G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301, by Image Comics on 11/15/23, puts the Real American Heroes on a race for their lives when Serpentor Kahn sets off a devastating bomb.
The Details
- Written by: Larry Hama
- Art by: Chris Mooneyham
- Colors by: Francesco Segala
- Letters by: Pat Brosseau
- Cover art by: Andy Kubert, Brad Anderson
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 15, 2023
Is G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301 Good?
It’s time to gear up and move out when Larry Hama returns to the title that’s indelibly linked to his legacy as a comics legend in G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301. Picking up (almost) immediately where issue #300 left off, when the book was published by IDW, Hama wastes no time dropping readers straight into the fast-paced action as a precursor of things to come.
Hama’s script centers on the final act of an adventure already in progress. The Joes frantically race away from Cobra Island to avoid a mutagenic bomb blast set off by Serpentor Kahn. Whoever gets caught in the blast will turn into fleshing-eating zombies. Can the Joes reach a minimum safe distance with the Cobra Commander as their prisoner?
Naturally, new or casual readers will wonder if this issue serves as a good jumping-on point to acquainted with G.I. Joe lore. Honestly, yes and no. Hama lays out a super simple scenario that anyone can follow without too much trouble, but there’s virtually no setup. Hama wisely begins with two preface pages to give readers context, and there are two character bio pages in the back to help clarify who’s who, but you’re literally dropped into the finale of an adventure already in progress.
What’s great about G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301? Diehard and even semi-serious G.I. Joe fans will love this issue. There’s not an ounce of waste or lulls in the pacing. Once the issue starts, it’s a full-on sprint to the end. If you like gripping military action with a slight sci-fi twist, it doesn’t get any better.
What’s not so great about G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301? Purely based on the number of characters and the bits of scenes that don’t have a setup, newer readers may feel lost. The preface and bio pages help, but by starting with the ending, you may feel left behind.
How’s the art? Excellent. Chris Mooneyham’s gritty, dynamic linework exemplifies the hard-hitting military feel that works beautifully with how the Joes should be portrayed. It’s all straight lines and right angles, so Mooneyham delivers edges are as crisp as a military salute.
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What’s G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with two prologue pages that briefly describe the current status quo of the G.I. Joes, COBRA, and their rival faction. The story begins with a damaged C-130 spiraling out of control as it appears to be headed for a crash on Cobra Island. The pilot, Wild Bill, pulls off several fancy maneuvers to stabilize the plane and protect his fellow Joes on board.
Meanwhile, a Joe assault team on the island scrambles to get back to their high-speed carrier boat to escape the island after an explosive device is detected. Inside the island’s HQ, Serpentor Kahn keeps Dr. Mindbender by his side as he gleefully activates the self-destruct bomb that turns everyone within the blast radius into flesh-eating zombies.
As the plane and boat frantically race away from the island, Cobra Commander overpowers the guard holding him prisoner about the boat, and steals a jet ski to make his escape. We conclude the issue with a strange explosion, unintended side effects, and losses.
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Final Thoughts
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G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301 is a welcome return to form for Larry Hama and the Joes with an explosive finale that sets up a new era for the American heroes and their enemies. The action, both in writing and art, is fierce, but it helps if you have some background knowledge of the characters before diving in.
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