G.I. JOE #18 (IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)
In the aftermath of the Dreadnok War, the focus switches to another area of G.I. Joe.
General Hawk has been making covert moves unknown to most. He has been recruiting members for a team working in shadows. NIGHT FORCE has a loaded line-up currently. They have another name on the list to join. So does COBRA. To draw this much attention, you know they have to be a game-changer.
THAT’S EXACTLY WHO ROADBLOCK IS!
G.I. Joe #18 by Joshua Williamson, Marco Foderà, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten welcomes the fan-favorite G.I. Joe to the Energon Universe.
Let’s take a closer look at this long-awaited debut!
G.I. Joe #18 by Joshua Williamson, Marco Foderà, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten ( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson gives Roadblock’s entrance a fun spin before bring the action. Readers watch as he’s accepted the civilian life away from armed forces. The writing indicates how truly happy he is with his current stat quo. This gets upended by a pair of dastardly rogues fans know all too well. Their dialogue exchanges offers Roadblock an opportunity. It is one he’s heard before. Even with the new pitch, it is not welcomed. From here, the pleasantries are gone. In its’ wake is nothing but action!
Roadblock’s “No” is greeted with a full-on armored assault! The peaceful life he has built is quickly dashed. This invokes the reason why he’s such a legend in G.I. Joe lore. Williamson ramps up the pace to allow Roadblock to unleash his anger towards his assailants. It leads to a few huge moments before coming to a thunderous end. The fallout provides a great segway into where his future presumably will lead next. Readers also get an epilogue for the “Dreadnok War” before concluding this thrilling chapter.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
Foderà & Loughridge begin events with a more grounded look at the city of Biloxi. The art conveys a happier time with Roadblock in a very relaxed state. Once his visitors arrive, his expressions change slightly to being annoyed. Readers get a brief recap of how previous inquiries went. This latest one is met with a nonchalant reaction. In response, the art shows how this isn’t acceptable to his invested party.
A near full page image welcomes his opposition to the event. Wooten’s lettering elevates these scenes greatly as panels flow quickly. Even with a quick comedy spot added, it doesn’t take away from Roadblock’s mystique. It is capped off with a display of his marksmanship. Events calm back down to a full circle look. Once the peace has been re-established, the art goes back to “The Dreadnok War”. Panels appear with a darker tone as the Commander is processing what has transpired. The parting page tips off much of where status stands now and how Cobra’s head snake handles this information. Very solid work.
FINAL GRADE: 9
A legendary G.I. Joe makes a big splash into the EU but who’s side is he on? Williamson gifts readers with an exciting debut via the writing. Foderà & Loughridge balance out the drama with loud action. Does this series ever miss? The correct answer is NEVER! Check it out!
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe #18 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
