The next chapter in the build towards G.I. Joe #1 comes in the form of the Destro mini-series. Taking place immediately after the events of Cobra Commander, we find death and destruction to be personally profitable to Laird Destro. However, things are not exactly copacetic with this new alliance.
A panel of fire and military action puts readers right into the middle of a tense environment. As a presumed dictator threatens to have his troops open fire on unarmed civilians, a legion of B.A.T.s seen at the conclusion of Cobra Commander changes the outcome of the threat, but not without casualties. These casualties are brought to light as Cobra Commander seems nonplussed to learn Destro using the androids for his own personal gain, however Destro convinces him of the opportunity for continued field testing.
The crux of the issue focuses on Destro solidifying his role and reinforcing he is a partner of this endeavor with Cobra, not to be given orders to. It’s interesting to see how Destro plays more of a business perspective on dominance while Cobra Commander envisions a larger national operation. Readers are then given more insight in the Energon Universe version of Destro. His trip to the Scottish Highlands, the “Destro” monuments, along with some nods to Darklonia and the appearance of a relative who does not have much backstory of his own, yet.
As Destro continues to expand his influence, a pair of familiar twins are found implementing their own military program, familiar to many Joe fans as the Crimson Guardsmen, with fatal results.
Readers are treated to a number of familiar faces, and keen-eyed readers may even recognize a character who appeared in an episode of the original Transformers cartoon episode, The Girl Who Loved Powerglide. It’s really fun to read through more than once, getting a feel of the Energon Universe versions of Cobra characters, but at the same time having the “I know that person!” moment. It’s pretty clear writer Dan Watters did a lot of homework and knew which elements would get joyful reactions. Art by Andre Bressen and Adriano Lucas bring life to all the action, with the expert and crafty lettering by Rus Wooton.
I wonder if somehow Scarlett and Destro are running parallel to each other, much like Duke and Cobra Commander, or perhaps these stories will lead to another mystery to explore?
