G.I. JOE #3, by Image Comics & Skybound on 1/15/25, finds Clutch’s impromptu undercover mission leading him closer to learning about a super weapon in development by Cobra Commander.
Credits:
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Tom Reilly
- Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Cover Artist: Tom Reilly (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: January 15, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of G.I. JOE #3:
Recap:
When last we left the Joes in G.I. Joe #2, Duke’s team failed in its mission to protect a chunk of Cybertronian tech from being stolen by a COBRA strike team armed with Energon-enhanced weapons. Rock ‘n Roll paid the ultimate price for the team’s failure. The issue ended with Colonel Hawk bringing in a new Joe to replace Rock ‘n Roll and Clutch taking advantage of the chaos to infiltrate COBRA.
Plot Analysis:
In G.I. Joe #3, Cobra Commander’s plan comes into focus. The issue begins with Clutch sneaking his way through CORA HQ to find a way to let the Joes know he’s alive and gather any intel he can about what COBRA is planning. Disguised in tactical gear, Clutch runs into Mercer, but before Mercer can apply painful discipline to who he thinks is a soldier standing around, Cobra Commander gathers the troops to lay out the next stage of his plan.
What’s the plan? To assemble a unique invention Cobra Commander has in development, Cobra Commander needs the designs for something called a brainwave scanner, invented by Dr. Archibald Monev, aka Doctor Venom. Cobra Commander pauses before divulging details when he senses a traitor in their midst. Clutch thinks his cover is blown when one of the nearby scientists attacks Cobra Commander with a knife. The scientist is unmasked as an agent of Cobra-La, and he’s disposed of accordingly.
Back at The Pit, Duke and Risk fight mano-a-mano. Colonel Hawk lets the fight continue as long as necessary so that the two Joes can accept each other. Suddenly, the fight is broken up by Stalker, who is more than tired of their childish behavior. Now, on cordial terms, the Joes assemble to examine the damaged energy weapons they found in the rubble of the explosion that Mercer set off to steal the Cybertronian tech.
The Joes’ examination is interrupted when Cover Girl receives a garbled transmission from Clutch warning about the imminent kidnapping of Doctor Monev while the scientist is transported to a hearing before Congress. The issue ends with a caravan being interrupted once, the same caravan being interrupted a second time, and two problems for the price of one.
First Impressions:
G.I. Joe #3 is a strong issue that plays up the espionage aspects of G.I. Joe missions and gives readers plenty of fast-paced action to keep those pages turning. Joshua Williamson’s take on the Joes lacks the military punch of A Real American Hero, but there’s a lot to like in this issue.
Artwork and Presentation:
The artwork is the weak spot of this issue by a country mile. Tom Reilly’s slapdash inks look perfectly serviceable in some panels and down right sloppy in others. Plus, Jordie Bellaire’s muddy color choices and post-modernist application style seem designed to evoke a mid-century aesthetic, but the result is more ugly than stylized.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
Joshua Williamson’s arc, despite a clunky start, is finding it’s stride. The rapid pace, theatrical action, and intriguing developments work together to keep you interested in what’s happening. As a plus, Cobra Commander’s coy mystery about what he’s inventing is interesting because his reasons behind the lack of transparency make sense.
The Negatives:
By far, the art is mediocre enough that the satisfaction level of this comic is harmed by it. It’s unclear if Tom Reilly and Jordie Bellaire are short on time, but something needs to change and change fast.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
As with the other interconnected Energon titles, all signs point to an impending crossover between G.I. Joe and Transformers. With each passing issue, the two properties overlap into each other’s stories. That said, no formal date has been announced as to when a crossover will occur. For now, G.I. Joe is feasting on Transformers’ crumbs.
Final Thoughts:
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G.I. JOE #3 is a fast-paced, entertaining issue that relies heavily on espionage and intrigue to stop Cobra Commander from building a “super weapon.” Joshua Williamson’s script is well-paced and focused, improving significantly from issue #1’s bumpy start. Sadly, the art is rough enough to be off-putting.
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