If you thought the first issue of GI Joe and did with a blast, the second issue spares no expense to continue the explosive action. Carrying right from the final panel, Our Heroes Lament The Death of a beloved character. However the morning is interrupted as explosions and Energon-assisted laserfire continue to besiege our heroes. The battle is intense and through the firefight Duke makes a startling discovery which confirms his suspicions all along.
As readers, we are already aware of the connection between Cobra Commander and Destro, however watching Duke make the connection feels like an amazing moment of clarity and revelation which is a testament to the incredible dialogue and artistry by Josh Williamson, Tom Riley, Jordie Bellaire, and Rus Wooton.
The panels of dialogue between Cobra Commander and Destro, where you can imagine side by side hearing the nefarious plans that the Commander carries out, with Pages revealing the debut of The Valkyries, Cobra commanders Elite Cobra Trooper unit, and later on further genius as the twisted snake enacts a horrible Fail safe which Is felt by both heroes and villains.
The sheer brutality of this issue is incredible to read. This most certainly is not the GI Joe I grew up with, but deep down it’s the GI Joe I wanted to grow up with. Lasers don’t miss, and death is real. the action felt fast and intense yet I did not feel like I had to rush through the issue. The feelings of excitement through each page resonated with me and I imagine the same for long time fans as well. I’m eagerly awaiting the next issue because let’s face it, the battle never ends!
