IDW reviews 10-19-22: GI Joe A Real American Hero #299

For the record, I’m not thrilled at the prospect of this being the penultimate issue of Larry Hama’s Real American Hero run.

Maybe it would play out better if Hama was showing signs of fatigue or if his ingenuity for a title he’s worked on for over two decades was failing?

If anything, this issue showed Hama still has plenty left in the creative tank. Even with the end of the IDW approaching, Hama continues to set up plot lines that can’t all be fully wrapped in one more issue.

Serpentor Khan has usurped control of the Coba Casino operation stalemating the Joes in their effort to rescue Sean aka Throwdown. Storm Shadow isn’t concerned with legal red tape and committees as he sets out to save Sean and the still captive Dawn.

Hama pulls out the long-anticipated trump card via Dr. Mindbender’s machinations. It’s a big moment and Hama builds it up with plenty of suspense. Does this new creation stack the deck against the Joes or will it forever turn the tide in the conflict against Cobra?

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Artist SL Gallant is dialed in this issue with crisp layouts, lively action sequences and a greater level of detail.

Maria Keane’s inking pumps up the pencils with subtle finishes. Gallant also beautifully conveys the issue’s big moment. There were other nice little touches like loading the Joe extraction vehicles with multiple Joes in panels reminiscent of cramming as many Joe figures as my vehicles would allow.

J Brown’s colors also blend in with the art well with strong firepower effects and jungle blends on Cobra Island.

I’m not ready for the ride to be over yet especially with this issue’s big cliffhanger. Hama, Gallant and company definitely set the stage for a memorable and eventful series finale.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: IDW

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