G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #198

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: S.L. Gallant

Summary:

Grunt, Lola, Michael Cooper, Pres. Velez and even JUNKYARD turn the tables on the Revanche BATs, taking them out. The Joes’ Alpha Team below the Terror Drome does, the same. Roadblock acts like a, umm, roadblock and takes a shot in the chest, allowing Shockwave to grab a rifle. Things are quickly cleaned up and Prs. Veleze even holds a public press conference to announce that order is being restored. Hayden Strawhacker tries to protest, but he is quickly cut-off by a call from Hawk and the Jugglers– they’ve uncovered all of his underhanded dealings and he’s basically screwed. Cheng and Osenko quickly abandon Strawhacker.

In the newly uncovered secret section below the Pit, Falcon, Mainframe and Psyche-Out are joined by Snake-Eyes, Scarlett and Trips. They mess with the Cobra occupiers, causing blackouts, then sneaking out and slicing them up. Cobra Commander and Dr. Mindbender begin freaking out.

Finally, in Trieste, Jinx and Pale Peony appear to safely be on their way home. They thank their mysterious Arashikage helper…then realize that neither of them knew who he was. They just assumed the other knew him.

Notes:

• For once, it’s nice to see the off-screen negotiations benefit the Joes, yet leaving enough room for some action.
   
• It’s confirmed that Ambassador Pierce-Bryson had died.
   
• The Joes regroup, except for Stalker’s Bravo team, who appear to have escaped the sawmill and run into the jungle. The Joes mobilize to track them down/offer support.
   
• A VERY minor nitpick/plot hole (and maybe YOU can help clarify), but it appeared that the captive Joes of Alpha team were tied up in previous issues. They were suddenly free in this issue.
   
• Gung Ho uses some of his Cajun slang, as he calls a BAT “Couillon”. Loosely translates to “ding-dong” or “turd”.
   
• Payload helps Wild Bill blow away some BATs and the Rio Lindo airport. May be the first time we’ve seen Payload fire a weapon, as he’s usually a pilot.
   
• Kinda’ interested to see what they do with Michael Cooper, since he’s been given a noticeable role in this story. Common fan sentiment would be: “he might join the team”, but who knows?
   

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Hawk, Duke, Wild Bill, Grunt, Alpine, Ace, Jinx, Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, Payload, Flint, Lady Jaye, Roadblock, Mutt, Junkyard, Rock & Roll, Torpedo, Gung Ho, Dial-Tone, Zap, Shockwave, Ghostrider, Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, Lt. Falcon, Psyche-Out, Mainframe, Shipwreck (cameo), Spirit Iron-Knife (cameo), Hit & Run (cameo), Char-broil (cameo), Lightfoot (cameo), Clutch (cameo), Cross Country (cameo), Wildcard (cameo), Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender

Characters (“comic-only”):“Trips”, Pale Peony, Lola Graves, Michael Cooper, Sofia Velez, Ambassador Pierce-Bryson (dies), Haydn Strawhacker, Fitz, Cheng, Osenko

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Mean Dog, Cobra HISS, Cobra Terror Drome

Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none to speak of

Firsties:
Characters: none

Vehicles and stuff: none

Rating: 3 Flag Points