Status Updates From G.I. JOE: A Real American H...

Issue 38: Judgements
I feel like the ball is finally rolling again when it comes to the intrigue and intricate plots Hama is known for. We’ve had our handful of new characters thrown at us, now it’s time to play with em! Glad to see Stalker back in action. Really interested to see the angle they play with Candy going forward. Plus the start of Storm Shadow and Billy’s relationship as master and apprentice!

Issue 37: Twin Brothers
Another good one. I like the introduction of Flint, Tomax and Xamot, although I’m starting to hope we get a bit more on the character side of the new characters being added to the series. It dawned on me that Blowtorch has been in a few issues and hasn’t done squat, but hopefully this will be fixed with Ripcord’s love life plot line. Starting to miss the OG 13
Joe count: 33.5 + 2 = 35.5

Issue 36: All the Ships at Sea!
NOW WE’RE TALKIN’!!!
I really love when the story spices things up by creating a restriction or a frame around the stories. Like how Silent Interlude had no dialogue, this issue had to have its entire narrative at sea, but it’s *three* different stories being told. It’s a lot of fun too how it’s perfectly paced, so each page flip keeps you on the edge of your seat

Issue 35: Dreadnoks on the Loose!
Eh this one was alright

Issue 34: Shake Down!
Riveting! Absolutely riveting!! Love how simple the story is yet how it keeps you flipping page after page. The dogfight between Ace and Wild Weasel is fantastic, truly two expert pilots facing off against each other. The climax too of both recognizing the other’s prowess is a perfect cherry on top

Also, this is the only issue of ARAH that I own separate from this collected edition.

Issue 33: Celebration!
Billy is Cobra Commander’s son? Who could have seen that coming! I did
A good issue that creates a new status quo for the Joe team. Hawk’s the new top dog and Duke’s now the field leader. Meanwhile Scarlett and 7 others have been “promoted” to administrative rolls…I doubt that’ll last long.
I’m also really enjoying the exploits of the Broca family and their dimwitted fathers.

Issue 32: The Mountain!
Fred’s Dead!
But now there’s a new one?
An alright issue but I can tell this is mainly buying time for what’s to come next. Really like the intrigue that’s standard issue for Cobra at this point and very excited to see what happens next issue as everything seems to be hyping it up! Plus holy cow that’s a lot of new Joes!
Joe count: 29.5 + 4 = 33.5

Issue 31: All Fall Down!
While last issue was a little lackluster, this one’s got me back in it! The pages whirred by faster than the machine guns being fired. Glad that Firefly’s finally proving his mettle and I’m interested in Fred Broca’s story now too. Plus, a new Joe joins the group, Spirit!
Joe count: 28 + 1 =29

Issue 30: Darkness
First time reading after a bit of a hiatus on my end.
A good issue but not a lot to say about it. Fun, more thorough look at the Dreadnoks and I’m excited to see what happens next with Billy

Issue 29: Beached Whale
So much fun. Another good scrape and battle between the Joes and Cobra. The looney tune chase with the whale was silly but fun. I love Cobra Commander’s speech about how Cobra’s secretly winning. “Every non-taxpayer is a member of Cobra! We launched 10 new sitcoms to make America dumber!”

Worth noting too, this is the last issue I read during my first read of the series years ago

Issue 28: Swampfire!
Even though the G.I.Joe cast is starting to feel a little cluttered, I’m still glad we can get issues like this where it feels like everyone (or at least everyone featured) gets a moment to shine. From Breaker and the tank emerging from the train to Roadblock lifting the machine gun stuck in place. And who doesn’t love Cobra Commander and is rabble of lackeys who all love to hate each other?

Issue 27: Snake-Eyes: The Origin Part II
PART DEUX??
Very good read that kept me hooked! I like that Snake-Eyes and Scarlett have a bit of a nuanced relationship with one another and that getting Snake on the G.I.Joe team wasn’t as easy as a phone call. Plus it’s exciting that Storm Shadow may not be the black and white villain we once thought him to be!

Issue 26: Snake-Eyes: The Origin
Now this is a comic! Would’ve loved if this had been the 25th issue but c’est la vie. Loved getting all these different perspectives on Snake-Eyes life and the story of him and Storm Shadow! Gripping stuff that keeps the page turning all on its own. Makes me realize how much Snake-Eyes origin movie reinterpreted and changed…and most of it for the worse

Issue 25: Zartan!
A fun issue although it definitely feels more like setup for the next. Bit disappointing for a milestone like 25 issues but still entertaining! Excited to see where the plot with Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow goes and for Zartan to show his stuff. Junkyard’s a fun addition to the cast as the first animal Joe and I like that his handler’s the one with the muzzle!

Joe count: 25 + 3 and a dog = 28.5

Issue 24: The Commander Escapes!
Thrilling all the way through! Even though it completely negates the previous issue, the tension Cobra Commander’s return to Cobra Command is sure to be something. I’m a little confused as to why the Joes even bothered stopping in Colorado when they were already on a plane back from Italy, but that’s comics. Great action and excited to see Firefly, Wild Weasel, and Zartan!

Issue 23: Cobra Commander Captured At Last!
Great issue! Further cements Duke and Roadblock’s place on the team. Glad to see the newer Joes get some spotlight. Clutch is becoming one of my favorite characters throughout the series. Wasn’t expecting the twist with the Baroness! Hard to tell who’s on who’s side anymore when it comes to Cobra…

Issue 22: Like Chimney Sweepers Come To Dust…
“Everything…that could possibly explode, exploded!” What a great excuse Breaker.
An issue where, on paper, not a lot happens, yet it still feels rich and keeps you gripped til the very end. Shows how strong of a writer Larry Hama is, able to make even mundane chores interesting. Great funerals and what an introduction to Duke & Roadblock!
Joe count: 23 + 2 = 25

Issue 21: Silent Interlude. A classic G.I. Joe story that should be studied for its perfect use of visual storytelling. Not a word of dialogue throughout. A fantastic introduction to Storm Shadow and I love that, even though Snake-Eyes comes to save Scarlett, she frees herself on her own. Plus the twin tattoos of Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow? A great tease to something more between the two iconic ninja…