G.I. JOE #16 will mark the penultimate chapter of “The Dreadnok War.” This story has lived up to its marketing as the first big event level story for the series. Having Duke and Cobra Commander teaming up has created a surprising chemistry. Not just between the two but also between different cast members. We have seen a lot of decisions being made that will have a big impact beyond “The Dreadnok War.” Thanks to Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics we got a chance to check out an early copy of the penultimate issue. Find out how it turned out with our advance review of G.I. JOE #16.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton
G.I. JOE #16 SOLICITATION
“THE FINAL BATTLE OF THE DREADNOK WAR BEGINS!
G.I. Joe and Cobra are on a collision course with the Dreadnoks and whatever remains of Duke & Cobra Commander.
The penultimate chapter of the twice-monthly G.I. JOE epic is here!” – Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
HIGHLIGHTS FROM G.I. JOE #16
Dreadnoks Party Like No One Else
There have been many takeaways from “The Dreadnok War.” One of them has certainly been that the Dreadnoks bring a chaotic party to every scene they a part of. That is certainly emphasized in G.I. JOE #16. From the beginning of this issue to the big action set piece we get, the Dreadnoks style of chaos is always at the top of the mind. It certainly stands out with the more structured and military approach of the G.I. JOEs and Cobra.
Hawk Steals the Show
Joshua Williamson makes sure to not let the momentum of the previous issue seeing Hawk and Destro meet go to waste. This was exactly what Hawk in particular needed as the general leader of the JOEs. We needed to see him do more than just play a minimal supporting role to buy into Hawk’s character status. That is what this issue helps resolved. The actions Hawk takes help build his credibility for new readers, myself included, who don’t have history reading G.I. JOE before the Energon Universe.
G.I. JOE Get Their Assemble Moment
G.I. JOE #16 arguably has the biggest hype action sequence we have had from this series. Tom Reilly and Jordie Bellaire meet the moment with a showcase of why they are an amazing art team. The action choreography is done in a way that every character involve shines in some form or fashion. Then there is the general art direction taken that creates a unique energy to the entire action sequence. It is something to really experience for yourself as it takes an already strong comic book and makes it memorable.
Impactful Ending
The ending of G.I. JOE #16 does exactly what the ending of a penultimate chapter for a big story arc should always do. That is set-up the finale for success that gets the reader excited to read it as soon as possible. It is a visual that immediately makes you wonder what the ramifications of everything that’s happened in this story arc will be when the dust settles.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK IN G.I. JOE #16
Nothing!
FINAL THOUGHTS
G.I. JOE #16 is a phenomenal penultimate chapter to “The Dreadnok War.” There are so many great character moments spread across this issue. The big action sequence alone is reason enough to pick up this comic book. It all builds the maximum level of hype for what the finale will be for “The Dreadnok War.”
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
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