G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #250

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: Netho Diaz

Summary

In Japan, Dawn Moreno trails Firefly atop a commuter train. They have a stand-off that is somewhat reminiscent to issue 27. Firefly continually threatens to blow up himself and the train full of commuters. Dawn manages to subdue Firefly, but doesn’t kill him as she is “breaking the circle of vengeance”.

However, “Budo” then jumps from the Joes’ tailing helicopter, and suddenly appears as …the Soft Master?! Yup, it’s Zartan in disguise. He tackles Firefly and the two tumble off the train into the water below.

The Joes pick up Dawn and everything’s tied up (for now, at least). Scarlett mentions that Dawn will be 18 in two weeks. If she wants to enlist, the Joe team can arrange it and she’ll basically have a job waiting for her after basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training).

Notes

• Storm Shadow and Stalker call each other “Tommy” and “Lonzo”, respectively. Rare use of their names and this may be the first time they’ve actually said that, to each other, in the comics and “on-screen”.
   
• Storm Shadow is excited that the team will soon have “”two Snakes-Eyes on the team” and says it will be “Confusion to the Cobras!” Umm…so I guess the Cobras won’t notice the different GENDERS of the two Snake-Eyes?! I mean, they’re typically portrayed as dense, but that’s ridiculous.
   
• Stalker mentions that the Red Ninjas have been hiding in plain sight behind a storefront that offers toddler classes, yoga and pilates. That’s awesome and fits into the feel of the entire series (Springfield, Chaplain’s Assistants Motor Pool, etc).
   
• Granny Demon and the Arashikages have been mentioned on each of the past few issues’ little pre-amble “Sitrep”… but they haven’t been seen in awhile or factored into the plot.
   
• I’ll admit that I didn’t expect the Zartan/Budo swerve. Makes perfect sense and one of those: “oh I shoulda’ seen that” twists that I like.
   
• Somebody actually says: “Yo Joe” as the story ends. Grrrrrr….
   
• Good to see the whole “breaking the circle of vengeance” theme come up, again. Yet this issue lacked any real oomph and felt like a letdown. If it didn’t have the number “250” on it, my expectations probably would’ve been lower.
   
• I ended up with “Cover B” (see above). I guess this issue actually had 17 different covers?! Criminy.
• The next few issues are being labeled “Special Missions” and look to include one-shot flashbacks or solo stories. Net month is slated to be Stalker. I’m into that.
   
• So I guess that means the Darklonia/Revanche subplot will lay low for awhile.
   
• Probably splitting hairs, but I think it’s humorous that the cover dressing says: “Countdown to 250″…when we’re at 250. Well, I guess “0” is part of any countdown, so I guess it’s okay.

Appearances

Characters (with figures): Scarlett, Storm Shadow, Stalker, Firefly, “Budo”, Zartan

Characters (comic-only): Throwdown (Snake-Eyes II), Dawn Moreno, Harada, Lt. Imai, Sgt. Kondo, Soft Master (Zartan disguise)

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Dragonfly (flashback)

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Blackhawk helicopter

Rating: 3 Flag Points