Destro #3 - Image Comics

DESTRO No. 3, August 2024

Containing an impressively-paced bout of pugilism between the titular character and marvellously mysterious Chameleon, as well as a truly fascinating flashback to the English Civil War when Laird Destro was cruelly first introduced to his family’s now famous metal mask, this comic’s terrific trip into the “Energon Universe” must surely have landed well with any fan of the “G.I. Joe” franchise. True, Dan Watters’ plot for this twenty-page periodical probably only adds to the mountain of questions surrounding the identity of James’ would-be murderer. But frankly such uncertainties only increase the sense of excitement generated by this comic’s conclusion as the advanced weapons manufacturer quite astonishingly turns to General Flagg for help.

Of course, the biggest draw is undoubtedly the aforementioned unsuccessful assassination attempt in the Scottish Highlands, and the way the British author beautifully pens the leader of the Iron Grenadiers constantly defying the odds against an opponent who seemingly holds all of cards. This scrap is tremendously well delivered, and quite wonderfully shows that despite wearing an incredible amount of sophisticated protection about his person, along with “a lot of Kevlar”, Destro is still willing to get ‘close and personal’ when the situation requires it.

Similarly as successful though, has to be the writer’s detour back into the villain’s past to a time when his ancestor was busy supplying weapons to every side involved in King Charles’ eventual removal from the throne. This scene is as impactful as the entrepreneur’s fate is deeply disturbing, and should leave a lasting impression upon the reader as to just where the current Laird gets his seemingly super-human sense of determination from; “They thought to shame a Destro through discomfort. As though discomfort is not a weaponeer’s stock in trade.”

Furthermore, a good deal of gratitude should be given to Andrea Milana, who breathes palpable life into all these sense-shattering shenanigans with her positive pencils. Chameleon’s frantic attempts to kill her quarry are so dynamically sketched that the cold-blooded killer’s frustration at repeatedly failing is clear for all to see. Whilst the heat emanating from the Medieval furnace slowly melting down enough lead shot for a mask can easily be felt by any bibliophile witnessing the diabolical deed unfolding.

The regular cover art of "DESTRO" #3 by Andrei Bressan and Adriano Lucas