GI Joe #1 Review: Beginning of a New Era

Skybound's Energon Universe assembles the iconic G.I. Joe team in this action-packed debut issue by Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly.

Image: Skybound

Upcoming Action Comics You Need to Read

By: Javier ReyesNov 11, 2024, 11:30 AM

G.I. Joe #1

Review

Rating

Excellent

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Tom Reilly

Publisher: Skybound

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Page Count: 40

Format: Single-issue

G.I. Joe #1 delivers an action-packed start to a new era in Skybound’s Energon Universe. It culminates everything that was built up in Duke, Destro, and Cobra Commander with a character-driven issue that never lets its foot off the gas pedal.

G.I. Joe #1

Review

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Tom Reilly

Publisher: Skybound

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Page Count: 40

Format: Single-issue

Rating

Excellent

Few properties are as iconic as G.I. Joe, and Skybound has done a phenomenal job reintroducing the Joes back into the world of comics. Through solid minis like Duke, Destro, and Cobra Commander, the publisher has spent the last year carefully weaving an exciting web of stories driven by the many compelling characters of the G.I. Joe. Now, Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly are back in the driver’s seat to launch the Energon Universe’s first full-fledged G.I. Joe comic in this new era, uniting the threads spun throughout the past year. Where will this new comic take fans both new and old? Let's dive into my full review of this exciting new series!

Overview of G.I. Joe #1

Duke has finally assembled the G.I. Joe team, gearing them up for the battles ahead. Yet, even their combined skills and experience may not be enough to face the high-tech threat that looms. As Cobra fully embraces Energon technology, they usher in a new age of warfare. The newly formed G.I. Joe must prove their mettle and become humanity's last stand against Cobra's bid for world domination.

Image: Skybound

Review

Right out of the gate, G.I. Joe #1 feels like a culmination of what Skybound has been building up within the Energon Universe, bringing together storylines from all the miniseries released over the last year. It picks up right where Duke left off, kicking off with a bombastic introduction to the members of the G.I. Joe team. On the flip side, the comic also delves into the machinations Cobra Commander and Destro have been cooking up since striking a partnership. This comic effectively draws the battle lines between the two sides, showing how Energon will ultimately be the lynchpin to their whole conflict. Williamson's script and Reilly’s art hit a fantastic balance between new-age comics and nostalgic camp which makes this series such an exciting read already.

This first issue is all about laying the groundwork and status quo for the new era of G.I Joe to unfold. Each character gets a flashy intro into the story, showcasing the unique skills and personalities they bring to the table. But, like any time a new group is formed, this comic shows how there will be growing pains amongst the characters, which adds a unique layer to the dynamics at play within the story. I’m particularly interested in seeing Baroness’ story develop, as she’s now fighting alongside Duke and the Joes. Will she eventually stab them in the back like she’s always had in the past, or is there a chance she’ll stick with the team for the long haul? In the ever-evolving Energon Universe, it’s hard to predict—and that unpredictability makes the entire initiative exciting for fans and newcomers alike.

GI Joe #1 preview page 2 - The Baroness voices her frustration about training while Duke speaks to the commander.

Image: Skybound

Fans of Duke however will be thrilled to see the art team of Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire, and Rus Wooton return with top-notch visuals for this new comic. With a larger cast now in play, G.I. Joe #1 is packed with fantastic character designs that fuse sci-fi with military aesthetics. Reilly and Bellaire’s work gives each page a unique flair, and the action sequences are brimming with kinetic energy that’s a joy to see. From fistfights to full-on firefights, every panel feels impactful and stylish. You can feel the art team was on a mission to make the first issue leave a lasting impression, and they succeeded in doing that without question.

But even with this first issue being very action-heavy, there are also quieter and more subtle moments that add depth to the characters. Duke is often shown coming to grips with his leadership responsibilities, providing relatable human drama amid intense settings. Then compared to the previous G.I. Joe miniseries, this relaunch feels more purposeful as it seamlessly integrates the high stakes built up throughout the larger Energon Universe. Hints at connections with Transformers add another layer of intrigue to the story as well, promising much bigger to come down the line. As someone who has been following the Energon Universe religiously since Void Rivals started, I can’t wait to see what comes next here.

GI Joe #1 preview page 3 - Cobra Commander showcases a new weapon with Destro.

Image: Skybound

Final Thoughts

G.I. Joe #1 is a strong start to a new era, seamlessly bridging the stories within Skybound’s Energon Universe. Whether you’re a longtime Joe fan, an avid follower of the Energon Universe, or a new reader simply looking for an exciting action comic, this is one comic to add to your pull list. Williamson’s character-driven writing and Reilly’s dynamic art combine to create an exciting story that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The beauty of Skybound’s Energon Universe is that it serves as a great entry point into many of entertainment’s most beloved franchises. With its mix of military action, sci-fi elements, and rich character drama, G.I. Joe establishes itself as the latest and biggest cornerstone of Skybound’s Energon Universe, and it’s only going to get more explosive from here.

Why You Should Read G.I. Joe

It bridges the gap between the major G.I. Joe minis that Skybound has been releasing.
Joshua Williamson is great at balancing the characters and dynamics throughout the story.
Tom Reilly's artwork delivers both explosive action and nuanced character moments across every page.
It delivers a fresh take on G.I. Joe while paying homage to the franchise’s rich and exciting history.

Add These Fantastic Covers to Your Collection

Skybound and Image Comics are pulling out all the stops with this massive release by offering a huge selection of variant covers to collect. With nearly twenty different covers to choose from, these are our favorites from the bunch: