G.I. Joe #23 Advance Review

Chris Buchner: chrisb@215ink.com

G.I. Joe, America's premier fighting force, constantly wages a war against terrorism to keep the world safe for democracy. Their most common foe is the organization known as Cobra, a group of ruthless terrorists and assassins under the leadership of Cobra Commander.

Five months ago, the Baroness found herself captive of the Joes. All attempts to question her have proved fruitless as all she cares about is getting her newborn baby back.

Saudi Arabia, in the present. The Joes have learned that the Baroness had paid a visit to another foe, Major Bludd, and they seek to break-up that alliance. The Joes find themselves in the middle of a literal firefight as their battle takes place in an oil refinery set ablaze by terrorists. Matters aren't helped any by the appearance of Bludd.

Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Min City, Flint is keeping tabs on Wilder Vaughn when the Baroness shows up to form an alliance with him. They part ways, leaving Flint with a choice of who to follow. He ultimately decides on the Baroness, and attempts to take her down on her plane in midair. She subdues him effortlessly and proceeds on to her goal; the murder of Cobra Commander!

What we have here is a pretty good, nicely paced story. It deepens the mystery as well as leaves you wanting more with a cliffhanger Mexican stand-off at the end. One part that didn't make sense, however, was Flint's attempted mid-air capture. It would have made more sense for him to wait for backup and then take the Baroness down on land. There was also a fun little jab at recent illegal soldier behavior in the Iraqi prisons.

The interesting aspect of the book is the artwork and coloring. Like most comics based on TV properties, the art isn't completely realistic, nor is it entirely cartoony. The painted colors add an unusual texture to the work and make it really stand out. However, there are some perspective shots that seem a little too stiff and unnatural in a few panels. Otherwise, the characters all seem to work well within the confines of the book, despite their designs being 80s throwbacks.

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3.5 out of 5 Inks
   

04.30.07