[J James]

issue 227

The idea of Cobra Commander just being a front man for all of his former freelancers to operate through him is... actually kind of an inviting possibility.

I love this tense "waiting" page with a fly. That's good storytelling.

I remember when this issue came out that it seemed to me like a demonstration of the consistently lowering standard to which Cobra Commander's personal bodyguards are held. However that's just a rub on Dice I guess.

This mystery ninja still hasn't been named that I can remember. What the heck? He learns some sho-ryu-ken magic. I don't remember that at all. Also don't think it ever comes up again in the story. He melted a sword with his hands. I don't need that in my Joe.

I'm always a sucker for a good parachute sequence. First appearance of Bombstrike?

Unexpected Wendy and Fred flirting scene.

Visual homage to the famous cafe painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper.

Okay I remembered that Claire was a plant, but didn't remember that Faoud was the one holding the leash.

The letters page reminds us that Cobra Commander just betrayed the Crimson Guard, which doesn't sit well with me. That seems as though it has the makings of his "final betrayal."

[J James]

issue 228

Oh it's the all female issue. I didn't notice until after reading the whole thing the first time around. Now THIS is a landmark issue of the series. I don't need sjw / politically correct type storytelling, however I think that this issue is a gem of an example. This is how you do something cliche like "all-female" and make it cool. It's completely organic and never preachy, plus it fits the tone of the normal title. It may as well just be a normal issue of the series, and for that matter it IS.

Interesting seeing Baroness and Zarana getting along over the topic of... anything really.

Cover Girl... doing her best to Charlie Mike on. Lady Jaye makes sure that Courtney knows she's not a freak... she's just freaky.

First appearance of Ellen Bogens. First appearance of Akane, "a silent master" of the Red Ninjas.

Bombstrike is at the gigantic robot facility in Olliestan. This is still me wondering if Cobra had their own giant technological eyeball as well.

I knew that Biggles-Jones was connected to this robot however I couldn't remember how. So, here we are. Dr. Knox as well. I forgot all about her.

Tribute to Shooter. "Did my Jodie kill people?" If only you knew.

Letters page suggests telling more of the Commander's history, just like the prior issue. Still, no thanks.

[Sean_C]

Cover showdown: Baroness and her Dawn statue vs the ladies of GI JOE universe.
I dunno, neither are terrible nor are they interesting.

Why does Dawn self narrate? Because NO THOUGHT BALLOONS ALLOWED.

"Maybe we can all learn from each other!" said Baroness, knowing that like most women they will all hate each other in the end.

"Mommy, she sounds like a monster!" Cover-Girl's monster inside. Nice mother, btw, to explain it to her kid.

Lady Jaye shows her bi side by thinking Cover-Girl's damaged voice is hot.

Overbaked Obaasan returns in an antique shop appropriately enough. Apparently she's an illegal arms dealer/hoarder. Sure she isn't Destro's granny, too?

Scarlett sees a ninja in red and is ready to fight, but wait, Jinx always wearing red! I guess she knows it ain't Jinx if Jinxy is beside her. The Red Ninjas got a broad, too. Because we needed another ninja in the comic. Pale Peony's ashes are barely cold.

How and why is Dr. Biggles-Jones a villain again?
Dr. Knox, but...but...that was a non-Hama issue? What happened to his "If I didn't write it, it can suck eggs!" stance? (Maybe a slight exaggeration.)
Dr. Knox shops at the same store as the Baroness.

Wondering who Jodie is....oh, that "Shooter" thing. I never read that story. I guess there's a reason why it says she saved 12 instead of 13?

Overall: So that's the female-centric issue and it's okay, but so many threads, will they all matter? Stayed tuned...stay read...what? Also, where's Dr. Burkhart's random flashback appearance? And Lola? And...Zanya...oh, Hama didn't create her.