Image Comics reviews 12/26/24 – GI Joe Real American Hero #313, Void Rivals #15

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #313

A Real American Hero #313 does not disappoint as Destro takes out 2/3rds of the big players in this version of the Cobra Civil War out by himself.

Writer Larry Hama plays it out in a manner that makes sense based on how he’s always written Destro. Last issue ended with the face off between Destro and Serpentor Khan. While the new Emperor gets an early advantage, Destro decides a fair fight doesn’t make any sense and wraps up the fight accordingly.

A Real American Hero #313 isn’t just a showcase for Destro as the Dreadnoks and the Joe Ninja Team have to deal with Serpentor Khan’s cyborg enhanced zombie troopers. Meanwhile the real  Cobra Commander is understandably worried Destro is coming after him next.

Artist Chris Mooneyham has delivered some intense action sequences since his return but A Real American Hero #313 featured some of his hardest scenes since coming onboard the title. He truly gets the raw emotion out of conflicts giving these battles a rougher edge than I’m used to see in RAH.

Colorist Francesco Segala, with flattener Sabrina Del Grosso, provides rich colors that stand out against the darker backdrops. Letterer Pat Brosseau further conveys the intensity of the emotional battles.

Hama continues to deliver amazing character work paired wonderfully with Mooneyham’s gripping artwork in A Real American Hero #313. This title remains top tier must-read and a book that seemingly keeps finding ways to get better every month.

Rating: 10 out of 10