Has anyone bought the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra: The Essential Guide 1982-2008?

[shipwreak73]

Has anyone picked this up? Is it ARAH or a lot of ROC information? Is it worth the 20 bucks?

[Dr. Spitesworth]

It's just a bunch of dossiers of characters with information based on random samplings of comics and cartoons. For instance, the Duke entry references The M.A.S.S. Device, his file card, some of Hama's comics, and the Image/IDW comics. Kind of disappointing -- I was expecting something meatier. You know, an actual book about the history of the franchise, not just a glossy Order of Battle. Mark Bellomo's revised guide is actually a lot more informative, so get that instead.

[shipwreak73]

It's just a bunch of dossiers of characters with information based on random samplings of comics and cartoons. For instance, the Duke entry references The M.A.S.S. Device, his file card, some of Hama's comics, and the Image/IDW comics. Kind of disappointing -- I was expecting something meatier. You know, an actual book about the history of the franchise, not just a glossy Order of Battle. Mark Bellomo's revised guide is actually a lot more informative, so get that instead.

Thanks Dr.
Yeah, that does sound kinda like a bummer on the info. I was hoping a book of all the filecards, which I'm not sure why that hasn't been done. I am the happy owner of both of Bellomo's books, they are top notch and a very fun read. Plus they show me everything I wish I had.

[BCDX97]

I picked it up today and think it's pretty awesome. Artwork from Marvel, Devil's Due, IDW, filecards and the TV show. I think it's pretty damn meaty. Info on tons of Joes and Cobrs and vehicles, and some big storylines from the comics and TV show. Mark Bellomo's book is totally different, about the toys, and this is about the characters. I think they are both great.

[shipwreak73]

I picked it up today and think it's pretty awesome. Artwork from Marvel, Devil's Due, IDW, filecards and the TV show. I think it's pretty damn meaty. Info on tons of Joes and Cobrs and vehicles, and some big storylines from the comics and TV show. Mark Bellomo's book is totally different, about the toys, and this is about the characters. I think they are both great.


Hey BCDX97
Thanks for the review. Where did you get if from? Did you order online or find it in a store? I would actually like to take a look at it before I decide.

[BCDX97]

I bought it at Barnes & Noble. They had four of them, in the comic book section. I flipped through and liked what I saw, so I picked it up.

[Gamble]

No.

Classic Joe volume 4 yes. One week people!

[Redredly]

I had a few hours to kill, so I stopped by Books a million and found mine. It has it's positives...I like it. I like how it shows the speed and range of vehicles.

[Tyroc]

I got one from my LCS today and was pretty happy with it. It actually has some info I didn't already know, like the file names of some of the Screaming Eagles and some of the Sigma Six joes.

The vehicle stuff was cool, especially the entry on the USS Flagg because it dovetails nicely with my joe verse. The Flagg is available as a GI Joe base but the 3,200 crew and 2,500 air crew are regular military. Keel Haul is the only Joe operative. Nice

[ChaplainAsst]

I looked at this book at B&N yesterday. It is different from the Transformers guide in that it NEVER touches on the toys, but sticks to comics mainly. What it does, it does very well. It is not comprehensive, but is a nice read over main characters and plots and equipment. Some of the joes and cobras we wish there was more about gets lost. From what Mark B. said, this book contains a lot of the info he WISHED he could have included in his book, but it got cut due to space and costs. So, makes a nice companion to it as they really don't overlap at all.

[PitViper]

I just got mine last night and really like it. If anyone here is on the fence about buying it I can tell you this: If your a Tanker in the 1st place, it doesnt have a whole lotof info you probably dont know already. If your looking for something that offers a collection of great art work throughout, a basic understanding of the comic and cartoon and a rundown on charecters and vehicles...pick it up.

For 25 bux I thought it was a good buy, again some really cool artwork and great info on alot of Vipers I forgot about. Nothing too heavy just a fun read and something that may keep you in the bathroom for another 15-20 min!

Hope that helped!...Plus he mentions HISSTANK.COM in the preface!!

[PitViper]

Ok 1 little thing I cant figure out...I started reading from the begining and just finished with Scarlet, the book goes in alphabetical order. I was really pleased because all the major players get a good write up and alot of fan favorites that werent always in the spotlight but had moments here and there are also mentioned, but in a much smaller write up. Still cool.

So I'm thinking,..man its covering all basis, then I put it down and said "did I read Flash? did I read Deep Six?" 2 of my faves....I go back quite a few times and they just arent here.

I'd rather you guys go on the initial post, because it is a fun book..I'm just at a loss as to why those 2 didnt make the cut. Flash goes back to the early days and Deep Six is pretty synonomous with the S.H.A.R.C

Again, dig the book, I'm just noticing that it is heavily geared towards the comic book continuity and charecters who werent as strong there, are somewhat looked over in this guide.