GI Joe Mini-Comic: HiJacked Heroes

Writers: Larry Hama & Paul Kirchner
Penciler: Andrew Wildman

Summary:

In 1992, Hasbro and Marvel worked a little closer together, as they packaged 4 mini-comics inside their GI Joe “BattleCorps” figures. These mention “Marvel” and include a subscription ad on the last page. The creative team is no less than Larry Hama and Andrew Wildman, the main team on the GI Joe comics at the time. Considering that the comic and toyline launched at the same time, it’s surprising that Hasbro and Marvel had not done this before. These are quick little stories that were obviously aimed at the toy-buying crowd (kids), as they have very little to do with the Marvel comics. Like “European Missions”, I’m sure there are a few that might fit into an uber fan’s chronology.

This “issue” will actually take you about 60 seconds to read… or about 120 seconds to read my recap. Anyways, the Joes are having a victory ticker-tape parade on Wall Street. A group of Alley Vipers explode a fire hydrant, releasing “some kind of lubricant” and take the Joes hostage on their Patriot tank. Luckily, Flint shoots down a parade balloon and it covers those dastardly Alley Vipers.

Notes:

• The Alley Vipers fall victim to what I liked to call “Skeletor Syndrome”– drop a net, blanket or tarp on the bad guy and they’re done. See also: “List of Scooby-Doo villains“.
   
• The Joes’ parade seems to include all of three vehicles; the Patriot, the Fortess America (in its vehicle confirguration) and an indistinguishable tank. As it stands, I think this is the only comic appearance of both the Patriot tank and Fortress America (feel free to check and correct me).
   
• Special thanks to “Phil” at YoJoe.com for helping to ID the Fortress America.
   
• As expected, Hawk, Duke and Roadblock resemble their 1992-ish action figures, over their traditional comic book look. Flint and Lady Jaye have their comic book looks, though.
   
• The Alley Vipers all appear in pre-dominantly red uniforms; no idea which version they’re supposed to be.
   
• The artwork seems more than a little rushed, when compared to the normal Marvel comics.
   
• This story should NOT be considered part of the Marvel canon. For one, the Joes are making a very public appearance in Manhattan, something they were (usually) forbidden to do in the comics.
   
• I found this while cleaning out a closet. It’s the only “mini-comic” I have and there are no plans to track down the rest. Not sure where or when I got it. My best bet is I got around the time I started doing all these recaps (2007), when I randomly bought a “BattleCorps” figure on eBay. I think it was Iceberg. My Joe-mania lasted for about two years, until I realized I was in my 30’s and buying little plastic men that took up valuable space in my home.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Hawk, Roadblock, Flint, Duke, Lady Jaye

Characters (“comic-only”):none

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Patriot, Fortress America

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Two indistinguishable tanks

Firsties:
Characters: none

Vehicles and stuff: Patriot, Fortress America

Rating: 1 Flag Point