G.I. Joe #23: The Enemy of My Enemy…

G.I. Joe #23 picks up the Risk-centric storyline as a group of Joes and Cobra agents encounter Crystal Ball and his D.I.R.E. Tech, an obstacle standing between both factions and their pursuit of Energon. As Risk continues wrestling with his past, the Baroness and Destro form an uneasy alliance to uncover their mysterious new adversary and to understand what, exactly, is unfolding around them. Meanwhile, Crystal Ball conducts his experiments in secret, subjecting both the Joes and Cobra to increasingly severe trials as the search for Energon grows more complicated.

The Energon Universe thrives on the idea of classic toy properties merging into a shared space where similar themes can be explored. More importantly, though, it is driven by the characters at the heart of each franchise, giving these stories a sense of emotional weight often absent from the 1980s cartoon adaptations whose primary goal was to sell toys. The result is a nostalgic experience that feels more mature than anything these properties have delivered before, and G.I. Joe #23 exemplifies this perfectly. Risk, for instance, has been present since the beginning of the series but has rarely taken center stage. Here, writer Joshua Williamson places the character in a position that not only expands the universe but also imbues him with a depth that leaves readers wanting to know more. The effect is a narrative that feels classically G.I. Joe while doubling as a character study, satisfying both longtime fans and casual readers.

Although Risk serves as the emotional core, this issue also has fun with the unexpected alliance between the Joes and Cobra. We see the Baroness and Destro set aside their weapons, and, eventually, Risk and Mercer do the same. This dynamic humanizes Cobra in ways that challenge the notion of them as purely mustache-twirling villains. While Destro and Mercer remain abrasive and far from heroic, watching them cooperate with the heroes for the sake of survival reveals layers that are often left unexplored. A similar beat appeared in the previous arc with Duke and Cobra Commander, but here it feels more intentional, pushing the characters toward deeper psychological examination.

Crystal Ball’s role serves as a clever narrative device, creating a common enemy that unites traditional foes while reinforcing that this universe extends far beyond the basic Joe-versus-Cobra conflict. Though not a new concept, other players have appeared in side stories and the main narrative, this use of Crystal Ball works effectively as a plot driver that broadens the world. It also gives artist Andrea Milana ample opportunity to bring to life the bizarre creations of D.I.R.E. Tech, ensuring the action sequences remain visually distinct. While Crystal Ball may not be the most intimate or complex villain so far, he serves as an excellent foil for Risk’s personal journey and allows the story to do what the Energon Universe excels at: humanizing its characters and inviting readers to empathize with them.