G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #299

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: S.L. Galllant

Summary

Serpentor Khan continues to brashly take over Cobra. He tosses Cobra Commander into a cell with Dawn Moreno. When he hears that the GI Joe team has landed and approaching the Cobra Casino, he orders a fire frill, so all the public visitors will stand outside as a human shield. The Joes withdraw, but Storm Shadow remains behind.

Laura-343 finally does her “face turn” and saves Throwdown (Sean/Snake-Eyes II) from the Brainwave Scanner. As they recaps, they encounter resistance from some Vipers, then an unexpected boost from Throwdown’s dad, Wade Collins. Wade takes a bullet, but tells Throwdown he loves him, as he leaves.

Back at the Casino, Serpentor Khan wants to talk about weapons…and Dr. Mindbender shows him his new plot device—errr—“Mutant Zombie-Virus Bomb”. Mindbender also discreetly, behind Serpentor’s back, decided to activate another of his pet projects– a full clone of the original Snake-Eyes. Snake-Eyes breaks out of his cloning vat as the story ends.

Notes

• Yup, there it is. A Snake-Eyes clone, imprinted with memories and DNA of the original Snake-Eyes, courtesy of–yep–the Brainwave Scanner.
• We’re told that the DNA was from wayyyy back in issue 10, when Dr. Venom had Snake-Eyes in the Brainwave Scanner.
• Mindbender and his Techno-Viper pal notice that a certain memory of the Staten Island Ferry takes dominance over everything else. So basically, Snake-Eyes’s love for Scarlett is willing him back to life. Sappy, but I’m kinda’ okay with that, since they’re THE couple of the entire franchise.
• Yes, “Mutant Zombie-Virus Bomb”. That’s a thing. Words I never thought I’d type about a (Hama) G.I. Joe comic.
• The bomb will probably serve as the final threat to help tie-up the series and, maybe, render the Cobras as brainless zombies and allow the public visitors to forget everything.
• Since the Techno-Viper has stayed alive and seems to be gaining prominence and trust with Mindbener, I’m still thinking it’s someone significant under the helmet. And my money’s still on Zartan.
• It seems a little… odd.. that the Joes land their C-130, unload then armor, then quickly pack up and fly away. Shipwreck and Cutter go against orders and return to Cobra Island in the WHALE, though.
• Feels like a lot of stuff is happening fast. Or rather, at the “old” pace of the Marvel series. Since the relaunch, things have moved slowly, for the most part. Obviously, it’s to help wrap up the series, next issue.
• The cover (A) is groan-worthy. There is a reference that I don’t get, to “Nezumi Otoko”. The Crack Option 38 Research Team (Google) tells me it’s an anime character.
• They call it the “VAMP II”, but it appears to be the regular/original VAMP

Appearances

Characters (figures): Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, Duke, Storm Shadow, Cutter, Shipwreck (w/Polly), Muskrat (cameo), Gung Ho (cameo), Roadblock (cameo), Rock & Roll (cameo), Stalker (cameo), Wild Bill (cameo), Cover Girl (cameo), Long Range (cameo), Clutch (cameo), Lady Jaye (cameo), Helix (cameo), Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender

Characters (“comic-only”): Throwdown, Wade Collins, Dawn Moreno, Serpentor Khan

Vehicles & Stuff (toys): VAMP, Wolverine, Hammer, Killer Whale

Vehicles & Stuff (not toys): G.I. Joe C-130

Rating: 2 Flag Points