Image Comics reviews 9/18/24 – Destro #4, GI Joe #310

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #310

This Springfield Cobra Civil War arc has felt like classic double-digit G.I. Joe where anything could happen with each page providing some crazy surprise.

Writer Larry Hama is really feeling it right now as he’s in a zone throwing more and more pieces to Springfield for this all-out battle. In some of the best characterization for any character all year, Cobra Commander has a Crimson Guardsman masquerading as him on the battlefield while he safely issues orders from his command center. This is a nod to the initial use of the Battle Armor when Hama had CG Fred VIII running around as Cobra Commander.

The Baroness and Zartan & The Dreadnoks are also in Springfield casually aligned with Serpentor Khan for his invasion on Springfield. They’re really working with Destro who knows Revanche placed an android Zartan to strike this alliance with Serpentor Khan. Back on Cobra Island a Joe strike force is trying to escape with a captured Dr. Mindbender and a special cargo they hope to use as the ultimate weapon against Serpentor Khan. Meanwhile the Ninja Force is fighting for survival in Springfield while Dawn has a crisis of conscious.

There are so many plot threads in this arc, but Hama is doing a masterful job of juggling all the subplots. It’s a frenetic pace and really conveys a sense of an intense battle with unpredictable moments happening on every turn. Artist Paul Pelletier is doing amazing work with clear, easy to follow action, which is key in a chaotic scenario with ambushes, firefights, swordplay constantly occurring. RAH has definitely benefitted from being able to call up an established pro like Pelletier from the bullpen to handle such an important arc.

Inker Tony Kordos continues to provide strong embellishment while colorist Francesco Segala with flattener Gabrina Del Grosso craft exquisite color combinations. Letterer Pat Brosseau keeps the dialogue easy to read with fun sound effects thrown in the mix as well.

It’s been a treat reading Hama continue to keep Real American Hero going. This arc has been outstanding and is shaping up to be one of the more memorable in the 310+ issues history of the series.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics