Image Comics reviews 5/15/24 – Redcoat #2, G.I. Joe #306

Redcoat #2

Redcoat #2 doesn’t feel like the second issue of a new series. Instead, this Geoff Johns/Bryan Hitch feels like a long running title that’s in the midst of one of its title-defining arcs. Simon Pure and his tagalong sidekick, Albert Einstein, battle against a group of the cultists Simon first encountered when he gained immortality.

Simon didn’t emerge unscathed from this latest conflict. Being immortal lends itself to a certain amount of disregard for his overall health. This time the wound has potential fatal consequences. After listening to young Albert spout off about the fate of the world lying in his hands, Simon, goes to the one person who can relate to being an immortal. That character doesn’t need to be spoiled here, but makes for a highly satisfying immortal rival for Simon.

As usual, Johns gets what makes his character special and plays up to their strengths with his writing. Simon is a roguish coward and hardly a hero. This makes for some very funny exchanges with Einstein, who can’t understand why Simon is so focused on himself.

Hitch is also dialed all the way in with his art. He lays out some thrilling, highly detailed brawls with a tremendous flow of the action. Hitch has been on a fantastic stretch over the last few years as he’s refined his art to be even more cinematic than before. Colorist Brad Anderson brings out a vibrant color scheme for the title. Letterer Rob Leigh skillfully incorporates script fonts more fitting to the time period without making it too overbearing for readers.

Redcoat #2 remains a very unexpected surprise with its fun main character who’s not a hero and a concept with plenty of life in it.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics