DUKE #5, by Image Comics & Skybound on 4/24/24, concludes the miniseries when Duke is forced to fight hand-to-hand against a B.A.T., giving Destro a radical idea.
The Details
- Written by: Joshua Williamson
- Art by: Tom Reilly
- Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
- Letters by: Rus Wooton
- Cover art by: Tom Reilly (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: April 24, 2024
Is DUKE #5 Good?
In the previous issue, Duke managed to escape the Pit with the help of the Baroness and Clutch. During the escape, Baron Bloudd and his mercenaries attacked the prison. In the chaos, Duke escaped, using the tracking device given to him by Dr. Ekkhart. This device led him to the signal of a giant robot that initiated this adventure.
In DUKE #5, Duke is forced to fight hand to hand against a B.A.T Android Soldier for Destro. However, the combat gives Destro a radical idea. Duke is in rough shape, facing the B.A.T. Soldier with nothing but his bare hands. In the midst of the fight, Destro interrupts, questioning Duke’s chance of winning. He offers Duke an opportunity to join him, knowing Duke’s country has turned its back on him. Despite feeling betrayed by everyone, Duke refuses, determined to stop the robot that killed his friend.
Destro, realizing time is money, reactivates the B.A.T. soldier, leaving Duke to fight. Meanwhile, Duke figures out the power battery on the B.A.T. Soldier is running low. He jumps on it, managing to pull its head off with his brute strength. Destro, seeing incoming signals from Colonel Hawk, decides to blow up the whole location. The explosion engulfs the mountainside with Duke inside.
After the explosion, news reports state that Duke has been cleared of all charges, pinning everything on Major Blood. Duke is hailed as a hero, to be buried with military honors. However, an epilogue reveals that Duke was saved by Colonel Hawk’s forces. Duke is then presented with a new mission: to build a new team to hunt down Transformers.
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What did we like about DUKE #5?
It’s surprising that Joshua Williamson was able to stick the landing. He has a notorious history of stories that meander, but he managed to bring the story to a close with a new status quo, a new mission, and a solid way to tie in G.I. Joe into the events of the Transformers, making it feel like an interconnected Energon Universe. As far as finales go, this is the best from Williamson. Kudos to him for this accomplishment.
What didn’t we like about DUKE #5?
After everything that happened, it’s noticeable in retrospect that we never got a good explanation as to why Colonel Hawk kept the knowledge of the Transformers under wraps. It doesn’t make sense why Duke wasn’t told upfront. This small logical twist doesn’t make sense.
How’s the Art?
Tom Reilley’s art looks great. There’s a lot of action in this issue, and there are a few big juxtaposed moments where Duke is smashing into the bat robot. The colors by Jordie Bellaire are also excellent. There’s a lot of great composition and parallel images that give the issue more emotional punch, which is great for a finale.
Final Thoughts
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DUKE #5 offers lots of action, great drama, and emotional depth. The entire mini-series ends with a new status quo, bringing at least this portion of GI Joe more into the Energon Universe. Overall, it’s a solid issue. We enjoyed it a lot.
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