G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #182 Review

Getting back into the swing of things, G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #182 offers a very tense issue, but not without its share of action.

The official description from IDW:

DARKLON IS ON THE LOOSE! G.I. JOE has lost their prisoner, and it’s up to Outback and his team to recover the dangerous villain. Meanwhile, Zartan and COBRA COMMANDER formulate a plan that would move COBRA HQ to another coast. The villains take center stage in this issue of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero!

The main focus of this issue is, of course, Darklon. His escape was a strong focus in the previous issue, and its no different here. After escaping into the desert, a small group of Joe’s are sent to scout for him, unaware that he is already aware of them.

Its a simple premise, but not one I’ve seen in G.I Joe titles often. The simple cat and mouse mechanic is certainly intriguing. You’re never quite sure who’s got the upper hand, as each one attempts to out maneuver the other. Of course, the setting of a large, vast desert at night only adds to the tension.

My one problem with this scene is Darklon’s constant dialogue. In the beginning, hes talking to himself constantly, narrating what hes doing. The exposition is certainly helpful, but it doesn’t make much sense. Why couldn’t it of been a thought bubble? Later on, he seems to be talking to Cobra Command; I highly doubt they were interested in listening to him talk to himself constantly. Still, it doesn’t break up the tension too much, since the Joe’s aren’t exactly quite either.

Whilst this is the main focus, there are a few pages of side arcs being set up around it. This does a great job of breaking up the main arc, but it can often be distracted trying to remember which Joe is doing what, or why they are in certain locations.

Despite this, A Real American Hero #182 does a good job of setting up pieces. It doesn’t end on the best cliffhanger, but the main story is more than enough to keep you satisfied.