Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
GI JOE A Real American Hero #158
IDW Comics
Hama & Padilla
Larry Hama continues his story that originated in the 1980s comic book series over at Marvel. This issue furthers the reformation of the GI Joe team and has the few that have gotten back together taking the fight directly to Cobra Commander's headquarters. The issue is jammed with action and moves extremely quickly from the Joes being out of commission to launching a huge operation. Ultimately, while some of the characterizations feel off, the main problem with the issue is the unbelievable manner in which the key characters seem to survive anything and everything. It's a good issue but far from great.
Scarlett and Snake Eyes infiltrate the base in vintage ninja fashion. Within the first few pages of the comic they are fighting Storm Shadow. That's basically two-plus issues into the re-launch and we have a classic showdown already. How many issues did it take over in the Chuck Dixon book for the two to fight? This is a much faster moving story and that is a good thing.
The battle ends all too quickly and the first question you might ask yourself while reading it is why doesn't the winner just kill off the unconscious opponent? Because GI Joe comics are notoriously hamstrung. They can't kill off characters and they can't have believable life and death confrontations as a result. This doesn't mean the battle isn't fun though.
Duke's team invades Cobra. While the action and interactions are truly great the same problem exists. Essentially all they can do is cut down robot opponents. They can't really fight other real, relevant characters because it simply isn't realistic to be firing automatic weapons at someone and not hit something at a range of five feet.
Lastly, the characterizations have a mix of both great and terrible. Hama understands Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Scarlett and a few others unlike any other writer. He puts them into positions where they can be stretched and still feel comfortable for the reader. On the other hand, Hama makes Cobra Commander a joke. It's not just the cheesy dialogue but even the general depiction. In one panel we get Cobra Commander wearing a pair of Cobra logo briefs. I'm serious. This guy is supposed to be the world's most dangerous terrorist?
The art plays right to the strength of the story. The art moves with the same stealth that the characters use while the plan is unfolding. Then, when the time comes, the art explodes into action. It's a fun and dangerous looking story all at the same time.
I've focused a lot on what I didn't like about the issue but those are really just what are keeping the comic book from being great. I like exciting and loud GI Joe comics and this is definitely one. Great artwork helps keep the story fluid and we have that here to be sure. If only there was a way to launch into the action while keeping the level of suspense of a military buildup high, this could be an amazing re-examination of the original series. I just hope Hama makes Cobra Commander more ruthless and less of a joke in the future.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
