‘G.I. Joe #14: Dreadnok War – Part 2’ Review (Skybound)
Written by Joshua Williamson | Art by Tom Reilly | Colourist: Jordie Bellaire | Letterer: Rus Wooton | Published by Skybound
Skybound’s relaunch of G.I. Joe continues to impress, with issue 14 delivering a pulse-pounding continuation of the Dreadnok War storyline. This chapter doesn’t ease into the action. It thrusts readers into a high-speed desert pursuit, complete with explosive set pieces, relentless momentum, and an uneasy alliance between two of the franchise’s most iconic rivals.
Writer Joshua Williamson builds on the tension established in the previous issue, keeping Duke and Cobra Commander reluctantly bound by circumstance. Their forced cooperation adds both drama and humour, playing out in a scenario that blends gritty survival with chaotic vehicular combat. The tone strikes a balance between over-the-top action and grounded character dynamics, evoking a high-octane vibe reminiscent of classic 1980s media without falling into parody.
Visually, the issue is a standout. Artist Tom Reilly brings clarity and energy to the fast-paced sequences, ensuring even the most chaotic moments are easy to follow. His linework is clean, expressive, and well-composed, making the action scenes feel both thrilling and coherent. Jordie Bellaire’s colouring enhances the visual storytelling, using warm, sun-soaked tones to amplify the intensity of the desert setting. The combination of sharp visuals and expressive colour creates a cinematic feel throughout the book.
The highlight remains the unusual pairing of Duke and Cobra Commander. Their interactions are filled with friction, dark humour, and just enough mutual respect to keep things interesting. Williamson uses their dynamic effectively to maintain narrative tension while also allowing glimpses of character depth beneath the surface. Meanwhile, brief scenes outside the main chase, including glimpses into Joe operations and Cobra’s internal strategies, add layers to the ongoing conflict and hint at future developments without disrupting the main action.
If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that the issue leans so heavily into its action sequences that some of the character-driven moments take a backseat. The “unlikely allies under fire” trope follows familiar beats, but it’s handled with enough energy and style to remain entertaining.
**** 4/5
G.I. Joe #14: Dreadnok War – Part 2 is out now.
