G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #113

“Previous Agreement”

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: John Statema

Summary:

Stalker’s (new) Recon Team is at Abu Talib Sqaure in Benzheen City, engaged in urban warfare with Alley Vipers (finally getting to apply their specialty). The Cobras use an innocent kid to lure Sneak Peek into a trap, where he’s gunned down. Dusty flashes back to Christmas Dinner with Sneak Peek’s family, and how he promised Mama Peek he’d bring her boy home, no matter what. Dusty goes out of his way to haul Sneak Peek’s dead body back to base.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Benzheen is worried about all his personal property (and oil) in Benzheen being destroyed… so he sneaks off, calls up Cobra Commander and offers to deal. He tips CC off to Battle Force 2000’s presence in Benzheen’s oil fields. Cobra calls in an artillery strike and blows away the oil fields and the entire roster of BattleForce 2000 (save for Dodger). All part of the negotiation process, as the Commander demands more from the Emir.

Notes:

• The little backstory between Dusty and Sneak Peek is another case of Hama making something significant out of nothing. Same thing he did when he seemingly spotlighted “random Joe”, Ripcord.
• The Dusty/Sneak Peek connection is like something out of “GI Combat” or an old war comic.
• A little joke about the new MRE’s (Meals-Ready-to-Eat) vs. the old “C” Rations is included.
• Roadblock, Tunnel Rat and Muskrat are in action as “deep recon team”. They’re creeping around in Benzheen City’s…sewer system? Seems weird that a Middle Eastern city would have such a thing.
• The deep recon team sneaks into the former enlisted quarters of the Benzheen military: each room stocked with leather couches, artwork, stereoes, etc. Benzheen is definitely a posh country with a high per-capita income. Part of the firefight takes place at a Porsche dealership.
• There was a misconcpetion among some fans that Recoil and Ambush both died this issue. They’re simply hit, but not killed. Both can be seen, in silhouette, walking back to base on the last page. I don’t think Recoil would ever apear again, though.
• Dee-Jay, the “new” BattleForce 2000 member makes his debut this issue…and promptly dies. That’s definitely the record between first and last appearance: ONE issue.
• Of BF2000, only Dee-Jay and Dodger are shown. The rest are only referred to and “seen” behind the canopies of their vehicles.
• There was much rejoicing over BF 2000’s death. Dodger was spared because his figure was due for a “Sonic Fighter” upgrade/re-release in 1991. He was probably the coolest BF 2000 figure, as his figure design was a direct rip-off of a Colonial Marine from the movie “Aliens”.
• Roadblock is mis-colored on the cover. He appears caucasian…and everytime I see this cover, I think it’s Taurus from Slaughter’s Renegades (a guy who never appeared in the Marvel series).
• The MOBAT makes a cameo appearance, for the first time since….issue 50?
• “Cobra Cola” makes another appearance.
• GI Joe Dossier is of Stalker.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Hawk, Lady Jaye, Dial-Tone, Stalker, Recoil, Ambush, Sneak Peek (croaks), Roadblock, Muskrat, Tunnel Rat, Dee-Jay (croaks), Dodger, Avalanche (croaks), Blocker (croaks), Knockdown (croaks), Maverick (croaks), Blaster (croaks), Stretcher, Cobra Commander

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

Vehicles and stuff (toys): MOBAT, Vector, Sky Sweeper, Dominator, Marauder, Eliminator, Vindicator, Cobra Maggot

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none

Firsties:
Characters: Dee-Jay

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 4 Flag Points