G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #205

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant

Summary:

Torpedo’s team in Olliestan is able to eliminate their insurgent pursuers. A second group of insurgents, led by the ruthless Ibrahim and his Dragunov sniper rifle, proves to be a bigger problem. The drone returns and self-detonates on the second group, killing all but Ibrahim. The Joes make it to their rendezvous with the Tomahawk, which is when Ibrahim begins shooting. Alpine tries to wave off the landing, exposing himself as a target to Ibrahim. Dr. Burkhart saves Alpine by jumping in front of Ibrahim’s bullet. Long Range is eventually able to take out Ibrahim and the Joes fly away… but Dr. Burkhart is a confirmed casualty.

To continue the Cobra’s Crimson Guard subplot, a Springfield High School reunion is held. Cobra Commander makes an appearance (in a wheelchair) to assure them that this secret plan will come to fruition.

Notes:

• Dr. Brukhart’s final words to Alpine are: “you’re one of those rough men that George Orwell wrote about, ‘who stand ready in the night to do violence in our name'”.
   
• Muskrat urges Alpine to leave her behind, but Alpine insists on taking Brukhart’s body. “We don’t leave our own behind”.
   
• Yup, looks like Dr. Burkhart is DEAD this time. For real. I’m guessing that was the death Hama teased a few issues back, as Long Range is still alive (proving my prediction was incorrect).
   
• Lift-Ticket and Wild Bill are both hit with grazing shots from Ibrahim.
   
• The Dragunov sniper sure seems to be a recurring character in the title, huh?
   ;
• After the Joes take out the first group of insurgents, they let 4 kids run away. Ibrahim shows his ruthlessness by gunning down these escaping kids.
   
• The Springfield High reunion has a banner displaying: “Classes ’82 – ’94”, a reference to the original run of the title (“The Marvel Days”).
   
• Three new (to us) Siegie series are seen: “Amy”, “Tyler” and “Luis”. Along with one that appears to be “Malcolm”.
   
• Cobra Commander actually has a name badge at the reunion “Commander 01”. Heh.
   
• Oh, and because you KNEW I’d mention it: the reunion features all the Siegies hollering “Cobraaaaa!”
   
• In the the letters page, Hama mentions that he’ll be bringing back the Red Shadows “along with other characters from the UK iteration of G.I. Joe, sometime this year”. Before you get excited, “this year” probably means 2015 or within the next year.
   
• The letters page seems to be a little skimpy, this month. So, uh write in or something: letters@idwpublishing.com. Aside from marking it “OK TO PRINT”‘, those are the only instruction they have. So you’ll probably need to specify things like “GI Joe issue #____” in the subject line or body, as that one email address appears to cover ALL titles at IDW.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Torpedo, Alpine, Muskrat, Long Range, Stalker, Scarlett, Clutch, Wild Bill, Lift-ticket, Lifeline, Rock & Roll, Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender

Characters (“comic-only”):Dr. Adele Burkhart (dies), Ibrahim (dies)

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Tomahawk

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): GI Joe Drone plane (“dies”).

Firsties:
Characters: none

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 4 Flag Points