Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Thanks to Image Comics and Skybound for the review copy!
The Energon Universe continues to expand in this limited series from superstar writer Joshua Williamson and acclaimed artist Tom Reilly. Featuring the iconic character Duke and exploring the early formation of G.I. Joe as well as the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons. New alliances, both good and bad, are formed in the wake of the ever-changing world and its unraveling mysteries.
What a fantastic start from a truly great creative team! They are truly reigning in a new era of G.I. JOE with these grounded, eventful and harrowing new stories that will shape the Energon Universe going forward. I love the tone of Duke as they take us back to his origin and give us some thoughtful backstory on the character and his mission. He’s never felt more real and badass than he does in this first issue. He’s a worn soldier with many personal demons but still tough as nails and ready to do anything for his country. He’s a “Real American Hero” as it was always intended and this is the toughest and most personal version of Duke I believe we have seen. I love how Reilly brings the book to life with his sharp detailed characters and action sequences. Wooton and Bellaire shine as well as the coloring, shadowing, and lettering perfectly fit into each panel to complete the look and tone of this book. Wooton even goes as far as to change the colors and background of certain flashback scenes and they look ripped right out of old 60’s and 70’s war comics. The lettering flows with ease from panel to panel making the whole issue very smooth and easy to digest. It’s a great start to what I think could be one of the best mini-series to start this year and I can’t wait for the next issue!
My rating – 10/10 Superb!!
Duke #1 is now available.
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