Duke #5 brings to a close the mini-series by Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly. As the series finale Duke #5 could play a key role in setting up what the future of the Energon Universe will be moving forward. There have certainly been a lot of work done to establish what the G.I. JOE side of the Energon Universe looks like. We got the chance to check out an early copy of the series finale of Duke. Find out how it went with our advance review of Duke #5.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton
DUKE #5 SOLICITATION
“Codename: G.I. Joe Is Here! Duke has been betrayed by his allies and hunted by new enemies. The time has come for Duke to start fighting for something bigger than his country. Bugger than he ever could have imagined. Get ready for the last page shocker that no one will see coming!” – Image Comics & Skybound
REVIEW
Now this is how you craft a series finale! Duke #5 does everything you can want from a the conclusion of a storyline and series as whole. We get a story that is filled with action that all works to get you invested in the story of the series cast. The end result is one that builds even greater excitement for the future of the Energon Universe.
Reading Duke #5 is like watching a Steph Curry game. Every shot that is taken with each character decision is nailed without question. With every make your excitement grows for how what Duke goes through against Destro, the Battle Android Trooper, and M.A.R.S. as a whole builds your anticipation as you turn to the next page.
Tom Reilly’s artwork was key to all of this. Reilly makes the Battle Android Trooper, or B.A.T. for short, a truly terrifying opponent. The way it fights against Duke leaves you wondering if he will survive. In turn it makes what Destro is doing as the leader of M.A.R.S. come across as an even bigger threat.
Through all of this Joshua Williamson is able to craft a cool underdog story for Duke. Like any good underdog story, Williamson makes sure that while Duke is fighting against the odds he is not helpless. This is a guy that has had extensive training and experience that he has all the capabilities to come out on top. That is properly showcased as Duke’s desperation in fighting against the odds is felt. How Destro’s dialogue drives Duke’s motivation added to the entire situation.
The ending does a lot to set up both the G.I. JOE and Transformers franchises. The teaser for how these two franchises will continue to operate in the same universe is incredibly exciting. Most importantly, the integration of the Transfomers elements make sense for what took place within Duke. That helps strengthen how the G.I. JOE franchise will be positioned moving forward. It all leads to the feeling that Duke, along with Cobra Commander, is part of Phase 1 to the greater plans for the Energon Universe.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Duke #5 is a phenomenal, action-packed ending to Codename: G.I. Joe. The way the story ends gets you not only excited for Duke’s future but also for the future of the entire Energon Universe. How this finale sets up G.I. JOE franchise success within the Energon Universe should excite fans with how things end. Definitely make sure to pick up this series, whether it’s the individual issues or the trade paperback when released.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
In case you missed them you can check out our reviews for the entire Duke series by clicking here.
