by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor

Duke launches readers into the G.I. Joe side of the Energon Universe with a captivating new story. This is one to watch. 

Official Synopsis:
CODENAME G.I. JOE STARTS HERE. Conrad Hauser has made first contact with an alien being and lived to tell the tale. But no one, not even Colonel Hawk, believes the story of the jet fighter converting into a colossal alien robot that nearly killed the man known as Duke. Now, one of the US Army’s most decorated soldiers is on the hunt for answers, drawn into a conflict that no amount of training could ever prepare him for. A war that only a real American hero has any chance of surviving… Superstar writer JOSHUA WILLIAMSON (Superman, Batman) and artist TOM REILLY (The Thing, Ant-Man) kick off the first of four action-packed miniseries that will introduce the best and worst humanity has to offer in the Energon Universe.

Creative Team:
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton

If you have been following the latest stories from Skybound Entertainment, then you are likely aware that the publisher recently launched a shared imprint called the “Energon Universe”, which includes Transformers and G.I. Joe IP licenses as well as original characters/concepts. With Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead) acting as a “showrunner” for the titles, readers have started to see the bigger picture unfold over the last few months. Void Rivals (written by Robert Kirkman with art by Lorenzo De Felici) was the first installment in this new venture and expertly introduced readers to a new modern day take on the Transformers. From there, Transformers (with story and art by Daniel Warren Johnson) in turn set the stage for readers to experience characters and elements from the world of G.I. Joe, leading us to the release of Duke #1. 

We’ve all heard that “Knowing is Half the Battle”, but in the case of the soldier known as “Duke”, he apparently knows a bit too much… His deadly encounter with a Cybertronian has left him desperately seeking answers, and unfortunately finds very little support from his peers and his own country. Despite his exemplary record, Colonel Hawk disavows the events that previously transpired in the Energon Universe (seriously, check out Transformers from Skybound), claiming that Duke’s encounter was just an accident, despite not being willing to share the black box data. After a time jump, we learn that Duke’s search will take him down an unexpected rabbit hole where he will discover that there is more going on than meets the eye. What exactly is happening at M.A.R.S. Industries? All will be revealed as Duke takes on the world to get his answers. 

Now, it might shock you to learn that my knowledge of G.I. Joe is passing at best. I was much more of a Transformers kid, but since the IP has moved into the pop culture mainstream over the years (along with a few live-action movies), I feel like I’ve picked up enough to be comfortable with the characters. What I appreciated the most about this first Duke release was the fact that it really was a welcoming experience for fans who didn’t have a plethora of G.I. Joe knowledge. Williamson and team were able to establish a lot with this first chapter, but it all felt grounded and concise. The interconnectivity between Transformers and this book was handled extremely well, and I loved how the Cybertronian arrival acted as the catalyst for Duke’s new mission. I also enjoyed the fact that it was a slow build to introduce readers to these characters and not rush to fit in too many familiar faces in the first issue. The story is great, and the artist choices are equally as impressive. The designs and colors of the opening prologue felt very reminiscent of the 1980s show, while the present day events take on a muted-yet-modern tone that add another layer to the thrilling adventure.

I might not have been a big G.I. Joe fan before, but I am definitely invested now. GO JOE! 

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Duke #1 – 5 out of 5 wins for Skybound Entertainment. 

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