Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, the Energon Universe grows again! With its’ debut in 2023’s Void Rivals, Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics have re-ignited the fandoms of both Transformers and G.I. Joe. Each series following has been diving further into the key players of this shared landscape.
With the events of Transformers #2 spiraling into Duke #1, it was only a matter of time until COBRA and their charismatic leader showed their evil heads into the picture.
COBRA COMMANDER #1 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Annalisa Leoni and Rus Wooten re-introduce the main antagonist of G.I. Joe with a fresh new take. Let’s take a closer look at the early stages of COBRA’s ascent.
COBRA COMMANDER #1 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Annalisa Leoni and Rus Wooten (Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Under the fall of snow, a man walks into a bar. As the line might sound familiar, this scenario is anything but. At “No Man’s Land” rest stop/bar, a stranger walks in demanding a vehicle. A patron steps up and doesn’t respect the request. After brushing the stranger off, the patron walks outside. He is followed and informed his vehicle will work just fine. An altercation is alluded to with frightening imagery.
The bartender walks out to catch up with the patron. The following moments are filled with terror and shock. All that’s left is the patron’s dead body and a snake shaped emblem in the snow, forged in blood.
The story shifts to an enigmatic city. The people seem to be prospering while reptilian creatures roam free. The peace is quickly dashed as there’s an uprising started.
With “Cobra LALALALALALA” yelled as a battle cry, a mob attacks a building housing scientists. Someone screams about surrendering. He is shot dead by a man with an all too familiar face plate mask. The masked man’s words are defiant as he insists the research be protected at all costs.
As the fight rages on, another scientist doesn’t realize the explosive in their hands. The building explodes and the masked man is severely burnt. This begins a descent into evil and treachery with secrets revealed. Readers better brace for impact because there is a MONSTEROUS one right before the final act sends the masked man onto another course of plans of world conquering. Consider yourself warned now. You don’t want to miss this!
COBRA COMMANDER #1 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Annalisa Leoni and Rus Wooten (Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics - Cover: David Aja)
With a haunting feel dominating these pages, Williamson wastes no time in bringing the legendary villain’s story to life. The opening act keeps readers guessing as Commmander is vague with his words but speaks loud with actions. The ruthlessness shown on a few panels becomes the pace setter for the rest of the chapter.
The backstory gives a different look at Commander’s beginnings. Being a scientist defending his research, Williamson write him almost sympathetically. The key word there is almost. As the explosion fallout reveals more, the use of smoke and mirrors with Commander’s story perfectly sets up readers for BIG reveals later. The chapter’s hold on the audience never lets up and leaves them with an interesting final moment before ending a solid opening salvo.
Milana and Leoni never shy away from the cunning and devious side of Commander. The opening moment where the patron is killed is never shown. The panels paint enough of a picture (along with Wooten’s lettering) to leave readers a lasting impression of how things are going to go moving forward.
The flashback moments never tips their hand until after the explosion. The fallout is filled with unapologetic panels showing the consequences of Commander’s actions. There’s a fair share of big panels (including a face-off with another known Cobra character) but a two page spread will steal the show. Readers will be buzzing about this incredible image as the story here will have BIG ramifications. The closing act teases a few events while never letting readers question Commander’s drive and evil. This is definitively not a story of redemption, but unrelenting drive. Excellent work with the storytelling in this chapter.
COBRA COMMANDER #1 by Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, Annalisa Leoni and Rus Wooten (Credit: Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics - Cover: Steve Epting)
FINAL POINT: 9
Evil without a face. Through the superb writing of Williamson readers see the early scheming and debauchery of an iconic villain. The stellar imagery of Milana, Leoni and Wooten add a touch of terror within the unhinged drive of a person with bad intentions. This is going to be a story you simply can’t escape.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Cobra Commander #1. Thanks for reading!
