Joshua Williamson (Nailbiter) has taken the key antagonist, Cobra Commander, from the world-famous G.I. Joe franchise and written a captivating story about his origins that we haven’t seen before. With Andrea Milana‘s fantastic artwork, Cobra Commander #1 is everything fans would want from a comic about the most feared and dangerous man in the world.

Cobra Commander begins in a world where Cobra doesn’t exist. The Commander, a man who is yet to take on his infamous persona, is engaged in an experiment that utilizes the alien substance known as Energon. This puts him on the radar of various intelligence groups that are concerned about the potential destruction the experiment could cause. Williamson does a fantastic job of building suspense.

As we delve deeper in, we see Cobra Commander’s transformation into the character we love to hate. Through his twisted plans, we get a better understanding of who Cobra Commander is and how he began. The story is compelling and while not needing to align with established G.I. Joe continuity, diehard fans will appreciate the nods to the world that they know and love.

The art is fantastic. Andrea Milana uses outstanding imagery to create a sense of dread and foreboding. The action scenes are wonderfully violent, with some moments that are downright gory. The artwork fits perfectly with the story Joshua Williamson is trying to tell, adding layers of depth to both the plot and characters.

The writing is punchy, the story is gripping, and the artwork is top-notch. All of these elements come together to create an entertaining, fast-paced comic book that fans of the G.I. Joe franchise will definitely appreciate. Williamson and Milana have breathed new life into the character of Cobra Commander and given readers an exciting glimpse into the villain’s origins.

Cobra Commander is an excellent addition to the Energon Universe. Joshua Williamson’s writing is fantastic and Andrea Milana’s artwork is superb. Fans who are familiar with the franchise will appreciate the nods to the established continuity, but newcomers will be able to jump in and enjoy the story without feeling lost. The comic book is a perfect blend of action and suspense.

Cobra Commander #1 hit shelves at local comic shops on January 17, 2024 from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment.