GI Joe: A Real American Hero #236

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: SL Gallant

Summary:

In Rudatistan, the AWE Striker takes on the Cobra tanks, with significant help from Bombstrike’s new friend, Leila. The Joes are successful and FINALLY appear to be on the way out of Rudatistan.

In Laos, Stalker’s team continues their fight with the Blue Ninja “Quads” and Red Laser. As the Quads keep evolving, they signal to Ace in the Skystriker, who delivers a timed missile into the base, destroying everything.

In NYC, Zartan dsiguises himself as “Detective Ratzan” and interviews Felipe (the kid who was injured in issue 234), gaining info on Dawn Moreno and Demon Granny’s store.

Notes:

• Good, solid issue. First one in awhile. Not to sound like a complete Beavis, but I like when they have big firefights and blow stuff up. About 90% of this issue is all action.
• Leila has been inspired by Bombstrike and wants make a difference in Olliestan.
• A painted message on Ace’s missile says: “Wake up. Time to Die”. A cute reference to Blade Runner, I suppose.
• Red Laser is captured by Stalker’s team.
• I like how the Joes are pretty stoic and matter-of-fact in combat. As the Cobra Ringneck blows up, Torpedo says: “Major design flaw: no exterior blow-out panels in their ammo storage”.
• The “Snake in the Grass” arc ended last issue, apparently. I understand that it’s a marketing thing, but labeling a series of issues with an incomplete story is fairly distracting.
• In the letters page, Hama mentions that, in the 80’s, he was bothered that only Asian guy in the toy line was a bad guy (Storm Shadow); so he changed him into a good guy.
• It’s a little funny how the Blue Ninja Cyborgs have been constantly upgrading, since their debut. Yet, each time they seem like a lesser threat and are dispatched with haste.
• Hama also mentions that Duke was based on a military buddy, whose surname he shortened to “Hauser”. Unlike Duke, “Hauser” was apparently a fun guy.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Stalker, Zap, Storm Shadow, Ace, Alpine, Torpedo, Tunnel Rat, Bombstrike, Red Laser, Black Major, Zartan

Characters (“comic-only”):Leila, Felipe

Vehicles and stuff (toys): AWE Striker, Skystriker, Cobra HISS, Cobra HISS IV, Cobra Ringneck

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none

Firsties:
Characters: none

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 4 Flag Points