Monday, December 30, 2013

Classic GI Joe, Volume 2 (GI Joe: A Real American Hero, Volume 2)


 

In this second volume, Kwinn the Eskimo mercenary and Snake-eyes go on a global trek to hunt down a Cobra fugitive as well as dispense some honorable justice on the despicable Dr. Venom. While the duo go on their mission, the Joes must intercept a virus that could wipe out the entire US and Cobra high command has some loyalty shake ups as Destro makes his presence known and there’s a love triangle forming between Destro, Cobra Commander, and the Baroness. It all comes down to a tragic end as Cobra unleashes its version of hell on the Joes when their secret base is discovered.

Volume 2 sees the series starting to look a lot more like the toys. Snow Job, Destro, Gung-Ho, and a host of vehicles like the HISS tank begin to appear in the series. I really enjoy it and I think that writer Larry Hama did a fantastic job crafting a universe that for decades would be considered the definitive toy tie-in of all-time. In fact, when IDW decided to revitalize the series, it was Hama who was asked to continue the storyline.

The art is fantastic and the technical skill and research used in crafting these tales have made this series and instant classic. I still feel like Cobra’s motivation for world domination isn’t clear, but from what I’ve read, when Hasbro decided to bring the GI Joe line back to toy stores after a near 10-year absence, they weren’t even considering having bad guys to oppose the Joes. Thank you, Marvel for creating some of the most iconic 80s baddies of all-time!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

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