G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #199
Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant
Summary:
Snake-Eyes and the other Joes at the Pit begin to eat away at the Cobra occupiers. Acting under cover of darkness and a confiscated Tele-Viper IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) transponder, they are able to mis-direct the Vipers and get them to shoot each other. Several Vipers begin deserting, as well.
In Sierra Gordo, Stalker’s Bravo Team is still being pursued by Revanche BATs into the jungle. Even with a wounded Bazooka, they are able to fight back and destroy their pursuers. They use limited ammo, brute force and the good ol’ Malaysian Tiger Gate. One BAT remains and announces he is going to detonate himself, when Gung Ho arrives and blows his head off. Reunited, the Joes tidy up and begin heading home.
Notes:
- Throughout this issue, all the Joes appear completely competent and like the experts they’re supposed to be. It’s believable, and in character, that they could take out their opponents. Too often, it seems like the Joes are just reacting, so it’s nice to see them go on the offensive and basically act like bad-asses (well, as “bad-ass” as fictional comic book military characters can be).
- There is one mix-up: Lift-ticket calls Slip-Stream: “Lift-Ticket” and Slipstream calls Lift-Ticket: “Windmill”. Sharpen up your No-Prize Pencil! It’s a sloppy editorial mistake and I hope it’s not written into the dialogue of future issues. Like” “Golly, Lift-Ticket, that sure was funny when you called me by your name”. “Gee, I’m sorry, Slipstream. I guess that’s why you jokingly called me Windmill. Har har”.
- Also a mild mix-up as a Cobra trooper refers to a Tele-Viper as a “Techno Viper”.
- Stalker and Leatherneck pop out of the water to behead some BATs… and it’s kinda’ funny that both Joes have their signature hats on. I guess you can say: “well, we just see them walking through the water, they didn’t necessarily pop up”.
- It appears that Gun Ho uses the grenade launcher on his gun. I don’t think he’s clearly used that in awhile. Issue 24, maybe?
- The Joes return home in a Sierra Gordo Chinook…and I’m grateful that Cross-Country identifies it by name.
- As Grunt and Lola fly home, the Joes give them an “Oo-rah!” yell. Since the relaunch, that seems to have taken over from “Yo Joe”, thankfully.
- Next issue promises, a la DC Comics, that: ‘everything will change’. Meh. I’m guessing the Pit is re-configured and/or the Joes get a new HQ.
Appearances:
Characters (figures):Duke, Grunt, Stalker, Downtown, Beach Head, Low-light, Leatherneck, Lifeline, Bazooka, Slipstream, Lift-Ticket, Spirit Iron Knife, Gung Ho, Torpedo, Shockwave, Alpine, Cross-Country, Flint, Lady Jaye, Cross-Country, Shipwreck, Rock & Roll, Wild Bill, Payload, Mutt, Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, Mainframe, Lt. Falcon, Zap (cameo), Wildcard (cameo), Charbroil (cameo), Lightfoot (cameo), Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender
Characters (“comic-only”):Lola Graves, (President) Sofia Velez, General Mercado
Vehicles and stuff (toys): Mean Dog, Cobra HISS
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): CH-47 Chinook
Firsties:
Characters: none
Vehicles and stuff: none
Rating: 4 Flag Points
