Skybound's meticulous reintroduction of G.I. Joe IP into the Energon Universe reaches its culmination with Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly's electrifying debut issue. Building upon the foundations laid by recent miniseries Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett, and Destro, G.I. Joe #1 masterfully weaves together plot threads that have been expertly laid out on the chessboard over the past year, propelling the franchise forward with exciting momentum.

Williamson establishes Duke as the leader he was destined to become, showcasing growth from his titular miniseries and a new sense of hesitation when faced with the daunting reality of leading a team against Cobra Commander’s formidable alliance of villains. The lineup of his newly formed team is revealed, boasting an intriguing mix of fan favorite characters and the inclusion of someone longtime G.I. Joe fans wouldn’t expect to be working with the good guys. Duke's doubts about their readiness to face Cobra's threat create an immediate sense of tension for what’s in store for this team when they taste battle. Williamson's writing shines, conveying the weight of responsibility on Duke's shoulders and the new threat posed by Cobra.And boy is Cobra looking like a formidable foe! We see just how far he and Destro have advanced in their mastery of Energon. This new reality establishes extremely high stakes for Duke’s mission and the series as a whole.

Overall, the issue is very well paced, building momentum that crescendos with a climactic first skirmish between the two sides. Williamson even adds references to what's been happening in the shared Energon Universe with nods to recent events in the Transformers series. He nailed every job he had to do with this first issue and then some.

I’m so glad to have Tom Reilly back for another Joe book. I loved what he brought to the Duke mini and he didn’t disappoint. His distinct character designs prevent the large cast from blending together and his dynamic action sequences are equally impressive, injecting even more energy into the narrative. Jordie Bellaire's colors complement Reilly's art, adding depth and atmosphere to the visuals. Some of the more experimental color choices are reminiscent of Bellaire’s recent work on DC's Birds of Prey series, which made the book feel a bit less special in some regards. However, the creative duo, combined with Rus Wooton’s lettering, give us a very visually pleasing reading experience from start to finish.

G.I. Joe #1 is a resounding success, delivering on its promise to unite the disparate plot threads from previous miniseries. Williamson's character-driven writing and the captivating art make this issue a must-read. With nods to other Energon Universe titles, this debut sets the stage for an explosive, action-packed ride. The stakes are higher than ever before, the creative team's enthusiasm is infectious, and the sky appears to be the limit in terms of who may show up down the road. Hop on now before you’re left behind!

Rating: 10/10