G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #322 – New Comic Review

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #322, by Image Comics on 11/12/25, sends two teams on separate but similar missions to spy on Revanche. One heads to the frigid North, the other to the blistering desert.

Credits:

• Writer: Larry Hama
• Artist: Paul Pelletier, Tony Kordos
• Colorist: Francesco Segala, Sabrina Del Grosso
• Letterer: Pat Brosseau
• Cover Artist: Andy Kubert, Linda Martin (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: November 12, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #322:

First Impressions:

The opening pages immediately lock you in with stark contrasts between sun-scorched deserts and biting arctic cold, setting a high-stakes global chessboard. The concept of these harsh environments housing sinister “Terror Dromes” threatening apocalypse-level destruction is classic Joe fare, engaging and tactical. The execution is smooth and precise but leans heavily on genre tropes instead of surprising.

Recap:

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #321 thrust readers into the Pit under siege from experimental tech forces wielding sonic weapons. Snake Eyes and Dawn coordinated a tight defense, expertly flanking enemies amid explosions and chaos. The attack’s crescendo resulted in the attackers’ retreat and teased a looming crossover threat. The current issue picks up with the fallout and extends the global scale of Cobra-related threats.

Plot Analysis:

The narrative bifurcates between two fronts: Lady Jaye’s desert reconnaissance near Benzheen and Joe operatives’ icy mission in Frusenland. Lady Jaye’s team races against time to investigate a suspicious Terror Drome constructed in a perilous desert known as Satan’s Anvil, confronting hostile cyborg forces amidst a brewing cataclysmic sandstorm. In Frusenland, the Joes uncover a nearly completed missile silo rumored to house nuclear triggers, escalating the stakes to a potential nuclear disaster.

Tense action and escalating danger drive the story as both teams face insurmountable odds: desert crews fend off a H.I.S.S. tank assault while evading lethal sandstorms; Arctic operatives combat stealth enemy cyborgs intent on deploying hardened warheads. Communications blackout due to solar activity adds to the urgency, forcing on-the-ground decision-making and rule-breaking.

The issue intensifies as radioactive waste components are uncovered, signaling the enemy’s grim willingness to deploy dirty bombs. The Joes make a tactical withdrawal, securing enemy tech specimens and marking sites for hazmat disposal. The story closes with threads tying back to the ongoing fight against Revanché’s dangerous arsenal and the promise of escalating confrontation in future issues.

Story

The pacing clicks steadily, balancing reconnaissance tension with bursts of action without overwhelming the reader. Dialogue is functional and terse, mirroring military efficiency but occasionally sacrificing character flavor. Plot structure clearly delineates the dual missions, though narrative surprises are sparing, most beats adhere predictably to the Joe universe’s framework. Overall, the writing ensures coherence and excitement but lacks bold innovation.

Art

Paul Pelletier’s pencils, enhanced by Tony Kordos and Francesco Segala’s inks and colors, excel in clarity and composition. Desert sandstorms contrast sharply with icy blue hues, grounding the story’s mood in environment. Action sequences are crisply choreographed with readable panel layouts, though character faces sometimes flatten in detail. The coloring enriches mood without overstating, and the cover art by Andy Kubert and Laura Martin is a standout attraction.

Characters

This issue prioritizes mission over emotion, so character arcs are thin. Lady Jaye, Mongoose, Frostbite, and others display consistent loyalties and competence but little personal evolution or nuance. Motivations tie directly into duty and survival (appropriate for a tactical story) but leave little room for character relatability or depth beyond soldier archetypes. Fans of Joe lore will appreciate their steadfastness; newcomers might find the cast distant.

Originality & Concept Execution

The comic sticks firmly to established G.I. Joe action-thriller formulas – cyborg enemies, exotic terrain, clandestine operations – and delivers them competently but conservatively. The Terror Drome missile silo concept adds a fresh tactical wrinkle but leans on familiar “last chance” nuclear threat tropes. The successful blend of cold and desert theaters creates visual and thematic contrast, though the story overall serves as solid franchise maintenance more than reinvention.

Positives

The issue shines in immersive world-building. The desert’s brutal environment and arctic cold come alive through precise art and environmental detail. Tactical engagements are well-executed with clear stakes, pulling the reader through escalating dangers that feel earned. The thematic tension of battling nuclear and dirty bomb threats grounds the narrative realism. Moreover, coordinated teamwork among Joe operatives across diverse fronts reinforces the series’ signature appeal to strategic action fans.

Negatives

The issue’s character work is serviceable but lacks memorable moments or emotional heft, making it difficult to invest in individuals beyond their role in the mission. The story plays it safe, offering few surprises or innovative plot turns within its action-thriller genre comfort zone. Some dialogue feels perfunctory, occasionally missing opportunities for personality or thematic resonance. Minor panel inconsistencies in facial detail distract lightly from otherwise strong art clarity.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/4

Final Thoughts:

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G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #322 delivers a reliably solid action tale that sticks to its tactical guns without overreaching. For readers invested in the franchise, it reinforces the value of Joe strategic teamplays and world-spanning confrontation. However, the issue’s modest character beats and conventional plotting temper enthusiasm for casual or new readers. This installment is worth your time if you want well-crafted military suspense in familiar Joe territory, but it won’t redefine your expectations.

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