Advance Review — ‘G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero’ #303 Is Another Bombastic And Bold Issue

With quite the military might now established on both the side of good and evil, it would seem now is the time for Serpentor Khan’s mutated military to strike at the Joes and on several fronts in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303. All of which results in a quick-paced issue in which Khan’s vipers — already flush with the additional power surge of being mutated — level-up once more thanks to a deal struck with the Revanche. A deal that sees the rebellious vipers become cybernetic as well as mutated! And while Khan and company are present as wonderfully ridiculous and over-the-top, the Joes, in contrast, remain stoic and sensible. Tough, pragmatic and terribly dull compared to Cobra Command’s rebel army, who are fast becoming my favourite characters in this book.

Writer Larry Hama depicts the Joes with reverence and respect but continues to infuse a refreshingly original take on the antagonists that is highly appealing. After 300 issues and more, there are still new ways to present a very successful toy line in comics that fits with both Hasbro’s values as well as reflect Skybound’s more edgy, contemporary and surprising storytelling. A comic book that appeals to old and and new readers, such as myself. A franchise I never had any care for originally but one I am thoroughly enjoying. Equally because of Chris Mooneyham’s very moody and memorable art. An artist as happy to illustrate military vehicles and paraphernalia as he is comfortable and adept at capturing the more horror/sci-fi elements that are becoming a staple trope of a comic set in the Energon Universe. When the worlds of G.I. JOE and The Transformers properly meet, it will be seamless one in a world designed and built to suit this all-new take on an old favourite.

Helping to capture the moody tone of this issue is colourist Francesco Segala, who’s earthy tones continue to aid in grounding even the most bombastic scenarios and setting them firmly in a world of military expertise and warfare first and foremost. Hama knows how far to stretch the sci-fi and horror, and his Joes have a good to do with this. Ultimately, this may be more sci-fi and horrific in tone, but its clear that narratively its all about the mission, covert operations and firepower. 

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303 is another gnarly, rough and tough issue that continues to impress with its sensational storytelling and sensational art. And out Wednesday 17th January from Skybound/Image Comics