G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #110

“Escalator to Armageddon”

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: Ron Garney

Summary:

The SAW Viper prepares to blow away the three remaining Joes, but is suddenly called away by the Crimson Twins, who realize they misunderstood Cobra Commander’s orders. The Mobile Battle Bunker arrives, as the Joes all pile in after the SAW Viper for some “payback”. They destroy the SAW Viper’s armored detachment, but realize they can’t take him prisoner, since they’re in Trucial Abysmia illegally. The SAW Viper laughs as the Joes walk away.

Meanwhile, the Crimson Twins lead an all out assault into neighboring, oil-rich Benzheen, successfully taking it over. News arrives at the Pit, where Hawk mobilizes the ENTIRE Joe team. Hawk: “In three days’ time, the Joes will commence to kick butt”.

Notes:

• The SAW Viper and Duke single each other out. Seemingly the start of a personal feud, but it fades away.
• The Joes make it a special point to bring back the bodies of their dead teammates.
• The Emir of Benzheen escapes Cobra’s attack in his personal mini-jet.
• The final two pages, with Hawk rolling out the entire team, is one of the biggest geek-out moments of the entire series.
• The issue of the Joes always having just ONE C-130 is finally adressed. For once, they have full military support as a huge fleet of cargo planes arrives to airlift them.
• The subplot about “the future of the team depends on the mission in Sierra Gordo” is officially forgotten, as the Joes have full US support, here.
• For once, the Joes have multiple numbers of each vehicle. The big roll-out page clearly shows multiple Battle Bunkers, Raiders and Pulverizers.
• Once again, the Defiant is drawn incorrectly, like a conventional NASA shuttle.
• Roadblock is at the Pit, wearing an eye patch as a residual effect of his blindess from Sierra Gordo. The patch wll be gone, next issue.
• Cobra Commander has two hotsy-totsy Cobra chicks in his war room. Call ’em “Harem Vipers”.
• The letters page mentions that the GI Joe live-action movie is “on hold” once again.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Hawk, Lt. Falcon, Duke, Cross Country, Rock n’ Roll, Clutch, Wild Card, Lady Jaye, Dial-tone, Countdown, Payload, Roadblock, several background Joes at the Pit, Cobra Commander, Tomax, Xamot, SAW-Viper

Characters (“comic-only”): Emir of Benzheen

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Defiant Space Shuttle, Mobile Battle Bunker, HAVOC, Raider, Pulverizer, Thunderclap, Hammer, Cobra HISS II, Cobra FANG II, Cobra Maggot, Cobra Rage, Cobra Piranha, Cobra Hammerhead

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): GI Joe C-130, numerous US transport planes, Cobra transport/gunship copter

Firsties:
Characters: Emir of Benzheen

Vehicles and stuff: Hammer, Pulverizer, Cobra Piranha, Cobra Hammerhead

Rating: 3 Flag Points