G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #202

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant

Summary:

Two female Cobra agents (Crimson Guardswomen?) attack and abduct Zarana on a highway. They run over Road Pig for good measure, too. Cobra Commander’s plan is to hold Zarana hostage, so Zartan will kill Destro for him.

Upgrades and continuing in the Pit. The Joes continue their surveillance on Rancho Corba Acres, as Cobra appears to be moving out. Chuckles mentions that Cobra is covering their tracks well, by seeling the homes to regular people and hiding the money trail. Wil no Cobra suspicions, the Joes could potentially lose their probably cause for constant surveillance. Duke also cites how the Joes need to be more pro-active in their operations. The Joes in Ft. Wadsworth are using a drone to spy on Castle Destro. Yet Destro recognizes the robotic bird drone and shoots it down.

Zartan infiltrates Castle Destro and has s sword-fight with the Baroness. As she’s about to impale Zartan, Destro interferes and sorts things out out. He cuts a deal with Zartan to deliver his (Destro’s) mask to Cobra Commander.

In another subplot, “somewhere in America” a “Fred” Siegie signs on with the campaign crew for Wendy Ling Torres.

Notes:

• The recurring theme in this issue is that Cobra is becoming more discreet in their operations. In the letters page, Hama mentions that he’ll be returning to the original intent of the Crimson Guard which plays into the Torres scene. That’s fine…as long as Tomax and Xamot don’t factor heavily.
• During the Zartan/Baroness duel, we get a brief discussion on why the spiral stairs of castles were built in certain directions. It has to due with the owners being right-handed or left-handed. I’ve seen this mentioned in other books/shows/movies for decades, but it’s always a cool little trivia tidbit I like to mention.
• To sneak into the castle, Zartan uses his old bow and disguises himself as “Robbie McCleod”, one of Destro’s flunkies.
• Something very “issue 16-ish” about this whole “Cobra Commander wants to kill Destro” thing coming up AGAIN.
• Have to say that, historically, “Castle Destro” hasn’t been one of my favorite settings for any story. This continues that.
• Road Pig switches between his two personalities and is quickly out of his hospital bed. For more trivia: he was admitted to the hospital as “Donald Kalikak”.
• The “Fred” political mole is officially: “Frederick Severin Neundreiss”, sort of a pun on “Fred 790”.
• The two Cobra chicks who nab Zarana are presented as saucy bimbos (“Ya’ don’t know if they’re going to kill you or have sex with you”– tm, Joe Bob Briggs). No idea if they’re intended to be “Crimson Guardswomen” as I joked.
• Baroness appears with her Cobra sigil, for the purpose of the cover, only.
• What was behind the blast door from issue 200?!

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Duke, Chuckles, Mainframe, Stalker, Lady Jaye, Scarlett, Psyche-Out, Cobra Commander, Destro, Baroness, Zartan, Zarana, Road Pig,

Characters (“comic-only”):Wendy Ling Torres (cameo)

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

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none

Firsties:
Characters: Wendy Ling Torres

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 2 Flag Points