G.I. JOE is coming off its biggest story arc to date in the Dreadnoks War. That storyline set the stage for an even bigger 2026 for this Energon Universe series. Now as has become tradition after every story arc in this series we are getting a character spotlight one-shot. This spotlight issue is going to bringing Roadblock into the Energon Universe. We got the chance to check out an early copy of G.I. JOE #18 from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Marco Fodera
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Rus Wooton
G.I. JOE #18 SOLICITATION
“A STANDALONE NIGHT FORCE COVERT OP! The iconic ROADBLOCK makes his Energon Universe FIRST APPEARANCE… but will he be the newest recruit of Lady Jaye & Flint’s Night Force? Or will he join a different group?!” – Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
G.I. JOE #18 sets the example of how to effectively introduce a new character. While Roadblock is not new to the franchise he is a new player to the Energon Universe. As we’ve seen with Beach Head’s debut in G.I. JOE #7 and Shooter’s debut in G.I. JOE #12, Roadblock’s specialy is what is emphasized.
Roadblock the community defender
Right away Joshua Williamson and Marco Fodera set a different tone for Roadblock’s character. For both Beach Head and Shooter’s respective debuts the emphasis was them being special mission operatives. They are who the JOEs call when the things done in the shadows need to be done in secret.
That is not how Roadblock is portrayed in G.I. JOE #18. Unlike others in even the main JOEs team Roadblock is on the ground level. He is someone that is part of an every day community. Sure he has a presence that makes him stand out in his Biloxi, Mississippi, community. But even with his main character presentation you never lose sight that he is a community member.
Being part of the community helps to make the spotlight on Roadblock’s capabilities as a JOEs operative shine even greater. He is the guy you call on when you need a front line defense. It is not just about his physical power. It is how he approaches getting things done always making sure he is protecting those around him.
By giving us this showcase it makes Roadblock stand out even more. You see what exactly he brings to the table. Unlike Beach Head and Shooter, Roadblock is positioned well to be seamlessly integrated into the main JOEs. It is certainly something you’ll be left wanting after G.I. JOE #18.
Cobra’s big moves in 2026
While Roadblock is the star of G.I. JOE #18 Williamson and Fodera do things to remind you that Cobra is a continued presence. It could be argued that it is Cobra not the JOEs that has carried this series thus far. And what you see going with Cobra here shows that.
The other thing about Cobra’s presence here is that it serves to keep the impact of the Dreadnoks War top of mind. It doesn’t get in the way of the spotlight on Roadblock. Cobra’s presence actually makes this issue have even greater importance. There are important long-term things done here that will be immediately felt in the upcoming issues of this series.
FINAL THOUGHTS
G.I. JOE #18 is an excellent example of how to introduce a character. Roadblock’s introduction into the Energon Universe emphasized what makes the character great. Making him a defender of the community he lives in does a lot to help separate himself from how other JOEs have been presented. He is a much needed character in the cast and hopefully is a permanent presence in this series in the near future.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview for G.I. JOE #18 by clicking here.
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