Image Comics reviews 3/18/26 – GI Joe 20, Battle Beast 7

GI Joe 20

GI Joe 20 brings the two 80s franchise heroes together for the first time in the Energon Universe. Duke has harbored a longstanding grudge against the Transformers, not realizing there are two sides in this conflict that’s found its way to Earth. Initially, Duke encountered the Decepticons who unleashed a murderous rampage that claimed the life of one of Duke’s closest friends.

After Clutch revealed the team has had an Autobot in their midst for months, Duke isn’t sure what to make of the Transformers. He’ll get a better sense of this potential conflict once he meets with Hound’s leader, Optimus Prime.

To show the Energon Universe titles are perfectly in synch with regards to what’s playing out in one title from the next, writer Joshua Williamson makes sure to incorporate the changes to Optimus from Transformers 30. That’s an encouraging sign that the series won’t stumble over continuity issues.

Before that encounter, GI Joe 20 marks the semi-regular appearances of Matt Trakker, who was fending off Scrap-Iron last issue. Trakker gets an assist from Duke, Clutch and Hound and returns the favor to set the table for Trakker to lead the new MASK series. This is a very exciting development as EU creators have been sowing seeds for MASK for nearly a year.

Artist Andrea Milana draws the characters with ease making Optimus still an impressive figure despite the loss of his Prime designation. Outside of the conflict with Scrap-Iron there isn’t many action sequences though Milana does get an impressive dream sequence. Lee Loughridge’s restrained colors don’t clash with Milana’s art making for an ideal complement to the GI Joe 20 visuals. Letterer Rus Wooton crafts some fun sound effect fonts throughout.

Williamson starts revealing more of Zartan’s efforts to undermine the Joes in his quest for Energon, which finally connects the main title to the Scarlett mini-series. Longtime Joe fans should appreciate Williamson holding off on ninjas until issue 21, his own homage to Silent Interlude.

GI Joe 20 sets up some major storylines going forward. While it’s a largely ground laying installment that’s hardly a problem with GI Joe.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

After reading GI Joe 20, check out the Scarlett mini-series on trade paperback at Amazon in advance of the next issue.

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