REVIEW: 'G.I. Joe' #1 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, and Jordie Bellaire

 

G.I. Joe #1

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire

Letters: Rus Wooton

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: November 13, 2024

Cover Price: $4.99

Series Premiere. The biggest comic book launch of the decade! Conrad Hauser, Codename DUKE, has assembled a special force known as G.I. Joe to battle the rising power of the mysterious COBRA in the aftermath of the Autobots and Decepticons' arrival on Earth. But the enigmatic Cobra Commander has unleashed the power of Energon like never before! Featuring many familiar faces and the first appearance of an all new character, this is the comic that will change everything you think you know about G.I. Joe... and that's only half the surprises in store from the chart-topping Energon Universe dream team of Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly!

Score: 

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

QUICK REVIEW: The first issue of 'G.I. Joe' successfully serves as an entry point for new readers while encapsulating the ongoing Energon Universe. Joshua Williamson’s script effectively balances exposition and action, providing enough context about the G.I. Joe and Cobra rivalry, and the inevitable Transformers threat. 

Artists Tom Reilly and Jordie Bellaire deliver vibrant action sequences, showcasing each character's unique skills in a visually engaging way. Reilly's precise line work and dynamic poses, complemented by Bellaire’s effective color palette, create a modern yet nostalgic vibe. 

Despite some initial uncertainty due to redacted review pages, the final reveal leaves readers eager for more, hinting at a series that doesn’t shy away from intensity. This relaunch captures the franchise's colorful roots while introducing a darker narrative, blending absurdity with sincerity. ‘G.I. Joe' #1 promises huge battles and compelling character dynamics, striking a balance between nostalgia and contemporary storytelling. An exciting new era of  'G.I. Joe' has arrived.