Transformers Confirms the Major Combat Advantage Cybertronians Have Against Everyone But Each Other

WARNING! Potential spoilers ahead for Void Rivals #10The Energon Universe continues its reinvention of the Transformers with Void Rivals #10, and a preview for the issue shows off an advantage that Cybertronians have against other opponents. Skybound’s new publishing initiative was kicked off last year when Void Rivals #1 ended with the surprise appearance of Jetfire, so it’s exciting to see the Energon Universe launch title continuing to expand the Transformers’ lore in the new continuity.

In a preview shared by AIPT, Void Rivals #10 continues the story of Darak and Solila, two soldiers from opposite sides of an intergalactic war who have found themselves working together to survive. After the two escape into the Wastelands of the Sacred Ring, they run across another Cybertronian: the Autobot triple-changer Springer.

Springer winds up saving the pair from the hunter Proximus, who grievously wounded Solila in previous issues. As the preview shows, Proximus has difficulty holding his own against Springer – not only due to the Autobot’s size, but also his ability to completely transform on a whim.

Even The Universe’s Greatest Fighters Don’t Train To Battle Automobiles

Void Rivals #10 – Written By Robert Kirkman; Art By Lorenzo De Felici, Patricio Delpeche & Rus Wooton

Void Rivals #10 extends the Energon Universe’s reconceptualization of Transformers lore, by pointing out their vital advantage over enemies in combat. Autobots and Decepticons are used to fighting each other, so the tactic of switching forms in the midst of battle is something that Cybertronians are used to. A different opponent, like Proximus, is at a disadvantage in that way, beyond even the size differential. Proximus has been shown to be a deadly warrior thus far, but Jetfire is unlike any foe he’s encountered before – no one trains to fight a car, after all.

“It occurs to me a world with such well-trained fighters probably didn’t think to train for fighting vehicles,” Springer says as he transforms into his alt-mode as a futuristic car, completely blindsiding Proximus. Being a triple-changer, Springer has even more of an edge in combat. Springer’s alt-modes – a futuristic car and a helicopter – give him an advantage on land and in the air. Springer has much more versatility in that way, and it’s nice to see the creative team take advantage of all the opportunities that a giant transforming robot provides.

Cybertronians’ Combat Advantage Is More Important Than Ever In The Energon Universe

A Hint Of Things To Come

With Daniel Warren Johnson adding in some pro-wrestling moves to the Transformers’ combat, Skybound’s creators are finding new ways to bring the Robots in Disguise to life in the Energon Universe. Void Rivals has been slowly piecing together a whole cosmology for the Energon Universe, using characters from the Transformers franchise to flesh out Skybound’s publishing initiative. Now that Void Rivals has hinted at deeper connections to the very origins of Cybertron, Skybound has created an intriguing mystery for Transformers fans to follow in the Energon Universe.

Source: AIPT

Void Rivals #10
	Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Lorenzo De Felici Colorist: Patricio Delpeche Letterer: Rus Wooton Cover Artists: Lorenzo De Felici & Patricio Delpeche