Daredevil #31 (2024 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

When law partner Foggy Nelson and secretary Karen Page begin to suspect that attorney Matt Murdock might be the super-powered vigilante, Daredevil, Murdock invents the character of Mike Murdock. Matt's 'twin' brother, Mike is the antithesis of the real deal. He's brash, loud, charming and a bit of a jokester. Everything Matt Murdock has longed to be but keeps bottled up inside is allowed to flow out in the guise of brother Mike. 

In the previous issue, Mr. Hyde and Cobra have re-teamed. Instead of battling Thor, both go up against the Man Without Fear. Hyde concocts a formula that is intended to render Daredevil blind. Unknown to the villains, since Daredevil is already sightless, the chemical strips Matt Murdock of his radar-like abilities. 

Starting from where things left off, Mr. Hyde and his partner in crime are about to strike when the New York Police Department charges into the warehouse doubling as a criminal lair giving Daredevil a chance to escape. However, without his billy-club/white cane hybrid walking device, Daredevil is unable to make his way home. His stumbling attracts the attention of the populace, leading Daredevil to pose as Mike Murdock in order to convince friends Foggy and Karen that any reports of a possibly blind Daredevil is not linked to actual blind person Matt Murdock!

After convincing what has got to be two thirds of the most gullible law firm in all of New York, Daredevil must then fool Mr. Hyde and Cobra into believing that their compound didn't work and that the hero still has sight. With help from Foggy, Daredevil travels a tightrope strung between two buildings rather poorly. Yet the villains interpret the protagonist's clumsiness as showing-off and they retreat from their latest caper. Daredevil thinks he's bought some time and has Nelson escort him home. The chapter ends with Foggy being kidnapped by an unseen force and Cobra now pretending to be Daredevil's assistant. 

Speaking of gullibility, can Matt Murdock, who has been blind since childhood, really be fooled by the voice of Cobra as to being best friend, Foggy Nelson? It remains to be seen and in reality, it's pretty doubtful that he can be tricked. However, it's implied from the cliffhanger that everything is a-okay with Daredevil and fans should be terrified at the prospect of the Man Without Fear helplessly being at the clutches of his foes.

Fans of the Silver Age Daredevil, such as humorist Fred Hembeck, have pointed to issue #8, the first appearance of Stilt-Man, as the most absurd moment in the character's early history. This issue written by Stan Lee could easily be a contender for that distinction. The prospective cliffhanger is laughable. Did Stan the Man really think fans wouldn't expect Daredevil to know when he's being hoodwinked? A more plausible pause that would elicit an elevated heart rate would have a snipe aiming at the now super-powerless Daredevil. Just because Daredevil lost his radar ability, the change should not have diminished the enhanced hearing and other senses Matt Murdock has picked up since losing his sight. 

The artwork by Gene Colan saves this ludicrous issue from being a total lemon. John Tartaglione adds a smoothness to the dynamic artwork with his inks in panels that scream mid-1960s stylish Manhattan. Lettering by Artie Simek. Cover art by Colan with John Romita Sr. and Frank Giacoia.

Completing this review completes Task #17 (A Daredevil Story) of the 2024 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

G.I. Joe Special Missions #1 (2023 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

"There are some missions so secret, so sensitive that even the Joes who go on them are told only the bare minimum, on a strictly need-to-know basis. As far as the other Joes are concerned, these missions never existed. These are the G.I. Joe Special Missions."- from G.I. Joe #50

G.I. Joe Special Missions was the first spin-off of the wildly popular Marvel Comics series based on the legendary Hasbro action figures. Of course, the main goal of this comic was due to the dollar signs both Marvel and Hasbro saw with the production of a sister title. But for writer Larry Hama, it was a chance to write slightly more grittier stories. In a Raleigh, North Carolina comic con panel, Hama told the audience (that I was a part of) that with the main G.I. Joe series, he was tasked with featuring the newest toys being released in the line. With Special Missions, since the enemies weren't just from Cobra, but conventional terrorists as well members of the Soviet Army, Hama was able to write those clandestine war stories that he always wished to write starring your favorite Joes. 

The spin-off was first introduced as the backup feature of the anniversary special 50th issue of G.I. Joe. In the 'pilot', a commercial jet hailing from San Francisco is hijacked by Russians. Calling themselves members of the Leon Trotsky Brigade of the Fourth National, the terrorists plan on flying the plane into the Soviet Union and crashing the ship into a chemical warfare depot, making the flight the ultimate dirty bomb!

While the plane refuels in Alaska, several Joes sneak about the plane through its landing gear. With only minutes to spare, America's finest must take control of the cockpit for if the plane enters Soviet airspace, there are several MiGs ready to blow it out of the sky! At the very last minute, Joe commander Flint grabs the controls and veers the air taxi away from Russian boarders.

The Soviets factor into the first issue of G.I. Joe Special Missions. Several of the ship-worthy members of GI Joe are posing as Scandinavian fishermen in the Baltic sea. An American submarine has broken down and members of the October Guard, the USSR's version of GI Joe, are on a nearby navel destroyer, observing the very transparent ruse. Should the sub's location be discovered by the Soviet Navy, it will violate countless treaties as the sunken submersible is deep inside Russian waters. 

Adding to the stress of this situation is the presence of Cobra. The Baroness and Firefly are on hand to commandeer the sub for themselves. Should Cobra get their hands on the American ship, the vessel's nuclear armament will make the terrorist organization an even more deadlier force to be reckoned with. 

The level of violence in this debut issue was on par with the standard G.I. Joe main title of its time. The addition of Cobra gives this tale a comedic foil. However, the level of technobabble and secret ops was unlike anything seen in the pages of a G.I. Joe comic. While 'That Sinking Feeling' isn't on par with a Quentin Tarantino film in terms of death and mayhem, the end of the age of innocence for G.I. Joe was at hand. 

It's true, that prior to G.I. Joe #50, some characters and a whole lot of Cobra troops died. After the introduction of G.I. Joe Special Missions, that death count got higher. A Cobra Civil War sees many villains die at the hands of their so-called brothers-in-arms. We learn of the tragic deaths of the heads of the Arashikage Clan, the Head Master and his younger sibling, the Soft Master. But nothing will prepare readers for issue #109 where 8 Joes are brutally slain; including fan favorites Doc, Quickick and Breaker!

Art duties for this issue were by Herb Trimpe. Trimpe, along with Hama, would stay on for the entire run of this series that ran for 26 issues. However, X-Men legend, Dave Cockrum would assist frequently as a fill-in. Special Missions started as a bi-monthly publication, quickly becoming a monthly with issue #12. The series was revived both by Devil's Due Publishing in a number of one-shots and IDW Publishing, which ran for 14 issues. In 2010-11, IDW collected the entire Marvel run in a series of 4 trades, which are no longer in print.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Completing this review completes Task #11 (More Than 20 Years Old) of the 2023 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

G.I. Joe: Dreadnoks Declassified

One of the most exciting villains in the 1980s GI Joe line was the elusive Zartan. A master of disguise with a strange chameleon-like ability to blend into his surroundings, Zartan was the figure all the kids wanted next to Snake Eyes and Destro.

In the cartoon and Marvel Comics, nobody knew who Zartan really was. The leader of a group of bayou bikers, Zartan was the only character who intimidated Cobra Commander. That's probably because old Snakeface knew that at any moment, Zartan could eliminate Cobra's leader and replace him without anyone being all the wiser.

This 2006 miniseries from Devil's Due Publishing seeks to reveal the mysteries behind the villain without spilling the beans on him. In reality Zartan might be Amauri Sanderson, an American soldier who sold government secrets to France. Or he's a mercenary named Lee who sold France's secrets to a central European nation and then double-crossed that country to funnel weapons to Cobra.

What surprised me the most was that the revelation that the man I grew up believing was Zartan wasn't the original Zartan. But it all made for a really great story that provides more backstory in the origins of the rise of Cobra. I always thought that the flashback stories were the best ones told in the Marvel books and Josh Blaylock's story was on par with the amazing pen of original Joe comics writer, Larry Hama.

Along with the main story, there's a back-up short story which also promises to reveal some deep-dark secrets of Zartan's past. Really, the only reveal is that the leader of the Dreadnoks has had so many different secret identities, Zartan can no longer remember who he really is anymore!

I learned from listings for other DDP Joe titles that there are at least 2 other 'year one' type miniseries. One about Snake-eyes. The other about the first lady of American freedom, Scarlett. I want them both. But if I got to pick the one I want to read first, it would be Scarlett's story as I already know quite a bit of Snake-eyes' origin.

The opening story was fantastic! I liked the backup. But it lacked the promise of big shocking secrets coming to light as assured on the back cover of this collection. Despite that story being a recap of the Dreadnok's miniseries, it was a fun read. Lots of action. But also a glimpse at some early Stanley Lau artwork before he started going by the moniker 'Artgerm'!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

GI Joe: Saturday Morning Adventures #1 (Family Comic Friday)

The book I am reviewing today is one that I am really excited about. Yeah it came out last week. But I hadn't got my issue until after last Family Comic Friday's press time. 

GI Joe: Saturday Morning Adventures gives us old fogeys a chance to relive the thrill of watching a new animated episode when you got home from school. Okay- at least in my neck of the woods, G.I. Joe came on every weekday at 4pm on channel 22. Maybe for writer Erik Burnham and illustrator Dan Shoening the show came on on Saturdays. Hence the title. But for kids in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, we said 'Yo Joe!' every Monday-Friday afternoon!

In this brand new series from IDW Publishing, Cobra Commander has come into possession of the legendary magic lamp of Aladdin. With only 3 wishes, the villain must choose wisely if he hopes to conquer the planet! Wish #1 is for a squad of giant BATS- Battle Android Troopers. But because Cobra Commander is such a massive tightwad, a Cobra squad is only 5 deep and one of the androids has already been wiped out by the Joes! With only 2 wishes and 4 BATS remaining, Cobra has got to get creative if they're going to be triumphant.

This first issue was like watching the first episode of 'The M.A.S.S. Device'. All your favorite characters bad and good were there. (Okay- I don't remember seeing Snake Eyes.) There's action. There's adventure. And then there's that darn 'To Be Continued!' 

But we do get one of those great PSAs at the very end. It deals with the modern plague of online bullying. But it's still ended with 'Knowing is half the batlle.' (And for those of you not in the know- the other half of the battle is 25% red lasers and 25% blue lasers.)

As soon as I finished issue #1, I was online with my comic book guys placing a subscription for the rest of this series run. I'm not sure how many issues this story will be. But if I had to guess, it's probably going to be 5 issues long as the opening storyline for each season was always 5 episodes in length.

If you were a kid of the 80s, you're going want to go out and grab this book. You'll relive a lot of memories and share some with the young reader in your life too! The storyline is classic. The artwork looks like stills from an unaired episode of the original series. This is something everyone is gonna love! And hey! Maybe if this is a hit, we'll see other 80s toons get the Saturday Morning comic book treatment as well!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Classic Toys from a Madman's Youth: Advent 2019 Day 3

For today's Advent, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite play sets from a Christmas of long ago. From the mega-popular GI Joe line from Hasbro, it's the Tactical Battle Platform!

The Tactical Battle Platform or TBP was released in 1985. Discontinued in 1987, I either received this present from Santa when I was 8 or 9. 

Being molded from gray and red, I thought this play set was an aquatic compound of the evil COBRA. But upon doing research for this project, I discovered that this was actually a fort for the good guys! 

The TBP came with a command center and landing pad for one of the Joe's smaller air vehicles. It was armed with a laser gun and missile launcher (which I don't think it actually shot the projectiles due to safety issues. But it might've...) It also had an deployable platform and a hook on a line which I had a lot of fun adventures with. Both were supposed to be used with the water vehicles in the GI Joe toy line. But I had other uses for them! (More on that shortly.)

Because the TBP was square, I often combined another childhood passion of mine with the Joes, wrestling. As the toy line had a ton of figures, I would load all of my GI Joes and COBRA foes on the TBP and perform a battle royale!

One-by-one, heroes and villains would fall off the TBP into the (in my mind) shark infested waters below. Sometimes the Joes won. Sometimes, the villains would triumph as hey, that's how it was in the wrasslin' world. But you could be sure that the hook and moving platform would be used for a twist or two saving a would-be treat for a great white from the icy waters below!

So for my Advent gift for today, I thought I would let you see more of the TBP's functions and format with a look at this TV commercial from 1986. 

Enjoy!

G.I. Joe Origins Omnibus Volume 2

  Writers Chuck Dixon, Scott Beatty, and Merrill Hagan explore the beginnings of Snow Job, Ripcord, and Zartan in the opening chapters of the G.I.Joe Origins Omnibus Volume 2. Then the master himself, Larry Hama returns to penned another all-silent Joe tale, this one starring Snake Eyes. Finally, the series wraps up by exploring the story of Michael Monk.

      Of all of the characters portrayed in this series, the only character I am not familiar with is that of Monk, AKA the Mad Monk. His character is someone that pops up in the pages of other IDW G.I. Joe titles. Honest, I had to do a web search on this guy because I really didn't know who he was. 

    I am not really sure how I feel having a non-traditional Joe character take up the last several chapters of this really exciting series. But, the Mad Monk story was really good and it gave a very interesting look at the training of a COBRA operative. If anything, the Michael Monk story was a good primer for those waiting to delve into IDW's vast catalog of G.I. Joe books. 

     The artwork was okay. But above all else, it was story that won out in this series. I just wish that they had focused on some other 80s characters like Gung Ho, Lady Jaye, and Shipwreck before this series came to a close.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

G.I. Joe Origins Omnibus Volume 1

      There are 2 people you call on if you want to reboot the G.I. Joe franchise to reflect a more modern era war on terror: Larry Hama and Chuck Dixon.

      Hama is the granddaddy of G.I. Joe. He crafted all of the backgrounds of the 1980s era action figures and documented their exploits in the pages of the Marvel Comics adaptations. 

     Chuck Dixon took over the reigns as head writer for G.I. Joe when the license switched over from Marvel to Devil's Due Publishing in the late 90s and early 2000s.

      So when IDW Publishing decided to publish the definitive origin of both the Joes and Cobra, they called on both Hama and Dixon to do it. Featuring a slew of IDW's best artists, including Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night) and Andrea Mutti (Highlander), this was a thrilling look at how the fight between good and evil got started before the Marvel Comic series even got started. Cobra Commander has never looked more evil and Snake Eyes has never been more cooler!

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
       

GI Joe Yearbook #4

I went through my list of comics I still need to review yesterday. I read faster than I have time to type. Anyway, most everything left to review is from the past month. But, I found this little gem that I had read around Christmas and had forgotten to get around to.

In case you forgot, I spend a sizable chunk of time reading the complete Marvel run of GI Joe from the 80s. I included some annuals and yearbooks but I must have forgot this one. I’m not sure how I over looked it.

In this issue, the October Guard and the Joes both have individual covert missions Cobra Island. Their goal is to determine just who actually is in charge of the terrorist organization- the newly armored Cobra Commander (whose actually a clone named Fred) or the mysterious Serpentor. Almost immediately the Joes and the Soviets must join forces if there’s any hope of escaping alive. But, their venture has gotten a little less dangerous as both Serpentor and Cobra commander see this incursion as a chance to off their biggest competitor for the title as Supreme Cobra leader.

This is a very good story with great art and dialogue. Cobra is at its best when they’re slimy and trying to backstab each other. Plus, I don’t know why the October Guard never becomes one with the Joes after the fall of Communism. The two teams work really well together and I think those are some of the best non-Snake Eyes stories in the entire series.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Review: GI JOE Retaliation

If you regularly read Madman with a Book, then you know I don't usually review movies. But, since I read the prequel comics and I've been raving about wanting to see the movie on which they were based, I figured I should talk about them some. Be warned, there will be spoilers!

The film was in my opinion much better than the first movie. Maybe it's because I just finished reading the original 155 issue run of the Marvel series. Or maybe it's because this film actually seemed to be more in tuned with the comics than the first film!

The movie has Channing Tatum returning as lead character Duke. In the mix this time is Lady Jaye, Flint, and Road Block, played by the Rock of WWE fame. Girls, don't get too excited as Duke is only in the first 15 minutes of the movie. This is the Rock's show and I think it worked.

In the last movie, Zartan was impersonating the POTUS. In this movie, he's still the PREZ and now he's framed the Joes for killing an important Middle Eastern diplomat. While Road Block, Lady Jaye, and Flint try to find out why they were framed, Snake Eyes and ninja apprentice, Jinx are on the heels of Storm Shadow, who just freed Cobra Commander from a top secret military prison.

Badly injured from the rescued, Storm seeks refuge and healing in a Himilayian temple. Those scenes have some of the best martial arts battles this side of Bruce Lee and some of the most rediculious mountain repelling scenes since Stallone in Cliffhanger. Much of the Snake Eyes trilogy is played out her as Storm Shadow realizes that Zartan, that Cobra master of disguise, killed his master and led him down the path of evil. With that bit of info, the ninja and the ousted Joes team up to bring the President of these United States down! But they are going to need some fire power.

That brings us to Bruce Willis who steals the show as original Joe- Joe Colton and in his retirement manages to possess a gigantic armory. While Colton goes to save the real POTUS from his summer retreat, the rest of the Joes head to South Carolina. There, Zartan tricks the most powerful men in the world into destroying their nuclear weapons and then hands over power of the US to Cobra Commander.

I'm going to leave the plot synopsis at that. I don't want to give away much more. There's supposed to be a sequel and I hope there is. I really enjoyed this film. While watching it, my wife in our office, kept running in the living room thinking something was wrong. I had to take a moment and go "Oh, no nothing wrong. But, (insert name) just did (insert action) and if he doesn't move fast, he's gonna get it."

I don't remember my wife having to ever do this before when I watched another movie or show and she was online in the other room. Obviously, I got into the movie.

I know this film isn't ever going to win a best picture Oscar, but I did not watch it to be informed or moved. I wanted to be entertained and I clearly was. I think Retaliation was one of those few times that the sequel was better than the original.

I highly recommend this movie is you A) love GI Joe, B) love action movies, C) are a fan of the Rock, D) loved to read comic books as a kid or currently still do, and/ or E) was a boy growing up in the 80s. I was all of these and it was a blast.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars. Rated PG-13 for mild violence, torture, sexuality (but no nudity) and a occasional swear.

GI Joe: Retaliation #4 (Official Movie Prequel)

 

With Road Block’s ninja training somewhat complete, he and Snake Eyes have uncovered a plot in which Zartan and Storm Shadow are planning to infiltrate NORAD based on information given to them by a tortured Joe. As Block and Snake seek out the Cobras from inside, Gen. Hawk and the rest of his team must shoot their way into Strategic Air Command without killing any of the Army soldiers stationed inside. This task may seem impossible, but the fate of the free world is at stake and these are the GI Joes we’re talking about.

 

I thought this was a great closing chapter to the prequel series published by IDW. I now know the time frame of this series. In one scene Zartan receives a communication by Dr. Mindbender. If you saw the first film, you’d know that really Mindbender was Cobra Commander in disguise. Thus, this prequel is not only a prequel to Retaliation but the first Joe movie as well. (That also explains why Duke is not featured in this book, as he wasn’t a member yet.)

 

I thought overall that this was a good story and I am syked and ready to watch GI Joe: Retaliation which is currently languishing on my DVR. Very good art throughout this book as well with very good representations of several of the actors.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

GI Joe: Retaliation #1 (Official Movie Prequel)



sketch variant cover

 

I got this series in November of 2012. I figured that I’d read these before going to the movie. Well, the movie came and went and I didn’t read these yet. So, I wanted for DVD and Redbox. The film hit Redbox and I still hadn’t read the books. So, I waited for HBO. But by the time GI Joe: Retaliation came on, I no longer subscribed to HBO. For a while, I just figured that I’d never get to this.

 

Well, just last night, the movie showed on EPIX- a movie channel I do get on Satellite. So, with it safely in my DVR, I figured now is the best time to finally read this prequel mini-series before watching the film.

 

The prequel takes place before events of the sequel- obviously. But I am not sure if this prequel occurs in between the first GI Joe movie and Retaliation or before. I say this because Gen. Hawk is drawn to look like actor Dennis Quaid, who played the character in the first film. But I thought Bruce Willis was tackling that part?! There’s a mysterious person that Hawk is talking to on the phone on a couple of pages- could that be Bruce Willis’ character? The “voice” on the line seems to have some sort of ulterior motive with Hawk, so is it a Juggler from the Pentagon? I’m not sure, but it will probably be revealed either by prequel’s end or in the sequel.

 

The first issue is about a mission involving Road Block, Snake Eyes, and Mainframe. Its Mainframe’s first ever mission as a Joe, but when he’s captured by a clan of Ninja (yes- that’s the plural of Ninja. Enjoy your vocab lesson for the day.) and the rest of the squad is ordered to retreat, Road Block takes it really hard. So hard he ends up in the brig after decking Hawk. It looks like a court martial for the soldier unless Snake Eyes plan for a rescue and redemption can save the day.

 

Since Snake Eyes doesn’t talk, and that plot ends the book on a cliff hanger of sorts, I won’t know what happens until issue 2. So far, the prequel is pretty good. I appreciate some of the subtle points I would’ve missed if not for reading the entire Marvel series. I like the first Joe movie, but I was very confused about things I thought I remember as a kid. With 155 issues of Joe under my belt, I can now pick up on those Easter eggs.

 

I can’t wait for issue 2. Hopefully, it will be full of more neat cameos, great action, and maybe a revelation as to just who Hawk was talking with on the phone.

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

GI Joe: A Real American Hero #155.5 (Free Comic Book Day, 2010 Edition)

 

Well it took over a decade and a half, but IDW Publishing and Larry Hama joined forces to finally tie up the loose ends left over from the sudden cancellation of the original Marvel version of GI Joe. In the final issue (#155) we saw what was going on with the Joes, mostly Snake Eyes, as the Pit was being mothballed. Well, this issue shows what is happening with Cobra during the exact same time those prior events were taking place.

 

Cobra Commander is awakened to discover that his plan to create a counter revolutionary movement operating “independently” from Cobra has gotten underway. The Capital, Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, and several important US landmarks have been held “hostage.” Though these terrorists are apprehended quickly, it signals the next phase in a plan to take over the US government jointly conducted by Cobra and the Jugglers.

 

You read that right, the Jugglers, who have been giving the Joes fits since the first issue in 1982, are revealed to have been working with Cobra. They don’t want Cobra to take over the nation. But, in order for these Pentagon yahoos to be able to overthrow the President and Congress, they’ve relied on Cobra to undermine the work of the Joes. Thus, that is why the Joes were shut down in issue #155. Now with the Joes out of commission, the Jugglers hope to take over the government to a more McCarthy-era friendly police state, while giving Cobra the scraps of the rest of the civilized world.

 

Meanwhile, another plot thread is addressed while Cobra Commander and the Jugglers are plotting global conquest. When we last saw Storm Shadow, Destro, Zartan, Baroness, and Billy, they were under the mental controller of Doctor Venom’s brainwashing machine. Well, the machine is starting to show some ghosts in the machine meaning that the brainwashing procedure might not be as strong as originally thought. Thus, the wheels begin turning with Destro, Zartan, and Baroness questioning their loyalty to Cobra and their ultimate fate may mean overthrowing the Hooded One.

 

I was excited to research that Hama was finally given a chance to tie up some loose ends. That was my biggest beef with how the Marvel series ended. Thankfully, I had this issue. Man, was it awesome! Sadly, I do not have any further issues. So, you know what that means- I’ve added this series to my wish list.

 

The search begins…

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

 

 

Classic GI Joe, Volume 15

 

This is it! The final 10 issues of the original Marvel run of GI Joe. I must say that this is the worst volume of the entire bunch. The art is worse than ever before. Not only is the anatomy wrong, but the inking looks like somebody did it with a dirty brush. There are ink stains and blotches everywhere. It looks like the artwork from Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas!

 

Not only is the art poor, but the quality of the stories isn’t the best as well. Before signing off, the Joes do end hostilities in the fictional European nation of Borovia. That story arc was the best of this volume. How the conflict is concluded is brilliant and is a sign of Larry Hama’s genius. Then Hama devotes another tribute to the original GI Joe with an origin story in honor of the iconic toy’s 35th anniversary. After being reinstated by the American government, Joe Colton reflects on his beginnings as he’s whisked away to Washington. His origin is neatly tied up though it appears that we’re not done with the original Joe as the nature of this new mission and reactivation to active duty is poised to be explored in the next issue. Yet after that excellent story, it appears that things about Marvel or Hasbro went all to heck!

 

The next two issues aren’t even written by Hama. Instead, a substitute writer crafts two solo stories; one focusing on Scarlett and an experimental Cobra BAT targeting the redhead for death while the other has Road Block’s flight overbooked and his alternative flight leaves him taking on an aircraft full of Cobra operatives. Take about snakes on a plane!

 

Larry Hama returns for the final issue. It’s a very poignant issue with Snake Eyes finally getting his say as he writes to an army buddy’s son who has hopes of enlisting after high school. While I like this issue very much, there’s no closer to the Joes Vs. Cobra storyline. While the Pit is being mothballed and the team is deactivated, there’s no mention as to whether Cobra was finally defeated or if the Jugglers, the sinister cabal of Pentagon officials who seem to have it out for the Joe squad, were behind the closure.

 

Truly, I think that ending sucks! I expected the 155 issue plus series to come to an end. I know there’s been other series published by other comic book companies that delve deeper into the world of the Joes. Yet, I would’ve expected Hama to be given a chance to tie things up. Heck, I expected Larry Hama to have tied up these loose plots and give the loyal readers of Joe some closure. (A forward in this volume by Hama goes on to explain that the decision to cancel Joe was a sudden decision with only about 2 weeks given to write a final story. Why he didn’t end the series on a definite note is beyond me.)

 

I am sorely disappointed with this volume and how the series ended. Like I mentioned before, there are other non-Marvel GI Joe comics out there and this lack of closure has inspired me to search them out. It will take some time, but I’ll get to them.

 

Not Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 4 out of 10 stars.

 

Classic GI Joe, Volume 14

The classic Marvel run on GI Joe is just about over. But before we close the book on the epic battle of Joes and Cobra we’ve got even more former allies of the Joes becoming mind slaves to Cobra. Has Scarlett turned Cobra? Why is Doctor Mindbender back? And are those Transformers?

That’s right, Megatron returns thinking that the transforming Castle Destro is another Transformer stuck on earth. Now Cobra Commander and the Decepticons have teamed up in hopes of making a deal of some sorts. Let’s just say that Megatron gets the mother of all up-grades. And yes- this is a sequel to the GI Joe Meets the Transformers miniseries. I wish I had known that, as I have not read that YET!

Lastly, the series takes a break from the war between Joes and Cobra to focus on several Joes and their origins. Most importantly is the origin of how Snake Eyes got his stripes. We learned issues ago how it came to be Snake Eyes lots his ability to talk and became friends with Storm Shadow and Stalker. Now we learn why Snake Eyes wears a mask and how he came to fall in love with Scarlett. Also, this story arc focuses on Snake Eye’s first rescue of his twin sister’s former fiancée. That story is probably the best of this volume.

The art is quite poor. It really reflects the poorly anatomized artwork of the early 1990s. I can understand drawing all the guys with barrel chests and girls to look like they are smuggling watermelons under their shirt. But this disproportioned style makes everyone look like they’ve got withered hands and tiny toothpick legs. I hate it!

It’s not my favorite volume, but that’s mostly for the art. The majority of stories are quite good. I would say the Transformers reteaming in the weakest of the book, but even they were entertaining.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Classic GI Joe, Volume 13

 

We’re coming down the home stretch with the original Marvel run of GI Joe. This volume starts off with Larry Hama at his finest as he and the Marvel bullpen pull off an issue that runs 3 separate storylines at the same time. In that 3 issue arc the Eco-Warriors try to remove a Cobra derrick that’s polluting the Gulf of Mexico but to do it, they’ve got to prevent making an even bigger mess with errant bullets.

 

While Flint has his hands full, Snake Eyes and the Ninja Force team learn just what happened to Firefly. In that story, you’ll learn more of the mysteries of the ninja clan that Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow are leaders of and you might even see another mystery character unmasked. Lastly, the new Joe Drug Enforcement Task Force is given a tip to take down a drug dealer in Broca Beach. But that could mean the gig is up for the Cobra strong hold. That plot plays out very interestingly.

 

Then the original GI Joe returns with his gal, Nurse Jane, seeking the Joes help from yet another attack by Cobra. Only, the reason behind why Cobra Commander wants use of Joe Colton’s laser guidance system may surprise you and give you a little more “Hell Yeah!” respect for the terrorist leader.

 

The action returns in this volume to the newly Communist independent nation of Borovia. Only things have gotten worse as democracy hasn’t come easy and a Bosnia- Sarajevo type civil war focused on ethnic cleansing has led to even more instability for the region. Lady Jaye and Hawk must fight their way free from the besieged nation while not setting off a diplomatic red flag. It’s yet another fantastic story line in what is perhaps one of the better collected volumes of the latter half of the series.

 

The only thing I would fault is the art. The first three issues with the cross-weaving story lines were superb. Each panel had a border that reflected the plot line being covered. It reminded me of the exquisite work done on the borders in Vertigo’s Fables. However, towards the end of this book, the art gets sloppier. The proportions of the characters is absurd and the positioning of characters make it look like Hawk is 5 times larger than a Borovian soldier standing right next to him. Even worse, I swear there’s a couple of times it looks like Road Block is levitating. Its 90s super hero artwork at its lowest!

 

Of course, you know who I blame for this- Rob Liefeld. Even though he had nothing to do with this issue, it’s his god-awful artwork that for some unknown reason inspired an entire decade’s worth of art to look like everybody took steroids or were part-time magicians. I’m not a fan of the art of those last 5 or so issues in this book. Thankfully, the writing continued to be top notch throughout!

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Classic GI Joe, Volume 12

 

The war in the Middle East rages on and Joes and Cobras die by the handful. If you hated BattleForce 2000 like I did, then you’ll cheer! But, the ever classy Larry Hama makes the end of that division and the tragically short life of a new recruit named Cool Breeze a poignant message of the spoils of war.

 

After some typical behind the scenes subterfuge between the high ups in the American government and the Emir of Benzheen, this battle goes in Cobras favor! Yes, the bad guys win!

If you are a fan of the villain, you’ll cheer!

 

On a roll with his Middle Eastern victory, Cobra Commander puts a bounty on former ally Destro’s head. Along with hiring a gang of ninja accountants (yes- you read that right and no, I wasn’t reading the Tick and got confused) the leader of the world’s most dangerous terrorist group prior to 9/11 has an ace up his sleeve- the brainwashed Baroness, who just happens to be shacking up with ol’ Chrome Dome. This turn of events result in the formation of some new Joe squads with Flint heading up the Eco-Warriors and Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow beginning a group that will become the Ninja Force. I am excited at the prospect of Ninja Force becoming a factor in the future pages of Joe, but Eco-Force? Really? I want blood and guts not Captain Planet!

 

Lastly, we discover the one thing even Cobra Commander will not stand for- drugs! A small-time hood called Head-Man has taken up in the crevices of Broca Beach. That storyline is left to be continued in volume 13, but I cannot wait to see what happens next.

 

I had the most trouble trying to find an affordable copy of Classic Joe, volume 12. I hate the number 12- never been a favorite of mine either. But, this volume was worth the effort and might’ve made me like the number a little bit. Okay- nothing’s that good!

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

 

Classic GI Joe, Volume 11

 

This volume starts with a Joes/ Oktober Guard cross-over. And wouldn’t you know it; you have to have an issue of Special Missions prior to reading this volume. Of course, I don’t have it. It really ticked me off, but I pressed on and I read it anyway. I am happy to say, you don’t miss much.

 

Then the fate of Millville and Mutt and Spirit is concluded with an outcome that works completely in Cobra’s favor. Speaking of Cobra’s favor, this entire issue seems to be a win/ win for the terrorist organization. The Joes are made to look like chumps and the besieged nation of Sierra Gordo looks like it’s been pushed to the brink when Cobra contractors completely wipe out that nation’s rain forest.

Then the unthinkable happens- Joes die and they die violently and by the handful. When a team of Joes are captured in a fictional Middle Eastern nation by Tomax and Xamot, a little bit of static on the sat-com call between the Crimson Guard and Cobra Commander results in the unthinkable. It’s one of the most shocking and gut wrenching moments in the entire series.

Lastly, I want to talk about Snake Eyes. Not only does the fan favorite say his first (and so far only) word, the American Ninja experiences a true existentialistic moment when Storm Shadow hypnotizes him into becoming a no mercy killing machine in order to rescue a CIA operative from Borovia. This mission sees many things transpire as the White Clown and his midget friend continue their search for the clown’s imprisoned lady love. As Snake Eyes seeks to complete his mission, back home, his lady, Scarlett, is in a coma fighting for life and Storm Shadow finds himself in a game of cat and mouse fending off the Jugglers and a new clan of Cobra endorsed ninjas.

This volume is Larry Hama and GI Joe at it’s very best. That’s probably because the rule book of GI Joe is thrown out the window. In the cartoon, Joes and Cobras alike shoot lasers by the hundred and nobody dies, much less snag a fingernail. But, in this volume Joes mercilessly kill and are killed. If you only read one volume of Classic GI Joe- this is the one to own! It’s complete and utter carnage to the Nth degree.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Classic GI Joe, Volume #10

 

Well, this marks the end of reading individual GI Joe issues. I got a lot of trade credit for my birthday and I finished off my collection of the regular series. That meant no more single issues and hello trades!

 

For volume 10, there’s 10 issues and a lot goes on. It’s going to be hard keeping everything straight but I will try. Rock and Roll and Clutch end up being brain-washed by Cobra after the stumbled upon the secret of Broca Beach. The Joes plan a rescue but it’s the Baroness who actually saves the hostages when she frames Zartana, the new leader of the Dreadnoks.

 

Speaking of Dreadnoks, Zartan becomes the latest in a long line of Cobras who see the error of their ways and turns to the forces of good. In a great issue that not only reveals Zartan’s origin but his real face as well, the master of disguise attempts to right past wrongs by teaming up with Billy, the son of Cobra Commander in hopes of revealing to the world that the terrorist leader is actually a Fred clone in disguise.

 

Volume 10 also contains the Snake Eyes Trilogy. This storyline has many shocks, including Baroness’ origin, a reveal of Snake Eyes’ damaged face, and a new face for the American ninja. What’s more- the man behind the mask of Destro is finally revealed.

 

Lastly, a dead man comes alive! If you don’t want to know, stop here.

Cobra Commander- the real one- is back and he’s badder than ever before! Out to kick butt and take names, the true leader of Cobra ousts his usurpers and traps them inside the volcano on cobra Island. But before Cobra Commander can destroy the Dreadnoks, they get a small reprieve when the plain behind the brainwashed Joes are used as a bargaining chip. However, it’ll have to wait until volume 11 to reveal the ultimate fate of the brainwashed Joes as they just isn’t any more room in this book to put so much awesome collection! Every issue was brilliantly crafted and it was an incredibly fast read with many questions and facades finally revealed in living four-color! I loved it!

 

Worth Consuming.

 Rating: 10 out of 10 stars!

 

GI Joe #90

 

Poor Rock and Roll and Clutch; those two just seem to have the worst luck going on road trips when they get a 3-day pass. Last time, the Dreadnoks destroyed Clutch’s classic convertible on a trip to California. This time, the guys are cruising down the Jersey shore only to stumble upon the boardwalk at Broca Beach. Man, those bumper cars sure look a lot like HISS tanks!

 

The events that unfold in this issue will undoubtedly have drastic repercussions for the Joes in coming issues. I can’t wait to see what happens next! I must say the idea of hiding Cobra vehicles in plain site by disguising them as rides at an amusement park was a stroke of genius. Larry Hama and the guys in the Marvel bull pen really pulled out all stops on this issue! Bravo!

 

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

GI Joe #89

This issue is designed primarily to introduce new characters and vehicles that Hasbro recently added to the ever growing GI Joe line. It’s pretty standard fair in which these new Joes and their newest tank undergo a training mission that inevitably becomes a real mission when they stumble upon a Cobra plot.

 You’d think Cobra would know to stop planning their next mission for global conquest so close to the Joe’s training grounds. But, they never do.

 About the only thing really enjoyable or memorable is the character Hardware. He’s a big strong Joe, so strong, that just about everything he touches breaks. So, of course, when it looks like the Joes are about to win out, Hardware breaks something, putting them into another pickle. If you asked me 20 years ago about this issue, I’d say “Why would I want to buy a vehicle and figure that breaks so easily?” I kinda feel the same way. With Joes like these, it’s no wonder that Cobra, with its confederacy of dunces, have been a boil on the backside of humanity for so long. However, Larry Hama does such a great job at crafting really interesting characters that you overlook some of the image problems associated with the later Joe toys.

 This is not the worst Joe issue I’ve ever read, but it’s also not my all-time favorite either. It’s just okay.

 Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.