Written by Larry Hama
Art by Joe Benitez; Victor Llamas; & J. Brown
Cover Art ‘A’ by Joe Benitez; Victor Llamas; & J. Brown
SUMMARY:
Published by IDW Publishing for September 2010, this ‘silent’ issue carries a parental advisory and doesn’t have any dialogue, narration, or even a title. Dropped by a military plane, Snake-Eyes parachutes into a wintry area one night. He subsequently frees a gray wolf from a barbed-wire fence. The silent commando must then single-handedly dismantle a remote terrorist outpost.
Note: This issue has three different covers.
REVIEW:
No one writes Snake-Eyes better than Larry Hama. This time, it’s like watching an action film with the volume on mute. Impressively, the art team delivers spectacular work to support Hama. The only unnecessary gaffe is its depiction of the unidentified terrorists, as their clothing too closely resembles G.I. Joe-style gear. Unless Hama meant deliberate ambiguity, it’s too much a confusing visual when everyone except Snake-Eyes are wearing the same colors.
Further, one must swallow the necessary salt behind an invincible mortal commando. At least, the action resembles what actors Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris, and Arnold Schwarzenegger would likely approve of. Despite not offering any help identifying the villains (are they a COBRA affiliate, for instance?), G.I. Joe: Origins # 19 is a great visual experience for fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
On the side front cover are thumbnail reveals for all three covers, including ‘B’ by Joe Benitez; Victor Llamas; and Andrew Crossley; and the ‘Special Incentive’ by Ashley Wood, which is apparently a reprint of Marvel’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero # 21 cover. There is also the single-page “IDW Ords” news-and-notes column. Finally, there is a full-page cover reveal for the next issue.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
