Review: G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #297

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero is one of the most important comic book runs of all time. This book has been written by Larry Hama for most of its run and was a vital bridge to an entire generation of new comic readers. Larry Hama has often centered his book around ninja action and science and this issue combines both elements with glee.

This book has gotten increasingly complicated with Snake Eyes being killed but having his skills and memories retained in two new heroes. Sean and Dawn end this issue in a final battle within that science lab and it would be awfully nice if issue 300 culminates in the return of the classic Snake Eyes.

The lab plays a key role in this issue as Mindbender has brought back Genghis Khan as his new Serpentor. While he thinks he can control this new Cobra leader he quickly realized Khan has a plan of his own. He’s also much more of a warrior than the classic Serpentor as he bursts out of the chamber to make quick work of the Joe squad including Scarlett, Helix, Jinx, Dawn and Sean.

All of this occurs below the Cobra Casino where classic Joes take on a squad of Vipers while Cobra Commander tries to keep the patrons happy. The entire issue is packed with action, classic G.I.Joe characters and art and colors that jump off the page.

It remains a shame that Hama’s run focuses so much on newer characters at the expense of hundreds of characters it would be nice to see, but ninjas have always been a central part of this book so the tone feels right. This is a book that is in turns goofy and convoluted, but that’s classic Joe and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Writing: 4.2 of 5 stars
Art: 3.5 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.7 of 5 stars

Overall: 3.7 of 5 stars

Writer: Larry Hama
Art: Andrew Lee Griffith and Nethro Diaz
Inks: Andrew Lee Griffith and Maria Keane
Colors: J. Brown
Publisher: IDW Publishing

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.