Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!
For this entry, we have arrived at the conclusion of G.I. Joe’s franchise character’s origin story. Since debuting in the Energon Universe, Conrad S. Hauser has been searching for answers. Following a Decepticon attack, Hauser has become a hunted figure. Now on the brink of solving the conspiracy of the what he saw, Hauser stumbles on more than he bargined for.
DUKE #5 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, and Jordie Bellaire and Rus Wooton (Skybound entertainment/Image Comics) is poised to leave it all on the pages before bowing out.
Let’s take a closer look at this intense finale!
DUKE #5 by Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, and Jordie Bellaire and Rus Wooton (Skybound entertainment/Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
After escaping The Pit, Duke has his sights set on M.A.R.S. Industries. Unfortunately, he has a welcoming party waiting for him. The party is in the form of a B.A.T. (Battle Android Trooper).
With an invested party watching, Duke is in a claw grip of the android soldier. Emerging from the shadows is a character G.I. Joe fans have been waiting for: DESTRO!
The charismatic arms dealer pleads his methods in an attempt to sway Duke. Knowing what Duke has gone through, does this give the hunted fugitive a way out?
Readers watch as Duke answers with a triumphant answer. The result pits man vs. machine. With answers looming on the other side, Duke must find a way to overcome the odds one more time. Can he do it?
With the signature action the series has been known for, the stakes have never been higher. The conclusion brings forth a new direction for the Energon Universe. If fans think they’ve seen it all, they haven’t seen anything yet.
Williamson caps off events with a strong finale. Destro gets a huge introduction into the spotlight. The banter with Duke and him proves to raise tensions even higher. The fallout throws the gas pedal down. This leads right into a knockdown, drag out brawl fitting for the fandom.
Duke’s unbreakable will is one theme that never leaves readers mind. Even with the deck stacked against him, Hauser’s will solidifies why he is the legend fans know him for. The fallout spirals events into a new playing field. The concluding act sets the stage for an even bigger play in the future. It’s been an incredible journey thus far and readers will be clamoring for more.
Reilly crafts blockbuster action with Duke’s conflict with the B.A.T. This is only rivaled by the full page reveal of Destro in all his glory. The image sets the tone for his place in the Energon Universe moving forward. Leaving that moment, its’ back to big action imagery.
The panels continuously grow until its’ explosive end. The epilogue moments provide a solid foundation to where things lead to next. Rest assured, the parting panel makes a loud statement before saying goodbye for now, but not for long.
FINAL POINT: 9.5
The beginning journey of Duke in the Energon Universe leaves a lasting impression with an impactful finale. Led by Williamson’s outstanding writing, the flagship character of G.I. Joe scores a massive win. Factor in the magnificent art of Reilley, Bellaire and Wooden and there’s no doubt of why this series has been such a huge hit with fans.
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