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 #76

The Cobra schism is almost over. Serpentor and the Joes are just about ready to end Cobra Commander’s reign of terror once and for all. That is until- oh, I’m not going to spoil it for you. But, I guarantee you won’t see the end of this civil war coming (HINT!) Also, the reason Destro got involved will make you jaw drop. It’s that wild!

I loved this issue; it’s the best of the 4-part story of the civil war on Cobra Island. There’s also one of my all-time favorite moments when Serpentor tells a Joe to help him close in on Cobra Commander and the Joe tells him that his boss is Gen. Hawk, not Serpentor and he must fill a complaint for how the despot is treating his prisoner the Baroness, but having her tied to the hood of a tank. Then Serpentor says, “Well, can you at least fire your cannons over there for air cover?” and the Joe says “That I can do!” Later the Joe meets up with Gen. Hawk and Hawk asks if he filed a complaint over Serpentor’s treatment of the Baroness and the Joe replies “Filed and noted, sir.” I just howled. I guess you had to be there.

Issue #75 is a fantastic ending to an amazing all-out battle for command of Cobra Island. I can’t wait to see what Larry Hama and the guys at Marvel have in store next.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

GI Joe #75

The adventure of the Cobra schism continues with both Serpentor and Cobra Commander’s squadrons running for the hills as Destro sets up camp in the middle of Cobra Island’s air field. Not only that, but with supplies, troops, and morale running low, it looks like Cobra Commander’s toast, especially with his right hand, the Baroness now playing hood ornament on Serpentor’s HISS tank.

During this entire battle, I’m having a ball. But, I must wonder- where are all of the residents of Springfield in the midst of this civil war? I thought they were air lifted to Cobra Island during the Joe’s invasion of Springfield USA. So where are they? Just one lit question I’d like answered. It’s a great issue regardless.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

GI Joe #74

 If you grew up watching the WWF in the 80s like I did, you might remember and annual event called the Royal Rumble. There was a potential for 50 wrestlers to end up in the same ring at the same time. The point of the match was after 49 people’s feet hit the floor outside the ring, the athlete left standing was declared the winner. This marathon event might’ve meant you might have seen your favorite wrestler team up with his arch-enemy to beat up on somebody both guys hated. Sometimes you’d see friends fighting friends cause there wasn’t anyone left to fight. It was tons of fun.

And it’s a royal rumble that’s taking place on Cobra Island. Cobra has been split in two with Serpentor, Tomax and Xamot’s Crimson Guard and Doctor Mindbender facing off against a pseudo- Cobra Commander, Baroness, and the Dreadnoks of Zartan. But that’s not all, helping the Serpentor led coalition is Gen. Hawk and the Joes! It appears the American government would rather back a democratically lead tyrant over a dictator ship. Adding to the drama, we’ve got Destro and his Iron Grenadiers just blasting the hell outta everyone!

It’s like every kid who had GI Joe figures dream. I loved every panel, every page, every line, every minute of it. This is my favorite Joe storyline of all!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.