G.I. Joe #5: Let’s Make Our Escape

G.I. Joe #5 picks up with the Joes captured by Cobra with seemingly no way to escape. This issue really encapsulates what a G.I. Joe comic should feel like, with the entire dysfunctional team overcoming the odds to pursue their goals, all while uniquely acting in their own regard. To say that G.I. Joe #5 is action packed would be an understatement. Almost every page is full of explosive action as Cobra and the Joes go head-to-head within the Cobra facility, paying off aspects of this arc that were set up in the first issue.

One of the best parts of this run has been how Joshua Williamson works with each of these characters to ensure every important figure has a time to shine. After four separate mini series set up G.I. Joe, it was a bit of a worry to envision how all these characters would work in a single book, especially considering the different tones. This is the “Justice League” problem that often results in a book that never truly can capture the character and heart of the individual characters. G.I. Joe thankfully overcomes this, making this plot driven book feel very character focused. G.I. Joe #5 gives little character moments to each member of the teams, showing how their differing personalities work in a team setting, especially as they interpersonally fight over their own issues.

Tom Reilly does a fantastic job in this action-packed issue, which is made all the better by Jordie Bellaire’s colors. The biggest compliment to give this series is that it visually feels like the original cartoon. The action takes it to a whole new level, showcasing gruesome combat in a way that the 1980s would never have allowed; however, it always feels like the classic G.I. Joe that so many of us grew up watching. This, combined with Williamson’s more mature dialogue and plot structure genuinely make this issue feel like something that will be loved by fans new and old.

Jumping into SPOILER territory here… G.I. Joe #5 ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the next issue to be something that fans have been waiting for since the inception of The Energon Universe: the meeting of Duke and Cobra Commander. These are the two opposing forces on this Earth based corner of this universe, and ones that have storied history in their roots. It is no coincidence that this is all happening while Transformers is bringing Megatron into the fold. It is such an exciting time to be a fan of these characters and this universe, with G.I. Joe #6 quickly becoming a most anticipated issue next month.