Conrad Hauser, Codename DUKE, has assembled a special force known as G.I. Joe to battle the rising power of the mysterious COBRA in the aftermath of the Autobots and Decepticons’ arrival on Earth. But the enigmatic Cobra Commander has unleashed the power of Energon like never before! It’s all been building to this… G.I. JOE #1!

Written by Joshua Williamson, G.I. JOE #1 is the various pieces of the puzzle coming together to up the G.I. JOE section of the Energon Universe into overdrive. The series Duke, Destro, Cobra Commander, and Scarlett, have all built to this debut which has the JOEs and Cobra clashing over Transformers technology.

Williamson keeps things tight and focused as the comic is really broken up into easy to digest parts that continue the ongoing story but also make it simple for new readers to dive in. There’s the opening showing off this JOE team and its rough dysfunction. A new individual who seems to be on the side of the JOEs. Cobra discovering new weaponry and the debut of the infamous laser weapons. And finally, a clash between the JOEs and Cobra. There’s nothing really groundbreaking in that storytelling but it’s so well done and done in a way that feels like a fresh start and continuation.

Williamson has a talent of catering to long time fans as well as making it easy for new readers to dive in. You quickly get a sense of who everyone is, what their personalities are like, and the various conflicts that’ll rise. And, like its Transformers compadre, the comic does an excellent job of taking classic JOE and mixing it up just enough to be new and fresh.

The series, and the Energon Universe as a whole, has also done an amazing job of creating a cohesive universe that incorporates G.I. JOE, Transformers, and Void Rivals, into a universe that makes sense and feels organic. This is the beginning of the JOES and Cobra and everything for them is just starting out. This is their first real clash that they know of and it’s over Transformers technology. It all makes sense and no moments feel forced or out of place.

Tom Reilly delivers some fantastic art. With color by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Rus Wooton, the comic delivers the action with sequences that are exciting and fun. The characters as well look fantastic. Baroness, now a JOE, has a solid new design that has me already wanting a toy of this look. Cobra Commander tinkering with his mechanical army/hand leaves me intrigued about the character, adding just a bit more mystery. With high flying sequences that beg to be in a summer blockbuster, G.I. JOE #1 looks action-packed, delivering intense action that enhances every character involved.

G.I. JOE #1 is a hell of a start that’s great for long time fans and new readers. Skybound really has done an amazing job in its Energon Universe building it one chapter at a time and through four mini-series, a fresh new take on a property that has been around for decades. Yo JOE!

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Tom Reilly
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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