G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #34
“Shakedown”
Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: Rod Whigham
Summary
Ace and Lady J take off to test some new radar and computer enhancements to the Skystriker. Simultaneously, in Springfield, Wild Weasel and the Baroness due the same with the Rattler. They meet up over an interstate and a clever dogfight ensues. After trying every trick they know and running out of ammo, it’s a stalemate. Ace and Wild Weasel salute each other out of respect as they head back home.
Notes:
- Cool standalone issue. Each pilot narrates what’s going on. Nice to see that Wild Weasel has some skills and isn’t just a lowlife. Also cool how each pilot ends the duel with what is essentially a handshake.
- The Skystriker is rendered very well in this issue. Right down the nifty eagle logo that was on its tail-fins. Only problem is that it’s shown in-flight with its wings swept forward (the Skystriker’s wings were supposed to be swept back when in flight).
- Most dialogue either Ace or Wild Weasel had in the entire series.
- Ace’s real name was Brad J. Armbruster. In the cartoon series “Inhumanoids”, there was a character with that same exact name. In that series, he went by the code-name “Sabre Jet” and was an expert pilot. One of the little “easter egg” connections that the Marvel animation department would slip in to connect everything.
- This is the first cover price increase for the comic, as it jumps from 60 cents to 75 cents. Also, the paper was upgraded this month to match the upgraded printing process from last month. All of Marvel’s books used this BRIGHT printing process around this time. It’s very noticeable, almost like a neon color palette. I think more natural colors return around 1988 or so.
- This started the unofficial tradition of the “GI Joe/Cobra Air Duel”, which would pop up in “Special Missions” on occasion.
Appearances:
Characters (figures):Ace, Lady J, Baroness, Wild Weasel
Characters (“comic-only”): none
Vehicles and stuff (toys): Skystriker, Rattler
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): none
Firsties:
Characters:none
Vehicles: none
Rating: Rating: 5 Flag Points
