G.I. JOE #17 (IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)
It’s the end of the road for Cobra Commander…or is it?
The failed assassination attempt orchestrated by Destro has led the COBRA leader to find unlikely help. Unlikely is an understatement. The help is in the form of DUKE! It resulted in new directions for the pair. Duke has reunited with his team and looks to bring in the Commander. They have competition in the Dreadnoks, who look to fulfill their deal. Who will be left standing in the end?
G.I. Joe #17 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire & Rus Wooten delivered the incredible conclusion to the Dreadnok War!
Let’s not wait another second and dive into the arc finale!
G.I. Joe #17 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire & Rus Wooten( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson unveils what truly defines Cobra Commander with this issue. For having his back against the wall this entire arc, he finds a way to survive. like a true snake, he’s not afraid to shed skin to transform himself. The opening sequence sees him morph into illusionist from periled prisoner. Seeing how the Commander manipulates the Dreadnoks so quickly showcases his cunning nature. It leads to a more explosive confrontation with the Joes. One more surprising factor was the show of respect to Duke. Offering him a chance to walk away for saving him didn’t feel as a set-up. The dialogue conveyed an honorable speech from a powerful thief. It results in a conflict well worth the wait.
Readers watch as the brawl spirals out of control. Once hopes of winning start fading fast, One Joe calls in his secret weapon. As the tide starts turning, there are mixed reactions to its’ presence. The dialogue of the Commander is in awe of what stands before him. Duke has a much different reaction. This plants a seed for later as the fight swings into its close. Williamson comes back to the original methods use in the beginning. It is a perfect full circle moment to end his involvement. The guessing game of who’s playing who gets way more interesting. Even in retreat, the writing shows how the Commander wins again. Duke’s reaction to what happens sets forth a reaction of rage. The final pages are anything but this. A new player FINALLY makes their entrance into the Energon Universe, ready to turn it on its’ axis. What a superb ending to this tale!
In case you have been living under a rock, you know Reilly has been absolutely crushing this series with some of the best action panels in comics. The nine panel intro leads to a terrifying full page image of Commander taking control. Even as odds aren’t in his favor, there’s never a sense he isn’t in full ownership of the moment. This boils over into a confrontation with the Joes. How Bellaire colors this scene lets the Commander take center stage with his honorable gesture. What results is the timebomb finally hitting zero.
The two page spread is nothing short of exciting. How Reilly sneaks in the details is a testament to his high level of storytelling. Wooton’s lettering in the background ushers in the secret weapon. They are unveiled with a loud full page image. Readers watch as the fighters explore many different looks to what’s unfolding. The most subtle one steals the moment. Having just one eye of Commander look through a broken mask shows off his infatuation of what he sees. As the conflict winds down, a parting shot of the Commander saying goodbye puts an evil stamp on events. It is upstaged by the final page. A full image of the Energon Universe’s latest force caps off the wild adventure at hand. Can’t ask for a better finish.
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
The Dreadnok War concludes with a sensational finish. Williamson weaves in the many sides of Cobra Commander through a chaotic stand-off with G.I. Joe. Reilly and Bellaire construct a non-stop thrill ride for fans to hop on-board. The conclusion stops everything at a drop of a dime. It’s just another example of why this series is one of the best at the shops today.
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe #17 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
