The Energon Universe, when it started, was an event in and of itself. Launching an interconnected universe involving G.I. Joe, Transformers, and new title Void Rivals, the Skybound/Image Comics books felt fresh, new, exciting, presenting uncharted waters for the storied franchises. While the books have kept up the sales, and the stories have been fun, a little bit of that jolt of excitement has been missing for a while. Good news: it’s back with G.I. Joe #13, which kicks off the five-part “Dreadnok War” event, and is exactly what these books have been missing.
Written by Joshua Williamson, nothing against the commensurate scribe, but a lot of that can be chalked up to returning artist Tom Reilly, alongside colors by Jordie Bellaire. The team brings the book artistically to another level, often using flat color washes and a muted palate that nonetheless emphasizes big action and character moves, evoking a classic cartoon animation cel while still feeling very much of the modern era. Nobody draws this book like Reilly, and it’s good to have him back.
That’s not to downplay the story, by the way. The broad beats without getting into spoilers are that Cobra Commander and Duke (of G.I. Joe) are forced to work together when the resurgent Dreadnoks attack. Something Williamson has talked about since the beginning of his work in the Energon Universe was the need to create more factions than the constant churn of G.I. Joe versus Cobra — and that’s exactly what we get here.
The issue also calls back heavily to the horror-infused miniseries Cobra Commander, and begins to loop back to the Duke miniseries, as well. So in that sense, with all the pieces on the board for the first 12 issues, issue #13 finally blows the lid off in a big, wild way. There are twists and turns, huge action, some ridiculous action-figure plot points… Everything you’d want from a G.I. Joe comic, and more.
It’s great stuff, and as an added bonus, a perfect jumping on point, as well. Two handy recap pages get you caught up quick; but really all you need to know is that Duke and Cobra Commander don’t like each other, and there’s some dudes who want to kill them. You get the gist.
G.I. Joe #13 is a fair amount of set-up, but it’s a thrilling one, full of big set pieces and bigger moves. In case you have tuned out from the Energon Universe at any point? “Dreadnok War” is the right time to hop back on board.
G.I. Joe #13 Rating:
G.I. Joe #13 Official Synopsis:
THE DREADNOK WAR BEGINS HERE!
When Cobra Commander is betrayed by one of his closest allies, he’s targeted for revenge by the Dreadnoks! But in his darkest hour, the only one who can save Cobra Commander is…Duke?
The team-up you never expected kicks off THE BIGGEST G.I. JOE story yet, one so action-packed that it will ship bi-weekly from the dream team of Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly!
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.