Scott's Take: Cobra Commander Volume 1: Determined to Rule the World by Joshua Willamson, illustrator Andrea Milana

Cobra Commander Volume 1: Determined to Rule the World by Joshua Willamson, illustrator Andrea Milana, is the origin story for Cobra Commander and Cobra as a whole in the Energon Universe. Cobra Commander is exiled from a highly advance society that values nature over technology. To make up for his transgressions, he is sent out to retrieve Energon and along the way encounters a criminal faction that is already using the Energon themselves. They won’t give it up without a fight.

 

This is a very horror themed story as Cobra Commander does horrific things along his journey. There is a lengthy graphic torture scene in the book. There is a lot of blood spilled throughout this book. The author does a good job of establishing Cobra Commander as a unique leader. He is manipulative, he is a brilliant scientist, and he does not value human life. He seeks to bring order to the world.

 

This version of the Cobra Commander character seems way more dangerous and more intelligent than most. Some of the technology Cobra Commander creates is reminiscent of Tony Stark has used in recent years. I don’t know if that is just a coincidence or a deliberate homage.

 

Megatron is not in this book as much as one would expect after the first issue. He is part in this universe. The art is excellent and bloody.

 

This miniseries was rather good if a bit rushed. The next book to read is either Scarlet or Destro. They are both getting miniseries about the same time. Destro is the arms dealer for Cobra while Scarlet is the red headed lead female of the G.I. Joe who wields a crossbow and is usually depicted in a relationship with Snake Eyes the mute ninja.

 

So, I guess I will read whichever comes out in trade first. I think with all these miniseries, there should be some sort of reading guide included in this book. Of course one can find one online, but I would have done something here to help readers follow along.

 

A related title in this universe is Duke Volume 1: Knowing is Half the Battle by Joshua Williamson.

 

Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3LA3Pcu

 

My digital reading copy came by way of the Hoopla App via the Dallas Public Library System.

 

Scott A. Tipple ©2024