Image Comics reviews 2/19/25 – G.I. Joe #4, Free Agents #7

G.I. Joe #4

G.I. Joe #4 eased up on the stare downs with death, but the arrival of the Crimson Twins on the battlefield doesn’t guarantee how long that will be the case.

Duke, Baroness and Risk have secured Dr. Monev, the creator of the brainwave scanner, but Cobra wants him and they’re not letting anything or anyone stop them.

Writer Joshua Williamson has spent a considerable amount of time in the first four issues showing that Cobra is a dangerous threat. While it would be cool to see the Joes get some notable wins, this initial stretch — continuing in G.I. Joe #4 — is all about the notion that Cobra has all the aces in this deck and the Joes are running out of cards to throw down.

Meanwhile, Stalker and Cover Girl attempt to secure the scanner, but run into Chameleon and Ripper, the Dreadnok turned Cobra operative.

Williamson has the right approach for Monev having his morals be fluid in the name of a new breakthrough. And this breakthrough has all the makings of a classic Cobra plot, one that doesn’t seem silly and contrasting with the time Williamson has established.

While I still question the execution (pun intended) of killing off one of the Joes in the first issue, it’s created a lasting anyone can get killed or seriously injured shadow over every subsequent issue. This definitely helps ratchet up the tension and suspense if a Joe is in a precarious predicament. That’s something the cartoon could never do. Original Joe writer Larry Hama created supporting characters in part for the ability to kill them off at any point. Eventually named Joes got killed, but more so in a flurry instead of throughout the series.

The stakes feel incredibly high as Clutch eavesdrops on a conversation with Destro and Mercer. If they turn their head ever so slightly, he’s caught. And in the Energon Universe there is no hostage situation while the big plan is shared. Cobra doesn’t take any prisoners and it’s made an issue like G.I. Joe #4 all the more compelling.

Artist Tom Reilly delivers his usual exhilarating action sequences and active layouts that always convey a constant sense of motion. The battle with the Joes against the Crimson Twins and Chameleon & Ripper were intense. Colorist Jordie Bellaire stays at the top of her game as always. Some of the highlights included the reflective hue of the Cobra’s Energon-infused weapons and Chameleon’s ambush.

Letterer Rus Wooton keeps bringing some creative fonts for sound effects while maintaining an appreciated level of consistency with the dialogue.

G.I. Joe #4 is a ridiculously fun installment of one of the best comics available. It’s got mystery, intrigue, great character development and wild action.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics

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