VOID RIVALS #31 (SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT/IMAGE COMICS)

The Quintesson War is over & the Energon Universe will never be the same!

One EU character that has had his own personal battles is Skuxxoid. The famous bounty hunter has done the unthinkable. He has mobilized his own group of Liberators. Their mission is to overthrow Skuxxoid Alpha.

That is easier said than done.

Void Rivals #31 By Robert Kirkman, Conor Hughes, Patricio Delpeche & Rus Wooton (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics) sees the battle of the Skuxxoids!

Let’s take a closer look at who’s left standing at the end of this one.

Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Coming off the heels of a major event, a detour to the Skuxxoid civil war is a welcomed change. The emotions start early with the writing. With freedom in the discussion, Skuxxoid’s charge has some merit behind it. His conversation withSkuxxoid Alpha is gruff as both sides refuse to yield. This leads into a closer battle as fans watch to see the victor rise to the throne. The overcome is very different than expected.

Kirkman keeps escalating events with every line spoken. There is clear rage behind Skuxxoid’s onslaught. It leads to a shocking revelation that changes all dynamics. The moment lets all the air out of the scenes. A somber aura of shock and sadness cut through the pages. This leads into an unexpected resolution. The writing provides more depth into the brutish hunter. Readers watch as a new day dawns onto the Skuxxoids but not without remorse. The closing pages cement a heart lurks inside a warrior when you least expect it. A great twist into what looked like a standard comic fight blueprint.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Hughes returns to art duties for this showdown. The initial assault conveys the hope of a new day. It is met with a pair of incredible two page spreads of Alpha waiting for his challenger. Panels speed into battle as the fight grows with each strike. Even when a lone voice of reason speaks up, it never sways the rush of combat. Tempers never simmer as a full page shot ushers in the next round of violence.

Readers watch as the trail by force opens up some deeply sewn scars. Skuxxoid’s pent-up feelings about a subject close to home pour out on the pages. It is met with a strong near-full page response. It offers the audience a more vulnerable look at how these warriors actually are. The result turns into an impactful two page spread. This sets up the closing act rather nicely. Panels show the fallout as a new day is dawn. The chapter closes with a more personal look at the high cost of truth and freedom. A solid ending that wasn’t expected at all

FINAL GRADE: 8.4

Skuxxoid battles for ultimate freedom but is he ready for the heavy cost it brings? Kirkman takes readers into a deceptive look at how grounded the bounty hunter can be. Hughes and Delpeche provide an equally balanced portion of action and emotions. The Energon Universe keeps fans’ attention locked in on the ever-expanding stories this line is known for.

Let me know your thoughts on Void Rivals #31 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!