G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #215
Death of Snake-Eyes, Part 4
Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant
Summary:
In the Pit’s infirmary, Hawk proposes that Sean Collins become the “new Snake-Eyes”; since they don’t want Cobra to think that he actually died. Collins agrees, but first he has to officially “die”, complete with a burial and ceremony at Arlington. Cobra Commander watches the ceremony via spycam and orders the Collins family killed (Cobra recognizes the “traitor” Wade Collins). Firefly wires the Collins’ home and they are (seemingly) blown up.
Sean Collins is fitted with Snake-Eyes’s gear and heads up to the cabin the High Sierras, along with Scarlett, to set a trap for Cobra. Night Creepers arrive to assassinate the duo, but several Joes are on-hand to take them out, silently. The last Night Creeper enters the cabin and is sliced by the “new” Snake-Eyes.
In Japan, the Arashikages commemorate (old) Snake-Eyes in their own way. Storm Shadow shows Raymond and (seemingly) Jinx the wreckage of the old Arashikage dojo, telling the story of Zartan’s mis-fired assassination attempt all those years ago.
Notes:
- I didn’t hate this as much as I thought I would. I guess, if anybody is to take over the role of Snake-Eyes, it’d be Sean Collins.
- It’s confirmed that Collins, coincedentally, had his vocal chords and face burned off.
- Just seems kinda’ weak that, in the end, Snake-Eyes is still running around… only now we know his real name and he doesn’t get to shack up with Scarlett (which would be hella’ creepy).
- So…I guess I can keep scoring him as “Snake-Eyes” in the Appearances section? I’ll add a “II” to designate.
- Scarlett gives “New” Snake-Eyes an Onihashi blade called “The Lesser Light”.
- There’s one Joe, outside the cabin, who was tough to score. I marked him as Torpedo in his “Chief” gear. I thought he could’ve also been Lt. Falcon or Tunnel Rat, though.
- Jinx was at the Pit, last issue. It’s perfectly believable that she simply flew back to Japan, as this issue seems to take place over a few days.
- Firefly shows up at the Collins’ house in an ice cream truck. It’s driven by an Ice Viper. Hilarious.
- For no real reason, Cobra Commander is now back at the Silent Castle.
- The Collins family is Wade, his wife and their daughter. Marina, the little girl from Borovia who joined the family, still hasn’t been seen or mentioned since the Joes dropped her off in issue 108.
- Wade suspects something was up at the funeral, since security was so lax. For this reason, it’s entirely possible that he and his family dodged Firefly’s bombing and are still alive.
- Most significantly, a nice tribute to the late Herb Trimpe is included in the back. I was never a huge fan of his penciling style, but his body of work is tremendous. You have to admit that his cover to issue 1 is probably THE most iconic Joe comic cover. I briefly met him at a “con” a few years ago and we had a pleasant conversation about his issue 8 and how it hooked me into GI Joe and comics (along with the very personal OTHER reason that particular issue matters to me and my wife). He said one of his favorite stories he wrote, ever, was issue 119– the wacky robot duplicate story. I also asked about his love of planes and he told me that he was currently into helicopters. He was kind of a goofball, but that’s not a bad thing. He was very energetic and friendly as he signed some comics for me (of course). I’ll always have a nice memory of Herb Trimpe and I’m glad I got to thank him, personally.
- Cool memory about Trimpe, supplied by Larry Hama: Trimpe volunteered to be a chaplain at Ground Zero after 9/11.
Appearances:
Characters (figures): Hawk, Stalker, Scarlett, Lifeline, Stalker, Muskrat, Outback, Lowlight, Torpedo, Storm Shadow, Jinx, Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender, Red Laser, Black Major, Zartan (cameo flashback).
Characters (“comic-only”): Throwdown (Snake-Eyes II), Raymond, Wade Collins & Family
Vehicles and stuff (toys): none
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none to speak of
Firsties:
Characters: none
Vehicles and stuff: none
Rating: 4 Flag Points
