Destro #3
Review
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Andrea Milana
Publisher: Skybound
Release Date: August 21, 2024
Page Count: 28
Format: Single-issue
Destro #3 ramps up the action and intrigue as our steel-faced villain faces off against a formidable new foe. With its blend of high-tech warfare, ancestral legacy, and over-the-top villainy, this issue cements Destro's place as one of the most compelling characters in the Energon Universe.
Destro #3
ReviewWriter: Dan Watters
Artist: Andrea Milana
Publisher: Skybound
Release Date: August 21, 2024
Page Count: 28
Format: Single-issue
Destro #3 ramps up the action and intrigue as our steel-faced villain faces off against a formidable new foe. With its blend of high-tech warfare, ancestral legacy, and over-the-top villainy, this issue cements Destro's place as one of the most compelling characters in the Energon Universe.
The Energon Universe has been on an absolute tear lately, churning out hit after hit in its ever-expanding lineup of Transformers comics and G.I. Joe-adjacent titles. While Destro may have started a bit slow, it's quickly shaped as one of the most intriguing series in Skybound's red-hot imprint. As we dive into the third issue, it's clear that writer Dan Watters has been cooking up something fierce, and now's the perfect time to hop on this villainous rollercoaster ride.
Keep on reading for my review of Destro #3!
Overview of Destro #3
Destro’s visit to his ancestors gets interrupted by the mysterious mercenary, Chameleon. Armed with an arsenal of high-tech weaponry, she proves to be more than a match for our steel-faced antagonist. But if there's one thing we've learned about Destro, it's that he doesn't take challenges lying down. True to form, he concocts a devious plan that could spell doom for anyone foolish enough to cross his path.
Image: Skybound
Review
After a lukewarm but interesting start to the series, Destro has finally hit its stride, becoming what I hoped to see from the fan-favorite villain. The third issue does a fantastic job of fleshing out more of Destro's character, cementing him as an egotistical mastermind. What's particularly intriguing is how the story continues to weave Destro's heritage into the narrative, highlighting his burning desire to uphold his family's illustrious history of villainy. That’s where I see a quirkiness to his villainy that feels reminiscent of classic James Bond antagonists. His actions and dialogue are delightfully over-the-top and borderline cartoonish. The last couple of issues have really showcased the extreme lengths Destro is willing to go to come out on top. It's ultimately refreshing to see the Energon Universe populated with such diverse and unique personalities, and Destro is quickly becoming a standout among them.
The plot thickens in all the right ways in this issue as Destro barrels towards the latter half of the miniseries. Unlike Cobra Commander, which leaned more into thriller territory, Destro’s story feels more driven by covert ops and deceit. One of the most compelling aspects of Destro is that the antagonist of the story remains unclear, adding layers of mystery to the narrative. While the comic does point to Tomas and Xamot being behind it all, there are hints of something bigger lurking just beneath the surface. I can't help but feel that when all is revealed, it will send shockwaves through the entire Energon Universe. And with this issue's killer cliffhanger, we're set to dive even deeper into the political quagmire that Destro is in.
Image: SkyboundOne of the most notable changes in this issue also is the temporary shift in artists, with Andrea Milana stepping in for Andrei Bressan. As a fan of the Cobra Commander series, I was excited to see what Milana would bring to Destro's corner of the G.I. Joe story, and I wasn't disappointed. Milana does an excellent job of maintaining the flow of the story without straying too far from Bressan's established style. The fight between Destro and Chameleon is a particular highlight – it's fun, action-packed, and peppered with quirky character moments that let Destro's personality shine through. There's a gritty quality to Milana's art that I appreciated in Cobra Commander, and it translates beautifully in Destro #3. The detailed linework and dynamic compositions bring extra layers of intensity to the already high-stakes story.
Image: Skybound
Final Thoughts
Destro #3 continues the series' upward trajectory, building towards something big for both the character and the broader Energon Universe. With its perfect blend of high-tech action, political drama, and delightfully hammy villainy, it's a series that's just pure fun from top to bottom. I’m hooked on how the series methodically pieces together an intriguing story that could have major implications for the rest of the Energon Universe. As someone who's followed the shared universe since its inception, I'm thrilled I stuck with Destro through its early growing pains. Our steel-faced villain has quickly become the one to watch in a comic universe already brimming with heavy hitters.
Why You Should Read Destro
- Andrea Milana's art brings a fresh and gritty perspective to Destro.
- Destro's character is full of unique quirks that make him incredibly compelling.
- The building intrigue promises to have significant effects on the broader Energon Universe.