G.I. JOE just wrapped up its second big story arc within the Energon Universe. Now before the series moves on to its event-level story arc in “Dreadnok War” we got a standalone issue. This standalone issue will be bringing fan-favorite G.I. JOE character Shooter into the series. Shooter was a character teased at the end of the previous issue. We got a chance to get an early copy of this week’s G.I. JOE #12 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 #12 SOLICITATION
“A STANDALONE NIGHT FORCE COVERT OP! The FIRST APPEARANCE of fan-favorite SHOOTER! How can she join Night Force when she’s imprisoned in Darklonia? Lady Jaye has a plan…” – Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment
HIGHLIGHTS OF G.I. JOE #12
One-Shot Story Approach Adds Urgency
Joshua Williamson has established a great cadence of having one-shot stories in between major story arcs. It helps to recenter things after all that happened in the recent story arc with Cover Girl and Baroness. This approach works to make sure there is no time wasted in this comic book, even with its focused spotlight. Because G.I. JOE #12 isn’t simply an introduction for Shooter. We get several other JOEs new to the Energon Universe spotlighted. This along with key developments with the Cobra and G.I. JOE organizations helped make this as important as any issue of this series.
Strong Introduction to who Shooter is
G.I. JOE #12 does not disappoint in providing Shooter a strong introduction. What helps Shooter stand out is her specialist nature. She is the sniper of the JOEs and she is put over as the best. The mission she is on showcases how Shooter uses her specialty even in solo missions. She obviously not the best hand-to-hand fighter but she is as smart a combatant as anyone. Shooter knows what she needs to do accomplish a mission, even if it involves some pain.
Expanding Threats Beyond Cobra
Shooter’s mission also helps to put over the fact that there is more than just Cobra to be concerned about in the world. Cobra is obviously on the level of the Decepticons as the big bads in the world. But that does not mean they aren’t the only bad guys. We see how even the smaller organizations can be a threat that the JOEs can’t ignore. Shooter’s solo mission further builds up how Cobra aren’t the only villains that can carry the antagonist side of a story. Having these other threats further elevates Cobra as the most threatening villains.
Duke an Outsider Within the G.I. JOE?
It’s not a major part of this issue but we once again see how Duke isn’t involved in everything. Yes, he is still confirmed as the field leader of the main team but there are more questions to the authority of this leadership. This emphasizes that the JOEs are more than just the main squad we follow most of the time. Though at some point Duke needs to be more involved and not simply a yes man. It is fine this early on into the series but part of his evolution will be becoming more active, beyond his field leader role.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN G.I. JOE #12
Nothing!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Joshua Williamson and Marco Fodera maximized the page count of G.I. JOE #12 to give Shooter a strong introduction. Shooter is put over as a badass sniper who can deal with any mission. At the same time, we get a lot of developments for major sub-plots that drive up the overall interest of this series.
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
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