G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #172

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S. L. Gallant

Summary:

Turns out, it wasn’t Firefly doing the RPG drive-by at all. It’s a group of new “Blue Ninjas”, who seem to be cybernetically enhanced. Two Blue Ninjas survey the wreckage of the Brooklyn dojo, looking for the Middle Master. Snake-Eyes, Billy, Storm Shadow and the Middle Master engage one of Blue Ninjas in a fight, but Billy is fatally wounded. They slice open one Blue Ninja, but the other escapes. As they survey the wreckage and what just happened, a somber Storm Shadow acknowledges that Billy has died (well, as dead as you can get in comics).

Flint’s mission just barely makes it back to the USS Flagg, as the Tomahawk was also damaged by the Python Vipers. Even though Lady Jaye protests, Flint makes the call to use the coagulant on her. Roadblock uses sandwich bags to keep Darklon alive.

Notes:

• Suddenly, I’m excited about this whole Blue Ninja thing. To me, they seem like what the Night-Creepers could have been, as they’re basically techno-ninjas.
   
• Seems strange to have Billy “die” after all he’s been through in the comic. Especially since he was a big part of the relaunch, thus far. Keep in mind that he was tied in with “Dr.Venom”, so it would be possible to spin a yarn about “his spirit returning” or some shit.
   
• Two Homeland Security agents are on the scene of the Brooklyn dojo. One is named “Judd”, so we’ll see if they become recurring characters.
   
• The agents note the remains of on Blue Ninja and wonder about the extra cybernetic leg (it was Billy’s and was hacked off in the fight).
   
• In what seems to be another recurring theme for the Tomahawk, it begins leaking and running out of fuel.
   
• Gotta’ say that Herb Trimpe’s version of the cover (pictured above) looks like something I would’ve scribbled on my notebook in 4th grade. Or maybe 6th.
   
• Barbeque is on hand as the Tomahawk crash lands on the Flagg. He’s there to actually be a …gasp… firefighter.
   
• Shipwreck is “driving” the Flagg and even has Polly on his shoulder.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Snake-Eyes, Storm Shadow, Flint, Lady Jaye, Roadblock, Wild Bill, Lift-Ticket, Shipwreck, Keel-Haul, Lifeline, Barbeque, Darklon

Characters (“comic-only”): Billy (croaks), Blue Ninjas, Middle Master, “Judd” & the other Homeland Security Agent.

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Tomahawk, USS Flagg

Vehicles and stuff (not toys):none

Firsties:
Characters: “Judd” & the other Homeland Security Agent.

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 4 Flag Points