The Energon Universe’s G.I. JOE series completed its first story arc last month. We saw that the JOEs were barely able to survive their first big battle against Cobra. As things stand Cobra Commander, thanks to all his preparations, is in the driver’s seat right now. And if the way things went in the first story arc are any indication, the JOEs have their work cut out for them in trying to match Cobra. We got the chance to check out an early copy of G.I. JOE #7 from Skybound and Image Comics. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Andrea Milana
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Rus Wooton
G.I. JOE #7 SOLICITATION
“A STANDALONE NIGHT FORCE COVERT OP! The FIRST APPEARANCE of the iconic BEACH HEAD! But is this really his last MISSION?! The new G.I. JOE epic STARTS HERE.” – Skybound Entertainment & Image Comics
REVIEW
For a series that is so young G.I. JOE #7 has immediately set the standard for what all other issues in this series will have to meet. It is incredible to experience the complete story that Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana can create with this issue. Crafting a one-shot story ultimately made Beach Head’s debut a great example of how to introduce comic book readers to a new character.
There was just no messing around with G.I. JOE #7. Every page and panel mattered in this comic book. Creating that sort of energy makes you as the reader, stay on your toes as much as Beach Head during his mission. It is a credit to the chemistry Williamson and Milana have as a creative team that they found a balance for when the writing or artwork should be the balance. They are always complimenting one another in a great way.
Having Beach Head take on a solo mission fully gets over what makes him a badass character. There is incredible sense of movement to everything he does. Even when the situation calls for him to stay still you know it is so that he can make his next move. And when things don’t go as planned you feel that as a reader.
The inner monologue is also cleverly used to emphasize the infiltration mission Beach Head was on. Williamson was able to use it in a way that develops Beach Head’s voice. It had a distinct tone that you hear, especially when there is dialogue spoken by Beach Head or another character. It is a small touch that really helps Beach Head get over as a character.
G.I. JOE #7 is also a great example of what the heroes approach will have to be moving forward. We saw in the first story arc that the JOEs can’t go toe-to-toe with Cobra as they are. If more of the secret spy tone is hit it can also provide G.I. JOE another way for the series to standout from the heavy sci-fi nature of the other Energon Universe titles.
Milana’s artwork along with Lee Loughridge’s coloring is a great fit for the story that is told in this issue. They hit on the spy thriller tone this story takes. You feel like your following Beach Head on his mission as you wonder what is around each corner and behind each door that’s open.
FINAL THOUGHTS
G.I. JOE #7 sets the bar high for the height this series can hit. Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana crafted a thrilling secret mission that only Beach Head could’ve accomplished. That leads to one of the best single debut issues for a character that we have. By the end you will be left hyped for what happens next and look forward to when Beach Head and the other G.I. JOE characters that appear in this issue show up again.
Story Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
For more opinions on anime, comic book, movies, and sports you can follow Kevin on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter/X.