G.I. JOE #13 – New Comic Review

G.I. Joe #13, by Image Comics on 11/5/25, fires the first shot in the Dreadnok War arc, putting both wallets and patience to the test with a plot that reads like a frantic arms race and a coloring scheme that can scorch retinas.

Credits:

• Writer: Joshua Williamson
• Artist: Tom Reilly
• Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Tom Reilly (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: November 5, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 30
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of G.I. JOE #13:

First Impressions:

From page one, the tension is instantaneous, delivering an atmosphere that’s more charged than a crate of unstable Energon. The action is relentless, never allowing more than a moment’s pause before plunging characters into another firefight or betrayal. This issue runs hot from the jump, tossing Duke and Cobra Commander into the desert and cranking up the stakes with every panel.

Recap:

After Shooter’s daring escape and a treacherous snowmobile chase in G.I. Joe #12, the Joes regroup from their chaotic, off-panel cell trick while Major Bludd infiltrates Cobra HQ. Hawk’s cryptic leadership and Destro’s shadowy alliances stoke the tension, leaving both factions prepping for the inevitable Dreadnok War. With bleak prison memories and razor-edged flashbacks behind them, the Joes are short on luck and intel, but long on trouble as they enter this arc.

Plot Analysis:

The arc begins with Cobra Commander surveying dwindling stocks of Energon, the miracle war material now in dangerously short supply. His solution: send the Dreadnoks, Mercer, Bludd, Chameleon, and the Twins scavenging for new deposits around the globe. Destro, ever the schemer, commends Ripper’s loyalty while planting seeds of doubt about the Commander’s true intentions – political chess on display even in the swamps.​

Cut to Duke, cast into the Chihuahuan Desert after tracking a peculiar energy signal tied to Energon. The heat is brutal, the environment barren, and the tension among the Joes matches the searing sand. Clutch and Stalker, spread thin by other missions, issue warnings and send Duke into the frying pan where Cobra is already clawing for the same prize.​

A deadly trap soon springs. Cobra and the Dreadnoks cross paths in the desert, detonating into chaos as both see a chance for power or payback. Gunfire erupts as Ripper orders his troops to dig faster, convinced they’re close to something huge. Duke signals for help, finding only static as communication is jammed. Desperate, Cobra Commander bristles under pressure, vowing to kill his adversaries with whatever’s left at hand.​

As the dust settles, alliances shatter with betrayal front and center. Dreadnok revenge burns hot, and Cobra Commander must fight for survival. Not just against the Joes, but his own unruly followers. Duke’s attempt to arrest the Commander turns into a wild desert brawl, ending with plans for payback and threats that promise the Dreadnok War is just getting started.

Story

Williamson’s pacing hits the redline from panel one, favoring breakneck action over nuanced buildup. Dialogue is functional but struggles for memorable lines, defaulting to exposition and rapid-fire commands. The issue’s structure supports the plot’s urgency but too often relies on noise instead of wit, missing deeper emotional beats amid the explosions and betrayals.

Art

Reilly’s illustrations maintain decent clarity in frantic scenes, keeping action easy to follow even as chaos reigns. Composition is competent, cleverly balancing crowd shots and close-ups to prevent visual overload. Unfortunately, the coloring by Bellaire overwhelms the pages with harsh tones. There’s a relentless use of oranges and blues that undercuts the mood, making some panels appear garish or flat when subtlety is needed.

Characters

Character motives are serviceable: Duke, as ever, hunts answers; Cobra Commander clings to power through manipulation and bravado. Ripper and Destro get moments of moral ambiguity, but supporting cast members fade into the background amid constant plot shifts. These heroes and villains operate at such high stakes that empathy takes a back seat to sheer spectacle, sacrificing relatability.

Originality & Concept Execution

The premise of a multi-faction war for Energon is conceptually strong, but execution leans heavily on established tropes: desert stand-offs, double-crosses, and last-minute rescues abound. The arc’s freshness comes from thrusting Cobra and Dreadnok conflict to the fore, but at times the story feels trapped by its own frenetic momentum.

Positives

G.I. Joe #13 wrings every ounce of entertainment from its dizzying tempo and relentless peril, keeping readers glued with suspense and explosive incident. The desert setting is employed tactically for escalating stakes, and Reilly’s visual storytelling ensures the brawls and betrayals never devolve into confusion.

Negatives

Coloring disappoints, with a palette so intense it occasionally distracts from the drama and detail on the page. Character depth stalls as emotional arcs get steamrolled by nonstop action, and the dialogue rarely rises above utilitarian grit. The plot, though packed with twists, risks coming off as mechanical, exchanging personality for pyrotechnics.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): [2/4]
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): [2/4]
Value (Originality & Entertainment): [2/2]

Final Thoughts:

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G.I. JOE #13 is a tactical investment with moderate returns, delivering plenty of desert dust-ups and a handful of clever maneuvers but never quite justifying premium shelf space. If your comic budget is feeling the squeeze, consider whether all-out war and bold but brash coloring offer enough punch to keep buying. There’s enough here for action fans, but fiscal caution is advised.

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