What has been years in the making is finally here as G.I. Joe has its second comics revolution at Skybound. After a strong start, G.I. Joe #2 aims to bring the action full tilt as Duke and his soldiers attempt to prevent Cobra from gaining unlimited power. It’s a fight to the death in the second installment that will leave you breathless!
G.I. Joe #2 opens with the Joes in a bad way. They’re battered, some are dead, and it looks like Cobra is going to win. That is until Duke comes rocketing in on a Cobra helicopter for one. It’s a badass moment backed up by captions that remind us Duke never stops until he completes his mission.
If there was a point to be made with this issue, it’s that Cobra sorely outguns the G.I. Joes and could use some help. That’s evident in the battle results and the wounds they carry when the remaining characters make it out of the battle. Duke may never give up, but that can only get you far.
Duke never gives up!
Credit: Skybound
Another point made is how awesome Tom Reilly’s art is, from fight choreography to vehicles. The issue moves nicely with great page turn splashes, kungfu kicks, and laser blasts galore. The female Cobra soldiers are menacing, but also sexy with a striking look. In a key scene, we see Duke pull himself from the rubble, and while he’s just a human, he comes off as unbeatable in a heroic sort of way.
The sound effects are excellent in this issue as well, possibly by letterer Rus Wooton, with zaps and booms that’ll have you lingering.
This book works well as a caper action story, but don’t expect to see much deep character work or a long plot. This is about characters being heroic, fighting for their lives, and trying to figure out the next play. The cliffhanger is proof of that, as it reveals a wrinkle that’ll give Cobra trouble but doesn’t necessarily reveal something hugely impactful to the plot.
G.I. Joe #2 is a thrilling, action-heavy ride that leans on spectacle and heroics rather than character depth or plot complexity. With Tom Reilly’s art and an unrelenting pace, fans of explosive battles and badass moments will find plenty to love here, even if they’ll crave a bit more substance.
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