G.I Joe #9: Attack from All Angles

G.I. Joe #9 picks up with Baroness and Cover Girl under attack while Baroness attempts to enjoy the day off the Joes have finally allotted her. As revealed in the previous issue, Baroness wanted the time off so she could check in on her parents from afar, as they still believe her to be dead. Despite her best intentions, one of her old enemies resurfaces, creating a dire situation for her and Cover Girl. Meanwhile, Clutch continues to bond with his new Autobot companion, while Destro hunts for information he can keep in his back pocket as he continues to work with—and for—Cobra Commander.

The shift to Baroness as this arc’s lead character is a smart move, opening up a new narrative path that doesn’t require Duke to appear on every page. In fact, his brief appearance in this issue shows that writer Joshua Williamson is fully engaged in expanding the mythos of this world without sidelining any characters. Baroness continues to be portrayed as a tragic figure, with her resurfacing past unraveling the fragile sense of normalcy she has managed to build. There’s a constant sense of tension in G.I. Joe #9, as her recent heel turn toward a more heroic persona feels a bit too preordained. Nonetheless, the issue ends on a cliffhanger for Baroness, opening the door to countless possibilities for what comes next.

The secondary lead of this arc is Cover Girl, who seems to get a fair amount of page time despite primarily serving as a liaison to Baroness. However, the way this issue ends suggests that the series will soon dive deeper into her character. One thing is clear—Williamson is setting up this run to feature some powerful, heavy-hitting women on the Energon Universe’s G.I. Joe team.

The highlight of G.I. Joe #9 is Destro’s covert research behind Cobra Commander’s back. Without spoiling the specifics, the issue delivers a haunting and disturbing look at someone who has encountered a Transformer, resulting in one of the most chilling sequences in comics this year. Artist Andrea Milana’s execution of this moment is nothing short of stellar, building on the horrific tone established in Milana’s previous G.I. Joe collaboration with Williamson, Cobra Commander. This sequence stands out as one of the most memorable moments in the Energon Universe so far.