Image Comics reviews 4/15/26 – GI Joe 21, Redcoat 17

GI Joe Sssilent Missions Zartan

The Cobra-focused Sssilent Missions event turns to Zartan this week. Zartan is an interesting choice considering he was already featured in a dialogue-free issue with the sound effects only story in GI Joe A Real American Hero 85.

Writer Tom DeFalco with artist Pat Olliffe and John Kalisz tell this story about Zartan stealing valuable equipment from the Joes that Cobra Commander also wanted for Cobra. The tricky nature of these Cobra Sssilent Missions is with the various shifting allegiances of Cobra some dialogue is helpful if for no other reason than to explain why Major Bludd and Zartan would be on opposing sides in stealing from the Joes.

Olliffe is a streamlined classic storyteller with very little wasted motion who makes every panel meaningful. Bonus points for actually including Python Patrol Cobra Vipers in this issue.

The action choreography in this issue is clean with Kalisz’s colors smoothly complementing the shifting dynamics at play.

This is a decent installment in the Cobra event even if it raises questions that a silent mission can’t fully adequately answer.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10