G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #37

“Twin Brothers”

Writer: Larry Hama
Penciler: Rod Whigham, Mark Bright, Bob Camp, Larry Hama

Summary

Rip-cord, Gung-Ho and Blowtorch help Bongo the Balloon Bear make a delivery to the Arbco Bros. Circus/Carnival. On a remote coastline, Flint makes his debut by testing out the new Mini-Tank Armadillo on a training course. The Joes at the carnival are spotted by Tomax and Xamot, who call in their Crimson Guardsmen. Rip-cord and Bongo are chased through a big top, while Gung-Ho and Blowtorch are attacked on a roller coaster. The Dragonfly happened to be flying by, hauling the Armadillo, so the cavalry arrives. The Joes fend off the CG’s, but Tomax and Xamot manager to escape on their Ferret ATV.

Bongo is pissed at Rip-cord and breaks up with him. She can’t stand not knowing his real name or all the dangerous crap that seems to follow him.

Notes:

• In Flint’s debut, Lady J immediately thinks he’s a pompous jerk. Also, Duke mentions that he’s served with Flint, before. There was no need to expound on this, but Hasbro Comics did just that with their 2008 “36 1/2” issue.
• Fairly stupid issue. Bad art, too. This setting would’ve been good for a Spider-Man story, but the Joes just don’t work too well when they’re tossed into public situations. They come off as complete idiots by going to the carnvial…. the ARBCO Brothers Carnival, even. While the ARBCO factory they blew up in issue 14 was a ruse, you’d think they would know to be aware of that name, since it also popped up in issue 30.
• It is kinda’ funny that the carnival has a big crowd… maybe that’s one of the ways Cobra finances themselves?! It’d also explain the appearance of clowns like Tomax, Xamot, Zartan, Raptor, etc.
• I’ve always HATED Tomax and Xamot… very had to justify their existence and their stupid Corsican Brothers symbiosis.
• The Crimson Guardsmen are incorrectly depicted as Cobra HISS Drivers.
• Bongo reveals that her name’s “Candy”, but she’s been playing a little game with “Rip-cord” about real names.
• Tomax calls up Destro in Springfield, as we see that the town has been “closed down” until further notice.
• Another possible Cobra front: YECH– the Young Executives for Community and Home
• This is unofficially the kick-off for the FOURTH year of GI Joe. It was another “toyjam” issue with the requisite TV commercial. (“The Crimson Guard, the most dangerous foe… dumm-dumm..of GI Jooooooeeee!”)
• In the letters page, the new printing and coloring process is identified as “Flexograph” printing.

Appearances:

Characters (figures):Duke, Roadblock, Lady J, Flint, Footloose, Wild Bill, Blowtorch, Rip-cord, Gung-Ho, Snake-Eyes (cameo), Tomax, Xamot, Destro (cameo)

Characters (“comic-only”):Bongo the Balloon Bear (Candy)

Vehicles and stuff (toys): Mini-Tank Armadillo, Dragonfly, Cobra HISS, Cobra Ferret
Vehicles and stuff (not toys): Bongo’s Balloon Van

Firsties:
Characters:Tomax, Xamot, Flint, Footloose
Vehicles: Mini-Tank Armadillo, Cobra Ferret

Rating: Rating: 1 Flag Point