G.I. Joe #1: There Was Once an Idea…

G.I. Joe #1 is the beginning to the final piece of the trifecta of Energon Universe books, picking up after the events of the Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett, and Destro miniseries. Thankfully, there is no required reading prior to this issue, with the rest of the events of the universe acting as more context for things mentioned here. Fans of G.I. Joe rejoice, this issue captures the promise of the universe, showcasing a G.I. Joe feel and tone that feels mature and canonically sound, while harkening back to the original animated series in a wonderful way.

Related: New York Comic Con 2024: SkyBound Energon Universe Roundtable

Joshua Williamson started off the G.I. Joe chapter of the Energon Universe when he wrote Duke and Cobra Commander, and you can definitely tell how this series builds off of those. For one, the tone is very consistent with the action and adventure style that makes G.I. Joe stand out from other similar series. The feature of this series that seems ever present, even in the preceding miniseries, is the idea that none of the characters really know what is going on in the world around them. As the issue starts (and what is explored in the Duke series) Duke is consistently dealing with the trauma from having directly witnessed the Transformers in action. On the one hand, this leads to the creation of the G.I. Joe team; however, it also highlights the willingness to group up and jump into conflict without knowing all the facts. Surely, this is going to lead to a conflict and eventual team up between G.I. Joe and the Autobots, but for now, the growing hysteria adds to the suspense and nuance of the series.

One of the highlights of the series is how the time is split between the heroes and the villains. Cobra Commander is depicted as more menacing than ever, especially as Tom Reilly introduces him via a shadowed page that hides the scars and battle wounds on his head and face. The way Cobra Commander calmly and consistently plans the demise of his enemies is menacing and brilliant. While this is only the first issue, the balance is immaculate, and it makes for some great storytelling.

Speaking of Reilly’s art, G.I. Joe #1 is gorgeous. Reilly balances the complex and thought provoking with the action and adventure in a fun manner, showcasing the kinds of possibilities that come from a G.I. Joe story that is so interconnected with the worlds of Transformers and Void Rivals. While Williamson is writing witty banter between the characters, Reilly makes the characters feel believable as they respond in a manner that highlights their humility. There is one particular exchange between the Baroness and Stalker that is very funny in the way Williamson writes it, but will make you laugh out loud when Reilly provides the payoff in Baroness’s facial expression. This is just a perfect marriage of writing and art that makes the story flow amazingly.