G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO – ROADBLOCK, by Image Comics & Skybound on 4/23/25, follows the massive Joe as he plans an ambush to rescue a fellow Joe taken hostage by COBRA – Lady Jaye.
Credits:
- Writer: Andrew Krahnke
- Artist: Andrew Krahnke
- Colorist: Francesco Segala
- Cover Artist: Andrew Krahnke (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: April 23, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Silent One-Shot
Covers:
Analysis of G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO – ROADBLOCK:
Plot Analysis:
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Roadblock begins the next silent one-shot that puts Roadblock in the spotlight. We catch up with Roadblock hiding in the snowy woods by a road blocked by a fallen tree. Soon, a COBRA caravan, containing Lady Jaye as a prisoner, comes around the bend and stops at the impassible tree.
The caravan turns around to find an alternate route, but Roadblock sends an almost-cut-through tree crashing across the road to block their escape. Roadblack tosses grenades into the crowd to take out the smaller vehicles, hops on a nearby snowmobile, and races down the hill to unleash a hailstorm of weapons fire.
Lady Jaye anticipated the rescue, so she leaps to attack the guards within her transport. When Roadblock opens the door to her transport, she’s ready to go. Before the COBRA soldiers are wiped out, they send word that they’re under attack back to base. A Crimson Guardsman climbs into a Rattler to provide reinforcements.
Roadblock, however, is prepared with a 50-cal minigun when the Rattler arrives for a strafing run and downs the plane. Roadblock and Lady race to the wreckage but find the cockpit empty. The Crimson Guardsman drops on top of Roadblock from a parachute, forcing Roadblock and Lady Jaye to team up and bring the Crimson Guardsman down.
The issue ends with cocoa by a warm campfire.
First Impressions:
Andrew Krahnke delivers one of the better silent one-shots in the experimental miniseries by showcasing why Roadblock is named Roadblock and showing the titular character at his best. Fans of G.I. Joe, particularly Roadblock, will love this issue.
Artwork and Presentation:
Andrew Krahnke pulls double duty on writing and art, so it’s no surprise that the art is in perfect alignment with the mission. Krahnke hits readers with more than one splash panel to show Roadblock unleashing Hell on COBRA, giving you the fist-pumping wow moments you love.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
The challenge with silent issues is the sheer eight placed on the art to communicate the story without any help from the words. Andrew Krahnke communicates the tale he wants to tell with no ambiguity or confusion, and Roadblock comes across as the hero you’ve been waiting for in Skybound’s lineup of original Joe comics.
The Negatives:
Roadblock is a big dude, but there are a few panels where Krahnke depicts Roadblock as a giant with superhuman strength. Yes. Roadblock should show off his size and strength, using both to his advantage, but Krahnke goes overboard in a few spots.
Big Picture:
Series Continuity:
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Roadblock marks the fourth silent one-shot in the miniseries, which means there’s just one more to go. The next and final issue in the miniseries will focus on the perennial field leader of the group – Duke.
It’s worth noting that of all the G.I. Joe comics Skybound produced since taking the license from IDW, Snake Eyes has yet to make an appearance. Could something be cooking?
Final Thoughts:
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO – ROADBLOCK showcases the big fella’s talents and strengths when he’s sent on a solo mission to rescue Lady Jaye from COBRA’s forces. Andrew Krahnke gives readers plenty of macho, explosive action in the script, and the art is excellent.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
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.