Review of Void Rivals #16

The Awakening Clash in ‘Void Rivals’ #16

Charting the uncharted cosmos can often lead to strange encounters. In the latest issue of "Void Rivals" #16, Skuxxiod stumbles upon a colossal organic beast. This creature towers over him, leaving Skuxxiod with a dilemma. First, he contemplates whether it could serve as a colossal meal. Then, he muses on its intelligence. These fleeting thoughts, however, are interrupted by imminent peril.

Writer Robert Kirkman, known for his space-faring narratives, teams up once again with artist Lorenzo De Felici and colorist Patricio Delpeche. Their continued collaboration fuels the comic with vibrant action over a relatively mundane script. Yet, De Felici and Delpeche manage to elevate these flat moments. Their artistic prowess injects life and energy into the pages.

Showdown with Pythona

Enter Pythona, a formidable adversary with a deadly reputation. Not one to fight alone, she arrives with a squad poised for battle. The stakes are monumental; it’s a confrontation that promises casualties. And while it may seem like a foregone conclusion who’s going to win, the journey to that end is fraught with tension. At the same time, over on Agorria, political intrigue brews. Conspirators hope for unity, but the path there is riddled with complexities.

Multilayered storytelling is Kirkman’s aim, yet he struggles with execution. The unfolding drama on Agorria lacks the expected spark. Skuxxoid and Pythona’s clash leaves a bigger mark, mainly due to stellar artwork overpowering the script’s deficiencies. Kirkman does provide some narrative momentum, but it misses an essential depth.

Visual Dynamics and Artistic Flair

De Felici and Delpeche orchestrate kinetic combat with aplomb. Pythona’s squad strikes with energy electric enough to captivate. De Felici synthesizes grace and force, ensuring each hit resonates. But even his art grapples with the narrative’s drama, giving life to the script’s themes of raw brutality.

Despite brief successful moments, the overarching space opera feels uninspired. The intensity on display lacks emotional gravitas. There’s a significant disconnect, as what’s pivotal to characters remains hidden from readers. "Void Rivals" speeds through conflicts but rarely lets readers delve into its core. Ultimately, the comic crafts an energetic spectacle that only flirts with its potential.

Grade: C