Review: ‘GI Joe: A Real American Hero’ #301 Is A Fast Paced, Combative And Thrilling Return For The Joes
by Olly MacNamee
Summary
‘GI Joe: A Real American Hero’ #301 hits the floor running and never lets up. A great first issue that promises fans old and new a series that’s a high-octane, high-stakes ride from cover to cover.
Overall
10/10For any newcomers to GI Joe, and that would include me, this first issue does a sterling job of introducing the Joes, as well as their enemy, Cobra Command, while also delivering a dynamic, gung-ho, action packed issue that never slows down. Much like a well-strategised military operation, this comic book packs an impressive punch and deilvers on it’s mission goals. Larry Hama hits the floor running with this debut issue, while artist Chris Mooneyham effortlessly and skilfully illustrates this energetic issue, masterfully juggling with the large cast of characters giving them all space to breath. Not any does he have to find space for the Joes, but the enemy are pretty heavily represented too with the likes Cobra Commander, Serpentor Khan, Dr Mindbender and of swell their ranks.
After a brief introduction to the two teams, Hama and Mooneyham waste no tame into getting down to business. The Joes are trapped in a damaged plane falling down onto Cobra Island, immediately coming into close proximity with Serpentor Khan and his forces. Speed lines aplenty give a good impression of the quick-paced action that ensues with some pretty high-tech and high powered firepower on display. From the air, land and sea, the GI Joe team attack, but even their expertise isn’t enough for a fatal blast that promises and interesting new status quo for some of their opposite numbers. Mooneyham’s grittier, looser artwork really helps establish a world that is worn-in and worn-out; an appropriately dirty, combat damaged world in which two tribes go to war.
In one oversized issue we get dynamic action sequences, a breathlessly faced pace befitting a narrative of this nature – all guns, ammo and large-scale destruction – the establishment of both antagonists and protagonists, as well as deliver a shocking tragedy that, if you’ve seen the previews for the second issue, will still be surprising.
GI Joe: A Real American Hero #301 is out now from Skybound/Image Comics
And you can read my interview with both Larry Hama and Chris Mooneyham here.
