G.I. Joe #2 Review

Written by: Paul Allor
Art by: Chris Evenhuis
Colors by: Brittany Peer
Published by: IDW Publishing

Following the debut’s shocking end, this issue sees our titular team continue their resistance against the growing evils of Cobra. Now, without the government's help, their group of rag-tag underdogs must work harder than ever to build a rebellion strong enough to topple the powers that be. The new recruit, Tiger, shows his determination throughout the issue as he tries to prove to Scarlett (and himself) that he has what it takes to be a Joe. The rest of the team trains while having to confront their lack of sufficient support.

After their last interaction with the Cobras and the surrender of the United States, the Joes collect themselves. They came away with their lives, but still, have taken damage physically and emotionally. Roadblock struggles with the gravity of taking his first life. The other Joes help him through it in a scene that exemplifies what this series is slowly doing very well, character building and interaction. Writer Paul Allor seems intent on making these characters and their motivations matter and make sense in the story. Tiger was also affected by the last face-off with Cobra. He feels he failed when tested in the moment of battle and spends the issue trying to right his perceived wrong. The end is where the entire issue shines. Allor takes the two separate storylines and has them collide in a way that builds many of the characters in one cool scene. This issue was able to focus a lot on Tiger and develop him more while also introducing and fleshing out the other Joes. We also got a brief glimpse into the ranks of Cobra. It gave a disturbing insight into the opposition our heroes will eventually face.

Chris Evenhuis keeps the art chewy (I know, weird adjective, but that’s how it feels to me) and appealing. His character art has nice definition. That is great for a series focused on a team of unique characters and especially with Allor's character centric writing. The colors added by Brittany Peer use a muted, gritty palate for the mood but also nice popping colors. The pair of artists come together in some silhouette and shaded scenes to great effect.

A speech on surrender frames the entire issue. It is given by the Joes’ leader, General Hawk, and when it is revealed why he is giving it and to whom, it sets up an intriguing future for the story.

Like the G.I. Joe team, the series is building a strong base that has to eventually come to a head. The characters are getting there, but the pace could use some picking up. The best thing the series has going for it is the situation it has put the Joes in. One that is going to take a lot of know-how to get out of. Although, that may only be half the battle (c’mon I had to).