Image Comics & Skybound Entertainment
Spoiler Alert
In issues #2 and 3 of Cobra Commander, just what kind of relationship he will have with the Dreadnoks gets dissected and broken down! Those moments will have a few readers cringing, and others like myself cackling with laughter like The Joker. It’s about time we have a story that can crawl underneath your skin!
The latest issue is all about about who can take the pain. Whether that’s physical or psychological, there’s lots to like with this latest issue. The shock from Buzzer says it all! Unlike the cartoons where this gang are nothing but buffoons and you don’t get to know them, this version offers a bit of backstory and reveals in how bloody ruthless they can be. We see some carnage in #2, but in this continuation, what I loved witnessing is how CC is establishing himself in this hierarchy. This up and coming leader of a global terrorist network needs to prove why he is this motorcycle gang’s superior.
As for Zartan and what he is up to, I do not know! This air of mystery from series writer Joshua Williamson has me rereading the comic in search for clues. It’s easy to see his sister Zarana holding all the cards, but as for what she knows, she’s not telling. Although Destro, Major Bludd, Storm Shadow and Dr. Mindbender have yet to make their entry into this reimagined comic book universe, I am eager to see how the creative team behind this Energon universe will update them.
Even Andrea Milana‘s terrific art shows some amusing juxtapositions. Also, if I remember my greatest comic book moments right (I had Batman and V for Vendetta pop into mind), what has doodled on Cobra Commander’s helmet made me grin. Hopefully, a series two is being planned since I’m loving this alternate look at what goes on in the G.I. Joe universe (rather than Energon). As no army can be built overnight, just what this former scientist can do will take time if he’s to command massive forces in the name for himself rather than Cobra-la.
With only two issues left, I cannot help but wonder if series one is simply about acquiring the Dreadnoks’ respect before building his army proper. It’s also not just about Chromedome searching for the Energon deposit that’s hidden in the swamps. He’s joined by Nemesis Enforcer. And since the need to possess this electric gold is part of a grander story arc, I feel I can not ignore that either. Somehow, it’ll give him more than the money and the resources to create the terrorist organisation known as Cobra overnight.
As a result, I’ll have to start picking up the trade paperbacks as they become available. The Energon Universe is co-created by Robert Kirkman is “new,” and it’s safe to jump in without investing too much to catch up. Skybound Publishing’s Transformers series is almost six issues in, and the only comic that’s soon to be available (Amazon link) in collected format is Duke. Next up is Scarlett and Destro, and they are due out later this year.
4 Stars out of 5