This is not the Cobra Commander you think you know. If you watched the cartoons from the 80s and 90s, you would believe him to be smart in the creative idea category, but not so much in the execution. In comics throughout the years, whether it be Marvel, Devil’s Due, Image, or IDW, the Commander is more of a dictator-like leader, using knowledge as his power.
This version of Cobra Commander has the creative mind, and an ability to manipulate knowledge to his advantage. This version is also sinister, ruthless, and will kill without a thought to progress towards his goal of ultimate power.
We already know thanks to the first issue of the series, this power is related to Megatron. This issue sees the Commander, accompanied by a “Protector” of sorts, one whom Old Snake feels is more of a watchdog. They travel to the Everglades, where they encounter the fearsome Dreadnoks, a group of mercenaries, well-known to all. In the Energon Universe, not aligned with Cobra, at least perhaps not yet, but still a villainous group with their own agenda of control.
He walks and conducts himself as one above all, which through this issue we can easily see he has no hesitation in dispatching any obstacle, by any means.
However his encounter with some Dreadnok members do not go civilly at all, leaving Commander to fend for himself and ultimately leaves the issue on a cliffhanger in a perilous situation.
Once more I sing the praises of Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, and Annalisa Leoni who have collaboratively crafted a tale of a version of Cobra Commander even I fear. This is no bumbling “Weather-Dominator” machine-building fool. This is a Cobra Commander who one should be very afraid to ever meet. In fact, I ascertain, meeting him is like meeting the Grim Reaper in person.
You know it’s all over.
