G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #321

Writer: Larry Hama

Pencils: Chris Mooneyham

Summary:

In a silent issue (to commemorate 300 issues since the original), a Cobra blimp attacks the Pit/Camp Greer in Utah, unleashing a highly effective sonic attack. Snake-Eyes and Dawn Moreno were wearing noise suppression headphones, as they were testing new short-range armaments. As all the other Joes are rendered helpless from the sonic attack, the two ninjas race into action on JUMP jetpacks (!) and take the fight to Cobra’s blimp.

The assault is effect as they take out the invading Cobra troops and capture the two (apparently cybernetic) leaders of the mission. Scarlett is able to fight through the sonic pain and blast the blimp with a missile barrage.

Notes:

• Probably the best “silent” issue since the original. Nice touch how the sonic attack plays into the theme, as the other Joes are unable to
• The blimp identifies on the Joes’ system as “Malleus Incus“– which are two of the small bones in the human ear. Another nice touch…but it’s also a little weird/silly how a new Cobra airship is instantly identified as such. No-Prize explanation: the Joes have previous intel.
• Dawn and Snake-Eyes being the only two unaffected and unaccounted for is like an 80s/90s action movie. Think of something like “Die Hard”, where John McClane is separated from the rest of the cast and this separation proves useful to the entire plot. Or, the Avengers “Emperor Doom” graphic novel/special, where Wonder Man is locked away as part of an ionic test, and awakens days later to find Dr. Doom running the world.
• It’s a little tough to determine who or what the Cobra troopers are. Any help is appreciated.
• As mentioned, the main villains appears to be cyborgs. I’m wondering is one is Overkill. he other is female, so that’s certainly a new addition for Cobra villains .I’m hoping there will be some follow-up on both in future issues.
• In the letters page, the editor mentions that something big will begin in issue 325. And that it’s not another silent issue
• The letters page also tries to clarify that Cobra Commander’s glasses and mustache look is always rubber mask. I’ve always preferred that to be the case, however we’ve seen numerous scenes where it would be odd for him to have a rubber mask on. Such as the last few issues where he’s a prison of Destro.
• Just my opinion, but Chris Mooneyham does his best job yet on this title. He draws probably the coolest looking shot of the VAMP I’ve ever seen.
• One page has Snake-Eyes and Dawn slicing up the Cobras. However, the “gore” is more like in-line with the typical comic book explosions and looks dynamic rather than gory (I’m still reminded of Netho Diaz and his gross-out horror panels)
• hear. Snake-Eyes and Dawn were in silencing headphones, so they also couldn’t hear, for a spell.
• I’ll even go as far to say that this is my favorite issue since the Skybound/Image relaunch. Every panel served a purpose, the action was well-paced and the art was great. Story is about a 4, but add in the art and it’s a 5.

Appearances:

Characters (figures): Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, Stalker, Duke, Mainframe, Roadblock, Clutch (cameo), Rock and Roll (cameo), Lady Jaye (cameo)

Characters (comic-only): Dawn Moreno, Blimp Cyborgs

Vehicles and stuff (toys): VAMP, JUMP Jetpacks, Wolverine (cameo), Skyhawk (cameo)

Vehicles and stuff (comic-only): Cobra Malleus Incus Blimp

Firsties: Cobra Malleus Incus Blimp, Blimp Cyborgs

Rating: 5 Flag Points