One more interesting element of Joshua Williamson’s GI Joe is the addition of a barony to the team. She has been Jaws’ enemy for a long time, but here she becomes the team’s ally – even if it’s reluctant. Williamson compared this to throwing stones into the pond, saying, “If GI Joe’s world were a pond… because of what we did and what the blank rivals that lead to the creation of GI Joe and Cobra…it’s a big rock.
Gi Joe #8 begins to explore those ripples, especially when barons are involved. She is eager to leave the pit and manages to do so when Duke places good words for her. But there is a warning. The cover girl is going to come with her, and soon the two are targeted by the vengeful major. On top of that, the clutch must fight the fact that his jeep is actually an Autobot known as the Hound. And Commander Cobra continues to plan to use the power of energy to conquer the world.
Williamson confirms that the Baronites are front and center, and begins to show that there is a layer of chilly assassins. There is an incredibly moving reason why she wants to get out of the pit, and it turns out that she can make her feel even more human. I also love the relationship between her and the cover girl, especially since the cover girl was able to drive Baronness away no matter what trick she used to use to drive her away. The dynamics of Clutch and Hound are also interesting, but the problem may have used it more (especially because this is a big twist in the story).
Skybound
Andrea Milana continues to provide dynamic images backed by Lee Lafridge’s colours. The first page set begins with Risk and the cover girl hunting the barons. Milana draws the scene with ominous edges as the barons are hidden in the shadows as her teammates hunt her. Loughridge masks the scene with a creepy red glow. However, it becomes clear that it is a training exercise, and the scene shifts to warm blue and yellow. The back half of the issue set in Paris is also wrapped in the warm golden sunlight you’d expect from the Parisette comics.
The outstanding moment in question comes towards the final page, featuring Cobra’s underrated members and horror elements. I don’t want to go deep into spoilers, but if I see Alfred Hitchcock’s bird, I’ll spiral into something creepy about this level. But it is very unexpected and works because Milana can add the right amount of threat to the flock of birds filling the panels.
Gi Joe #8 is a great character study, fleshing out the Energon universe while delving deep into the Baronian past. It is also a visual treat courtesy of Andrea Milana. Hopefully he continues to bring his high energy style to future issues.
‘gi Joe’ #8 digs deep into what ticks the barons
Gi Joe #8
Gi Joe #8 is a great character study, fleshing out the Energon universe while delving deep into the Baronian past. It is also a visual treat courtesy of Andrea Milana. Hopefully he continues to bring his high energy style to future issues.
Amazingly deep character research for the Barons.
Williamson balances character development and the expansion of the universe of energy.
Milana’s artwork is energetic and emotional.
Loughridge’s colour adds a lot of energy to progression.
I also needed a clutch and a hound.
