Advance Review: Duke #3

We pick up immediately after the events of the last issue with Duke and Clutch being held in The Pit and learn that Baroness is also being held there. She attempts to convince Duke to team-up and the plan is put to the test when Major Bludd makes a surprise visit and blows things up...literally.

There are some nice character moments for Duke, who is dealing with the weight of the world on his shoulders after having witnessed something he still can’t compute. He’s finally pushed by Baroness to a point where he snaps and, while it’s out of character, I thought it was entirely believable given everything he’s been through. It was fascinating to see the dynamic between these two unfold throughout the issue, but the ending made me question if Baroness will continue to develop as a complex character or become a one-note villain.

Outside their interactions, I thought the rest of the issue was pretty formulaic for a G.I. Joe comic. Lots of explosions, lots of action, and little movement of the larger plot. Major Bludd appeared to be dealt with in a timely manner, but we still don’t know what Hawk’s motives are or what he had planned for Duke. Right now we just know that Duke is on the run and everyone is out to get him and each issue now feels like a “bad situation of the week” cadence.

At least the art continues to impress. Tom Reilly’s designs and Jordie Bellaire’s colors make the comic pop on every page. There are two double-page spreads with two very different use cases that are both very impressive and work wonderfully. Reilly seems like he was born to draw a G.I. Joe book. Rus Wooton caps it all off with perfect lettering that adds an extra layer to every scene.

After a super suspenseful and captivating debut issue that felt entirely unique for this genre and franchise, Duke hasn’t lived up to those initial heights in the past two issues and risks falling into the background of the new Energon Universe entirely. It’s overshadowed by Transformers, one of the best comics currently on the market period, and, while it alludes to the connection between the two books, it’s not yet done enough to convince readers why they need to keep reading this title with each issue’s release and not just wait for the trade.

Rating: 7/10