Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Robert Atkins; Juan Castro; Simon Gough; & Shawn Lee
Cover Art by Robert Atkins & Simon Gough [Cover A]
SUMMARY:
Published for June 2011 by IDW, this untitled issue is an indirect crossover from the Cobra Civil War storyline. A flashback from two weeks before is interspersed revealing Scarlett in private conversation with Snake-Eyes. It further depicts the Joes’ intel briefing on Khalikhan. In the present-day, Snake-Eyes & Alpine abruptly infiltrate Khalikhan’s COBRA fortress in the icy Himal Range. Forced to leave a possibly dead Snake-Eyes behind after a firefight, the outmatched Helix and Iceberg still recover a critically-wounded Alpine. Stripped of his uniform and weapons, an unconscious Snake-Eyes must face an imminent duel with two of Khalikhan’s masked mercenaries. A startling revelation implies what Khalikhan’s scheme re: Snake-Eyes was all along.
Note: On the inside front cover, thumbnail reveals of all three covers are included (Cover B art by Augustin Padilla & Simon Gough and Cover RI art (a black-and-white version of Cover A) by Robert Atkins.
REVIEW:
Not only is the art team’s work excellent (i.e. the cover image), writer Chuck Dixon delivers a terrific story that doesn’t require much plotting. The ominous Khalikhan makes for an intriguing foe against Snake-Eyes. By timing the poignant flashback with Scarlett against Snake-Eyes’ currently dire situation, Dixon smartly makes this tale an exciting read for G.I. JOE fans. It’s definitely well-played!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a single-page “IDW Ords” news-and-notes column. A full-page Snake-Eyes # 3 cover reveal is included. The Cobra Civil War checklist includes several thumbnail cover reveals, including Snake-Eyes # 4.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
