G.I. Joe #24: Risking it All

G.I. Joe #24 launches right into the intense battle between Risk and Crystal Ball, instantly immersing readers in the action. Crystal Ball’s background is briefly expanded, definitively tying his origins to Energon. While this confrontation unfolds, Destro and the Baroness continue exploring Crystal Ball’s facility, which challenges their uneasy alliance in unique and intriguing ways. Both storylines ultimately converge, prompting the Joes and Cobra agents to retreat to their respective headquarters and setting the stage for the next thrilling chapter of the saga.

Serving as a conclusion to this story arc, G.I. Joe #24 is executed flawlessly. The entire arc centers around the theme of alliances and what it truly means to belong to either G.I. Joe or Cobra. This is contrasted with the exploration of Risk’s past, revealing not only how he earned his name but also why he joined the Joes. Regardless of the groups’ association with good or evil, the arc illustrates that they are two sides of the same coin, both striving for the acquisition of Energon. There is remarkable nuance woven into the seemingly relentless battles, with writer Joshua Williamson skillfully infusing pathos into both heroes and villains, resulting in a well-rounded and multifaceted story.

Regarding Risk specifically, his cocky attitude and reckless demeanor are explored in depth, reminding readers not to judge a book by its cover. He is yet another character developed in a way that makes the cast feel personal and distinctive. While some main characters received miniseries before the launch of the main G.I. Joe book, many joined the team as the series progressed. It’s refreshing to see Williamson dedicating time to flesh out all these characters, seamlessly integrating their stories into the ongoing narrative. This approach makes the team book feel more character-driven than most, a feat that is often challenging in team-based series.

As the issue wraps up, numerous ongoing plotlines converge, setting the stage for the extra-sized, landmark twenty-fifth issue of the series. On the Cobra side, the persistent distrust and lack of respect between Cobra Commander and Destro intensify, with Cobra Commander assigning more responsibilities to other subordinates and delving into the significance of acquiring Crystal Ball’s Dire Tech. Meanwhile, at G.I. Joe headquarters, Duke and his team return from their meeting with Optimus and the Autobots, Scarlett is added to the ranks, and Zartan (who has secretly replaced Hawk) expresses concern upon learning the team did not bring back any Energon. Although there is a lot happening, each plot thread has been carefully explored throughout the series, and the next issue promises to bring many of these storylines to a climax. In many ways, this issue feels like the mid-season winter break seen in serialized network TV shows, making the wait for the next installment truly agonizing.