The second-to-last issue of the Energon-Universe tie-in, Duke #4, kicks off in high gear as the Joes, with Baroness in tow are surrounded by incoming Blood Hounds.
We pick up where last issue leaves off, with Baroness holding Duke at gunpoint, debating the idea of collecting this bounty herself. As Duke and Baroness once again engage in a war of words, the Joes struggle to seek refuge away from the waves of reinforcements.
In a surprise, but maybe not to all, Major Bludd somehow survives the point-blank gunshot to the back of the head. He returns to his troops, some of whom regret wearing masks at that moment, declaring this battle is not over, because Baroness “OWES ME AN EYE.”
Now that’s great storytelling. Violent, vicious, venom. The origin of Major Bludd’s eyepatch and a major vendetta begins. While Duke is unaware of this, he cautions Baroness, despite whether she kills him or not, the sinister forces behind it all will go scorched Earth on anyone who knows even the slightest.
Baroness, Duke, and the other Joes escape to a hidden bunker where fans of the old school will surely recognize many of the jets and vehicles stored inside. Brave escapes are made, villains are rightly ticked off. We are taken to M.A.R.S. where Destro is informed of Bludd’s failure, but he doesn’t skip a beat by putting in his next plan of action, involving the canonical unstable Scrap Iron and his arsenal of warheads.
I encourage readers to pick up the issue, I don’t want to spoil too much more, but all I’ll say is Duke does successfully infiltrate a facility where it appears more Energon is being used to power a certain type of robotic combat soldier whom Joe and Cobra fans will surely celebrate.
Once more I have to commend Williamson, Reilly, and Bellaire on their phenomenal work. I can’t believe it’s nearing the end of this mini-series, and I know for sure this will not be the last time we see our beloved Joes. Between Duke and Cobra Commander it’s fairly clear the Energon Universe is in the hands of true fans of the craft.
