G.I. JOE #15 (IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)
A failed assassination attempt. An unlikely pairing.
When Destro manipulated Ripper into trying to kill Cobra Commander, he thought this would be an easy win. Little did he know Duke would be watching the events. After saving the Cobra leader, they are now on the run from a vengeful Dreadnok squad looking for payback.
It can’t get any worse for the “Energon Odd Couple” right? Right?
G.I. Joe #15 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire & Rus Wooten treks forward with the latest installment of the Dreadnok War! Rich and I are teaming up for this Energon Universe review.
Let’s take a closer look at how things shape up now.
G.I. Joe #15 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire & Rus Wooten( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY:
Rich: As the Dreadnok War continues the emotional damage between both sides becomes more apparent. Joshua Williamson does a fantastic job of keeping the story on the track, well at the same time growing the lore and pushing the envelope with the action. The unlikely pairing is really starting to grow on one another and on the reader as well. Williamson always pushes the story forward, well adding more and more crazy things. The Dreadnok war has been a kick ass addition to not just this series, but also to the greater Energon Universe.
Ken: What a tangled web Duke has become entangled in. Williamson throws him into a deep pit of trying to fight an impossible fight. On one level, He struggles with Road Pig. Their confrontation is very short lived. It is what happens next that sells the internal conflict at hand.
Readers watch as he begins to address his “partner in crime”. Their dialogue unveils a few looks. Duke’s distrust of the Transformers is clear. His handling of a changing world causes mistrust. Seeing a new side of the Commander only complicates. There is no give on the Corba lead. The banter is well placed in keeping their cards close to the vest. It mirrors the moves being made by Destro and General Hawk as well. Williamson throws in some breaks with Road Pig and the Dreadnok to space the mood out. It leaves events heading in another direction. One that the G.I. Joe leader isn’t ready to walk.
ART:
Rich: The artwork in this issue demonstrates a high level of quality, engaging readers with visual storytelling. Tom Reilly distinguishes himself through unique character designs and notable background illustrations. His depiction of action sequences effectively conveys the intensity associated with war. In addition, Jordie Bellaire enhances each page through meticulous color choices. Collectively, these visual elements contribute significantly to an immersive reading experience.
Ken: Reilly and Bellaire give fans a healthy dose of hard hitting action to open with. Duke’s fight with Road Pig is short lived but establishes the latest threat. It leads into a dramatic face-off between “frienemies”. Bellaire’s coloring gives the panels a horror feel as the dialogue starts. How Reilly presents an unmasked Commander is extremely well done. Nothing is full blown revealed, teasing more secrets.
This plays off the Pig/Dreadnok interactions well. Readers see how Road Pig is handling Ripper and Buzzer. It is a role reversal after how events started when they check in on Duke. One moment will throw the calm times off. Reilly unleashes a restrained Commander via half page panel. This moves into a solid two page spread to head to closing. The final panel teases more involvement in an already combustible situation. Let’s Go!
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Rich: G.I Joe #15 delivers dynamic action sequences that stand out within contemporary comics. Coupled with a well-crafted narrative that continues to evolve, this title demonstrates strong appeal as both an individual issue and as part of the series. Based on its quality and impact, this book is highly recommended for readers visiting comic shops this week.
Ken: The Dreadnok War gets heated as Duke searches for answers he may not like to find. Williamson pens a slower paced interaction between the enemies. Reilly and Bellaire mix in great action with a deeper espionage game in play. This series continues to be a must-read with every issue.
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe #15 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
