G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #137
“The Traitor Strikes” (Part 3 of 4)
Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: Andrew Wildman
Summary:
Scarlett and Dr. Biggles-Jones are initiated into Cobra by drinking a vat of snake serum. As a further test, they are to steal another rail gun being tested at White Sands. But Scarlett is ordered to assassinate Hawk, as well.
At White Sands, the rail gun theft goes as planned. Scarlett goes through with her hit, but Hawk and Stalker rig it so it appears that they’re both killed in a jeep explosion. Snake-Eyes and Scarlett come face to face, on opposing sides, but Snake-Eyes hesitates and lets her escape with Cobra. After Cobra leaves, Hawk and Stalker appear, unharmed. Scarlett is a double-agent, but she didn’t know about the explosion plan. Storm Shadow and Snake-Eyes are pissed and demand a full explanation.
Meanwhile, Destro and the Baroness have escaped their cell and are sneaking around the innards of the Silent Castle.
Notes:
- Funny line from CC as he inducts Biggles-Jones and Scarlett: “your stock options don’t come out of escrow until you fulfill your initation obligations”. He’s still all about the money.
- Destro uses more of the “Dr. Doom Helmet” powers in his mask to cut the Baroness’ bonds. He shoots a laser beam out of his eyes. Groan.
- Stalker and Hawk uses latex body suits to fake their “deaths”.
- Hawk announces that Destro is also feeding intel to the Joes from inside the Silent Castle. Basically, ever since the “Destro: Search & Destroy” story, he’s been a good guy.
- Fun trivia: the Rhino GPV makes its first appearance. Unlike all previous vehicles that have appeared, this one was actually part of the 12′ “Hall of Fame” action figure line (the “big figures”). So it’s kinda’ weird how the comic is now promoting two lines of toys.
- Unique cover treatment, as the title is modified to read: “GI Joe starring Snake-Eyes vs. Scarlett!” Scarlett has her own custom logo, to boot. It appears as graphitti, and may have been a shot at the DC vampire title “Scarlett” that was running at the same time.
- More polybagging. This issue came with a “Cyber Viper” trading card.
Appearances:
Characters (figures): Snake-Eyes, Storm Shadow, Scarlett, Nunchuk, Dojo, Tjbang, Jinx, Hawk, Stalker, Roadblock, Wildcard, Big Ben, Dial-Tone, Psyche Out, Mainframe, Cobra Commander, Zarana, Road Pig, Slice, Dice, Destro, Baroness
Characters (“comic-only”): Dr. Biggles-Jones
Vehicles and stuff (toys): GPV Rhino, Monster Blaster APC, Battle Wagon, Cobra Paralyzer, Cobra HISS
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Cobra gunship/transport copter
Firsties:
Characters: none
Vehicles and stuff: GPV Rhino, Monster Blaster APC
Rating: 1 Flag Point
