Image Comics 3/20/24 – Cobra Commander #3

Cobra Commander #3

The mayhem and tension escalate in Cobra Commander #3.

Alarmed by the presence of a stranger clad in blue, the Dreadnoks go on the hunt for Cobra Commander. While this issue could have been a thrilling cat and mouse chase, writer Joshua Williamson goes with the more unexpected direction — the Dreadnoks capture him.

Williamson shows this Cobra Commander is just as dangerous when he’s caught than when he’s on the loose.

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This is a compelling take on both Cobra Commander and the Dreadnoks. The latter are vicious, blunt objects capable of inflicting massive and horrific pain. But it’s Cobra Commander who’s more frightening. His subtle means of manipulation and gaining information certainly make the case that the Joes are going to have a tough time battling Cobra under his leadership.

Andrea Milana’s artwork really delivers in making Cobra Commander #3 a horror/thriller. Milana isn’t focused on relishing in the gore. The violence is intense and the bloodshed plentiful, but Milana uses it more as essential piece of storytelling. This isn’t a goofy, slapstick take on Cobra. They’re a menace and every action sequence reinforce that mindset. The final page is especially haunting and one of the stronger conclusions to an issue so far this year from any comic.

Colorist Annalisa Leoni utilizes a bold mix of reds, oranges, blues and greens. It’s a vibrant color palette that makes for a strong contrast to the darker tone of the story.

Cobra Commander #3 sets the stage for some major developments next issue. Whether any Dreadnoks will be around by the end of it is an entirely different story.

Rating: 10 out of 10