G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #221

Cobra World Order: Part 3)

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: SL Gallant

Cobra World Order continues…allegedly. In New Jersey, a small Cobra detachment tries to attack Zartan’s gas station. The Dreadnoks attack and mow them down, however. Destro and the Baroness meet up with Zartan’s group, again, as they appear to be working both sides of the street. In the UK, Hawk, Russ Sheath and Sgt.Tree find more Blue Ninja parts being smuggled, along with some new mysterious components (B.A.T.s?).

More Joes are recalled and reactivated. Before shutting down the Staten Island Pit (again), Scarlett, Stalker, Clutch and Snake-Eyes II check out the home of the siegie “Darren 247”. Darren and his family have left Cobra and the house, but have left behind some vital information… whatever it is.

Wendy Ling-Torres is abducted by Firefly’s “van crew” and immediately subjected to Dr. Mindbender and the Brainwave Scanner.

Notes:

• Another “getting ready” issue, as everyone keeps talking about how some Big Plan is going to unfold. I wouldn’t mind…if these issues weren’t being marketed as a Big Event. We’re three parts into it (plus the “Cobra Rising” set up issues…whatever those were supposed to do) and not a lot has happened. So for that reason, it’s almost like buying a ticket to a playoff game, but getting pre-season “action”, instead.
   
• The Joes mention that the San Francisco branch has also been shut-down, temporarily. So the whole “3 bases of operation” thing didn’t last long and makes me wonder why they even did it.
   
• Roadblock and Duke privately talk about Claire’s return in a bonding moment. Roadblock wonders if they can go after the responsible parties, now… but Duke asserts that Cobra comes first. They also mention that Duke has no family left and that Claire has a doctorate. Never thought I’d say this: but I now want to see more of Duke’s background.
   
• Once again, Long Range appears as a sniper…not the heavy machinery driver he was (originally) supposed to be. I’ll quit whining about this and just make a “No-Prize Explanation”: during the down years, he simply re-trained and got a new specialty.
   
• The name “Sgt. Tree” sounds familiar, but I think this is the first time we’ve seen him. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
   
• THere’s no dialogue to identify him, but Roadblock and Zap are taling to a third guy. Due to the fact they’re checking out the Joes’ armor, I’m scoring this as Steeler. It could also be Tollbooth.
   
• Black Major wonders about the Big Plan unfolding and all the other “loose ends”, like the Big Frickin’ Robots. Cobra Commander insists that he’s 50 moves ahead of the game.
   
• The issue number returns! Right next to the price, like I suggested. Coincidence?! Probably.
   
• Not sure if this is good or bad: but I’ve really had trouble finding the last few issues. I’ve even shown up at the local nerd ghettos, errrr…”comic shops” on the day-of-release to find them sold out.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Duke, Hawk, Scarlett, Roadblock, Long Range, Sneak Peek, Wild Bill, Scarlett, Stalker, Clutch, Zap, Steeler (?), Cobra Commander, Zartan, Black Major, Cesspool, Big Boa, Crystal Ball, Slice, Dice, Torch, Ripper, Buzzer, Thrasher, Zarana, Road Pig, Dr. Mindbender, Destro, Baroness, Zartan, Scrap-Iron, Firefly, Copperhead

Characters (“comic-only”): Throwdown (Snake-Eyes II), Russ Sheath, Sgt. Tree, Wendy Ling-Torres, Claire Hauser

Vehicles and stuff (toys): MOBAT, Mauler, HAVOC, Rolling Thunder, Mean Dog, Wolverine, Hammer, Tiger Cat, VAMP

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Cobra Transport Helicopter

Firsties:
Characters: Sgt. Tree

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 2 Flag Points