Image Comics 3/20/24 – Cobra Commander #3

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #305

A Real American Hero has gotten a lot more interesting now that writer Larry Hama is focusing on more than Serpentor Khan and Dr. Mindbender. They’re still the main antagonists in this arc, but there’s several plot threads at play now.

Cobra Commander is preparing a defense of Springfield for Serpentor’s inevitable attack. Dawn was doing a reconnaissance on Springfield and now has to make her way back to Joe HQ. Duke, Stalker, Lady Jaye and Spirit prep the Joe response as Khan’s Revanche upgraded mutates are stalking the PIT. And Serpentor Khan is now taking steps to take Zartan and Destro & Baroness off the board.

It’s an ambitious plan, but one that makes sense for a Serpentor based on one of history’s greatest conquerors. Hama’s efforts to spread the love particularly with the Joes has enhanced the story providing more layers than just watching the bad guys thrive on every aspect of their plan.

Artist Chris Mooneyham is settling in nicely on the title providing a level of gritty detail that hasn’t been the case with the title. This is a more battle-tested version of G.I. Joe as if drawn by Joe Kubert. Colorist Francesco Segala provides darker hues that complement Mooneyham’s style nicely.

Letterer Pat Brosseau keeps the dialogue cleanly laid out with creative execution of the various sound effects.

This invasion angle has been an engaging storyline — one that clearly shows the magic is still intact for A Real American Hero.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics