Void Rivals #18 Review: Zerta, Power-Ups, and Farewells (Spoiler-Free)
The Energon Universe, launched by Skybound and Image Comics through Void Rivals, never stops moving. Each issue weaves intricate plots involving ancient secrets, warring planets, and the sudden appearance of Cybertronians. Following major Cybertron revelations, Void Rivals #18 pivots, fulfilling the promise: “At long last… ZERTA!” This spoiler-free review, based on official information and preview pages, delves into the arrival of Void Rivals 18 Zerta focus, Solila’s potential power boost, and a significant creator farewell. As keen observers of this unfolding universe, we’re excited by these developments, though bittersweet about the departure of Lorenzo De Felici after this issue.
Void Rivals 18 Zerta: Power Plays and Prophecies
While Darak and Solila have been our primary viewpoint characters, the forces shaping their worlds loom large. The synopsis promised Zerta, and the preview pages immediately deliver, showing Premiere Zalilak undergoing painful trials seemingly orchestrated by this mysterious entity or force. Zalilak appears to embrace this pain as a gift, thanking Zerta before claiming the Zertonian throne from Proximus. This immediately establishes high stakes and a potential new leadership dynamic on Zerton.
Meanwhile, on Agorria, the political intrigue continues. Darak confronts his father, Minister Dulin, about the “sacred texts” used to keep their people apart from Zertonians. Dulin justifies the secrecy as necessary for survival, even as Darak grapples with their new alliance and the imprisonment of Director Elander. Elander, from his cell, warns Darak that the Zertonians have already operationalized the Energon well technology Darak brought back, potentially shifting the power balance significantly. Robert Kirkman masterfully juggles these plot threads, building tension across different fronts. The dedicated fanbase following this series knows to expect these complex character dynamics and political maneuvers. You can find more official details on the Image Comics release page and see visual hints in available previews online.
De Felici’s Farewell: Art in Void Rivals 18 Zerta
This issue holds extra significance as it marks Lorenzo De Felici’s final contribution (for now) to the series he co-created. His distinctive art style, brought to life with Patricio Delpeche’s colors, has been fundamental to Void Rivals‘ identity. The preview pages showcase their continued excellence. We see the anguish on Zalilak’s face during his trial, the imposing architecture of Zertonian power, and the subtle emotional conflict in Darak’s expressions.
A major visual element teased is Solila’s interaction with Vector Theta. It appears Solila is granted significant power, potentially command over the Sacred Ring itself, depicted through dynamic energy effects and a transformed appearance. De Felici and Delpeche handle these cosmic moments with flair, blending character emotion with sci-fi spectacle. Their detailed artwork, including the series’ consistently detailed artwork on covers, has built a believable, lived-in universe. While Conor Hughes is set to take over art duties next issue, De Felici’s departure makes this issue’s visuals particularly noteworthy. The entire creative team, including letterer Rus Wooton and editor Ben Abernathy, under the Skybound Entertainment banner, has established a high standard. This issue seems poised to deliver visually, especially as the Energon Universe continues to expand, as seen in promotions like the Energon Universe Special 2025 First Look.
Conclusion: Shifting Tides and Sad Goodbyes
Void Rivals #18 is shaping up to be a landmark issue. The promised focus on Void Rivals 18 Zerta arrives alongside significant character developments for Zalilak and Solila, potentially altering the course of the Agorrian/Zertonian conflict. Kirkman continues to expertly weave character drama with universe-altering events, while the art team delivers stunning visuals for what marks Lorenzo De Felici’s final issue. This issue feels packed with consequence – a new power dynamic on Zerton, a potentially super-powered Solila appearing before Minister Dulin, and the lingering threat of the “sacred texts”. It’s a must-read for Energon Universe fans and a fitting, visually impressive send-off for De Felici’s foundational run on the series.
What impact will Zerta and Solila’s new power have? Let us know your predictions on our Twitter page!
