Story: Cobra Commander is running low on energon and tasks his subordinates to search out various locations for more of it. Meanwhile, he takes Ripper to investigate a strange energon signal. While on leave, Duke gets a call about the same strange energon signal and discovers Cobra Commander is there but can't get a signal out to tell the Joes. Cobra discovers it's a trap as their vehicles blow up and Dreadnok Ripper reveals he's been watching and learning and staged this betrayal. As it seems he has the upper hand, Duke saves Cobra Commander and when he tries to get away, they discover that the rest of the Dreadnoks are fast approaching and quickly drive away while at Cobra Command, Destro makes his moves.
Writing: After a few low-key, character-building issues, Williamson's next arc is a 5-parter "Dreadnok War," bringing back the rest of the Dreadnoks last seen in the Cobra Commander mini-series. Williamson was able to use Ripper pretty effectively here, having him just be a background character here and there throughout the Joe run. We also get the classic "I need to save my nemesis for answers" which will be, I suspect, a big part of this arc as well. We also get to see Cobra Commander not being in control again (as he was during part of his mini-series as well). He also adds in a nod to some classic Joe-goodness with the Dreadnoks wanting some grape soda!
Art: Reilly's pencils are pretty good here. The fight scene between Ripper, Cobra Commander and then Duke is well done, with plenty of action and Bellaire's colors go well with it. That's not to say everything is perfect; there are lots of reds and oranges used earlier in the issue as background colors and sometimes they work well but when they get overused, it becomes pretty noticeable. However, the double-splash page of the Dreadnoks racing to the scene is pretty cool, seeing some classic and new vehicle designs along with some different Dreadnok designs as well.
Overall: A good start to the next arc, it makes me wonder if Williamson will drag out a chase for a few issues or go in different directions with the story.
