G.I. Joe #27 continues the “Night Force” story arc for the series. We’ve seen how the firs two parts of this story arc have already tested the dynamics we have seen in this series. Baroness being at the center of everything after she was framed for murder has in particular shaken the foundation of the Joes. That foundation shaking has forced the Joes to make difficult decisions as things have become even more chaotic on the heroes side of things. How will things go next? We got the chance to find out early with an advance copy of G.I. Joe #27 provided by Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Rus Wooton
G.I. JOE #27 SOLICITATION
“WHO IS ZARTAN?
In a deadly play for power, Zartan’s set Joe against Joe. Is there anyone left who can stop him?” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
REVIEW
Sides being chosen has been a running theme for this “Night Force” story arc. G.I. Joe #27 highlights this as every development being made makes each character have to make their own choices. These choices further spotlights the individuality of each of the characters involved in this conflict. Even though they are all soldiers in spirit, the Joes and Night Force are also human at heart and mind.
With the previous issue leaving the Joes in a tough corner as they did everything to make sure Baroness escaped safely we see the ramifications of their actions in G.I. Joe #27. This entire issue shows how important it was that the Joes all showed their support for Baroness. She is their teammate, who in the short time they’ve worked together as a team have gone to hell and back.
It is also to the credit of Night Force that they also understand that the Joes would not make the decision they did for no reason. We see that instantly with how far Night Force are willing to take things in compared to the military programmed G.I. B.A.T. The actions by B.A.T. have major consequences for where things go in G.I. Joe #27 for Night Force.
This makes the way Zartan continues to operate as Hawk even more fascinating. Throughout this Zartan makes some questionable choices. It works with the confidence Zartan has in his plot while disguising himself as Hawk. His actions make the Joes vs Night Force even more complicated than just to opposing forces being in conflict. The added members to the Night Force squad that Zartan-Hawk brings in spices things up even more in ways that are needed.
Everything that goes on helps to further build Baroness importance to the series. Even when she is not on screen you are always aware that she is the driving force behind this story arc. When she appears Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly do a good job at tapping into the enemy of the state nature to her being on the run. There is constant tension during Baroness scenes that you wonder either if she’ll be found or what she will discover on her journey.
FINAL THOUGHTS
G.I. Joe #27 does a good job at progressing the “Night Force” story arc at a natural pace. The middle chapter of a story arc is always in a tough spot to get us to transition to the final phase of the story. Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly knew exactly the buttons they needed to make in order to keep the interest in Baroness status quo and G.I. Joe vs Night Force as high as possible. The added layers as each character makes a decision that could prove to be what turns the story to the favor of one side over the other when all is said and done.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
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