It's been a while since I checked in with the Real American Heroes, but it seems that Blaylock and company seem to be maintaining the same action-oriented tone that I remember from the G.I.Joe comics and cartoons of 1980s. Unfortunately, that simpler approach to this military adventure property doesn't work for me as an adult reader. If obvious codenames and forced acronyms are still you're thing, then G.I.Joe might be for you, but it's not doing anything for me.
A G.I.Joe task force descends upon Chicago, hot on the trail of a COBRA Battle Android Trooper that Heavy Duty's been tracking solo. Unfortunately, the Joes are not along in their quest for the sophisticated robotic warrior. A squadron of COBRA soldiers is out to prevent the Joes from attaining their target, and if that weren't enough, the Dreadnoks are hunting the same prey. The Joes have an ace up their sleeve, though... a device designed by Mainframe to snag the B.A.T. unit without destroying it.
Sharpe's artwork on this issue is, for the most part, sketchy and inconsistent. Fortunately, the Joes' distinct looks make it easy to keep track of them (save for Heavy Duty and Roadblock... they look so much alike, the characters themselves comment on it). The same can't be said of the Dreadnoks. Sharpe does some nice work with the B.A.T., though; he brings out the inhuman elements of the design nicely. The colors are also strong; they establish a dark, tense mood.
The biggest problem with this script is Blaylock's failure to clearly identify the characters. I realize this is the middle of a story arc, but the names of several Joes and most of the Dreadnoks escape me. Most of them are in there, but the names are not clearly attached to specific figures. It reinforces the notion that this book is for G.I.Joe fans who discovered the characters and toys in the 1980s. It's an exclusive club, and not everyone is invited.
I said it in my review of the first issue of the series, and it angered a few readers. But I'll say it again: I wish the creators on this title were exploring the darker side of the premise. We're presented with a black-and-white, cops-and-robbers view of military conflict, and to be honest, this is ground that the Joe stories of yesteryear -- not to mention the stories coming out of today's White House -- have already covered. I think a mature, more cynical view of the world of G.I.Joe could bring in an even larger audience.
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
