Comic Book Review - Duke #1

Skybound & Image enter new territory with Duke #1…

It’s been quite a few years since I dropped into the world of G.I. Joe. Aside from a hand down of the 80’s action figures, and a very old annual, my main understanding has come from the very cheesy films from the early 2000’s. 

So why jump in now? 

Well in truth it’s all due to Skybound’s new ‘Energon Universe’, a shared universe that connects G.I Joe to Transformers, and Void Runners. While it’s already been teased within the latest Transformers film, Skybound have beaten Hollywood to it and Duke #1 kicks off this new shared reality. And boy, it’s an opening that doesn’t pull its punches. 

Written by Joshua Williamson, Duke #1 follows a disheveled Conrad Hauser as he becomes disillusioned with his role in the American war machine. He’s seen things that he cannot explain, and his quest for answers has seen his superiors close ranks. When his friend - and comrade - is murdered by an aircraft that seemingly “transforms” in front of their eyes, this is Dukes final straw, and his quest to understand what exactly is going on begins. Thrown into the outside world Duke soon falls in with a bunch of cooks who all meet to discuss their various conspiracy theories. From ramblings of alien abduction, trucks standing up on the highway, and secret societies, the groups chairperson seems to be the only person making sense. Thrown into a conspiracy surrounding the mysterious MARS Industries, Duke is sent on a covert mission that could see him find the answers to his questions. Yet in doing so he could also become the enemy to the government he swore to serve. 

Duke #1 works as a great example of a comic book done right. Williamson strikes a balance between building upon Duke as a character, to also keep his current situation flowing. While we get great insight into the man behind the codename, it’s not portrayed as a massive exposition dump. It’s a great character study that definitely captured my attention right through to the issues conclusion. Even with the inclusion of the Transformers, Williamson also keeps Duke firmly planted in G.I. Joe territory. There’s plenty of cameo moments that involve the Joe mainstays - such as Hawk & Snake Eyes - and of course THAT cameo from Starscream, but it’s still decadently a G.I. Joe lead narrative. No doubt as the mini-series continues we’ll delve more into the Energon Universe, but for now Williamson is crafting a fine thread across a much wider narrative. 

Tom Reilly’s art compliments Williamson’s script and really sells the trauma that Duke is experiencing. The opening scene with Colonel Hawk portrays Duke as the all-American hero, to then see him become more careless with his appearance and attitude as the narrative continues. Action sequences come thick and fast as Reilly goes from theatres of war, to tactical espionage through the MARS factory. The bouts of adrenaline keep you entertained while showing off Duke’s strengths and skills. If anything the portrayal here feels much like that of Joe Harrison in the Punisher - both are good at their role, yet aren’t exactly superhuman. 

Colour work comes courtesy of Jordie Bellaire, who tops everything off with a stunning - and varied - colour palette. As my favourite Transformer, Starscream was always going to draw some criticism, yet Bellaire captures the G1 spirit of the Decepticon while similarly casting him in shadow. Even if you’re familiar with the character, we don’t actually see him in the flesh, and even his vehicle mode isn’t fully shown off either. It keeps everything mysterious, and certainly heightens the tension felt by Duke. Locations also have a varied palette, and we go from burnt oranges and browns, to cool blues and reds as we shift from distant war zones, to industrial plants. Much like Reilly’s art, Bellaire keeps her colours grounded, even though the sci-fi is slowly getting dripped in. 

Overall, Duke #1 is a perfect introduction - or re-introduction to the G.I. Joe world. Not only does Joshua Williamson craft a textbook military thriller, he does so with a great understanding of the franchises past. Even though the two Hasbro heavyweights have met before, this time it feels different, and with the ending tease of the upcoming Cobra Commander - well I’m here for it! 

Rating: 10/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on X/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews, and BlueSky @geekculturereviews.bsky.social