G.I. JOE #13 kicks off the biggest storyline this series has had in its Energon Universe era: “Dreadnok War.” This five part storyline is teased to be a real test of Cobra Commander’s leadership. What that tease means for the JOEs as they are still finding their team chemistry is anyone’s guess. We got the chance to check out an early copy from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. Find out how G.I. JOE #13 turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton
G.I. JOE #13 SOLICITATION
“NEW ARC: THE DREADNOK WAR BEGINS HERE!
When Cobra Commander is betrayed by one of his closest allies, he’s targeted for revenge by the Dreadnoks! But in his darkest hour, the only one who can save Cobra Commander is…Duke?
The team-up you never expected kicks off THE BIGGEST G.I. JOE story yet, one so action-packed that it will ship bi-weekly from the dream team of Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly!” – Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment
HIGHLIGHTS OF G.I. JOE #13
Entry Point for New Fans
Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly understood with how the “Dreadnok War” is promoted as a big storyline it means new readers may jump on. There are decisions made with how the story is framed at the beginning to make sure they welcome in new readers. This is done in a way that does not interfere with the pacing of how this story starts. They work in how new readers are caught up with the important moments of the last 12 issues as a narrative device. It drives home why Cobra is in the position they are and the JOEs are were they are at.
Cobra Commander Complexities Creates Compelling Dynamics
Throughout G.I. JOE #13 we see what makes Cobra Commander such a compelling antagonist. Cobra Commander has an aura of someone who always has multiple plans going on at the same time. He is play three dimensional chess while everyone else is trying to figure out how to play chess. Because of that when the big surprises happen with the other players in Cobra you do feel the sudden shock. It makes you question what Cobra Commander’s motives for the rest of are the “Dreadnok War.”
Duke Positioned to Have His Biggest Test Yet
Duke has been taking a backseat ever since the first G.I. JOE story arc concluded. We’ve seen him in largely guest roles for the last six issues as he was still recovering from the JOEs first mission. G.I. JOE #13 shows that this was done with a purpose. It was to move him into a spot where he can take the type of lead role that positions him into the middle of what’s going on with the “Dreadnok War.” It is a great bit of long-term storytelling that makes Duke as interesting of a character as the other main players in this story.
Dreadnoks are Perfect Villains for this Stage of the Energon Universe
G.I. JOE #13 shows that you do not want to ever get on the Dreadnok’s revenge list. They don’t do anything quietly. Quite the opposite. They are a villain group that revel in doing things as loudly as possible. Williamson and Reilly lean into this by giving them the vibe of Immortan Joe’s War Boys from Mad Max: Fury Road. This approach the Dreadnok’s take help to accelerate major sub-plots that have been in development since the mini-series that set-up this series.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN G.I. JOE #13
Nothing!
FINAL THOUGHTS
G.I. JOE #13 is an excellent start to the “Dreadnok War.” The Dreadnoks brand of chaos to create surprise moments that accelerate multiple long-term sub-plots. How that ends up positioning both Cobra and Duke back into lead roles will certainly excite readers because of how its done.
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 for G.I. JOE #13 by clicking here.
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