G.I. Joe #27: It’s All Coming Together

G.I. Joe #27 picks up in the middle of an intense, chaotic clash between Night Force and G.I. Joe, with Duke squaring off directly against a G.I. B.A.T. Things spiral out of control as two factions that ought to be allied continue to tear into one another, all because the Baroness has been framed for murder and betrayal. Meanwhile, Zartan (still masquerading in Hawk’s body) quietly lays the groundwork for the next dangerous phase of his scheme, utilizing layers of heavy coercion to secure the Energon he desperately needs to survive. With everyone racing at a breakneck pace to accomplish their respective objectives, the Baroness attempts a hasty retreat, only to pause her disappearance so she can investigate the bizarre Hawk mystery just a little bit further.

Following last month’s action-packed installment, G.I. Joe #27 successfully sets even more intricate plot wheels in motion, showing all of the primary players taking decisive steps forward. The central conflict continues to be masterfully stoked by Zartan, who has successfully manipulated Night Force into doing his bidding, while the main G.I. Joe unit remains deeply skeptical that Hawk is truly in his right mind. While it might seem on the surface like there is an overwhelming amount happening at once, the narrative never feels rushed, allowing every scene to bleed into the next with organic elegance. This arc was heavily advertised as the explosive culmination of numerous long-standing plot elements, and the creative team is truly hitting the mark across the board. While there are plenty of exciting teases for the future of the series, it is the deeply engaging character journeys that make every single monthly issue entirely worthwhile.

One of the absolute strongest elements of this arc is its careful dissection of both teams, particularly since both factions are framed as protagonists despite being completely at odds. This dynamic works brilliantly because neither group is painted in simple black-and-white terms; instead, they both operate firmly in moral gray areas to justify their motivations. There is also a refreshing lack of a single, overriding central character. For instance, while Duke is traditionally positioned as the definitive face of G.I. Joe, here he functions simply as one vital piece of a much larger narrative puzzle. This is a testament to how thoroughly this run has established its ensemble cast, ensuring that when a massive story arc impacts every single character, a coherent, compelling through line remains for readers to hold onto.

The artwork throughout continues to be nothing short of fantastic, with Tom Reilly expertly capturing the relentless intensity and speed driving the script forward. His smooth, deliberate linework ensures that all of the revolving, high-stakes action feels immediately present and grounded, never getting lost or muddied in the background.