G.I. Joe #6 Review: One Big Showdown Sets the Stage for the Future of the Energon Universe

by

The blasting-off and continued triumph of the Energon Universe at Image Comics is among the most impressive comic book successes of the 2020s. From the initial whiff of Transformers’ comeback in Void Rivals to the gradual evolution of G.I. Joe from four miniseries, each new chapter has sparked excitement and produced some fantastic comics. When G.I. Joe #1 dropped, readers had been eagerly waiting for over a year and were already well-versed about many of its main characters. However, that issue felt like the team was still finding their rhythm; it wasn’t until the conclusion of the first story arc in G.I. Joe #6 that the series settled back into its familiar groove.

In this rendition, “G.I. Joe #6” is published by Image Comics and penned by Joshua Williamson, with illustrations by Tom Reilly, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and lettering by Rus Wooton. This final installment of the initial story arc for “G.I. Joe” sees the first confrontation between G.I. Joe and Cobra reaching its dramatic climax in Washington, D.C. Duke and Cobra Commander engage in a fierce battle while Doctor Monev’s Brainwave Bomb jeopardizes the entire city. Simultaneously, both factions scramble to escape before the weapon explodes. This issue marks the beginning of numerous future conflicts and forever changes the balance in the Image Comics Energon Universe.

Duke and Cobra Commander Take Center Stage

Both G.I. Joe and Cobra Are Well Established at the End of G.I. Joe’s First Story

In issue #6 of G.I. Joe, the narrative takes a triumphant turn, zeroing in on the initial confrontation between Duke and Cobra Commander, a clash that puts the U.S. Capitol at risk. This pivotal encounter is intended to evoke epic feelings, setting the stage for the series’ defining rivalry. Williamson has been layering sub-plots and plot twists throughout earlier issues to lead up to this moment. However, he skillfully structured the story so that most events were resolved in G.I. Joe #5, leaving only the final moments for a dramatic showdown between Duke and Cobra Commander with the ticking bomb as their backdrop.

Yet, it’s Cobra Commander who steals the limelight with a wicked soliloquy, reminiscent of the “we aren’t so unlike” style. Though his words don’t stir much empathy for his argument, they serve as a platform where Tom Reilly skillfully compares their past events in a captivating montage. In the grand scheme of the Energon Universe, Duke and Cobra Commander, despite their contrasting leadership styles, prove to be formidable adversaries, engaging in intense battles until the end.

The continuous narrative carries a sense of nostalgia, primarily due to its frequent references and adaptations of classic G.I. Joe themes across numerous comic book stories. The presentation is contemporary, and the characters are typically portrayed with greater depth, yet G.I. Joe retains the clear-cut morality and high-stakes confrontations between righteousness and wickedness that define its core essence. Characters like Duke and Cobra Commander lack complex moral dilemmas; instead, they embody the classic roles of the hero and villain respectively. This black-and-white portrayal permeates throughout the comic, as Cobra’s adversaries slip away and the Joes execute one more ingenious tactic from their arsenal.

One Enormous Action Sequence Defines G.I. Joe #6

Even When the Ensembles Aren’t Emphasized, They Play a Key Role

Despite the detailed conversation between Duke and Cobra Commander, there’s no shortage of thrilling action as they clash over Washington D.C.’s destiny. When Williamson introduced Cobra Commander, it was evident from G.I. Joe #6 that the writer had accomplished something remarkable. The rooftop battle between them is certain to leave a lasting impact on long-time G.I. Joe readers. It’s a brutal fight where every move counts in a skillfully choreographed scene by Reilly.

In G.I. Joe #6, the focus is primarily on Duke and Cobra Commander, yet their respective teams aren’t sidelined. The narrative moves at a fast-paced, action-packed blockbuster speed, with both main and secondary action sequences unfolding. Reilly continues to shine as the series’ leading figure in an issue brimming with intense combat scenes. While the moral lesson might be straightforward, the results are not, as they play out in nail-biting back-and-forth exchanges.

In a concise manner, Reilly gives significance to the post-issue events through his exceptional character designs that are both memorable and expressive. With minimal dialogue, he effectively portrays unique reactions from each member of Duke’s team, enhancing the emotional aspects that deeply connect with the characters on the page. Moreover, Reilly reserves his most striking plot twist for this issue’s dramatic ending – a cliffhanger certain to spark conversations among Engeron Universe readers. It is an impressive display, and I’ll stop here without giving away too much.

In issue #6 of G.I. Joe, fans might not be taken aback by the events unfolding, except perhaps for the cliffhanger, but there’s a solid explanation. This is the inaugural issue where the team reassembles in their classic configuration, ready to engage with Cobra in a global struggle for the world’s destiny. The leaders are at the helm, making it a significant milestone for the entire Energon Universe series. The storyline culminates in an epic battle, marking the grand finale of sorts. With Tom Reilly’s consistently impressive illustrations, it offers another thrilling comic book journey, as always.

Read More

2025-04-23 21:51