As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for nostalgia-laced adventures, I must say that the arrival of G.I. Joe #1 is like finding a long-lost friend from my childhood. This comic book series has always been close to my heart, and this new addition to the Energon Universe is nothing short of spectacular.
The Energon Universe has been an extraordinary spectacle to behold, and its scope keeps broadening with the much-awaited debut of G.I. Joe #1. Following four exceptional mini-series centered around characters such as Duke, Cobra Commander, Destro, and Scarlett, it’s now time for the team to unite and dive headfirst into action, which is precisely what G.I. Joe #1 accomplishes. Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire, and Rus Wooton have infused the series with thrilling action and towering stakes while nurturing the crucial connections and personalities that make the series and the franchise as a whole so endearing. G.I. Joe strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and traditional ideas alongside contemporary themes, marking a promising start for the series.
A Team Effort
One delightful aspect of reading a G.I. Joe comic is the abundance of characters to select, and there’s a timeless charm to the initial lineup of the team. Duke teams up with Rock ‘N Roll, Stalker, Cover Girl, and Clutch, but it’s Baroness who throws an unexpected twist into the story right from the start. Baroness introduces a dose of unpredictability that brings excitement and tension to the group dynamic.
In essence, Williamson’s character serves as the cornerstone for the team and the book, as he is the one individual who truly grasps the significance of the situation and has a deep, personal connection to it. Duke’s composed demeanor also allows other characters to stand out more vividly, although ideally, there could be an additional character with a more prominent personality in the group.
To sum it up, I’d like to point out a minor detail: The current team members all bring unique strengths, be it their skills or camaraderie. Initially, I didn’t think Clutch was essential, but he’s quickly grown on me and is now one of my favorites. Moreover, Reilly, Bellaire, and Wooton excel in the team’s opening segment, providing a glimpse into each character’s style, personality, and backstory within just two panels for each.
[RELATED: Scarlett #1 Review: One G.I. Joe Icon Begins the Energon Era in Style]
The Villains and the Wildcard
The film’s engine wouldn’t be complete without its villains too, as they play an essential role in crafting this tale. Cobra Commander has never seemed more intimidating, and his encounters with Destro are among the highlights. In the end, both factions meet in a pulse-pounding battle that covers all angles, transitioning from intense hand-to-hand combat to grandiose skirmishes atop a Cobra F.A.N.G. reminiscent of the animated series.
That’s preceded by one of the sleekest throwdowns in recent memory, as the newest franchise addition Risk goes full John Wick and owns a security force with nothing but his fists. The fight is depicted in alternating swaths of bright purples and yellows and stands out from everything else in the issue, which is impressive given the already high bar in place. Topping things off is an ending that looks to shatter any preconceived notions you have about the book or its cast, and it will be interesting to see how that develops moving forward.
Issue 1 of G.I. Joe perfectly encapsulates the essence of the franchise we love and pays homage to its origins. It manages to keep the series fresh while maintaining the contemporary themes and narratives that fans have grown accustomed to in the Energon Universe. Whether you’re an old fan or newcomer, G.I. Joe #1 is a great place to start, and I’m excited about where the story goes next!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Credits: Skybound and Image Comics for Publishing
I’d love to hear your thoughts about the first issue of G.I. Joe! We can discuss everything related to G.I. Joe and comics together. You can find me on Threads, Twitter (@mattaguilarcb), or on Bluesky (@knightofoa) for more conversations!
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2024-11-14 03:09