G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #285
Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: Andrew Lee Griffith
Summary:
In the Southeast Asian country of Amara Wapoor, the Joes appear to have track Al Kawbra’s operation to a jungle complex. They go in, on foot, and are attacked by a squad of B.A.T.s on a Stinger and Ferret. The Joes are able to take out the B.A.T.s and commandeer the vehicles.
As the Joes press into the complex, they’re met by more resistance, led by (the debuting) Overkill. Al Kawbra is loading B.A.T.s onto Aspid trasnport helicopter…and most have been fitted with construction tools.
Sherlock finally gets the jump on Al Kawbra and faces him, one-on-one. AL Kawbra is revealed to be a Fred series Crimson Guardsman. Sherlock crushes his hand with her cybernetic fist and takes him captive. While it’s officially a victory, the Joes wonder what Cobra was hiding in the shipping containers and what they’re up to…
Notes:
- Okay, I was a little bummed that Al Kawbra wasn’t either Billy or Candy… but I’m actually okay with it being somebody who’s (basically) brand new. You can only mine the past for so long. Much like the 5 new Joes feel fresh, so does this “new” bad guy. There’s no history with Al Kawbra and not even a file card.
- First (real) appearance of Overkill. Did not expect that. He may have been in a background shot, in the past, but I’m drawing a blank. He was fleshed out heavily in the Devil’s Due series (I think he was actually the famous SAW Viper, in that continuity), and also featured in the DIC cartoons circa 1991. So it’s another longtime character finally making their first appearance in the Hama/ARAH comics.
- Although, someone reminded me that my Billy Theory could, potentially, just be re-assigned to OVERKILL. Overkill has one robotic eye, just like Billy did. We could even call him: “OverBill”. Hmmm….
- The subplot that Cobra is potentially building something, secretive, could be a big pay off down the line. When I read this point, it reminded me of the first reference to Cobra Island in issue 36.
- While this is the official end of “Murder by Assassination”, the storyline is still “to be continued”. One thing that wasn’t clear in this arc, however, was where was the actual “assassination” or even an attempt? We talked about this on the “Talking Joe” podcast, and our best guesses were either the Senator in issue 282 or maybe the attempt on the convoy in issue 281. Weigh in with your opinion via the Comments, below.
- Decent climax. It’s the Joes attacking a Cobra complex with plenty of action. No underhanded deals or silly shenanigans calling things off.
- But hey…why not Recondo or Spearhead on a JUNGLE mission?
- Overall, I’m satisfied with this arc, as it seems to have breathed life into the GI Joe comics for the first time in awhile. I’ll have to go back and read all my comments from issue 156 and on… but I can’t remember being this enthused and encouraged. I actually want to read the next issue and I’m not doing it out of obligation or nostalgia.
- I think this is the first time we’ve seen Recoil in a significant appearance since issue 220 (2017).
- I don’t think I’ve ever noticed this: but does Rock & Roll ever wear a helmet? I think he did in the early issues and maybe issue 13… but he’s usually helmet-less. I’m not counting his revamped look from 1989, though, when he wore a hat. Just seems kinda’ funny that he’s rarely worn the helmet that came with his original figure.
Appearances:
Characters (figures): Lt. Falcon, Wet-Suit, Muskrat, Recoil, Rock and Roll, Overkill
Characters (comic-only): Sherlock, Multo, Al Kawbra
Vehicles and stuff (toys): Cobra Stinger, Cobra Ferret
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Cobra Aspid
Firsties: Overkill
Rating: 4 Flag Points
