G.I. Joe Vol. 3 Review: Dreadnoks Ignite the Energon Universe Arc

G.I. Joe keeps carving out a place in the modern wave of shared-universe comics, and the latest entry aims straight for action-first readers. The third volume of the series, “G.I. Joe Vol 3: La guerra Dreadnok,” brings together Duke and Cobra under pressure in the Chihuahua desert—then throws the Dreadnoks into the mix as the story escalates toward the next phase of the Energon universe.

What’s coming in the third volume

This new trade collects the “Dreadnok War” arc into a 144-page paperback edition. It’s written by Joshua Williamson, with Tom Reilly on art and Jordie Bellaire providing the coloring, published on June 11, 2026 through Moztros. The volume is identified by ISBN 979-13-87953-56-0.

Quick facts

• Title: “G.I. Joe Vol 3: La guerra Dreadnok”
• Writers: Joshua Williamson, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire
• Pages: 144
• Format: Paperback
• Release date: June 11, 2026
• Publisher: Moztros
• ISBN: 979-13-87953-56-0

Earlier efforts in the continuity were framed as an introduction, but the third installment is positioned as the point where the series leans hardest into boots-on-the-ground chaos. The tone is described as “G.I. Joe in pure form,” with the arc presenting the Energon universe connection without leaning so heavily on it that the series loses its identity.

Duke meets Cobra in the Chihuahua desert

At the center of the volume’s plot is a desert convergence in Mexico’s Chihuahua region. Duke and the Commander Cobra cross paths when Cobra becomes consumed by a search for a new source of Energon, driving him into the desert in pursuit of that objective.

That meeting doesn’t stay peaceful for long. The circumstances force the two to operate as a team after the Dreadnoks appear, turning the encounter into a larger conflict. With Cobra absent during parts of the broader situation, Destro is left space to pursue plans of his own—adding a second layer of threat alongside the Dreadnoks.

Action without sacrificing character focus

Criticism around the series has sometimes suggested it feels overly tied to the Energon/Transformers-side elements, as if it were trying to fit in too many external components. This third volume is presented as the rebuttal: it delivers nonstop shots, explosions, and action while still stopping to build and develop the many characters involved.

The book’s pacing is treated as a standout strength, with an emphasis on how the creators manage to introduce and develop a wide roster of figures across the 144 pages without letting the story collapse into filler. Even with Cobra established as the defining villain, the volume highlights that other antagonists are portrayed with comparable levels of cruelty and willingness to betray others to protect their own objectives.

Reilly and Bellaire keep it classic

Visually, the volume leans into a classic war-comic look. Reilly’s art is described as restrained and readable, with realistic proportions appearing throughout except for occasional character exceptions, and with compositions that keep the page layouts simple enough for a smooth reading experience.

Color work by Bellaire is credited with complementing that classic baseline while still letting the Dreadnoks stand out when they enter the scene. Onomatopoeia is treated as an integrated part of the artwork rather than something that overwhelms the visuals, supporting the volume’s momentum through action beats.

Why this volume is a turning point

By the end of the trade, the third volume is framed as the best entry the series has offered so far. It’s said to provide nonstop “Mad Max”-style energy while still delivering character development, and the story is described as having enough narrative weight to work on its own—while also setting up “fantastic” foundations for what comes next.

With Williamson singled out for being at a peak level in this run with the Joes, and Reilly and Bellaire praised for a strong creator match, the arc is positioned as a complete, first-tier read that doesn’t rely on filler. The series is also characterized as building momentum—so the implication is clear: readers who are catching up now will be rewarded even more as the next steps are revealed.