Junkyard Joe #1 is published by Image Comics, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank and Brad Anderson.
Issue #1 is available 5th October 2022 either directly from Image Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Throughout history unlikely and strange heroes have risen and fallen their identities and lives a secret. But for a Great Evil to be stopped their stories must be told. They are The Unnamed fighting The Unknown War.
From the explosive pages of GEIGER comes JUNKYARD JOE! The world knows him as the comic strip by cartoonist Muddy Davis but the truth stretches back to the Vietnam War. This is their story of sacrifice and brotherhood.
Review
This new series from Image Comics brings the flavour of G.I. Joe and giving it a sci-fi twist. The book begins on base as we catch up with the platoon as they are on the front line planning an assault on the enemy, there is a new member of the platoon and other soldiers are becoming suspicious with his calm and quiet nature. If you have read previous stories from the Vietnam war then you’ll know the battles were bloody and relentless. The platoon go forward with their attack into the unknown however the Vietnam forces were lying in wait preparing for ambush, time for the mysterious new recruit to step forward and show his true being, but can he show his real side and convince the rest of the troop that he is in fact on the same side?
I enjoy most war time stories from films and comics to games, I also at times enjoy sci-fi so combining the two for me is a bit of a masterstroke. The Vietnam war is one era that particularly interests me however the story seems to stay the same or told in the same way, Geoff Johns has brought his interpretation of the Vietnam story and the sci-fi blend works really well. I loved the mystery surrounding the “Junkyard Joe” persona and the doubt of whether he is fighting for good or evil. An interesting twist to the normal traditional war story that doesn’t feel too outlandish and still reads like a story that could actually be a true life tale. I am definitely looking forward to see how this story opens up.
The illustrations from Gary Frank and Brad Anderson really add depth to the story by adding more atmospheric tones and bringing the dramatic storyline to life by perfectly catching the mood set in the story.
Verdict
The unique blend of Sci-Fi and war action really works well together, a unique story that has set the foundations allowing the story to build and evolve as it continues. An interesting start and I am looking forward to see what comes next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
