G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #198 Review


G.I_Joe_American_HeroAs it gets close to its 200th issue, a title such as G.I Joe: A Real American Hero can often run the risk of repetition. However, it’s not all bad, as G.I Joe: A Real American Hero #198 shows, sometimes stability is good enough in its own right.

The official description from IDW:

The March to RAH #200 Continues! As things heat up in Sierra Gordo, SCARLETT and SNAKE EYES race against the clock to save G.I. JOE’s HQ, The Pit, from the sinister grip of COBRA.

For the most part, this issue is a good example of the title, although its not spectacular. The whole issue boils down to a number of set-ups and planned set pieces, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. There are a few plot devices thrown in to make it work, however, so expect to see certain characters turn up because they need to, with little to explanation. Overall, it’s a small hindsight as A Real American Hero #198 has a G.I Joe A Real American Hero 198smooth enough flow throughout.

In terms of writing, Larry Hama displays a strong performance throughout, although there are some areas that are being dragged out in the long run, be it for plot reasons or for the 200th issue. For instance, I’ve long since forgotten the sub-plot involving Pale Peony, Jinx and the Arashikage is even about, but its thrown in to make sure nobody forgets.

Visually, there’s nothing new here. S L Gallant offers the usual amount of detail and visuals, with many of the action pieces displayed clearly, which is always welcome. Yet, being G.I Joe, many scenes take place underground or at nice so, as usual, expect many pages of gloomy blue tones from J Brown.

All in all, it’s not a bad issue. The action works, the overall plot develops at a reasonable pace and it definitely feels like a G.I Joe issue should. Yet, with a few more tweaks and improvements, it could have been even better.

3.5/5

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