G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #181

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant

Summary:

Through a de-briefing, the Joes recap the events at San Diego. While Snake-Eyes successfully retrieved the kryton, the carrier ran off and was captured by a Blue Ninja. Surveillance tape shows the carrier to be “yakuza princess” Margarita Shiro, otherwise known as Pale Peony.

Outside San Diego, Pale Peony is rescued when Zarana and Road Pig storm in and dispatch a Blue Ninja. Zarana hints at a plan involving Darklon and the Joes being allowed by build a replica of the kryton inside the Pit; as sort of a Trojan Horse gambit.

In the Pit, two Python-ized Vipers enter and help Darklon escape. Duke is on the Trojan plan and allows Darklon to escape. Finally, back in Broca Beach, Zartan rides into town, telling Cobra Commander that Zarana, Road Pig and Pale Peony are planning to start their own independent operation.

Notes:

• Although she appeared last issue in disguise, this is probably the first official appearance of “Pale Peony”. She was a character in Hama’s short-lived “Storm Shadow” series at Devil’s Due, circa 2007. Those books are still out-of-canon, but it’s totally Hama’s perogative to bring her into the “official” canon at IDW.
• We’re told that Darklon’s helmet is surgically attached to his brain, ears and optic nerves.
• Darklon was failry worthless when he first appeared, so I like that they’re actually giving him some importance and making him seem formidable..
• The recap of San Diego is told through a fan’s video. The fan is interviewing some chick dressed up like a Power Girl pastiche and even asks: “could you make them bounce?” It’s not exactly Power Girl, as she has a red costume on. Snake-Eyes and Pale Peony fight in the background, which soon grabs the fan’s full attention.
• I’m a little confused about the Blue Ninja/Pale Peony thing. In the surveillance footage, she appears to be willingly getting into a van driven by a Blue Ninja, then a page later she’s shown being held captive by a BN inside a foot locker.
• I mentioned the core cast, last issue…but where the hell has Hawk been? It appears Duke has taken over Hawk’s old role in the comics. I’m sure Hawk’s still in charge, but Hawk’s on-screen role seems to have gone to Duke, now.
• Road Pig seems to still have his split-personality gig going on; as he speaks in educated prose during his scenes. They really played that up in his initial appearances (circa issue 82), then let it die away.
• Speaking of forgotten plot-threads: whattabout the Oktober Guard story? And whattabout Sneak Peek? And whattabout Scarecrow’s brain?
• Moving on quickly, the new developers of Broca Beach want to make it into a casino destination.
• I had a heck of a time identifying a cameo appearance on page 8, since he’s not in the light. To the best of my knowledge, it’s Charbroil.
• Like a lot of other fans, I’m sure, I look forward to the shots inside the Pit, just so we can peek around and see who or what will pop up. Kinda’ cool how Tripwire, Tunnel Rat, Barbeque, Tollbooth, Lt. Falcon, Muskrat, Ambush and Outback all have speaking roles this month.
• This was a great use of the cast for both sides. I was tempted to give this a “4 Flag Points”, but it was slightly lacking in overall action.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Snake-Eyes, Duke, Scarlett, Stalker, Mainframe, Roadblock, Psyche-Out, Lifeline, Lt. Falcon, Tunnel Rat, Tripwire, Tollbooth, Outback, Muskrat, Ambush, Barbeque, Charbroil (cameo), Baroness, Destro, Darklon, Cobra Commander, Zarana, Road Pig, Zartan

Characters (“comic-only”):Pale Peony

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Hammer, Destro’s AGP

Vehicles and stuff (not toys):Cobra Transport Copter (Aspid)

Firsties:
Characters: Pale Peony

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 3 Flag Points