G.I. JOE #23 (IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)

Crystal Ball has both G.I. Joe and COBRA seeing ghosts.

Using D.I.R.E. tech, he’s keeping both forces at bay in his mental games. His latest target is one that has more than a few skeletons in his closet. A great secret is about to come to light in the Energon Universe.

WHO IS RISK?

G.I. Joe #23 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten provides some answers concernign the mysterious G.I. Joe member.

Let’s take a deeper dive into this chapter.

G.I. Joe #23 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten ( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Williamson delivers a direct shot at exposing the tragic side of the newest Joe. Crystal Ball’s attack unveils the broken past of Risk and his family. It doesn’t pull punches while it exposes his fragile childhood. The writing shows his parents disappointment in his actions. This snowballs into making him a vision of a cocky soldier who is careless with any sense of rationality. His response shows some contradiction.

Readers also see the seeds being planted for the eventual turn of the Baroness to Destro’s side. His charming verbiage sells the thought of a temporary truce. Baroness is always known to look for the winning side and takes the bait. It leads to more conflict building as truths become exposed. However, this issue belongs to Risk. After another somber look, the story hits the closing stages with more leverage. It leaves the readers wanting more as a new fight appears on the horizon. Steady and direct but always a great read.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Milana & Loughridge bring the fight to the pages early and often. Panels flood with Risk fighting the ghosts of his past. A solid Two page spread invites readers into his dark past. Watching him move through the halls crafts a very suspenseful build. The art shows the impact of his parents words as it ushers him forward. There is an ample amount of present day action with Mercer and Risk.

Readers see the pairing come to a respectful pause before the end. It is similar in different ways to Destro and The Baroness. Their expressions tip off more as they make a major discovery. Pacing speeds up enough to drive home the closing piece. A full shot shows the next round of action is waiting in the wings. If Risk is ready will be the question on readers’ minds after this wraps up.

FINAL GRADE: 8.6

Secrets come to light concerning the latest Joe in a solid extension chapter. Williamson weaves emotional looks in the midst of the constant action. Milana & Loughridge hit the gas pedal for the high octane combat. There’s always something special going on in this Energon Universe pillar title.

Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!