[AutoDecept]

A lot of the first half is recap and refresher of the endings of Duke and Cobra Commander, but given that a lot of people will be reading this without having read the minis, it's hard to argue it isn't necessary.

The mysterious Risk makes his first appearance. The scene doesn't tell much about him except that he's really good at punching people.

The crashing chunk of Cybertron from Transformers #12 is the main driver of the plot in this issue, with G.I. Joe and Cobra's first battle being over possession of a shard of Cybertronian tech. It's also established that Energon is the fuel source for Cobra's new cartoon-style laser rifles.

The interaction with Baroness and Stalker exchanging threats in Russian was pretty funny. (The paraphrased Google Translate: Baroness threatens to cut Stalker's throat while he sleeps, so Stalker says if she tries, he'll beat her down and then drag her back to her parents, whom he hopes will be so disgusted by what their daughter has become that they'll personally decide to kill her.)

Then we end on a cliffhanger. Will Rock 'n Roll survive?

[J James]

So is Risk going to be injured in an explosion and become the Skybound Snake-Eyes?

[NaytNavare]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J James

So is Risk going to be injured in an explosion and become the Skybound Snake-Eyes?

I'd be absolutely done with Energon Universe.

[firmpulse]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaytNavare

I'd be absolutely done with Energon Universe.

Same. Here. That's a freakin nonstarter.

[stopdead]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaytNavare

I'd be absolutely done with Energon Universe.

I couldn't get into it in the first place, unfortunately. I wanted to like it, but I can't.

I asked it here before, but never got a response: can anyone explain to me why they like Reilly's art? Serious question. It feels very amateurish and lazy to me, especially compared to Mooneyham's and Pelletier's amazing work on ARAH. I recognize that art is subjective so I'm just trying to understand the appeal...

[NaytNavare]

I think it's just a 'style' thing. A lot of artists kind of just do either the same thing,or so into their own style, you can't even tell some characters from each other.

Probably just trying something bright and vibrant.

Read the issue. Real curious about that cliffhanger. Moderately bd move to potentially being the run with that kind of shock.

[FunkyBunch]

Talking Joe discuss GI Joe #1 from Skybound

Direct link: http://cast.rocks/hosting/15498/gijoe-1.mp3
or via your favourite podcasting platform, links at https://talkingjoe.co.uk/
Youtube (audio only) https://youtu.be/RYwepq3AZkQ

[FunkyBunch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stopdead

I couldn't get into it in the first place, unfortunately. I wanted to like it, but I can't.

I asked it here before, but never got a response: can anyone explain to me why they like Reilly's art? Serious question. It feels very amateurish and lazy to me, especially compared to Mooneyham's and Pelletier's amazing work on ARAH. I recognize that art is subjective so I'm just trying to understand the appeal...

Art is subjective. So people like different things. A lot of people like Rob Liefeld and a lot can't stand his style.

Reilly has an open, simplistic and relatively stylised. It is a less is more, make every line count approach in the tradition of Alex Toth, and more recently Chris Samnee. Samnee is one of the breakout talents of the last decade and Reilly is clearly very influenced.

Personally I think his art is beautiful; and while it lacks "detail" is packed full of thoughtful decisions in composition/ layout. A less is more approach is hard to pull off- but it also means that a good colourist (like bellaire) can have a lot of impact.

Art is subjective and everyone wont feel the same.

I also love Mooneyham's art which has a lot more grit which suits the ARAH aesthetic more. But also has a big historic influence in the form of Joe Kubert.

[FunkyBunch]

Following up, I asked Googles AI NotebookLM to analyse previous talking joe episodes and summarise our discussions in this area -


What are Tom reillys strengths as an artist and what are his influences

Tom Reilly: Influences and Strengths

Influences
●Alex Toth: Toth's work focused on light, shadow, and geometric shapes. This influence is evident in Reilly's simplification of details and emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow to create depth and form. He divides his subjects into geometric shapes, highlighting the impact of light and shadow.
●Chris Samnee: Samnee is praised for his dynamic and expressive style. Reilly likely draws inspiration from Samnee's approach to storytelling and character design.
●Doc Shaner: Shaner is known for his clean lines and retro-inspired aesthetic. Reilly may incorporate Shaner's stylistic elements, particularly in projects with a vintage feel.
●Bruce Timm and Darwyn Cooke: Both known for their streamlined and iconic animation and comic book styles respectively, they likely influenced Reilly's approach to character design and visual storytelling.

Strengths
●Simplification and Shape Language: Reilly excels in simplifying complex details while retaining the essence of the subject. He focuses on using shapes to define forms and create a strong visual impact.
●Dynamic Posing: Reilly exhibits a strong understanding of anatomy and movement, evident in the varied and expressive poses he gives his characters.
●Understanding of Colour: Reilly demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of colour theory, often employing a limited palette and subtle variations to enhance mood and atmosphere. He also colours his own covers, aligning his colour approach with that of colourist Jordie Belaire.
●Design Skills: Reilly is adept at redesigning existing characters while staying true to their core identity. He also creates original designs that seamlessly integrate into established universes, as seen in his work with Destro's attire.
●Collaborative Approach: Reilly values collaboration and is open to incorporating suggestions from writers and editors, resulting in a harmonious creative process that benefits the overall project.
Overall, Tom Reilly is a highly skilled artist with a distinct style rooted in classic influences. His ability to balance dynamic action with thoughtful storytelling and design makes him a standout talent in the comics industry

Why would a reader enjoy Tom Reilly's art?
## Reasons to Appreciate Tom Reilly's Art

A reader might enjoy Tom Reilly's art for several reasons, many of which are highlighted in the sources and our previous conversation.

* **Clean, Dynamic, and Easy to Follow:** Reilly's art is characterized by its clarity and dynamism. Even in complex action sequences, his storytelling remains easy to follow. He achieves this through a considered use of panel layouts, dynamic posing, and a style that favours impactful shapes over intricate details. For example, in *Duke* #4, there's a sequence where Rock 'N Roll and Clutch fight Bloodhounds while Baroness and Duke observe. Reilly uses a distinct rhythm and alternating colour palettes to differentiate the two simultaneous fights occurring in the panels, making it easy for the reader to follow the action.
* **Limited Colour Palette and Evocative Mood:** His art is often paired with a limited colour palette, which, as noted in a previous response, is a hallmark of colourist Jordie Belair. This approach creates a strong sense of atmosphere and enhances the mood of each scene. In *Duke*, Belair uses colour to distinguish between locations, times of day, and even the emotional states of characters. This adds a layer of depth to Reilly's already expressive art.
* **Homages to Classic GI Joe Designs:** While Reilly brings a modern sensibility to his work, he also incorporates nods to classic GI Joe designs, particularly those from the "Classified" toyline. This is appealing to long-time fans who appreciate seeing familiar elements reinterpreted in a fresh way. The Bloodhounds' appearance in *Duke*, for instance, directly references the classic Major Bludd design, blending nostalgia with a modern aesthetic.
* **Unique Character Designs:** Reilly doesn't shy away from putting his own spin on character designs, even those as iconic as Destro. In *Duke*, Reilly designed Destro's "businessman" attire, giving him a sharp suit and a more subdued look compared to his flamboyant battle armour. This demonstrates his ability to create fresh and interesting interpretations while still respecting the character's core identity.
* **Attention to Detail:** Despite his focus on shapes and simplification, Reilly doesn't skimp on details when necessary. He includes just enough detail to ground his work in reality and create a sense of visual interest without overwhelming the reader. For example, the cityscape in *Duke* #1, overlooking the U.S. Capitol, showcases Reilly's ability to render detailed backgrounds when the scene calls for it.
* **Expressive Characters:** Reilly imbues his characters with a sense of personality and emotion through their poses and facial expressions. Even minor characters like the Bloodhounds have distinct and often humorous expressions. This helps to bring the characters to life and make them feel more relatable.
* **Masterful Use of Shadow and Silhouette:** Reilly's understanding of light and shadow allows him to create striking compositions using silhouette and negative space. This is evident in *Duke* #4, where Baroness and Duke become silhouetted figures against the black backgrounds of cell doorways, creating a visually impactful and dramatic scene.

Overall, Reilly's art offers a blend of classic and contemporary influences, resulting in a style that is both familiar and fresh. His dynamic storytelling, expressive characters, and thoughtful use of colour and design make him a compelling artist for readers of all types.

[Otomo]

I sure hope they actually follow through and have actions have consequences in this book.

Sorry if RnR is your favorite character, but there's no way anyone should survive that last page.

There was already the unnecessary Bludd fake-out in the Duke book. If Rock N Roll just gets up with a few little scratches, this book will have all the weight and gravitas of the old Sunbow cartoon with the pilots always ejecting to safety.

It's a war. Soldiers die. It wold be nice to see a book that reflects those stakes, unlike Transformers that can just constantly "rebuild" fallen characters.