Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
GI Joe #159
IDW Comics
Hama & Padilla
The fourth issues into the revisiting of the old Marvel GI Joe run is a major improvement in this series and makes me think Hama still has a knack for writing these characters and putting them into interesting situations. GI Joe has infiltrated Cobra's base and their plan is revealed to the reader. Cobra's high command is scrambling to deal with the Joes in their base until they manage to capture one of the Joes in a shocking turn of events. The issue has action, surprises and a good plot. If only the hokey dialogue would go away we would have an amazing GI Joe title.
As the Joes make their way through Cobra's headquarters we learn that their purpose is to hack into Cobra's system. They split off into two teams in order to double their chances of success. By the end of the issue the invasion thread and the Hawk subplot of being bunkered in a closet at the Pentagon mesh together nicely.
The issue has plenty of the fun players as Snake Eyes and Scarlett manage to fight everyone from Destro to Cobra Commander. As is always the case the fighting can never be presented as too dangerous because the main characters simply won't be killed off. However, this issue at least makes an attempt at making the missed kill shots seem believable.
The only real complaint is with the dialogue particularly that of Cobra Commander. While his voice isn't the only strange one in the issue, his annoys the most simply because of his position. It's very difficult to read his dialogue and not wonder how he could possibly lead a terrorist organization that is supposed to be a major world threat. He's simply a buffoon and while that worked for the 1980s cartoon it doesn't work here.
The artwork is fun and exciting because of the battles. The art takes the term 'classic GI Joe' and adds an upgrade to it. The entire book has an epic feel to it and that is a major credit to the art.
I'm sure the ending might get some eye-rolling from the long time fans but I found it to be very good. I like that the first four issues are doing something instantly with these characters even if it seems like this has already been done before. For me, GI Joe should be adventurous, colorful and entertaining and this issue fills that quota and then some. I definitely see this book hitting its stride now and I'm finding myself highly anticipating the next installment. I recommend jumping on board.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
