G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #293

Writer: Larry Hama
Pencils: S. L. Gallant

Summary:

It’s Opening Day at the new Cobra Casino. Throwdown, Scarlett, Jinx, Dawn Moreno and Helix are able to sneak in, disguised as elderly guests. Roadblock, Rock & Roll, and Gung-Ho are hiding in the treeline as support.

Jinx sneaks arounds and hears Dr. Mindbender bragging about creating a “Cobra Snake-Eyes” and having to kill the original. Helix and Dawn also sneak around, but are discovered by a casino hand B.A.T. Of course, Alpha-001 and Revanche are able to see everything, as well.

Notes:

• Biggest flaw this issue is an inconsistency between the word balloons and the art. Cobra Commander and Dr. Mindbender are gabbing about their new secret plan: “Cerebral Laundry“…or is it “Sleeping Laundry“? Who knows and why should the editors care? The lack of attention to detail is comical:

• I just noticed that the Cobra Casino logo is a modified version of the regular Cobra logo. The veins in the cobra’s hood are replaced with stacks of poker chips. I’d post a picture if I could find a clear view of it.
• Mindbender babbles that he plans to “produce the supreme military commander who can make up for the strategic weaknesses of our used-car salesman turned pyramid scheme promoter”. So, unlike I mentioned last issue, Mindbender IS trying to create a new Cobra leader.
• FWIW, Genghis Khan’s DNA seems to be taking the lead in the creation of the new Serpentor.
• The way the Joes sneak into Cobra Island is predictable and instantly creates suspicion from monitoring Techo-Vipers. Yet, Laura-343 is in charge of the security, and she may be intentionally letting the Joes in. It seems that she’s doubting her affiliation with Cobra.
• I know I’ve been predicting Brainwave Shenanigans to restore Snake-Eyes, and I’m still sticking by that…. but with some modifications. I’m guessing the new Serpentor body will house the original Snake-Eyes. That way, Scarlett and Snake-Eyes can be a happy couple, then Laura-343 and Throwdown can be a happy couple.
• Oh yeah, the “Cold Slither” reference is front-and-center, this issue “Now thru Dec.: Cold Slither”. The December date could be a cutesy reference to acknowledge IDW’s expiation of the GI Joe license.
• Cobra Commander (in his battle gear, no less) gets the best line of the issue, as he’s talking to a casino guest: “Does Monte Carlo have filet mignon sliders and endless Kobe beef canapes? I bet they don’t!”

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Scarlett, Jinx, Helix, Rock and Roll, Gung-Ho, Roadblock, Cobra Commander, Dr. Mindbender

Characters (Comic-only): Throwdown, Dawn Moreno, Laura-343, Alpha BN-001

Vehicles and stuff: Cobra golf cart, Naja Queen (Cobra Cruise Ship)

Firsties: Naja Queen

Rating: 2 Flag Points