Comic Review: G.I. Joe # 3 – Energon Universe (Image/Skybound)

Tensions are running high in the GI Joe camp. the addition of a new character, Risk, since Duke into a vengeful fury that his superiors seemingly don’t have faith or confidence in the team leader. Risk seems like just the guy who enjoys pissing people off, but will not stand idly by, willing to get his hands dirty too. This issue is poignant as even though it does not feature the high octane battles the first two contained, this showed a more stealth-like look at espionage. Further confirmation that there is a Joe hidden amongst the Cobra ranks, we also see other events play out featuring more of Cobra Commander’s Sinister plan coming together, and how the standalone miniseries of Destro and Duke come into play.

Each section of the story features key moments. As Joe infiltrates the Cobra hideout, readers get a deeper glimpse into the inner workings of the nefarious organization, but also how this Cobra Commander seems to always be multiple steps ahead, even routing out another traitor. Another parallel story sees the Joe team pooling their resources, with knowledge and expertise to mount a counteroffensive. Then there is also the big reveal of the Commander’s latest allies, the twins from the aforementioned miniseries and their Legion of crimson guards. Long time fans might be scratching their heads as these troops, The Crimson Guard, do not originate from within Cobra, but from Tomax and Xamot, the dubbed Crimson Twins and their organization, Extensive Enterprises. 

This issue felt like true story building. The dialogue written is cleverly handled and doesn’t make the reader feel like they’ve missed out if one does not remember the previous miniseries or any continuity at all. I feel Joshua Williamson must be combing over dialogue with a fine tooth comb, as it seems each bubble of dialogue has information relevant to the next part of the story.  nothing is left for chance. This issue definitely contained a ton of suspense and anxious anticipation for what will happen next month.

I just can’t help myself, but as always I need to give kudos and praise to the crew involved in making myself and so my other reader’s out there smile and most importantly, feel each character. Williamson, as mentioned earlier continues to write some masterful stuff on each page, artist Tom Reilly, alongside colorist Jordie Bellaire absolutely are killing the artwork with masterful precision, and letterer Rus Wooton who by rights is the go-to-guy for Image and Skybound.