G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #289

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: Casey Maloney

Summary:

With help from Ghostrider and a drone, Helix and Dawn Moreno spy on Cobra’s new B.A.T production facilities in Louisiana. Dr. Mindbender and Laura-343 visit the facility, which is led by Revanche’s “Hal”. Cobra is planning to use upgraded, female-looking, B.A.T.s, produced by Revanche to staff their new casino venture. Hal demonstrates one how one dealer, “Betty” has upgraded combat functions. Cobra plans to use these as “sleepers” to populate an army all over the world.

Helix then notices that Betty’s close-combat techniques are identical to those taught by her (Helix’s) mother. Helix and Dawn are then discovered and pursued by Betty, into the marsh. When “Betty” opens her face plate to track the returning drone, Dawn takes the opportunity to destroy “Betty” with a sword stab into the head.

The Joes take the damaged “Betty” away, while back at the production facility, Hal is shown to be Revanche’s head cyborg, “Alpha-001”. Revanche plans to “have sleeper inside (Cobra’s) sleepers”.

Notes:

• This continues the “Spotlights” arc, but like most of the others, it fits in with the current storyline
• Once again, I intentionally got an alternate cover, as it’s more indicative of the story, inside.
• Helix and Dawn use a re-fitted VAMP. Instead of the usual dual machine-gun, it has a dual drone-launcher, which appears like two missiles.
• “Hal” is most likely a reference to “2001: a Space Odyssey”.
• Dawn and Helix are tailed by a Baton Rouge patrolman named “McGovern”. Kinda’ reminds me of the local cops getting caught-up in things, circa issue 28.
• Revanche having a connection to Helix finally adds something uniquely personal to them. Before, all we’ve known is that they hated the Arashikages and Cobra, for whatever reason. Hama’s been saying for years that the Revanche arc will pay-off. It’s time to get rolling on that.
• Yeah, time to get rolling on that, because this issue’s letters page has the official news that IDW will no longer have the license to G.I. Joe at the end of 2022 and that this series will be “closing out”. No exact issue is cited, but the common belief is that it will be issue #300.
• I’m perfectly fine with this, as it will give Hama a definitive end-point to work towards. Whereas the Marvel series (#1-155) was abruptly axed with no clear announcement or real conclusion. Give us a somewhat tidy bow to put on things before it all stops.
• Note that is not to say that the “Hama-verse/ARAH” will definitely end. I could see whoever gets the new license reaching back out to Hama an continuing the numbering. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.
• But if it’s over, I’m also okay with that. The 5-part “Murder by Assassination” arc was probably the last time I was excited about each issue. Yet that quickly faded and I’m now back to following things out of tradition or obligation.
• So hey, what does that mean for THIS site? I’ll obviously keep doing these recaps up until the end. If the title jumps to a different company, I’ll do the same. If there’s any down-time or lull, I’ll go back and FINALLY do the Devil’s Due series (including “Storm Shadow”, the other “Declassified” specials, “Special Missions” and “Frontline”). I alo plan on doing more frequent FIRST ISSUE reviews; instead of the 2 or 3 I’ve been doing per year.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Helix, Dr. Mindbender, Ghostrider

Characters (comic-only): Dawn Moreno, Laura-343, Alpha-001, Patrolman McGovern

Vehicles and stuff (toys:): VAMP, Phantom X-19

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Cobra Aspid

Firsties: Patrolman McGovern

Rating: 3 Flag Points