Image Comics reviews 1/22/25 – Void Rivals #16, GI Joe #313

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #313

G.I. Joe #313 marked the conclusion of the Cobra Civil War and it’s time for the main event of Cobra Commander vs. Destro.

For most of this issue, writer Larry Hama shows how brutally effective Destro is in combat even with the odds supposedly against him.

The only problem is Hama has shown Destro’s combat proficiency so often this didn’t play out like anything new. If anything, the issue felt like more of the same with Destro using his tactical skills and technology to overwhelm Cobra Commander’s superior numbers while the Joe Ninja Force and the Dreadnoks patiently wait for him to emerge victorious. It’s a Cobra Civil War so the focus being on Coba makes sense but this arc’s back end has largely relegated the Joes to the sidelines. Hopefully in upcoming issues, Hama gives the Joes the spotlight again and lets the Nina Force get a much-needed breather.

Chris Mooneyham’s artwork is strong throughout the issue. There’s some tremendously done pages and panels that fully capture the cinematic feel of this moment. Mooneyham seems to have benefited from his mini-break as his art looks cleaner and crisper while still packing that intensity that’s been a cornerstone of his work on the title.

Colorist Francesco Segala works in a solid mix of brighter and more muted tones. Letterer Pat Brosseau smoothly arranges that at times verbose dialogue without making it read too cluttered.

Despite the lack of suspense with the victor, this was a solid issue that marks a firm conclusion to this arc. Next issue is a welcome standalone issue that takes the spotlight to some underutilized characters.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10