Destro #2: Villains are Villains

Destro #2 picks up with the aftermath of drone strike at the Darklonia Arms Fair, seeing Destro and the M.A.R.S corporation set out on a warpath to take down Xamot, Tomax and Extensive Enterprises. What ensues is a battle of who has the bigger stick, with both sides seeking out the total annihilation of their enemies. Destro #2 is a lot of fun, especially as it depicts an impossible-to-root-for villain going up against an enemy that is just as despicable and deplorable. This really makes Destro feel like the most classic G.I Joe mini series of the bunch, with the over-the-top antics playing like a classic, Saturday morning cartoon in all of the best ways.

Dan Watters writing here is absolutely on point, with the story depicting a dual narrative that sees Destro and his enemies take similar strides against one another, leading to a face-to-face conversation that highlights their hubris and selfishness. Watters really knows how to depict the deplorable nature of these over-the-top villains, highlighting the threat that Destro will pose against the eventual establishment of G.I Joe within this new Energon Universe. Destro is depicted not only as a Donald Trump-like, scummy businessman, but also as a self worshiping nepotism-baby. Watters essentially grabs all the makings of a modern day, real world villain, and puts it all into one character. This is topical commentary at its finest and it makes for good storytelling.

Not only is Destro #2 witty and commentative, but it is also one of the most action packed, high octane books on the shelves. Andrei Bressan draws more explosions here than all of the Fourth of July fireworks combined. This book really is a Saturday morning cartoon on drugs, and every fan of G.I Joe, young, old, or anyone in between will definitely love what is happening. Astonishingly, with all of the explosions and craziness, there is still room for a great plot and dialogue to fit in.

The final piece of the Destro puzzle is the faith in his ancestors and almost worship of his nepotism that really defines the character. His blind faith is such a defining characteristic for why he is so full of himself and this series does a great job in defining itself on who Destro really is. The Energon Universe has done such a great job in showing glimpses of characters that will later show up in their full glory, truly feeling like a shared universe.