G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #307 - Image Comics

G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO No. 307, June 2024

Quite marvellously interweaving a number of different plot-threads together within the space of this twenty-page periodical, Larry Hama’s storytelling for Issue Three Hundred And Seven of “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” probably had most of the military science fiction franchise’s fans frothing at the mouth in absolute delight. In fact, despite the somewhat head-spinning number of different operatives in play, ranging from Scarlett, Storm Shadow and Snake-Eyes at the Pit, to the likes of Helix, Muskrat and Wet-Suit conducting covert reconnaissance duties on Cobra Island, the enjoyable straightforwardness of Great Serpentor Khan’s plan to devastate Springfield with a squadron of heavy stealth bombers is genuinely easy to grasp.

Furthermore, the grand, sweeping nature of Cobra’s overall goal is nicely contrasted with the adrenalin-fuelled action of a much more local affair, when Duke’s team is discovered by Khan’s cyborg warriors spying upon Revanche’s heavily modified VTOL aeroplanes. This chase sequence is as pulse-poundingly paced as it is packed full of armoured vehicles, and provides both sides of the battle with plenty of opportunities to show off their combat skills, as well as the deadly nature of their advanced weaponry; “Their visual receptors are their wink link. You can’t armour an eye socket.!”

The American author is also very good at injecting a palpably poignant moment into this magazine, courtesy of poor Dawn Moreno discovering that her parents have been brutally gunned down by Vipers during a botched traffic-stop. So strong an emotional connection with the audience is arguably incredibly difficult to deliver when it comes to comics, especially when the book is based upon a range of “Hasbro” toy action figures. However, even the most hard-hearted of bibliophiles will surely crumble at the sight of poor “Female Snake Eyes” nursing a hot drink whilst being told the dreadful news.

Just as successful as this publication’s writing is Paul Pelletier’s pencilling, who impressively captures all the desperate determination of Wet-Suit’s squad during the aforementioned chase sequence. In addition, the “superstar artist” appears particularly prodigious at sketching bouncing buggies and tracked vehicles smashing their way through thick jungle growth, with his panels’ multitude of air-to-surface missiles, death-dealing bullets, and tank-slicing laser beams bringing plenty of pace to the proceedings in between a few of the more sedentary, dialogue-heavy scenes.

The regular cover art of "G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO" #307 by Andy Kubert & Brad Anderson