G.I. Joe #22: Look into the Crystal Ball

G.I. Joe #22 picks up with the race for Energon in full force, as members of both the G.I. Joes and Cobra are manipulated in ways they have yet to uncover. Although he has been a member of the Joes since the first issue, Risk is finally brought into the spotlight as the central character of this new arc, with the issue opening on glimpses into his origins and life before the series began. Meanwhile, Cobra Commander proves he can hold a grudge better than your ex-girlfriend when he orders Destro not only to plan the latest Energon expedition, but also to lead it in the field.

As has been typical for much of the series so far, G.I. Joe #22 is a very quick read. That is not to say that nothing happens; rather, it speaks to writer Joshua Williamson’s ability to tell a concise narrative without padding pages with unnecessary exposition. Instead, Williamson efficiently establishes the plot by shifting between the Joes and Cobra as they prepare at their respective bases, giving artist Andrea Milana room to introduce the nuance and subtle horror elements that emerge once both teams arrive in Badhikistan.

Even just twenty-two issues in, the world that Williamson and Milana explore already feels backed by decades of history. Much of the series is rooted in Williamson’s love for the 1980s animated series, but the amount of lore and background he has woven into the title remains impressive. It is also worth noting that four miniseries laid the groundwork for the main ongoing G.I. Joe title, yet the world still feels remarkably genuine and lived in. That strength is especially evident when the Joes encounter Destro and Cobra’s agents. Despite being sworn enemies, there is an undercurrent of camaraderie woven into the subtext, making both groups feel like two sides of the same coin.

This issue also introduces the villain Crystal Ball into the Energon Universe, using the line’s titular power source to fuel the D.I.R.E. technology he developed for interrogation. In doing so, the story firmly establishes Risk as the central figure of this arc, revealing that the assessment abilities that earned him his nickname have also haunted him in the past, contributing to the deaths of his entire platoon after he failed to properly evaluate a situation. G.I. Joe often feels similar to Transformers in that it features an endless stream of characters who debut in new variations with every issue. What makes this series stand out, however, is how consistently it gives each character a meaningful moment to shine, with Risk serving as the latest standout focal point.