G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #314

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: Andrew Krahnke

Summary:

Sherlock, Tripwire and Tunnel Rat are sent on a rescue mission to Trucial Abysmia to rescue “15 year old Benzheeni political activist Lila Haddad”, who has been kidnapped by the Black Keffiyeh terrorist group. Al Kawbra has escaped, resurfaced, and is behind the heist. Lila is caught in a power struggle between her dad, the liberal Mustafa Haddad and Colonel Fawzi, “the hard right majority leader”.

Once the Joes are dropped into the port/border city of Hawk Dufi, between Trucial Abysmia and Benzheen, they meet up with Mongoose, who supplies them with intel and leads them into the sewers where Lila is being held. The Joes fight their way into the cell where Lila is being held. Yet it turns out that “Lila” is actually Samara Bilal, a Benzheeni special forces officer who had plastic surgery to look like Lila Haddad. Samara is out for straight-up revenge on Al Kawbra, as he killed her family. The Joes ahave been ordered to bring in Al Kawbra, alive, but she wants to kill him. They come to a compromise, as the Joes change things up by delivering a captive Al Kawbra to Samara and her crew in Benzheen.

Notes:

• Very “Special Missions” feel to this story. You could even surmise that this may have taken place during the recent Springfield battle. I think Roadblock and Wild Bill’s collective presence might be the only factor that would affect that– they were in Springfield, right?
• This feels very much like a continuation of the “new season” that was begun in “Murder by Assassination”… four years ago!
• Just like some of the old late 80’s self-contained “Special Missions” stories, there’s even a bit of a misdirect, manipulation, and twists. What is seemingly the obvious objective is actually covering up a bigger objective etc.
• The real Lila Haddad is said to be in Borovia, “being treated for a nervous disorder”.
• Mild surprise to see Sherlock back. When she was introduced in the IDW issues, I recall a big essay, from one of the creators, about how she was his own custom creation. I figured there may have been some rights and she was tied to that creator, but apparently not. No disrespect to that “creator”; I’m just drawing a blank and forgot his name.
• Tripwire and Tunnel Rat seem like a natural team. Have they teamed up on smaller squads, before?
• I could see the “new” port city of Hawf Dufi playing a part in future stories. Ditto for Samara Bilal and Black Keffiya. Would definitely like to see more of them.
• So, yeah….I needed this issue. Nice break from the last two years of mutant cyborg tomfoolery. Had this been released at any other time, I would’ve scored it “3 Flag Points”… but due to its placement, it’s bumped up to a 4. Maybe even a 4.5, if I messed with half-points.
• Yeah, yeah: I know the PAC-RATS had “1/2 Flag Point” symbols.
• FWIW, this issues contains a 4 page preview of Skybound’s “The Mummy” series.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Tunnel Ray, Tripwire, Roadblock, Wild Bill, Lift-Ticket, Mainframe. Duke, Keel- Haul, Shipwreck & Polly (cameos)

Characters (comic-only); Sherlock, Mongoose, Al Kawbra, Samara Bilal, Lila Haddad, Muhammad Haddad (mentioned), Colonel Fawzi (mentioned)

Vehicles and Stuff (toys): USS Flagg, Tomahawk

Vehicles and Stuff (comic-only): None

Firsties: Samara Bilal, Lila Haddad, Muhammad Haddad (mentioned), Colonel Fawzi (mentioned)

Rating: 4 Flag Points