There's definitely a Saturday morning cartoon feel to this, and one that I love. My only complaint is that I wish it were weekly! This action packed comic has me itching for more, and I can't wait to see what they do next. Read Full Review

The introduction of the Baroness complicates Dukes journey in the latest chapter. Williams delivers on big action and drama with fantastic writing. Reilly and the team construct blockbuster imagery fitting of the adrenaline rush that has made this series a staple on New Comic Book Day. Read Full Review

Duke #3 does an excellent job introducing Baroness and building her chemistry with Duke. Every character shines, which in turn makes the Energon Universe even more compelling. The way this issue ends creates a lot of intriguing questions for what could happen next. Read Full Review

Duke #3 is another homerun for Skybound‘s Energon Universe. The issue does an amazing job of honoring what has come before but also treading its own path. There's more than enough action, drama, and heart to keep readers engaged and entertained and wanting more. It makes us want to stand up and yell… Yo JOE! Read Full Review

Duke #3 is straightforward and solid Read Full Review

DUKE #3 boasts great action and pacing. It leaves you feeling for Duke, whos in a tough spot. Its great to see a hero facing a challenge that seems insurmountable. Were excited to see how he gets out of this. The larger Energon Universe connections arent as strong in this issue as in other titles like Cobra Commander or Transformers. It mostly feels like a standalone G.I. Joe story. However, that might change in future issues. Read Full Review

Good action and very strong characters make for a continually fun series. Read Full Review

The beginning of this issue really felt dry with tedious exchanges between the characters that just seemed rather layman for a writer like Williamson but it progressed steadily until all hell breaks loose and we get lotsa that good stuff we love from an action property like G.I. Joe. By the end of this book I'm once again chomping at the bit for the next issue.

Not a lot happened in this issue and it reminded me of the movie Cop Shop. I liked that Duke knew all about the Baroness. The introduction of Major Bludd was good, but I'm waiting to see what his fate will be. We've strayed away from the Transformer side of things. I hope we get to see some of that soon. There's only 2 issues left.

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+ Like • Comments (2)

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ResearchReader - Mar 3, 2024

Correct me if I am wrong but didnt Baroness blow out Major Bludd's brains at the end of the issue? I think he is written out much like Dr. Burkhart was killed in issue 1.

fzanca - Mar 3, 2024

That’s correct but we’re all speculating that he’s not dead

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There are some nice character moments for Duke, who is dealing with the weight of the world on his shoulders after having witnessed something he still can’t compute. He’s finally pushed by Baroness to a point where he snaps and, while it’s out of character, I thought it was entirely believable given everything he’s been through. It was fascinating to see the dynamic between these two unfold throughout the issue, but the ending made me question if Baroness will continue to develop as a complex character or become a one-note villain.

Outside their interactions, I thought the rest of the issue was pretty formulaic for a G.I. Joe comic. Lots of explosions, lots of action, and little movement of the larger plot. Major Bludd appeared to be dealt with in a timely manner, but we still don’t know what Hawk’s motives are or what he had planned for Duke. Right now we just know that Duke is on the run and everyone is out to get him and each issue now feels like a “bad situation of the week” cadence.
At least the art continues to impress. Tom Reilly’s designs and Jordie Bellaire’s colors make the comic pop on every page. There are two double-page spreads with two very different use cases that are both very impressive and work wonderfully. Reilly seems like he was born to draw a G.I. Joe book. Rus Wooton caps it all off with perfect lettering that adds an extra layer to every scene.

After a super suspenseful and captivating debut issue that felt entirely unique for this genre and franchise, Duke hasn’t lived up to those initial heights in the past two issues and risks falling into the background of the new Energon Universe entirely. It’s overshadowed by Transformers, one of the best comics currently on the market period, and, while it alludes to the connection between the two books, it’s not yet done enough to convince readers why they need to keep reading this title with each issue’s release and not just wait for the trade. more