jimmypat's review against another edition
3.0
A marked improvement over the first volume and I definitely recognize the G.I. Joe comics that I loved as a kid. What made G.I. Joe so interesting was that there was always a continuing backstory that Larry Hama wove through each issue, making it really compelling reading (at the time). Not to mention that the villains were a delightful bunch that were so much more intriguing than the heroes, who all come across as interchangeable nobodies (except, perhaps, for Snake Eyes and Scarlett).
Unfortunately, reading this collection now, the dialogue comes off as stilted and bloated - surprisingly much worse than other comics from this era. The plots (other than the ongoing drama within Cobra's ranks) are ridiculous and almost impenetrable. It's really hard to tell what is actually going on and why I should care. I found it to be a much better experience skimming this collection to get to the juicy bits of Cobra infighting than actually bothering to read every ridiculous thing each Joe said.
A mild recommendation based on nostalgia and the hope that the series continues to improve and that my memories are not totally warped.
Unfortunately, reading this collection now, the dialogue comes off as stilted and bloated - surprisingly much worse than other comics from this era. The plots (other than the ongoing drama within Cobra's ranks) are ridiculous and almost impenetrable. It's really hard to tell what is actually going on and why I should care. I found it to be a much better experience skimming this collection to get to the juicy bits of Cobra infighting than actually bothering to read every ridiculous thing each Joe said.
A mild recommendation based on nostalgia and the hope that the series continues to improve and that my memories are not totally warped.
dryden's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bryanborgman's review against another edition
5.0
While I'm a fan of the original Snake Eyes, I do like the new Dawn character... and I'm a huge fan of Helix!!
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
I think, though I am not sure, that this volume includes some issues that haven’t been released in the main market yet, so I am going to try to avoid spoilers. But I clicked the spoiler button just to be on the safe side.
If you have read G.I. Joe as opposed to simply watched it, you know that in many ways the heart of the comic series has been Snake-Eyes and Scarlett. In this issue, as the title implies, so it’s not really a spoiler, seemingly kills off Snake-Eyes. You have to give Hama credit for making what is an extremely unpopular move, if the posts on the internet are any indication.
As someone who read Joe during its Marvel run and is finally getting back in to it, what unnerves me most about this issue isn’t Snake-Eyes death (if death it is, there are some strange clues in here), but the character of Scarlett, who while still strong here, seems a little weaker than in her Marvel run, and her reaction to Snakes’ death seems a bit off. And the whole Joes are nothing without Snakes seems a bit false considering who the Joes are.
Still, it’s not a bad comic and there is pretty of action. It’s great seeing Cover Girl get more play. The Joe remembrance of Snake-Eyes was particularly poignant, in particular with Stalker and his reaction as well as the use of Timber.
I’ll probably pick up Vol 13.
I think, though I am not sure, that this volume includes some issues that haven’t been released in the main market yet, so I am going to try to avoid spoilers. But I clicked the spoiler button just to be on the safe side.
If you have read G.I. Joe as opposed to simply watched it, you know that in many ways the heart of the comic series has been Snake-Eyes and Scarlett. In this issue, as the title implies, so it’s not really a spoiler, seemingly kills off Snake-Eyes. You have to give Hama credit for making what is an extremely unpopular move, if the posts on the internet are any indication.
As someone who read Joe during its Marvel run and is finally getting back in to it, what unnerves me most about this issue isn’t Snake-Eyes death (if death it is, there are some strange clues in here), but the character of Scarlett, who while still strong here, seems a little weaker than in her Marvel run, and her reaction to Snakes’ death seems a bit off. And the whole Joes are nothing without Snakes seems a bit false considering who the Joes are.
Still, it’s not a bad comic and there is pretty of action. It’s great seeing Cover Girl get more play. The Joe remembrance of Snake-Eyes was particularly poignant, in particular with Stalker and his reaction as well as the use of Timber.
I’ll probably pick up Vol 13.
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