WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Void Rivals #9A fan-favorite Transformers character just made their debut in the pages of Void Rivals, and it could lead to a major storyline in the Energon Universe. Void Rivals was the title that kicked off Skybound’s new shared universe of Hasbro properties, shocking the world when the first issue ended with the surprise appearance of the Transformer Jetfire – and it continues to play a pivotal role in expanding the universe.

Void Rivals #9 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Lorenzo De Felici – continues the story of Darak and Solila, two warriors from opposite sides in a bitter interstellar conflict. After being thrown together by circumstance, the two find themselves under attack by the Zertonian hunter Proximus.

Solila is badly hurt in the ensuing battle, and Void Rivals #9 finds the two seeking shelter in a structure they’ve found in the wastelands. There, they encounter the Autobot Springer, a triple-changer who first appeared in 1986’s Transformers: The Movie.

Autobot Springer Is The Latest To Debut In The Energon Universe

Void Rivals #9 – Written By Robert Kirkman; Art By Lorenzo De Felici, Patricio Delpeche & Rus Wooton

As a Transformer with the alternate modes of a helicopter and a futuristic car, Springer has always been a valued member of the Autobots. He quickly proves an equally valuable ally for Darak and Solila, as he protects the two when Proximus comes after them. This is where artist Lorenzo De Felici truly shines; the battle in Void Rivals #9 is a jaw-dropping display of visual storytelling prowess. The creative team shows how a human-sized warrior can hold their own against the much larger Transformers – which could be a preview of things to come when the G.I. Joe team gets involved.

The arrival of Springer also coincides with the reveal that the Sacred Ring of Void Rivals might have a connection to ancient Cybertron, tying the origin of the Transformers to Kirkman and De Felici’s new title. With the previous introduction of Hot Rod in the Free Comic Book Day Energon Universe Special, it sounds like Void Rivals will continue to be a key title for the EU moving forward. Hot Rod claimed to be searching for an ally who had gone off to learn a secret that could save Cybertron, so it would easy to assume that ally is Springer.

Springer Will Play A Large Role in the Energon Universe

With so many significant storylines being set up, it certainly seems like the Energon Universe is going to have an even bigger year than the first. Megatron has broken free of his imprisonment from Cobra-La, the G.I. Joe team has been tasked with hunting down Transformers, and the Decepticons are building a bridge from Cybertron to Earth. All of these disparate stories seem to be leading to major storylines for 2024, perhaps even the Energon Universe’s first major crossover. Now that Springer has joined the cast of Void Rivals, the Energon Universe era of Transformers continues to grow in exciting new ways that must not be missed.