
IDW Publishing 2010
Written by Larry Hama
Penciled by S L Gallant
Inked by Derek Fridolfs
Coloured by J. Brown
Lettered by Shawn Lee
Hawk, teaming up with special forces teams around the globe, continues to investigate the Revanche corporation and its alliance with Cobra… Meanwhile, Zartan brings together Cobra’s many free agents. And Destro makes a deal with Cobra Commander…
I really enjoy the way this issue opens with Roadblock grilling Duke about his certifications. I mean c’mon he’s been around long enough and knows to stay current, being field ready should it be required but it’s really about their friendship on display more than anything else. Oh and then there’s the whole rushing off to Joint Base Andrews and Cobra seeing the plane take off that sets in motion a whole new set of events ahead of schedule.
I love the chain reaction of events that we see. From Cobra noticing the plane but having no idea why and Cobra Commander arrogantly assuming it’s due to him. Then the Joe’s on the ground watching the base seeing all the frenzied activity and upping security radioing that in keeps the chain of events moving full speed ahead. It’s crazy to think one misinterpreted thing can lead into something so much larger, we all know it happens but to see it displayed for us here in living colour by Larry, SL and company really is impressive.
Ah while I wish it were Lady Jaye who figured it out kudos to Dial-Tone for realizing how all this was set into motion. This of course leads to Hawk who is in Toronto following up leads on Revanche. These crazy new upgraded robots are definitely upgraded way beyond what Cobra’s technology should be, in my humble opinion. I mean seriously that we see this kind of energy manipulation from it is fantastic! It’s got that mix of the cartoon with reality that kind of meets in the middle. It’s technology that could be real but is currently theoretical so seeing in action as next generation weaponry makes me happy.
There’s a lot going on this issue as we see those Joe’s who are away from the Pit being recalled. Before that happens however there’s plenty of characterization and a chance to get to know the characters that much better. From the new Snake-Eyes to Outback and Spirit it’s nice to see this kind of great mini-spotlight on them in the midst of a huge story arc. This is kind of stuff that makes the Joe’s what they are, so much more than just soldier but people whom we can relate to.
What would it be without seeing the New Jersey Marshlands, which I had no clue Jersey had Marshlands! By the way nice phrasing on the hat too kind of apropos considering who is wearing it.
Ah then there’s the ending. Something I want to believe in but can’t. There’s something too perfect about the timing of all this to be just coincidental, and there are NO such things as coincidences. I dunno i’ll keep an open mind but this is just another aspect of what Larry is capable of here and I have a feeling it’s going to rock the Joe’s world just as much as Cobra’s World Order!