Only an issue into the series, G.I Joe: Cobra Files #2 has a lot to prove. That said, its building on an existing plot line and setting, and works with the material well.

The official description from IDW:

SNAKES AND TIGERS! A break-in at a top-secret research base sends the covert G.I. JOE team into action—and CHAMELEON, eager to redeem herself, takes charge! But what she and FLINT uncover will lead the team straight into the jaws of an enemy unlike any other: a hidden force within COBRA and impossible to track…  unless CHAMELEON risks everything to draw it out of the shadows.

This issue is a slow-roller, but Cobra Files #2 offers a change of pace from its sister titles. This issue offers a little bit of action as well as character development, with the narration from Chameleon being a welcome change. It doesn’t go guns blazing, but that isn’t Cobra File‘s style; there are plenty of G.I Joe titles for that. Although the story is interesting and engaging, its very closely tied to the previous titles. Out of the new lineup, that makes this the least accessible.

That said, the writing is doing a great job or recapping quickly without slowing anything down too much. Mike Costa writes well, giving each character distinct personality. The developments regarding Clockspring are a good example. Without backtracking over past issues, exposition is smoothly introduced. Nothing feels forced, whilst well set-up action pieces in the middle keeps things interesting and engaging.

Likewise the artwork is also pulling its weight. Admittedly, I prefer the newer style shown in G.I Joe and, to an extent, Special Missions, but Antonio Fuso’s pencils get the point across. It does fall short in some areas; Fuso’s sketchy style isn’t great at defining characters. That, the broody and dark colors from Arianna Florean sets the tone well. Clockspring again, is well depicted, with the darker colors and inks contrasting against the computer screen. Its great foreshadowing without waving a banner over it. In short, whilst it lacks definition and detail it works well with the writing, complimenting the atmosphere well.

In closing, this is an impressive follow up. Some readers might not appreciate the slower pace, but this is a welcome change from other G.I Joe titles, offering personal stories and unique plot-lines (look! a bad guy that isn’t instantly Cobra!). Worth picking up.

4/5