Advance Review: Joshua Williamson Expands the Energon Universe with Duke #1
I was born in 1987 and missed out on many of the decade’s major franchises which have gone on to have a cultural impact and rabid fan following still to this day. I could have easily gotten into them at some point in my life, just as I went back and got into so many Marvel & DC franchises, but for some reason iconic franchises such as G.I. Joe and Transformers remained a blind spot for me. Until now. The debut of the Energon Universe has sucked me in (willingly) and now has me hooked. That universe expands even further this week with the release of Duke #1 by writer Joshua Williamson, artist Tom Reilly, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Rus Wooton. And after reading it a few weeks ago, I can finally say it may be my favorite first issue of the new shared universe yet!
Read my interview with Duke writer Joshua Williamson and artist Tom Reilly here.
Duke #1 isn't just a comic book revival; it's a revelation. Williamson breathes new life into the G.I. Joe franchise, crafting a story that's both fiercely nostalgic and thrillingly fresh, even for someone who did a lot of reading up on G.I. Joe over the past few months. No matter your familiarity level, Duke #1 will grab you by the shirt and drag you into its world. Williamson's masterful character development makes you care deeply about Duke from page one. Williamson’s writing brilliantly sets Duke up as a bruised & battered figure who has seen better days, but with the resolve to battle through and find better days.
The action sequences are pure adrenaline, bursting off the page with Williamson's kinetic script and Tom Reilly's stunning artwork. Reilly's art visual storytelling at its finest, with every panel oozing with energy and detail. There is a specific portion of the issue, containing minimal dialogue, where Reilly’s artwork perfectly captures the tension and intensity of an espionage mission. I sat at the edge of my seat with bated breath as my eyes shifted from panel to panel, guided by Reilly’s wonderous artistic hands. The colors by Jordie Bellaire are a feast for the eyes, adding depth and atmosphere to Reilly’s linework and rounding out the world of Duke. Rus Wooton’s letter work also gives the biggest moments the “wow” factor, with onomatopoeia that makes it seem like you’re listening to the issue inside an IMAX theater.
But it's not just the action and thrills that make Duke #1 shine. Williamson weaves in thoughtful themes of loyalty, duty, and the cost of war, giving the story, and Duke himself, surprising emotional heft. This isn't just a mindless, Michael Bay film expressed on pages; it's a storytelling masterpiece that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It's a love letter that simultaneously reinvents a franchise for a new generation. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer like me, this is a book you absolutely can't miss.
Rating: 10/10
