G.I. JOE #24 (SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT/IMAGE COMICS)
Some ghosts are better left alone.
While on a mission to find Energon, a G.I. Joe team runs into Destro representing Cobra. They are both trespassing on Crystal Ball’s territory and now have to fight their way out.
Using his D.I.R.E. tech, Ball has made the fight very personal to one Joe. The skeletons of Risk’s past come to life. Are both teams ready to confront them?
G.I. Joe #24 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten brings the action in the final round of smoke and mirrors.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this chapter.
G.I. Joe #24 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooten (Skybound/Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson wastes no time in presenting the conflict early. The writing gives a solid back story to Bal while he continues his attack on Risk. There’s never a minute where his pressure lets up. This allows for another pair of characters to plant seeds for a future alliance. Destro and The Baroness have always had a connection in G.I. joe lore. Being forced to work together starts allowing that relationship to build organically.
Readers watch as their teamwork pays dividends as Ball’s plans have an exposed weakness. This timeframe also gives Risk more panels to stand out in. His current run hasn’t been as strong as others. In this aspect, the audience can get a glimpse of what larger role he can play. In the aftermath, Williamson leaves clues to where certain characters are heading. None greater than General Hawk. The closing moments reveal a shocking point, prefect for the anniversary issue forthcoming. Straight-forward action, you can’t beat it.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!
Milana & Loughridge give Crystal Ball’s backstory a fun full page look. It leads into more destructive uses for his powers. This point also gives a closer look at Baroness and Destro’s budding partnership. Their mannerisms tip off a great deal. Readers see how this all factors in with the constant action this series is known for. Their portion ends with a wink moment before sending events back to Risk.
The bout between him and Crystal Ball lives up to billing with brutal action. Readers can sense how far he’s willing to go to save a captured “ally”. This leads into a strong half page strike which concludes events. The follow-up epilogue panel caps off his most impressive contribution thus far. Once events get back to their home locations, both sides have emotional baggage to unload. None more greater than General Hawk. The final page is a mic drop moment that ushers in a fight all fans have been waiting for!
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
The game of smoke and mirrors comes to a thrilling conclusion in this action packed issue. Williamson lays the foundation for future moves behind an impressive script. Milana & Loughridge lean into the weight of the conflict with ease. The final page lights a match for the HUGE explosive 25th issue! Buckle in for the non-stop thrill ride!
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe #24 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
