GI Joe: America's Elite

GI Joe: America’s Elite 25-36

This is the second volume of Devil’s Due’s main GI Joe title.  I enjoyed it a great deal more than the issues that I read from the first volume.  Writer Mark Powers does an amazing job on several fronts.

As the final story arc before the publisher’s license with Hasbro ran out, Powers pulled out all the stops for this one, calling it “World War III.”  Cobra Commander truly unleashes global conflict upon the world, pushing nations past their breaking points and GI Joe to the very limits of theirs. It’s epic in scope, and requires Powers to juggle a mind-boggling number of storyline.

It’s a testament to his skill as a writer that he manages to do so while keeping everything both engaging and clear.  I’d skipped over 60 issues of material, but had little problem acclimating myself to all the changes, including Hawk’s new disability, Lady Jaye’s death, Shipwreck and Cover Girl’s relationship.

Related to that, Powers puts more focus on the personal lives of the Joes than anyone before him.  Hama paid lip service to it previously, but Powers makes these characters feel more like people than toy soldiers defined by their outfits and specialties.  These Joes refer to each other by their real names, which makes sense for teammates who’ve become friends over the years. Duke’s childhood and relationship with his father’s explored in surprising detail.  

The pacing’s well done.  There’s a palpable feeling of a gathering storm over the first four issues as Cobra Commander moves his pieces in to position and GI Joe does their best to neutralize the threats.  Cobra’s masterstroke comes down like a thunderbolt, overwhelming everything in its path, and it’s a welcome change to see them succeed after so many years of abject failure.  

GI Joe’s counterattack and eventual victory is the result of teamwork and effort, and Powers pulls it off as successfully as their earlier defeat.  I like how he shows snippets of the less prominent Joes doing their part around the world, reinforcing the scale and true team effort involved.

Mike Bear, Mike Shoyket, and Pat Quinn split pencilling duties, and they all do a fine job.  I particularly like Bear’s work. Combined with Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s colors, the art really packs a punch.

There's a Phil Noto quality to the work.

This was a welcome jolt of fun after the unremarkable Joe comics of the past three weeks.

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? Yes

Would read again? Yes

Rating: Pretty good