G.I. JOE #6 marks the conclusion of the first story arc for this series. Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly have been very good about making a big impact with each chapter of this first story arc thus far. So the expectations are high for what they will be delivering in this finale. And they have already set-up an explosive finale with how the previous issue left us with Duke challenging Cobra Commander in their first face-to-face showdown. We got the chance to check out an early copy of the finale. Find out what happened with our advance review of G.I. JOE #6.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton
G.I. JOE #6 SOLICITATION
“Duke vs. Cobra Commander. It’s all been leading to this. And the ending no one will see coming!” – Skybound & Image Comics
REVIEW
G.I. JOE #6 does not disappoint in delivering exactly what it promotes in its solicitation. This comic book is carried by the Duke vs Cobra Commander showdown. How everything that happens in this issue spins out of this showdown is what makes the finale memorable.
Right away what Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly capture is how personal the rivalry between Duke and Cobra Commander is. What is most intriguing about their rivalry is how Cobra Commander goes about drawing comparisons between the two. The way Cobra Commander talks about it really highlights how he and Duke are a reflection of one another.
As the story in G.I. JOE #6 we see how true this comparison is but in a twisted way. Duke and Cobra Commander are a reflection of the different extremes that can be taken by the way a leader operates. Their fight progresses in a way that showcases this as they make choices that are the opposite of one another. That leads to the choreography that Reilly and Jordie Bellaire execute through the artwork have more of an edge. Which is given another level by the dialogue Williamson gives to Duke and Cobra Commander.
The intensity of their fight is heightening the way the JOEs and Cobra have to each respond. This isn’t just a story about the showdown of Duke vs. Cobra Commander. That is just one aspect of this bigger story as there is a race for survival. Williamson, Reilly, and Bellaire really make the most of the chaotic setting to elevate the importance of choices being made by characters.
This all leads to some great interactions on both sides of the conflict. Baroness in particular continues to be a standout character as being part of the JOEs constantly makes you wonder what choices she’ll make. It creates for some cool challenges for the chemistry on the JOEs side and what is going to be coming next.
Speaking of what is coming next, the results of the first battle between the JOEs and Cobra gives greater importance to the developments in the final few pages. There is a lot that is set up that will excite fans of the Energon Universe. They are developments that set-up the next story arc to be even bigger than the first story arc of this series.
FINAL THOUGHTS
G.I. JOE #6 is an excellent conclusion to the first story arc of this series. Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, and Jordie Bellaire are at the top of their game delivering a story with a ton of thrills. From the opening to the final page your attention is never let go as the promised Duke vs Cobra Commander fight leads to an intense conclusion. It all wraps up in way that further solidifies this as a must-read comic book.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Check out the full preview of G.I. Joe #6 by clicking here.
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