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Classic G.I. Joe #3
Classic G.I. Joe, Volume 3
The classic Marvel Comics G.I. Joe gets new life in this third collection of must-have stories! The original Marvel Comics adventures of America's elite special-mission force continues with a special silent issue featuring Snakes Eyes and Scarlett, mysterious twin tattoo's, a funeral for a friend, and plastic surgery for a wounded enemy. Plus the origins of Snake Eyes revealed! This action-packed volume collects G.I. Joe issues #21-30.Book PaperbackPublication 5/19/2009 240
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2002
29 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Larry Hama
1,967 books151 followersLarry Hama is an American writer, artist, actor and musician who has worked in the fields of entertainment and publishing since the 1960s.
During the 1970s, he was seen in minor roles on the TV shows M*A*S*H and Saturday Night Live, and appeared on Broadway in two roles in the original 1976 production of Stephen Sondheim's Pacific Overtures.
He is best known to American comic book readers as a writer and editor for Marvel Comics, where he wrote the licensed comic book series G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero, based on the Hasbro action figures. He has also written for the series Wolverine, Nth Man: the Ultimate Ninja, and Elektra. He created the character Bucky O'Hare, which was developed into a comic book, a toy line and television cartoon.
During the 1970s, he was seen in minor roles on the TV shows M*A*S*H and Saturday Night Live, and appeared on Broadway in two roles in the original 1976 production of Stephen Sondheim's Pacific Overtures.
He is best known to American comic book readers as a writer and editor for Marvel Comics, where he wrote the licensed comic book series G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero, based on the Hasbro action figures. He has also written for the series Wolverine, Nth Man: the Ultimate Ninja, and Elektra. He created the character Bucky O'Hare, which was developed into a comic book, a toy line and television cartoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 6, 2022
The third volume of Classic GI Joe was easily the best one so far. Collecting issues #21-30.
This volume was pretty awesome. Firstly the quality of the individual cover art for the issues was superb. Secondly the volume starts with the excellent "Silent Interlude" story with no words and then delves into the whole Storm-Shadow and Snake-Eyes connection. This makes for a very interesting volume.
This volume also introduces important characters like the Crimson guard and Zartan and his Dreadnoks. Factoring in the cool ninja based stories, the origin of Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow and the conflict between the members of Cobra make this one of the best volumes yet.
This volume was pretty awesome. Firstly the quality of the individual cover art for the issues was superb. Secondly the volume starts with the excellent "Silent Interlude" story with no words and then delves into the whole Storm-Shadow and Snake-Eyes connection. This makes for a very interesting volume.
This volume also introduces important characters like the Crimson guard and Zartan and his Dreadnoks. Factoring in the cool ninja based stories, the origin of Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow and the conflict between the members of Cobra make this one of the best volumes yet.
September 12, 2015
This is a great collection of G.I. Joe comics from the early 1980s. The stories by Larry Hama are awesome and can't be beat. I particularly like the no-words story that follows Snake Eyes' break in to the Cobra base of Destro. Really a great story!
Other highlights include Snake Eyes' origin, as well as Storm Shadow. You also get the Dreadnoks in some issues, and even Quinn the Eskimo is back...for a time.
Good stories you should read!
Other highlights include Snake Eyes' origin, as well as Storm Shadow. You also get the Dreadnoks in some issues, and even Quinn the Eskimo is back...for a time.
Good stories you should read!
January 25, 2016
An excellent blend of the comic superhero style storytelling and a military war comics. Huge cast of characters and a great evil villain and organization balances the series well. Very recommended.
February 7, 2021
Snake Eyes Origin story is a MUST read!!!
October 29, 2018
I mean, it starts off with the classic Snake Eyes starring silent issue, and only goes up from there. So much better than the cartoon, if only for the advancement of character and plot development outside of the blatant commercialism.
January 13, 2022
Now we're getting to the good stuff. Now that the foundation has been laid with the first 2 volumes, we are getting some pretty in-depth stories. Add in the introduction of some of the biggest characters in the Joe Universe, and the backstory of Snake-Eyes and you have the first must-read volume of the series. Storm Shadow, Firefly, & Zartan show up to give the Cobra side a much-needed boost in the character department.
Doesn't add or take away from the story, but the individual issues' cover art is improving and is a trip down memory lane. I remember seeing this in the comic racks on base and in grocery stores. Ah, the good old days.
Doesn't add or take away from the story, but the individual issues' cover art is improving and is a trip down memory lane. I remember seeing this in the comic racks on base and in grocery stores. Ah, the good old days.
July 4, 2023
"As of now, your little project is deader than disco!"
January 9, 2019
Alright. Now this one starts to get to the real magic of Hama's long run on this book. (It is also where I started reading as a kid so there is a big nostalgia dopamine kick for me...) These are fun stories that really begin to have elements of the long-running narrative and less silliness (let's be honest, there was a lot of silliness in this book but it was on a much more realistic footing than the cartoon series was).
Hama was a master at writing huge casts and keeping a story moving. The (melo)drama between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow sold this book but there was so much more to Hama's series.
Hama was a master at writing huge casts and keeping a story moving. The (melo)drama between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow sold this book but there was so much more to Hama's series.
May 19, 2016
Larry Hama has finally hit his stride in this collection. The artwork is also markedly better. And we get our first look at Zartan and his Dreadnoks which just makes for a whole lot of fun in the future issues. But the highlight of this collection is issue 21. The silent Issue. an entire issue with no words but a story that affects the entire G.I. Joe universe. The relationship between Storm Shadow and Snake-eyes gets even deeper. The relationship between Scarlet and Snake-Eyes is made stronger. We also see the calm demeanor of Destro compared to the blustering rage of Cobra Commander. Truly an awesome comic.
June 24, 2020
This volume of the original Marvel Comics Larry Hama run of G.I.JOE collecting issues 21-30 is a drastic increase in quality over the previous two volumes. The first issue in this collection, "Silent Interlude", is hands-down the most famous issue of G.I.JOE, and indeed one of the most well-known single comic issues of all time. This is the issue that is entirely devoid of any dialog, relying solely on visuals to tell the story of Snake-Eyes rescuing Scarlett from the clutches of Cobra, which is a gimmick Marvel has oft repeated since (though never with as much success as this first time). This issue is also notable for the introduction of Storm Shadow, whose connection to Snake-Eyes plays a huge role in the overall series.
From there we get into longer, more involved story arcs than we'd been getting previously--instead of the "one and done" or very short, loosely connected arcs of the first twenty issues, here we get ten issues that feel like one long, connected story, featuring a large cast of colorful characters. Speaking of which, this volume introduces plenty of great classic characters I had eagerly looked forward to seeing: Roadblock and Duke on the Joe side (and Duke is far better here than his bland counterpart in the cartoon), while Cobra gives us a smorgasbord of welcome introductions, including Zartan and his Dreadnoks, Firefly, Wild Weasel, the Crimson Guards, and the previously mentioned Storm Shadow, who is easily one of the most interesting characters in the entire series. We also finally get to see Baroness in the classic outfit most people know her by, as she bids farewell to that awkward blue and yellow outfit she'd been previously sporting.
This volume also gives us the origin of Snake-Eyes and goes into his past ties with Storm Shadow, which only get explored further as the series continues. This was just an absolute joy to read from start to finish, finally giving me the G.I.JOE I remember loving so much in my childhood. The first couple volumes weren't quite "there" yet, but this book brings us firmly into the midst of everything I loved and remember so fondly from those much simpler times.
Also worth noting are that in the silent issue and the first issue of the Snake-Eyes origin story, Larry Hama does the art breakdowns, and his keen eye for visual storytelling really elevates the artistic design and layout in those issues. It's a shame he wasn't able to do that all the time, because he really took those issues to the next level.
4.5 STARS
From there we get into longer, more involved story arcs than we'd been getting previously--instead of the "one and done" or very short, loosely connected arcs of the first twenty issues, here we get ten issues that feel like one long, connected story, featuring a large cast of colorful characters. Speaking of which, this volume introduces plenty of great classic characters I had eagerly looked forward to seeing: Roadblock and Duke on the Joe side (and Duke is far better here than his bland counterpart in the cartoon), while Cobra gives us a smorgasbord of welcome introductions, including Zartan and his Dreadnoks, Firefly, Wild Weasel, the Crimson Guards, and the previously mentioned Storm Shadow, who is easily one of the most interesting characters in the entire series. We also finally get to see Baroness in the classic outfit most people know her by, as she bids farewell to that awkward blue and yellow outfit she'd been previously sporting.
This volume also gives us the origin of Snake-Eyes and goes into his past ties with Storm Shadow, which only get explored further as the series continues. This was just an absolute joy to read from start to finish, finally giving me the G.I.JOE I remember loving so much in my childhood. The first couple volumes weren't quite "there" yet, but this book brings us firmly into the midst of everything I loved and remember so fondly from those much simpler times.
Also worth noting are that in the silent issue and the first issue of the Snake-Eyes origin story, Larry Hama does the art breakdowns, and his keen eye for visual storytelling really elevates the artistic design and layout in those issues. It's a shame he wasn't able to do that all the time, because he really took those issues to the next level.
4.5 STARS
November 11, 2018
This was a lot of fun. More big-name characters make their debut along with some other famous vehicles and locations.
Writer Larry Hama still writes some unbelievably ham-fisted dialogue, over-the-top and laden with exposition. Every Joe character seems to share the same personality but at least the Cobras seem more individualistic.
I make note of these quibbles but by this third volume they don't actually bother me anymore. They're just part of the Larry Hama G.I. Joe experience. Once I accepted that I enjoyed myself tremendously.
This is a ten issue collection that feels like it's maybe four. It's more than fast-paced; it's frenetic. The action never stops but it's exhilarating instead of exhausting. Any Joe fan is sure to enjoy this one.
Writer Larry Hama still writes some unbelievably ham-fisted dialogue, over-the-top and laden with exposition. Every Joe character seems to share the same personality but at least the Cobras seem more individualistic.
I make note of these quibbles but by this third volume they don't actually bother me anymore. They're just part of the Larry Hama G.I. Joe experience. Once I accepted that I enjoyed myself tremendously.
This is a ten issue collection that feels like it's maybe four. It's more than fast-paced; it's frenetic. The action never stops but it's exhilarating instead of exhausting. Any Joe fan is sure to enjoy this one.
December 18, 2022
G.I. Joe: Classics Vol. 3 (2002)
This collection reprints issues #21-30 of the original series. This collected trade boast some of the most celebrated issues in the entire series (#21 “Silent Interlude”, #24 “Snake Eyes: The Origin Part I” and #25 “Snake Eyes: The Origin Part II”). Even with the nostalgia and giving “Silent Interlude” five stars on its own, the books just don’t hold up. If it wasn’t for #21, I’d give this trade two stars.
The best from the original series is “Silent Interlude” from #21 and the silent follow-up entitled “Hush Job” from G.I. Joe Yearbook #3. Hama hit those out of the park.
This collection reprints issues #21-30 of the original series. This collected trade boast some of the most celebrated issues in the entire series (#21 “Silent Interlude”, #24 “Snake Eyes: The Origin Part I” and #25 “Snake Eyes: The Origin Part II”). Even with the nostalgia and giving “Silent Interlude” five stars on its own, the books just don’t hold up. If it wasn’t for #21, I’d give this trade two stars.
The best from the original series is “Silent Interlude” from #21 and the silent follow-up entitled “Hush Job” from G.I. Joe Yearbook #3. Hama hit those out of the park.
September 9, 2022
Some classic material featured in this edition. The explosive introduction of characters like Duke and Roadblock as they save the Joes from an ambush in Arlington National Cemetery by taking out a Rattler about to strafe the funeral procession for General Flag.
Also featured is the origin of Snake Eyes and his connection to Storm Shadow. More Joes and Cobra characters join the fray including Firefly, Mutt & Junkyard, and Zartan & the Dreadnocks.
There's a lot going on here, but it all unfolds over several months covering issues 21-30 of the original Marvel comics series.
Also featured is the origin of Snake Eyes and his connection to Storm Shadow. More Joes and Cobra characters join the fray including Firefly, Mutt & Junkyard, and Zartan & the Dreadnocks.
There's a lot going on here, but it all unfolds over several months covering issues 21-30 of the original Marvel comics series.
January 9, 2026
A solid volume with lots of great backstory on Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. However, the silliness of it all, the plot armor, the plot conveniences, and explicable travel times pile up. One can forgive a few but in this volume it becomes too much as the action and the stakes are raised. It could be forgiven but it is also a surprisingly humorless and melodramatic series. I will give the next volume or two a go and see if it progresses into something more. There is more good than bad here, but I fear it might already be stagnating.
April 23, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is when the series really started to click. You have the famous silent issue which I think may have also been the first appearance of Storm Shadow in the comic. Then you have the Snake Eyes origin story which also features an origin of Storm Shadow. We also get the introduction of Zartan, some Florida swamp shenanigans and the treachery of COBRA as they start to turn on one another.
Really good volume, especially for fans of the ninja Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow.
This is when the series really started to click. You have the famous silent issue which I think may have also been the first appearance of Storm Shadow in the comic. Then you have the Snake Eyes origin story which also features an origin of Storm Shadow. We also get the introduction of Zartan, some Florida swamp shenanigans and the treachery of COBRA as they start to turn on one another.
Really good volume, especially for fans of the ninja Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow.
March 8, 2024
HAIL COBRA! Welcome to the continuing adventures of Cobra Commander, Destro, the Baroness, and our fearless leaders eternal war against those accursed Joes. this is a good collection as it collects the origin of Snake Eyes, the fantastic "Silent Interlude" that has been aped many times but never duplicated, and things like the introduction of the Crimson Guard as well as Dreadnoks. Lots of action too. Basically, if you like Larry Hama's work then you'll like this one.
May 4, 2017
Volume 3 has some of the GiJoe characters i really liked as a kid and this makes it even better than the 2 other volumes in my mind.
The colors are still weird and from one page to another the same character colors are different. The story isnt highly addictive and the "jokes" are silly but hey, its from the 80s so its all cool!
The colors are still weird and from one page to another the same character colors are different. The story isnt highly addictive and the "jokes" are silly but hey, its from the 80s so its all cool!
September 23, 2017
For anyone who grew up in the early '80's, as I did, with a love for comics and action figures, needs to read this collection! What a lot of fun.
As I did not start reading the classic comic series until the 35th issue or so, most of the material in this collection is brand new to me. What a pleasure. I can't wait to get my hands on even more.
As I did not start reading the classic comic series until the 35th issue or so, most of the material in this collection is brand new to me. What a pleasure. I can't wait to get my hands on even more.
March 9, 2018
This volume is definitely starting to take the shape of the cartoon. Big name characters like Stormshadow and Zartan take the field. A lot of product placement in this volume. This is the last one available through comixology unlimited and while it is a fun read the nostalgia is not enough to make me want to buy the rest of the series.
May 15, 2022
I think this series is getting better as it goes on. I like the introduction of more familiar characters from the cartoon. Great character interaction and conflict within Cobra. The only goofy part was the introduction of the Dreadnoks and their attack on the military installation. I love the ongoing interaction between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow and the glimpse into their past.
January 18, 2024
A falta de un respaldo gráfico sólido (exceptuando un relleno de Russ Heath), el guionista Larry Hama cuida la construcción de su trama mientras introduce nuevos juguetes - probablemente por imposición de Hasbro - y entrega dos de sus historias más recordadas por los fans: "Interludio Silencioso" y "El Origen de Snake-Eyes". Una franquicia que a esta altura de la colección aún se deja leer.
November 25, 2017
Ahh, yeah! This is the Joe I remember. Wall to wall action, ridiculous plot lines, liberal doses of humor, awesome villains, breakneck plotting.... I could go on and on. This was one of the most entertaining comics of the 80s and it’s mind-boggling that it was a toy tie-in.
February 3, 2022
It has been real enjoyable seeing how the world building get bigger with each volume. At the same time it is funny seeing the new characters/vehicles being introduced tie into when the figures/vehicles were released to buy.
July 19, 2021
Issues 26 and 27: Snake Eyes Origin, nuff said.
August 8, 2021
Really comes into its own
The stories in this volume just keep building off one another. And the sanke-eyes and storm shadow story is the BEST in the whole run so far.
The stories in this volume just keep building off one another. And the sanke-eyes and storm shadow story is the BEST in the whole run so far.
September 27, 2023
Switched to this edition since the "Complete Collection" isn't so complete after all.
July 18, 2012
This was awesome. I was never really into GI Joe when I was a kid because it was too expensive and my parents were real tightwads about toys. I think I had the Cobra Water Moccasin, and that was about it, and my cousin had like nearly everything, and he also had good tv and could watch the cartoon as well. I had jack shit living 100 miles outside of Dallas. Anyway, enough of playing the victim, I found all these great GI Joe comic books newly repacked and republished for almost nothing in a book department store. I think they must have been reported as unsold and destroyed, because there's no way they'd give them out for 90 percent discounts. I'm glad they do, though.
April 18, 2014
This continues to be a great series and I really enjoyed the history on snake eyes. I would recommend this to anyone who was raised in the 80s and is a fan of GI Joe. There were a few areas that did not keep me engaged.
November 26, 2015
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero, issues 20 - 29. These are the ones I remember reading as a kid, back in the glory days. This set has some of the most iconic stories, like the two part The Origin of Snake Eyes story. Loved reading these. Brought me right back to that time.
January 4, 2008
Ah, and so we learn just what the hell happened to Stalker, Storm-Shadow, and Snake-Eyes in Vietnam. The plot thickens...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews