Joshua Williamson is taking a unique approach to his G.I. Joe run: while each story arc focuses on Duke’s team of G.I. Joes, there’s usually a standalone issue that’s focused on Night Force, the secret team of Joes under General Hawk’s command. It’s a fun way to break up the main story while also building out the larger world of the Energon Universe. G.I. Joe #12 returns to this format, while also introducing the newest member of Night Force: Shooter.
Shooter is a fan favorite due to her appearances in the G.I. Joe: Declassified series, so including her in the Energon Universe is a major deal. Williamson also crafts a story that makes use of Night Force’s talents, having them break Shooter out of Darklonia, aka the homeland of Destro. It’s a setup that’s fraught with tension, and there’s plenty of close calls throughout since Darklonia’s soldiers far outnumber Night Force. Readers will also get to see what makes Shooter tick; not only does she refuse to break under horrific pressure, but she also shows off her skill with a sniper rifle in an action sequence that’s more than worth the cover price.
G.I. Joe #12 boasts some incredible artwork, courtesy of guest artist Marco Fodera. The attention to detail that Fodera pours into his artwork is amazing. Beach Head literally blends into the shadows when he infiltrates Castle Destro. The wrinkles in General Hawk’s face convey his long years in the military, and the stress that keeping secrets is taking on him. Fodera also makes use of a tried and true nine panel grid to display just how skilled Shooter’s marksmanship is, using nothing but a rock to take out a fly.
Skybound
The art team’s rounded out by Lee Loughridge, who plays with shadows and light to make Darklonia a truly foreboding land. It’s covered in snow due to the winter, which lights the opening pages in an eerie bluish-white glow. Castle Destro is a looming fortress, its reddish-brown bricks the same color as the blood that Destro’s spilled in his arms-dealing career. Flashbacks to Shooter’s youth are depicted in a sepia tone that serves as a contrast to the brutalities she endures while imprisoned in Darkonia.
Though G.I. Joe #12 is meant to be a standalone issue, it also features elements that help set up for the next major story arc. While I understand why – the upcoming “Dreadnok War” has been positioned as a major step in Williamson’s run – it feels somewhat tacked on when more pages could have been dedicated to exploring Night Force’s history. To Williamson’s credit, he showcases why Destro is a formidable villain and the kind of foe you don’t want to face.
G.I. Joe #12 returns to Night Force’s exploits, introducing a new member and setting the stage for the next big storyline. It’s only a matter of time before Williamson brings both teams of Joes into each other’s orbit, but I’ll settle for seeing which G.I. Joe members – and more importantly, which guest artists – are brought onboard for Night Force’s future adventures.
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