G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #197

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant

Summary:

The “Relief Team” Joes are prepared to duel General Mercado’s troops…when Mercado politely walks across the airport tarmac and offers to help the team. He provides them with intel on the situation, choosing to switch sides because: “dying for your mother, your fiends, or ever your dog might be commendable, but not for a flag that will probably change by tomorrow morning”. Polly then arrives (talking in full sentences *groan*) and leads the Joes to free Shipwreck and Duke. As the team begins planning, Lola Graves arrives.

The rebels stop their ruse, unmasking as new and improved Revanche BATs. Grunt, Michael Cooper, Pierce-Bryson and Velez manage to overtake their captors, discovering that they’re vulnerable below the chin.

In Trieste, Pale Poeny and Jinx evade pursuit from more Revanche BATs, still aided by their mysterious guide (who may be Storm Shadow). At the Pit, Snake-Eyes and Scarlett enter the grounds, noticing that it’s been taken over by Cobra. Cobra Commander has kittens as he recognizes the duo on the security cameras.

Notes:

• Wait…so the Pit was over-run OFF-SCREEN since last issue?! That’s a huge cop-out. A big reason why my rating for this issue takes a dive.
   
• Along with Polly talking in full sentences…
   
• I’m guessing Lt. Falcon and his crew will return, next issue, saying how they let Cobra walk into the Pit…and the whole thing was planned. Sheesh.
   
• Cobra’s too comfortable, too quickly, in the Pit. They have it stocked with troops and HISS tanks, like they’ve been there for months.
   
• I would whine about Mercado switching sides, but that’s sorta’ the tradition for Sierra Gordo and its people. So it’s in-character and I don’t mind.
   
• General Mercado gives his full name,to Clutch, as: “Hector Alvar Nunez Corboba Mercado”.
   
• Lola arrives in Rio Lindo via a private jet; most likely chartered.
   
• No mention of “Bravo Team” this issue.
   
• Snake-Eyes is back to a version of his original costume/uniform. The 1982 “Commando” gear, which we haven’t seen in this title since issue 30 or so (?). This, despite the fact that he’s wearing his “window shade visor” 1985 uniform on the cover.
   
• “Ernesto” reveals himself as “CBX-001”. That name just rolls off the tongue.
   
• With the Ravanche BATs being vulnerable in the chin, they’re sorta’ like “reverse zombies”.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Duke, Wild Bill, Grunt, Wild Card, Cross-Country, Spirit Iron-Knife, Lightfoot, Alpine, Hit & Run, Char-broil, Clutch, Ace, Jinx, Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, Payload (cameo), Flint (cameo), Lady Jaye (cameo), Roadblock (cameo), Mutt (cameo), Rock & Roll (cameo), Torpedo (cameo), Gung Ho (cameo), Dial-Tone (cameo), Zap (cameo) Shockwave (cameo), Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender

Characters (“comic-only”):“Trips”, Pale Peony, Lola Graves, Michael Cooper, Sofia Velez, Ambassador Pierce-Bryson, Dinah Lum, Haydn Strawhacker, Fitz (cameo), Cheng (cameo), Osenko( cameo)

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Mean Dog, Cobra HISS, Cobra Terror Drome

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none to speak of

Firsties:
Characters: none

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 2 Flag Points