Void Rivals issue 8

Years ago, Solila and her younger brother Polada are sold by their mother to become warriors of Zertonia. Distraught, Polada cries to his sister that he wants to go home, but Solila slaps him, telling him he can't show weakness. Polada strikes back at her in a fury, yelling that he isn't weak. The siblings continue to fight, impressing their new superior officers...

In the present, Darak and Solila continue their journey across the wastelands. Solila tells Darak that there is someone Zalilak could send after them, if he were reckless enough. Handroid suggests the two make camp for the night, and Solila asks what awaits them in the center of the wastes. Darak says his memory is hazy, but calls it an oasis of sorts.

As the rivals continue their journey, they hear a faint whistling approaching them. An energy arrow lands in front of them and explodes. Solila panics as she sees Proximus approach. The pair try to fend off the hunter, but Solila tells Darak to simply run, as she doesn't believe either can survive facing Proximus. Darak refuses; what kind of hero would he be if he ran? Unfortunately, his bravado is met with a swift kick from Proximus, knocking him out. Proximus seems to recognize Solila, but continues his attack. With Darak still unconcious, Handroid fires at Proximus to distract him, allowing Solila to impale him on her spear, infuriating Proximus. As he begins to choke her in retaliation, a solar windstorm picks up, sending all three careening across the land. As the winds sweep the two rivals away, Proximus removes the spear from his chest and hurls it into the wind.

Darak wakes up, hopeful that the winds have taken Proximus away from them. Handroid confirms this, and detects Solila nearby. Darak searches for her and finds her in a nearby rock formation… impaled upon her own spear!

Featured characters

Characters in italic text appear only in flashbacks.
(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Agorrians	Zertonians	Others
Darak (3)	Polada (1) Solila (2) Proximus (5)	Handroid (4)

Quotes

"Run! That's the only way you survive this. If I manage to get away from him--I'll find you!"
"Then what kind of hero would I be?"
"An alive one."

—Solila and Darak

Notes

Continuity notes

Solila invokes Zerta, the deity of the Zertonians who has been frequently mentioned throughout the series ever since issue #2.

Real-world references

Proximus being an archer with arrows that can change trajectory mid-air calls to mind Yondu Undonta from Marvel Comics.
The rendering of his arrows' energy trails is reminiscent of the Omega Effect used by DC Comics' Darkseid.

Covers (6)

Cover A: Proximus attacks Darak and Solila, by Lorenzo De Felici.
Cover B: Darak and Solila run from the visage of Proximus, by Fran Galán.
Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive): Proximus grasps his prey by their necks, by André Lima Araújo and Chris O'Halloran.
Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive): Solila stares down Proximus, by Qistina Khalidah.
Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive): Proximus fires from his bow, by Rod Reis.

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Explore the Energon Universe in Transformers #7, Cobra Commander #4, and Duke #5.

Reprints

Void Rivals Volume 2: Hunted Across the Wasteland (September 18, 2024) ISBN 1534328378 / ISBN 978-1534328372
- Collects issues #7–12.
- Trade paperback format.