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image comics reviews 12-18-24 - g.i. joe #2
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Image Comics 12/18/24 reviews – G.I. Joe #2, Rocketfellers #2

Jeffrey Lyles , , , , , , , , , , ,
G.I. Joe #2

g.i. joe #2

G.I. Joe #2 was a tremendous follow-up to the official start of the G.I. Joe vs Cobra conflict. Writer Joshua Williamson quickly turned any notion that this era of G.I. Joe was going to be safe and predictable on its ear. With this Energon Universe version of the Joes, all bets are off.

Naturally that leads to my biggest criticism with the series, including the establishing mini-series — the death of Rock N Roll. In a series with characters shooting bullets, missiles and now lasers the notion that there could never be casualties is naive. Even if Williamson considered a first issue death necessary, Rock N Roll just charging into the Vipers with guns drawn sure made him look stupid. A big sacrifice to help his fellow Joes escape? Sure. Taking a bullet, laser or even a snake meant for another character? Sounds good. Getting ambushed and walking into lasers in a manner that accomplished nothing? Not a great use of the “Kill a Joe” card.

Hopefully, Williamson won’t be as quick to kill off fan favorite characters as frequently as fellow Energon Universe writer Daniel Warren Johnson over on Transformers. Deaths can mean something if they’re not done every other issue.

That long preamble out of the way, back to G.I. Joe #2.

Duke’s squad is reeling from the ambush by the Vipers led by Mercer when Cobra Commander sends the Cobra Valkyries onto the field to kill off the wounded. A battlefield kill squad is pretty intimidating and with so many wounded Joes, this is a legit threat that Rock N Roll will soon have company in Joe Valhalla.

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Williamson does an excellent job of capturing the cartoon dynamic of Cobra Commander not always keeping Destro in the loop about his plans. After having a little fun and being amazed at the Joes’ residency, Cobra Commander orders a retreat that leaves most of the Joes in a bad state. Williamson takes another moment to flex his deep love of GI Joe lore with a surprise appearance in G.I. Joe #2 of an old school comic book fan favorite.

Artist Tom Reilly gets a chance to really cut loose with this very dramatic opening sequence. Reilly is doing some special work and just needs a decent tenure on the title say two or even three years to be considered one of the definitive Joe artists ever associated with the characters. His work on Duke and the ongoing series suggests he’s well on his way.

Jordie Bellaire’s color work is sensational as well. Bellaire does such a great job of setting a darker atmosphere even in lighter settings. It’s such an effective tool in her arsenal of establishing tone and character mindset in particular moments. Letterer Rus Wooton gets several moments to shine as well.

With Duke’s squad severely depleted, Hawk calls in some reinforcements with the operative known as Risk. Williamson gives him a unique personality so it’s a toss-up of Risk will become a fan favorite or an irritant, which makes him even more intriguing.

There’s another cliffhanger ending though the one in G.I. Joe #2 isn’t as traumatic as the first issue.

G.I. Joe #2 doesn’t let up on the action and high stakes. This creative team is doing some inspired work and it’s already seeming like this title is a can’t miss option.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Catch up on the Energon Universe G.I. Joe titles by reading the Duke and Cobra Commander trade paperbacks on Amazon.

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