One

by Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici (illustrator), Mat Lopes (illustrator)

In the Energon Universe, a relentless war engulfs the Sacred Ring, where remnants of two worlds clash around a black hole. When pilots Darak and Solila, bitter rivals, crash on a desolate planet, they embark on an unexpected journey. What sinister forces lie ahead? Can these enemies set aside their differences to face them together?

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

280 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.

Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.

In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great start to this series!

Two reasons I started reading the energon universe books: I wanted to see what Kirkman was currently writing and I’ve been wanting to check out transformers for a while. And then finding out Kirkman new series is set in a universe with transformers? Sold.

As far as this story goes it lays the groundworks really well of the world, I liked both of the main characters and I’m invested in what’s to come now. Looking forward to what comes next!

[Matt Quann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! I read this in a single sitting. The folks at the local comic shop have been pushing me to try the Energon Universe, but I wanted to wait for some nicer deluxe editions that have more story and physical durability.

This has me pumped! Transformers and GI Joe are not properties that I really resonate with aside from playing with my kids. Turns out with Kirkman at the helm I’m in for an exciting sci fi adventure.

Great stuff, starting Transformers immediately!

[Hugh Pfabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid start to a new series and a new universe.

It's a quick read, but fun. The story definitely hits a lot of cliches, and I don't think most readers will be surprised by much of anything, except for which characters to chosen to appear. Those characters, really, are the reason to be here. It's a big nostalgia ride, with some major characters appearing, as well as a number who only had small parts in an episode or two in the 80s.

Good start, but I hope the story will become more interesting to keep me around for more than nostalgia.

[Chris Greensmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You remind me of my brother.
Oh...thanks.
No, that's not a good thing I dont want you to end up as he did."

[Chris Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had low to no expectations for this book. I absolutely loved it. The only reason it isn’t 5 stars is because comics like Saga and Descender exist. Would highly recommend along with the latest transformers book. The hardcover format is beautiful and gives a really satisfying chunk of a story.

[James Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept hearing how great this series is and how impressively this entire new Energon universe is coming together, but yeah, it's not for me. The ideas are great, but it's a little soft, and the story doesn't progress that far for 12 issues.

I really just wanted to see how GI Joe reads as an adult, so I should've just started there.

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a new series that clearly loves Transformers. I didn't even know about this until I saw the news about an animated show about it. I love Transformers, G. I. Joe, and Invincible. Getting this was a no brainer. I can't wait to read Transformers tomorrow. I read this straight through in 90 minutes the same day I got it.

[Al Capwned · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lot better than I expected it to be. Let's see what the rest of the Energon Universe holds.

[Brandon Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t believe i have to wait til June for book 2!