Cobra Commander got a hot start to his first mini-series in the Energon Universe. Cobra Commander comes across as a villain who is building his empire. The rise for power is an intriguing direction for Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana to take. The ending of the first issue also set up a greater connection to the greater Energon Universe. I got the chance to check out an early copy of Cobra Commander #2. Find out how it turned out with our advanced review.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Andrea Milana
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: Rus Wooton
SOLICITATION
“After last issue’s shocking reveals, Cobra Commander searches for a power greater than any the Earth has ever seen. But when this mission brings him face-to-face with a fan-favorite G.I. Joe faction-will they be friend, foe, or something else entirely?” – Image Comics & Skybound
REVIEW
What better way to make a character who has been a villain their entire career into a protagonist than to place them in Florida? The opening of Cobra Commander #2 certainly shows that this needs to be a recipe for villain titles moving forward. Jokes aside, well maybe, this follow-up issue does an excellent job of continuing the momentum from its debut.
What makes Cobra Commander #2 such a standout is its pacing. Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana create an experience where you don’t realize you’re at the final page until you reach that point. This gives Cobra Commander #2 an episodic feel with how the final stinger hits.
The success in the pacing speaks to how well-written Cobra Commander is as a lead character. Williamson makes sure to never lose the plot that Cobra Commander is a villain. The story being told with him as the lead is one to further his own evil goals. Shifting the narrative to Cobra Commander’s perspective does not change that.
Making things even more intriguing is how Cobra Commander’s plot centers around the developments of the Energon Universe. There are extra rewards to those reading Void Rivals and Transformers with how the world has been opened. At the same time, things are kept broad enough so you don’t feel you need to read those other titles. Cobra Commander’s goal is so singularly focused that the greater Energon Universe connections are still about him.
The way this world opens up makes a natural entry point for Cobra Commander to clash with the Dreadnoks. Williamson does a good job at making sure the individual members of the Dreadnoks are focused on. Their introduction keeps the new reader friendly while making sure their personalities and actions match what long-time fans know about them. It sets up an intriguing clash of villains that creates greater intrigue in Cobra Commander’s story.
Throughout Cobra Commander #2, Milana’s artwork excels at capturing the world. The way the Florida setting is utilized is a great example of this. The world feels live in. Creating this type of feeling spotlights how narrow-focused Cobra Commander is on achieving his goal. He doesn’t care about others as he has his eyes set on what he learned about the Energon Universe.
At the same time, Milana does a great job at getting the Dreadnoks over as extremely violent villains. They are a completely different threat than Cobra Commander. That makes the clash between Cobra Commander and Dreadnoks something you want to see how it’s choreographed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Cobra Commander #2 is an amazing ride from beginning to end. You are so immersed in the experience created that when you reach the end, you’re left with the feeling of wanting to read more. Getting the reader to feel this way shows the home run hit by Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10