GI Joe: A Real American Hero #235

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: SL Gallant

Summary:

Stalker, Storm Shadow and Zap are in the “Land of a Million Elephants” (Laos) where they locate a temple housing another subterranean Revanche/Cobra robot facility, being run by Red Laser. They’re soon attacked by a new “Quad” model of the Blue Ninja Cyborgs– one that learns from its attackers and is constantly evolving.

On the Olliestan/Rudatistan border, Alpine, Muskrat and Torpedo arrive to extract Bombstrike. But she’s gone missing, again, and is captured by Cobra, again. Bombstrike’s local friend, Leila, has an encounter with a Red Shadows Muton, then goes on the hunt against Cobra.

In New York, Demon Granny and Dawn Moreno take Felipe’s grandmother to a medical clinic. The aunt doesn’t have medical insurance, so Demon Granny offers to pay with a gold bar. Finally, in Utah, Spirit and Roadblock has a nice little conversation about activism and their own dualities. “The Shaman can leanr from the warrior, and the warrior can learn from the shaman”.

Notes:

• Spirit and Roadblock make an unspecific reference to the recent Standing Rock protests.
   
• Storm Shadow has a new outfit–an interesting melding of his ninja get-up with traditional camo fatigues. It’s a little odd, at first, to see him holding a rifle. Yet we often forget that he was a LRRP and did a few tours of Vietnam.
   
• Stalker mentions that they were tipped off to Red Laser’s location by the G.I.Joe team’s accountant; code-named: “Bottom Line”. He/she is not seen, only referenced, and I think this is a totally brand new character.
   
• The action with Stalker’s group and some actual advancement in the seemingly never-ending Bombstrike stoyrline make this issue an improvement.
   
• Amusing segment as the cost for using a Rudatistan/Olliestan ferry fluctuates. While Apine haggles, the value of the local “Rial” currency falls, increasing the fare.
   
• First appearance of the “Cobra Ringneck”. An armored car type of thing that appeared in the toyline, circa 2004. I think it was part of the “Spy Troops” stuff, but don’t quote me on that.
   

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Stalker, Zap, Storm Shadow, Alpine, Torpedo, Tunnel Rat, Bombstrike (cameo), Red Laser, Black Major, Muton

Characters (“comic-only”):Dawn Moreno, Demon Granny, Felipe’s Grandmother, Leila

Vehicles and stuff (toys): AWE Striker, Cobra HISS, Cobra HISS IV, Cobra Ringneck, Robo-Skull (wreckage)

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none

Firsties:
Characters: “Bottom Line”; name only, not seen.

Vehicles and stuff: Cobra Ringneck

Rating: 3 Flag Points