G.I. JOE #6 – IN THE END, ONLY ONE CAN WIN

It has all come down to this. COBRA has made their presence felt. Using dangerous technology, the terrorist organization struck without warning. The elite fighting force known as G.I. JOE was dealt a crushing blow. Rock N’ Roll was killed in the line of duty. This broke the heart, but not the spirit of the team.

Duke has rallied the troops into a full-on assault. Their initial play wound up delivering them into the belly of the serpent beast. By sheer luck, Duke and company turned the tables on the COBRA victory. Before Cobra Commander can attempt another move, Duke is right in his face poised to get some revenge!

G.I. JOE #6 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire and Rus Wooton (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics) gives fans the showdown they have all been waiting for!

Tom C. (“Play 4 Keeps”/N.I. Bullpen/”Turn A Page”) and yours truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/NI editor In Chief) are teaming up again! Let’s not wait any longer! Let’s take a closer look at what is happening now!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

LET’S TALK STORY!

KEN: To say this issue had a “big fight feel” is a vast understatement. Williamson takes readers into an intense meeting of good vs. evil. The parallels between DUKE & COBRA COMMANDER are eerily similar. As the dialogue from Commander dances around the common themes, it is countered by Duke’s rage. This is where the common ground gives way. Commander makes his play. The fate of Washington D.C. is in immediate danger. Where things go from here is into a whole extra gear.

The action blazes onto the page. Williamson structures these pages with well timed breaks. This allows the main event to continue to build. It gives enough moments where the Joe team/Destro event doesn’t feel forced. This leads into the explosive conflict end. Readers can’t deny the adrenaline push as each move is amplified. The conclusion is set up perfectly. Considering it is a first round, it nails the landing.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Within the closing pages, more seeds are planted involving the new stat quo. Nothing will be a greater shock than the final page. If there was ever a mic drop moment, Williamson hits it at the key point. There’s no way readers can’t be amped up after this chapter.

TOM: Honestly, I was looking for more action when it came to the immediate interaction between Duke and Cobra Commander. But this Commander is playing chess while Duke is playing Parchissi. 

Cobra Commander shines in doing what all great villains do: talk! He shows no worries, “$#!t” is given, going on about how similar he and Duke are, like two sides of the same coin. But diverging on their paths, one for the greater good and the other for the greater good of oneself.

Mean the rest of the crew are trying to escape Destro, Cobra Commander prepares to launch the brain bomb. And it is, in fact, the only deterrent so that the Joes can get away.

With the massive reveal at the end of the issue, I’m sure this is going to hound readers for quite some time.

HOW ABOUT THE ART AND LETTERING!

KEN: Reilly and Bellaire understand the stakes with the art. The build has pushed both faction leaders into their collision course. A fantastic two page spread brings Duke & Commander’s paths into the spotlight. This pushes the art into the combustible moment readers have wanted. Duke’s grittiness is equally matched by the Commander’s confidence. Their back and forth jabs are spilt with great panels. It fuels the rest of the chapter into a fast paced throwdown.

The Joes/Destro segway is brief but hits the needed marks. Reilly hones in on Destro’s disbelief challenged by The Baroness’ bravery. Their reactions maximize their page time. Short but effective. It is well timed considering the other match unfolding. There’s no shortage of blunt, brutal action with Duke and Commander. It comes to a strong, but subtle conclusion.

This leads into some reflective closing images. A few panels will pop more than others due to the surprises. None greater than the final page. The full page image changes the game for the Joes as their next phase seems to have evolved.   CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

TOM: I know the sparse color palette has been my soapbox during this arc, but this time it lends to the severity of what’s going on. It’s punchy and direct without being too bland. Combine that with the detail on the Commander’s hands; it’s just right!

OVERALL GRADE: 8.8

KEN: 9.5 Two roads converge with bullets and bravery in this phenomenal chapter. Williamson orchestrates organized chaos with the wild fighting stages. Reilly, Bellaire and Wooton expose the beginnings of a true “fight forever” with stunning imagery. This book delivers on many levels and never disappoints!

TOM: 8. The story really needed to transform into the next arc, and this is a convenient way to tie most of it up in a neat bow, ready for the following issues. It’s a nice endcap and gets us all ready to see what’s coming next.

Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on G.I. Joe #6. Thanks for reading!