Who Is Zerta Trion? Transformers' New Big Bad Transforms Cybertron's Origin Lore

Summary Skybound Entertainment's Void Rivals #10 introduces Zerta-Trion, an ancient Cybertronian character, whose presence in the Energon Universe is yet another radical reimagining of classic Transformers lore.

The introduction of Zerta-Trion could lead to the establishment of the Big Bad of the the Energon Universe; either Zerta-Trion herself, or a more familiar, more dangerous enemy.

Zerta-Trion's connection to the classic continuity figure known as Alpha-Trion, suggests that the character could have some connection to Unicron, setting up a major Transformers mystery, and significantly ratcheting up readers' anticipation for the Energon Universe's ambitious story to continue unfolding.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Void Rivals #10Skybound Entertainment's Void Rivals just set up a major mystery for the Transformers, as an all-new character looks to shake up the Energon Universe in a big way. The war between the Agorrians and Zertonians continues to rage over the Sacred Ring, but new revelations in the latest issue could set up the next big bad of the Energon Universe era of Transformers.

Void Rivals #10 – written by Robert Kirkman, with art by Lorenzo de Felici – picks up the story of Darak and Solila, who was wounded in previous issues. While comatose, Solila is approached by Zerta-Trion, the ancient Cybertronian hinted at in previous issues.

"Zertonians, Agorrians. You are all sleeping. In a sense," Zerta says to Solila, hinting that the two races of the Sacred Ring share a deep connection. Zerta gives Solila a mission, telling her she must venture deep into the Sacred Ring to find Zerta herself.

While there’s no character called “Zerta-Trion” in any previous Transformers media, the name does recall a major figure from the franchise’s past.

Related Transformers Confirms the Major Combat Advantage Cybertronians Have Against Everyone But Each Other Void Rivals #10 shows the advantage that Transformers have over all other combatants, as their unique physiology makes them formidable opponents.

"Zerta-Trion": Void Rivals Sets Up A Massive Transformers Mystery

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

Upon awakening, Solila learns more about Zerta-Trion from Springer, who discerns that the Agorrians and Zertonians have Cybertronian physiology thanks to the Energon ports on their foreheads. Explaining that Zerta-Trion has broken away from Cybertron “shortly after we’d gained independence from out creators,” claiming that “She rebelled against her brethren. She set out to forge a new path.” While there’s no character called “Zerta-Trion” in any previous Transformers media, the name does recall a major figure from the franchise’s past.

“It is a title that denotes wisdom and authority,” Springer continues, referring to the “Trion” name. “Only two of my kind have ever earned its honor.” The other Trion that Springer is referring to is likely Alpha-Trion, one of the oldest Cybertronians in existence. In the classic G1 continuity, Alpha-Trion was once a key member of the rebellion that overthrew the Quintessons and established Cybertron’s independence. Alpha-Trion was also a mentor of one Orion Pax, who he rebuilt into the Autobot leader Optimus Prime.

If fans presume that Zerta-Trion is the opposite of Alpha-Trion, it would be easy to make a connection to Primus’ opposite, the world devouring Unicron.

Void Rivals' "Sacred Ring" Could Have A Connection To Transformers' Greatest Threat

Enter: Unicron

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Given what fans know about Alpha-Trion from previous continuities, certain things can likely be discerned regarding Zerta-Trion in the Energon Universe. Alpha-Trion had a strong connection to Primus, basically the god of the Transformers, whose body eventually became Cybertron. If fans presume that Zerta-Trion is the opposite of Alpha-Trion, it would be easy to make a connection to Primus’ opposite, the world devouring Unicron. Given that the Sacred Ring formed from the remnants of two planets around a black hole, this could set up the arrival of Unicron – who has been associated with black holes in previous continuities.

While this is all little more than speculation at this time, Zerta-Trion’s words to the comatose Solila certainly carry their own foreboding sense of dread. “First, you will awaken,” Zerta says to Solila in Void Rivals #10, before adding: “Then you will awaken the rest. The time of unity draws near.” Now that fans know the Zertonians and Agorrians have Cybertronian physiology, it will be very interesting to discover what other Transformers connections are made in future issues of Void Rivals.

Void Rivals #10 is available now from Skybound Entertainment.

Void Rivals #10 (2024) Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Lorenzo de Felici

Colorist: Patricio Delpeche

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Lorenzo de Felici & Patricio Delpeche