G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #218
Cobra Rising, Part 3
Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: Paolo Villanelli
Summary:
Cobra launches a Night Raven from Darklonia, heading straight for Washington, DC. The Joes detect it and send the Phantom X-19 to intercept it. After a dogfight between the two stealth jets, The X-19 crashes over the North Pole. The vain Strato-Viper lands his Night Raven to finish things off, but Ghostrider is waiting for him and takes him out. Ghostrider disguises himself as the Strato-Viper to take out the ensuing Cobra helicopter pick-up crew.
A transmission from Cobra Commander reveals that the whole exercise was just to gauge the capabilities of the Phantom X-19.
Notes:
- The latest in the traditional “Joe vs. Cobra Air duels”, started back in the famous issue 34.
- As the Night Raven was a 1986 toy and the Phantom X-19 at 1988 toy, I’m pretty sure this is the first time they’ve matched up, one-on-one, in the comics.
- What, exactly, the mission to DC was supposed to be is never revealed. Turned out, it wasn’t necessary to the plot.
- Cute Jimi Jendrix reference as Ghostrider says: “excuse me while I kiss the sky”.
- Cobra is using a temporary runway on the Borovia/Darklonia border. Cobra Commander is also seen as being in the “Silent Castle”.
- Cobra has “Arctic Terror Drome 27”, implying that there are many more around the world.
- Srange plot element, as the Strato-Viper won’t go into action until he gets a suitcase of money. Just seems strange that it’s such a focus of the story, as if this random Cobra trooper is only being brought in for this one job and has never worked for Cobra, before.
Appearances:
Characters (figures): Duke, Ghostrider, Lady Jaye, Mainframe, Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender, Darlkon
Characters (“comic-only”):none
Vehicles and stuff (toys): Phantom X-19, Tomahawk, Cobra Night Raven
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Cobra transport copter
Firsties:
Characters: none
Vehicles and stuff: none
