Creators: Joshua Williamson (writer), Andrea Milana (artist), Lee Loughridge (colorist), Rus Wooton (letterer)
Story: Cobra Commander admires his latest achievement and sends Destro on a mission (despite his arguing otherwise). We get a bit more background on Risk as he, Baroness and Stalker land in Badhikistan for a mission. The reports say it is abandoned and that the people left it because it is haunted. They start to see strange signs but eventually run into Destro, Astoria, and Mercer, who claim to have seen things also (both sides blame each other). After a brief tussle, all but Risk are captured by various things. Meanwhile. Crystal Ball looks on, having captured everyone with his tech.
Writing: An interesting story and right away Williamson has made Crystal Ball a bit more interesting. Crystal Ball was never a fan-favourite character (or toy) so it will be fun to see what he ends up doing here. We get some classic Cobra Commander, sending Destro out on a mission and threatening him if he doesn't go. Seeing Astoria and Baroness fight each other was fun too (as in most versions of G.I. Joe, the Baroness is with Destro but in this universe Astoria Carlton-Ritz is Destro's partner). It is a bit odd, however, that Crystal Ball does know the name of Energon.
Art: Some really good art and coloring in this issue. When the Joes are exploring a haunted city, the colors stay mainly dark blue, greys and blacks. It really helps build up the atmosphere. The bright green hauntings really stand out as well.
Overall: A fun issue. Hopefully Williamson can do some interesting things with Crystal Ball. The art and coloring fit the mood of the story as well too.
