G.I. Joe #18: I Want What He’s Having

G.I. Joe #18 showcases yet another standalone story, featuring Night Force recruiting a new member. For those just jumping into the series, G.I. Joe follows a structure in which each story arc progresses with minor breaks in the middle that feature these standalone issues. This allows for greater world-building while also acting as a palate cleanser from the main action. The main difference here compared to the other Night Force stories is that this issue is split into two parts, with the latter half being much more focused on the main ongoing narrative.

The core of this issue focuses on Roadblock, a military veteran who has begun living out his dream of owning a food truck and serving his local community. The issue delves into his past, revealing that he is well known for his ability to effectively use very large and heavy weapons, which leads villainous forces to seek his assistance with their schemes. This portion of the issue feels more standalone than previous standalone arcs, mainly because Roadblock’s recruitment does not occur until after his personal story unfolds. This is a nice change of pace, as it allows readers to get to know the character in a meaningful way, particularly in how he views the world, making his eventual team-up with the other heroes feel more genuine.

One of the best aspects of this issue is the setting and color palette chosen by the creators. Much of the series has been a gritty, hard-boiled action-adventure story set in the heat of battle and war. This issue feels more grounded and character-driven, making Roadblock more relatable despite the unbelievable nature of the world he inhabits and the actions he has taken in the past. This fits the definition of a palate cleanser in a unique way and makes the issue especially enjoyable to read.

The second half of the issue focuses on the aftermath of the previous story arc, the Dreadnok War, in which Cobra Commander was captured by the Dreadnoks and Destro took control of Cobra. This section feels like an epilogue, revealing some of the lasting ramifications of the characters’ actions and how they will affect the story moving forward. While nothing groundbreaking occurs, it serves the narrative well and functions as a strong bookend to both this issue and the larger story arc.