Summary
WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Destro #1The Energon Universehas made some pretty deep pulls fromTransformerslore, but the recentG.I. JoetitleDestro#1 may have just reintroduced one of the most obscure characters yet. Skybound Entertainment has produced a steady stream of titles, building out the new continuity with both classic and obscure characters alike.Destro#1 continues this trend,introducing one human character nobody could have expected, fromTransformers’ original G1 continuity.
Destro#1 – written by Dan Watters, with art by Andrei Bressansees – featuresthe title characteroverthrowing the corrupt dictatorship of Darklonia with the help of hisEnergon-infused Cobra B.A.T.s. Destro proceeds to hold an arms bazaar in Darklonia, inviting arms dealers and companies from around the world.
One such arms merchant is Astoria Carlton-Ritz, the wealthy heiress of Hybrid Technologies. Only the most die-hard ofTransformersfans will recognize that name,as the character’s only major appearance prior to this was the G1 cartoon episode “The Girl Who Loved Powerglide.”
The original character from the cartoon was more interested in lavish parties than running her late father’s company. The Energon Universe version is re-imagined as a ruthless businesswoman.
DESTRO #1 Takes G.I. Joe Into A Darker, More Violent Direction (Review)
Skybound Entertainment’s latest G.I. JOE miniseries might be the darkest yet, as Dan Watters and Andrei Bressan chart the rise of Cobra’s Destro.
Deep-Cut Transformers’ Character “Astoria Carlton-Ritz” Makes Her Energon Universe Debut
Destro#1 – Written By Dan Watters; Art By Andrei Bressan, Adriano Lucas & Rus Wooton
The introduction of Astoria Carlton-Ritz into the world ofDestrois a pretty big swing on the part of the creators. The original character from the cartoon was more interested in lavish parties than running her late father’s company. The Energon Universe version is re-imagined as a ruthless businesswoman, determined to succeed in a male-dominated industry. This version also seems attracted to conflict and drama, such as thearms bazaar scene inDestro#1where she stirs the pot by calling out one arms merchant in front of Destro.
This characterization of Astoria is visualized stunningly inDestro#1’s climactic scene, when Destro’s arms bazaar is attacked. Astoria becomes transfixed by the destruction, so much so that Destro has to rescue her from a falling bomb. Establishing her character as someonewho likes to play with fire is an interesting twist, and makes Astoria fit well into this darker world.Their scenes together also seem to hint that romance might be brewing between Destro and Astoria. Given his traditional love-affair with theBaroness in previousG.I. Joecontinuities, it would seem Destro is attracted to powerful women.
The introduction of Astoria Carto-Ritz into the Energon Universe illustrates how nothing is out of the question in Skybound’sG.I. Joe/Transformersshared universe.
Skybound Continues To Reinvent Multiple Franchises
The introduction of Astoria Carlton-Ritz into the Energon Universe illustrates how nothing is out of the question in Skybound’s shared universe. Her darker characterization in the new continuity also shows that thecreators are free to reinterpret older franchise characters however they see fit, making them more interesting as a result. By incorporating obscureTransformerscharacters like Skuxxoid, Slizardo and now Astoria Carlton-Ritz, the Energon Universe creators are able to build this newG.I. JoeandTransformersshared universe in exciting and unexpected ways.
Transformers
Transformers is a multimedia franchise consisting of movies, TV Shows, video games, and comics. The franchise centers on a race of humanoid robots called the autobots who must protect Earth from the Decepticons. Some of the most popular characters include Megatron, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee. In 2007, the first live-action movie in the franchise was released starring Shia Labeouf.
