Stranded in the mountains without any weapons, Destro must survive the Chameleon’s wrath. But who is the Chameleon? And why do they want Laird Destro dead? Destro #3 is an interesting issue in that it expands the conspiracy and continues to show the reach that Laird Destro has upon the world.

Written by Dan Watters, Destro #3 shows off this is a series that won’t be measured by one single issue but by the overall story once the series wraps up. The series opened with an attack on Destro, supposedly by Xamot and Tomax, but as the series has played out, it’s becoming clearer someone else is pulling the strings. This third issue highlights that as the conspiracy becomes clearer.

Destro has been attacked at his ancestral home base, a location that’s unknown to anyone but him. How was he found? Who knows of its location? That’s on Destro’s mind as he attempts to escape and survive the attack.

Watters delivers an interesting story. While it’s a bit choppy at times, the small details are key in many ways. Whomever has sent this attack against Destro knew countermeasures to take him on. Destro’s allies have also figured out that it’s not likely Xamot and Tomax behind the attacks. But, it’s where Destro turns to that’s the most interesting. He’s an arms dealer and capitalist and this issue emphasizes the only side Destro really cares about is his own and the profits he can make. It also creates what will be an even more complicated landscape that won’t be clearly good and evil. Watters teases the much more complicated reality of things.

Watters also dives into Destro’s family’s background. It’s interesting to see and read but how it’s presented adds to the choppy feel of the issue. It kills the flow of the action and feels a bit out of place as to where and when it’s told in the story. It adds something to the character but as presented, it feels a bit forced in how it’s added.

The art by Andrea Milana is good. The action is solid and even with the mask, you get a sense of Destro’s fear and frustration as to what’s going on. With color by Adriano Lucas and lettering by Rus Wooton, the comic looks good but doesn’t stand out visually. There’s panels that play things a bit too broad and could stand to be a bit more close up, but there’s also interesting aspects diving into Destro’s tech. Like the story, the art feels like it almost needs to be judged as a whole.

Destro #3 is an interesting issue as it broadens Destro’s reach but also ups the conspiracy leaving readers guessing who’s behind the attacks. While not a standout series, it does add nicely to the world of G.I. JOE that Skybound is building. It’s also a series that clearly is more focused on the broader story than an individual issue. Overall, an interesting addition to the G.I. JOE line that feels like the jury is still out on.

Story: Dan Watters Art: Andrea Milana
Color: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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