G.I. Joe #16: Foreshadowing

G.I. Joe #16 is the penultimate issue of the Dreadnok War, setting up a finale that may prove disastrous for the Dreadnoks. While Duke and Cobra Commander face certain death, Hawk’s meeting with the Destro-led Cobra goes about as well as readers would expect. With the odds stacked against them, the real question is whether Duke will be able to get the answers he needs out of Cobra Commander before they both perish.

While the plot involving Cobra Commander and Duke is strong, the driving force behind the Dreadnoks leaves much to be desired. Although their aggression is fueled by revenge, the actual goals of their organization feel largely pointless. In this issue, they outright state that their only objectives are destruction and partying. It almost feels like they are portrayed the way parents in the 90s viewed gangs, reducing them to senseless maniacs rather than giving them meaningful motivation. Despite this, there is no denying that the chaos they cause is entertaining to read.

With the odds stacked against Cobra Commander and Duke, the real saving grace for the pair lies in the hubris of the Dreadnoks. Their insistence on playing with their prisoners allows enough time for escape plans to form and for backup to arrive. This is ultimately where the Dreadnoks’ own philosophy leads to their downfall, which may be the point of their characterization. The final issue will reveal whether Duke’s gamble pays off, especially as the rest of the Joes arrive to save the day.

The best part of the issue, though brief, is the interaction between Hawk and Destro’s Cobra. This sequence is clearly meant to set up Destro’s realization that he cannot lead the way Cobra Commander does. However, the standout moment is Hawk single-handedly fighting off Cobra forces and escaping, which is genuinely thrilling. The scene is capped by Hawk’s smirk as he gets away, revealing that even he is surprised by his ability to perform at the same level he once did in his youth. Overall, this moment will leave readers eager for a flashback story showcasing a younger Hawk leading a more prime-era version of the G.I. Joe team.