G.I. JOE #9 – New Comic Review

G.I. Joe #9, by Image Comics & Skybound on 7/16/25, throws readers right into the thick of it with immediate action. This issue is a high-octane ride that might leave new readers a bit disoriented, but long-time fans will likely appreciate the escalating stakes.

Credits:

• Writer: Joshua Williamson
• Artist: Andrea Milana
• Colorist: Lee Loughridge
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Tom Reilly (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: July 16, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of G.I. JOE #9:

First Impressions:

This issue is a whirlwind of high-flying action (literally), tossing familiar characters into fresh chaos when Baroness and Cover Girl take a trip to Paris. It’s got that classic G.I. Joe vibe with some unexpected twists, leaving you eager for what’s next.

Recap:

In G.I. Joe #8, the focus shifts to the Baroness, who, now reluctantly allied with the Joes, seeks a brief leave from their headquarters, the Pit. Duke grants her request on the condition that Cover Girl accompanies her, leading to an unexpected camaraderie as the two spend time together in Paris. Their respite is short-lived, however, when Major Bludd, seeking revenge against the Baroness for past injuries, sends agents to hunt her down. Meanwhile, back at the base, Clutch grapples with the revelation that his jeep is actually the Autobot Hound, and Cobra Commander and Destro plot to harness the power of Energon for their own ends.

Plot Analysis:

G.I. Joe #9 opens with Baroness in Paris, attempting to decline an “invitation” from Major Bludd, who has hired Raptor to track her down. Raptor, a character with a trained aviary, confronts Baroness and Cover Girl, revealing his backstory about feeling a connection with hunting birds and building a suit to hunt alongside them. This confrontation quickly escalates into a full-blown chaotic street brawl in the heart of Paris.

As Raptor’s trained birds cause a diversion, the true objective of the attack becomes clear: it’s a distraction designed to capture Baroness. Baroness, with Cover Girl’s assistance, tries to get Baroness’s parents to safety while dealing with Raptor. During the skirmish, Major Bludd makes a grand entrance, ready to engage.

The fight intensifies as local police arrive on the scene, demanding that the combatants drop their weapons. However, Major Bludd is clearly enjoying the chaos, showcasing his combat skills against the police, proving he hasn’t lost his touch in close quarters. He takes down multiple officers, demonstrating his brutal efficiency.

The issue concludes with a tense standoff where Major Bludd has the upper hand, tossing the captured Baroness and Cover Girl in a pit to fight each other for survival. Meanwhile, Clutch learns more than he ever dreamed during his unexpected partnership with the Autobot called Hound.

Story

Joshua Williamson delivers a tightly paced narrative that throws you straight into the action. The dialogue is sharp, especially the witty banter between Baroness and Raptor, which quickly establishes the stakes and character dynamics. The plot moves at a breakneck speed, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, but it could benefit from a bit more breathing room for character development beyond the immediate conflict. The connections to the larger Energon Universe are teased, building anticipation for future collisions.

Art

Andrea Milana’s art, while dynamic and energetic, could use a sharper edge to truly pop. The action sequences are clear and convey motion effectively, but some panels lack the crispness that would elevate them. Lee Loughridge’s colors contribute to the mood, but a bolder palette could make the explosions and impacts feel more impactful, giving the visuals a much-needed punch. The character designs are recognizable, and expressions generally convey the intended emotions.

Characters

Baroness and Cover Girl make a formidable, if unexpected, duo, with their contrasting styles adding a fun dynamic to the chaos. Raptor is an intriguing new villain with a unique (and frankly, a little weird) motivation, and Major Bludd continues to be a delightfully sadistic antagonist. The creative team clearly has a handle on these characters, making their interactions feel authentic even amidst the high-octane action.

Positives

This issue truly shines in its relentless pacing and action-packed sequences. The unexpected team-up of Baroness and Cover Girl is a stroke of genius, offering fresh dynamics and surprising moments. Raptor proves to be a memorable new villain with a unique power set and a genuinely creepy personality. The inclusion of Major Bludd, always a welcome sight, elevates the threat level and sets the stage for even more mayhem. The creative team’s commitment to building a cohesive Energon Universe is evident, with subtle hints that promise bigger, explosive crossovers down the line.

Negatives

While the art is energetic, it often lacks the precision and impact that would make it truly stand out. Some panels feel a bit rushed, and the line work could be sharper to give the characters and environments more definition. The colors, while functional, tend to be muted and could benefit from a more vibrant and bold approach to enhance the visual drama, especially during the more intense action scenes. This lack of visual punch occasionally detracts from the otherwise thrilling narrative.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

G.I. JOE #9 delivers a solid, action-packed chapter in the ongoing saga, proving that the Energon Universe is a force to be reckoned with. While the art could use a bit more polish and a bolder color scheme, the sharp writing, intriguing character dynamics, and non-stop action make this a worthwhile read for fans of G.I. Joe and the larger connected universe. It’s not perfect, but it’s a wild ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

---

---

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.