G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #292
Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: S.L. Gallant
Summary
Following up on last issue’s hostage mission, the Joes are leaving the Transcarpathian mountains in the Tomahawk, when the captive Wotan helpfully narrates that he has Semtex explosives implanted in his back. Being even more helpful, he announces that he has a detonator in his teeth. Stalker and Mongoose hold him down and begin extracting teeth.
Wotan jumps from the Tomahawk with a grenade and Throwdown treis to grab him. Seeing flashbacks, Scarlett grabs Throwdown, allowing Wotan to fall to his (presumably) explosive death.
As construction of the new Cobra Casino is nearing completion, Dr. Mindbender gives Laura-343 a rundown on the place. In addition to yet another Brainwave Scanner (with yet another backup of Snake-Eyes’ memories), Mindbender is also crafting another Serpentor. This time, he’s using the DNA of Genghis Khan, Shaka Zulu, Sun Tzu, and Marshall Zukhov, whom he describes as “tacticians with track records”. Revanche is able to learn about the plan, due to their embedded Casino B.A.T.s
Finally, Sean (Throwdown) writes a letter to his dad, Wade Collins. Sean writes that he should feel no guilt, as it was his own decision to enlist. Despite the accident, Sean feels that he came out ahead and has gained a lot.
Notes:
- Wade Collins is staying at Snake-Eyes’ cabin and meets Timber III or Timber IV.
- Sean mentions that Scarlett is his “alternate mom”. Which makes is weird because, earlier, Dawn Moreno mentions that she’s beginning to feel Snake-Eyes’ emotions for Scarlett.
- Dawn speculates that they could capture the Brainwave Scanner and transfer all the memories into Throwdown/Sean. Something which we’ve speculated about for YEARS, now.
- The third version of Serpentor has me less-than-thrilled and makes me wonder WHY Cobra would go through all this trouble. Yet keep in mind that Serpentor was created to be sorta’ Cobra’s version of Captain America. He wasn’t created to be the new leader of Cobra, as he was in the cartoons and toys.
- FWIW, Mindbender also says that Cobra has acquired a cruise ship to transport guests to/from the Island.
- Laura-343 narrates a quick flashback about how Throwdown pulled her out of the Springfield Rec Center corridor so Cobra medics could find her.
- In a shot of the Casino’s exterior, it appears one billboard is advertising Cold Slither.
- While things are being telegraphed on how the series might wrap up, a lot of the vocal narratives are silly and un-natural. Such as Wotan detailing his embedded explosives. Sean’s letter to his dad also feels very paint-by-numbers and doesn’t really capture the spirit of Snake-Eyes’ letter in issue 155. Thus, the lower rating.
Appearances:
Character (figures): Scarlett, Stalker, Roadblock, Wild Bill, Lift-ticket (cameo), Dr. Mindbender
Characters (comic-only): Sean Collins/Throwdown/Snake-Eyes II, Dawn Moreno, Wade Collins, Laura-343 Wotan, Alpha-001, Timber III (or IV)
Vehicles and stuff (toys): Tomahawk, VAMP
Vehicles and stuff (comic-only): Cobra golf cart, military Jeeps.
