by generalsjoes | Dec 17, 2014 | Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comic Reviews, G.I. Joe Comics, IDW
Today brings us the latest installment in Hama and Gallant’s fantastic continuation of the Real American Hero mythology. I’ve read the latest issue, check out my thoughts below.
GIJOE ARAH 209
Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: SL Gallant
Inks: Brian Shearer
Colors: J. Brown
Letters: Neal Uyetake
Editor: Carlos Guzman
Juggling several different storylines, the Real American Hero book continues at a furious pace, trying to tell the Revanche story, the Sean Collins story, the Serpentor story, and the Crimson Guard story all simultaneously, yet trying to also weave them all together into a cohesive thread.
By and large, Larry Hama has been successful integrating all of the various elements into a decent story, though like the infamous Blue Ninja story arc, I am growing a tad bit weary of Revanche, especially after meeting the apparent head of the company here. I can bridge fantasy, science fiction, and realistic military as well as anyone else, but still seeing a cybernetic dude with a dozen robotic eyes growing from his skin takes me just a bit out of my comfort zone.
I will say, I enjoyed the inner conflict within the Joe team over the apparent attempt at resurrecting Serpentor. Most of them realize what a potential mistake it is, yet Joe and Jane seem adamant to go down that road, which will make things very interesting as they shape up.
Storm Shadow becomes a part of the story again, yet again I find myself curious as to how these Revanche cyber-ninjas could be so powerful in the last story arc, yet now, Storm Shadow can single-handedly dispose of a dozen of them with a few sword swipes.
Gallant continues his trend of classic artwork, nicely capturing the look and feel of the vintage G.I. Joe design aesthetic. The thing I love most, though is his sense of motion. Everything is very dramatic and flows nicely from panel-to-panel, yet the impact shots actually feel like they mean something. It’s an excellent bridge between realism and animation and he seems able to walk that line to perfection, which suits the G.I. Joe story well. After all, G.I. Joe itself walks that line between realism and fantasy, it’s only appropriate that the artwork follow that trend.
This was a good issue. Hama and Gallant continue to do great work bringing those classic elements forward and still telling a great tail. It was good to see characters like Airtight and Bazooka, and I would encourage the creative team to continue exploring those (slightly) less known members of the G.I. Joe team. I was a bit disappointed with the mission in Ireland featuring mostly G.I. Joe mainstays like Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlett, and Roadblock, and I hope Hama continues to utilize the large and varied roster at his disposal.
A good next step of an issue, though as I said, I am hoping to see some wrap up of the Revanche story line soon.
by generalsjoes | Dec 17, 2014 | 5 Page Previews, Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comics, IDW
Yeah, I know new comic day has already come and gone, but figured folks who hadn’t made it to their comic shops yet might want to scope these out anyway. Both Real American Hero #209 and G.I. Joe #4 hit today, check out the previews below.
G.I. Joe #4
Karen Traviss (w) • Steve Kurth (a) • Jeffrey Veregge (c)
ON THE RUN! The G.I. Joe team is in pursuit of their target, a revolutionary warlord—but he has a snake in his midst… as the COBRA peacekeeping force circles, SCARLETT’s decisions force other military agencies into action.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
· Superstar novelist Karen Traviss and the G.I. Joe veteran Steve Kurth take the team to uncharted territory!
· Variant Cover by David Williams!
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #209
Larry Hama (w) • S L Gallant (a & c)
The secrets and true dangers of the Revanche Corporation have become clear to G.I. JOE… but will this new threat keep G.I. JOE from uncovering COBRA’s newest plot? The mysterious pile up as time runs out in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #209.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Bullet points:
· Variant sketch cover by Larry Hama!
by generalsjoes | Nov 25, 2014 | Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comics, IDW
It’s the vaguest of notions right now, especially since the arc is a few months away, but over on his fan-focused Facebook Page, Larry Hama made a startling admission today…
I think it’s a safe bet that the story arc in GI JOE ARAH that is comprised of issues #212, 213 and 214 will be fairly collectible.
Keep in mind that Larry Hama never really goes out of his way to promote his work, and has fully admitted to not having much sketched out continuity-wise. Issue #208 just hit shelves, so this is a few months out, but this should be interesting to keep an eye on to say the least. According to IDW Solicitations there is a big character return around that time, so…
Continue to watch Larry Hama’s Fan Page and see if any more news drops!
by generalsjoes | Nov 22, 2014 | Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comics, IDW
IDW Publishing has posted their solicitation list for upcoming comics for February, 2014 including new issues for the main G.I. Joe title, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, and Snake Eyes: Agent of Cobra.
As one might expect, you could find spoilers below.
(more…)
by generalsjoes | Nov 15, 2014 | Comics and Cartoons, G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Comic Reviews, G.I. Joe Comics, IDW
I was hoping to get this published last week, but time was not on my side. But better late than never.
Hama and Gallant once again dive into the classic Real American Hero world, yet manage to bring some new things to the table. Are they all good? I’m not 100% convinced, but I’m willing to buckle up and take the ride.
Click the Read More link below to check out the full review.
(more…)
