Summary

• Skybound Entertainment's Duke #1 introduces its protagonist as a character on the run from his future G.I. Joe team-mates, setting up a unique origin for the team in the new Energon Universe continuity.
• Stalker and Rock 'n Roll, two classic characters from the original G.I. Joe line, are sent to bring Duke back at the end of issue #1, promising a complex dynamic between these characters in the miniseries' ensuing issues.
• The cast of characters in the Energon G.I. Joe universe is quickly expanding, with appearances from Courtney Kreiger, Mercer, and more in Duke #1, offering an exciting hook for fans to keep reading, as the new continuity continues to be fleshed out.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Duke #1

In Skybound Entertainment's new Energon Universe continuity, Duke is on the run from his future G.I. Joe team-mates. Although the G.I. Joe and Cobra organizations don’t yet exist in the new continuity, many of the classic characters have been introduced, waiting to see how the cards will fall before they choose a side, in a world where Transformers are running amok on Earth and Energon is the most valuable resource…

Duke #1 is written by Joshua Williamson, with art Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire and Rus Wooten.

Duke #1 finds Conrad “Duke” Ha going AWOL from the U.S. military after a deadly encounter with Decepticon Starscream. When the U.S. government tries to cover the incident up, Duke decides to take matters into his own hands, and investigate the mystery of the alien robots himself.

It isn’t long before Duke finds himself in over his head, getting caught up in a conspiracy involving weapons manufacturer M.A.R.S. Industries and the local authorities. Worried about the nest of hornets that has been kicked up, Col. Hawk calls in some specialists to bring Duke in before he can cause any more trouble: Stalker and Rock ’n Roll.

Stalker and Rock ’n Roll Are On Duke's Tail

Both Stalker and Rock 'n Roll are strong choices to send after Duke in the new continuity, as they were among the first characters introduced in the original line of action figures all the way back in 1982. Stalker has an especially rich legacy in the franchise, as the character’s backstory traditionally depicts him as part of a Long Range Recon Patrol with Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow during the Vietnam War. As the team’s resident Ranger, Stalker is the perfect operative to go after Duke, and it will be interesting to see what remains of his original backstory in the new continuity.

Conversely, Rock ’n Roll was the original team’s heavy machine gunner. A surfer hailing from Malibu, CA, Rock ’n Roll would probably rather be playing the bass guitar than storming the battlefield, but his firearms and infantry expertise makes him a valuable member of the G.I. Joe team. Traditionally seen carrying an M60 machine gun, and ammo belts criss-crossing his chest, Rock ’n Roll certainly brings heavy artillery to the battlefield. With both Stalker and Rock ’n Roll on his tail ,in addition to the various forces vying for Energon, Duke will have his hands full in the issues of his first solo miniseries.

Energon G.I. Joe's Cast Is Already Filling Out

Also making an appearance in Duke #1 is Courtney Kreiger, aka “Cover Girl,” a supermodel who ed the military, eventually specializing in armored vehicles and intelligence gathering. Future Joe soldier Mercer also appears in the issue, as a guard for M.A.R.S. Industries, differing from the original continuity where he was a Cobra Viper turned G.I. Joe member. With these characters appearing so far, it’s exciting for fans to see the G.I. Joe corner of the Energon Universe built right in front of their eyes – especially with surprising turns, such having Duke on the run from his future Joe team-mates.

Duke #1 is on sale now from Skybound Entertainment!