G.I. JOE #20 (IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)
Duke is NOT happy.
The Dreadnok War ended with some help from a surprise “ally”. Hound of the Autobots has been working with Clutch for quite some time. Their partnership became public to save the team. This didn’t sit well with the G.I Joe leader.
Knowing his history with Transformers, there are strong feelings connected there. To settle this issue, he demands to speak with Hound’s leader. That figure is none other that OPTIMUS PRIME!
G.I. Joe #20 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten displays a meeting only leaders of global saving teams can relate to!
It’s the Energon Universe! Buckle up and get ready cause here we GO!
G.I. Joe #20 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten ( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Before the Duke/Optimus tale begins, there is some unfinished business involving Matt Trakker. Scrap Iron’s attack on the M.A.S.K. character leads into a frantic opening. Their face-off leads into an adrenaline pumping series of chases. It comes to a direct stop while displaying Trakkers skills. New readers to Mask will get a small peak of what’s to come in this franchise. Once settled, the story moves to the main event.
There is an overwhelming sense of excitement once the two leaders meet. Readers get caught up in Duke’s realization of Revenge is gone. In its wake is a sense of anger followed by accepting the truth. The scene is powerful in delivery. This leads to a steady landing place, moving events forward. As impactful as this is, Williamson throws one more explosion into the mix. The writing steers back into the covert area with a shocking close. Trust me, fans will be overjoyed seeing what’s unfolding now!
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Milana & Loughridge kickstarts the action with a wild opening. Scrap Irons attack on Trakker leads to a spectacular two page spread of the automotive mayhem. Readers get locked in as the ish hits the fan. Pacing never slows down as the pair takes their fight outside the race track. Hound and Clutch crash the scene in a big half page image. It wraps up events before during the reigns over to the headliners.
An Iconic two page splash brings Duke and Optimus face to face. Readers instantly know stakes are high in watching this play out. Duke’s expressions start letting out all the pain and regret he has been feeling since Transformers #2. A dream sequence showcases his visions of handling this problem. The reality of the tale sinks in as both reactions indicate a new direction needs to be taken. This leads into a classic visual via half page. Not to be outdone, the closing pages leave readers with a huge moment before departing. The art brings out the hidden side of the Joe’s mission. It leaves with a huge statement making final full page. There’s no way not be excited from seeing that! Excellent work.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
“Kings can only understand Kings”. This theme is prevalent as Duke comes face to face with the head of the Autobots in an incredible issue. Williamson brings forth a huge serving of action and deep drama for this encounter. Milana & Loughridge construct amazing work to elevate this special encounter even higher. This series never misses on delivering high quality storytelling!
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe #20 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
