G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302, by Image Comics on 12/20/223, finds Serpentor using the aftermath of Dr. Mindbender’s mutant virus bomb to his advantage for conquest.
The Details
- Written by: Larry Hama
- Art by: Chris Mooneyham
- Colors by: Francesco Segala, Sabrina Del Grasso
- Letters by: Pat Brosseau
- Cover art by: Andy Kubert, Brad Anderson
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: December 20, 2023
Is G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302 Good?
Larry Hama’s latest entry in the greatest military comic of all time reaches new heights of stakes and conflict (with a sci-fi twist) in G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302. If you thought Serpentor was a dangerous force before issue #301, Hama gives the villain an intimidating upgrade.
When last we left the Joes, Serpentor set off a self-destruct on Cobra Island with Dr. Mindbender’s mutant virus bomb. As the Joes raced away by sea and air to reach a minimum safe distance, Serpentor expected he and everyone else on the island would become mindless, cannibalistic savages. Now, Serpentor realizes the bomb did and didn’t work as everyone became cannibalistic mutants, but their minds remained intact. What’s an evil despot supposed to do when he and his followers are stronger and faster? Why, take over Springfield, of course.
If you’re new to the series, this volume is a direct continuation of events from the series during its publishing cycle at IDW. If you pick this issue up cold, several developments, conversations, and plot points will be missing context, so go to your LCS right now and find those back issues.
What’s great about G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302? True to form, Hama mixes a wild sci-fi tale about International terrorists with respect for the military forces and a smidge of humor. Truly, there’s no title like it on LCS shelves right now, so more variety (especially well-written variety) is better.
What’s not so great about G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302? Readers not used to Hama’s writing styles may feel this sue is a tad overstuffed. Hama definitely tries to keep multiple threads going at once, so it’s difficult to keep track of the comic’s focus.
How’s the art? Fantastic. Mooneyham is turning career-defining work in this issue with strong figure work, atmospheric panel compositions with shadow work, and gritty inks.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #301 review to find out who survived the bomb on Cobra Island.
We begin with the residents of Cobra Island turning each other after turning into ravenous, super-strong mutants. Sensing an opportunity, Serpentor calls the mutants together with a plan to satiate their unending hunger without turning on each other.
Elsewhere, Cobra Commander addresses the residents of Springfield to explain their loved ones won’t be coming home. Further, Cobra Commander believes Serpentor will attempt an invasion of Springfield, so he calls for a mass mobilization for defense.
We conclude the issue with a funeral for the lost, an A.I. with an idea, and a quiet Dinner in a cabin.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #302 brings the Joes home in a big way just in time for the biggest challenge of their lives against a new and improved(?) Serpentor. Hama’s writing on the Joes hasn’t missed a beat since the move to Image, and Mooneyham turns in career-defining work (let’s get Mooneyham on Sgt. Rock).
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