G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #279

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: Alex Sanchez

Summary:

Off the fjords of Frusenland, the USS Flagg has been attacked by Cobra aircraft. Based out of Terror Dromes, the Cobras ready for another attack to sink the Flagg. Ace, Slipstream and Ghostrider fly into action in their respective aircraft. Once again, limited munitions and faulty ammo play a part, but the 3 pilots are able to fight off the Cobra airstrike and neutralize the launch base.

Notes:

• Once again, there’s no set time period, aside from the presence of the vehicles and characters. The latest indicator would be the presence of the Cobra Hurricane planes, so that’d put this at least circa 1990 or issue 125 or so.
• This could even be a follow-up to last issue, as the setting is Frusenland and Terror Dromes are involved (again).
• The Hurricanes debuted in the comics around the time of the Benzheen/Trucial Abysmia War, and they never really had a spotlight or a one-on-one duel with any of the Joes aircraft, so this sorta’ fills a hole that we didn’t know existed.
• This also appears to be the comic debut of the Cobra “SMS“! A re-colored MMS (Mobile Missile System) that was a Sears Exclusive in 1984/1985. It’s even called by name and a Techno-Viper uses it’s control box!
• The final panel is somewhat odd, as it’s a “pin-up” of random Joes on the deck of the Flagg with…the HAVOC? Yeah. Make up your own reason. Two characters are tough to identify, but I’m guessing they’re Torpedo and Deep Six in their deck gear. Although maybe one is Cutter?
• Not much to this, as it’s simply “Cobra wants to sink the Flagg”. Yet it works. More like a “regular” military comic, rather than the little world of the GI Joe comics.
• Some really nice shots of the various planes. Creates a sense of action and not just “hey, look at this TOY”.
• I like how the past few issues have painted something of a parallel world. While Snake-Eyes, Storm Shadow, Scarlett and the “main cast” have been farting around with Blue Ninjas and stuff, the rest of GI Joe and Cobra have been having these little conflicts.

Apearances:

Characters (figures): Ace, Slipstream, Ghostrider, Keel-Haul, Shipwreck, Deep Six, Torpedo, Blowtorch (cameo), Law & Order (cameo), Leatherneck (cameo), Beach-head (cameo), Flint (cameo), Scarlett (cameo), Lady Jaye (cameo), Stalker (cameo), Tunnel Rat (cameo), Dial-tone (cameo), Cross-Country (cameo)

Characters (comic-only): none

Vehicles & Stuff (toys): USS Flagg, Skystriker, Conquest X-30, Phantom X-19 Stealth, Cobra Hurricane, Cobra Rattler, Cobra Terror Drome, Cobra SMS, Cobra HISS

Firsties: Cobra SMS

Rating: 3 Flag Points