As the Joes mourn their fallen brother, dangerous new forces are mounting against them. Cobra Commander returns to Springfield and the now mutant Serpentor Khan turns to a deadly new ally you won’t see coming! G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302 begins the transition wrapping up the previous arc and kicking off what’s to come.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero kicked off a new era with its move to Skybound and did so by continuing the long history that came before. Writer Larry Hama continued his story as if nothing had changed setting off a virus bomb on Cobra Island turning all of those caught in it into cannibal monsters. With that came loss and a harrowing escape. The continuation was both good and bad as it wasn’t a very good spot for new readers to jump in and start reading but long time fans got the satisfaction of seeing where Hama was going to go after the “to be continued” ending that was G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #300.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302 continues in that direction picking up on the previous arc and kicking off the next one. It’s an issue that’s a transition one looking both back and forward, reflecting on recent events, wrapping some up, and laying the groundwork for what’s to come. New readers still might have trouble with specific details but the general idea of what’s going on is easy to grasp and appreciate. Hama also hits at emotions delivering some somber moments along with those of dread and fear.

All of that is helped by Chris Mooneyham‘s art which both captures the horror of Cobra’s reality and the sad moments of a funeral. Mooneyham is joined by Francesco Segala on color, flatter Sabrina Del Grosso, and letterer Pat Brosseau. This issue really shows how well Mooneyham’s art nails the moments going from the horror of what’s to come with Cobra’s base to an almost comedic moment as Serpentor attempts to gain control after what he’s done. But, what’s most impressive is Mooneyham’s capturing of some of the memorials in Washington, DC delivering a heart wrenching silent page.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #302 is another fantastic issue that feels like it has kicked this long running series into overdrive and given it a shot of adrenaline. If you’ve never read the series, now’s the time to check it out while long time fans will be happy with where it’s all going and what’s teased to come.

Story: Larry Hama Art: Chris Mooneyham
Color: Francesco Segala Flatter: Sabrina Del Grosso Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

A new era for G.I. Joe starts here…but one Joe won’t survive THIS ISSUE! G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #301 continues one of the longest running series with a new publisher. Picking up from the momentous 300th issue, Skybound‘s era literally continues the story.

Written by Larry Hama, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #301 takes care of one of my biggest complaints about the 300th issue, it didn’t feel like a complete story or conclusion. Where that issue delivered a “to be continued,” this issue picks things up as Serpentor is trying to set off a “zombie bomb” as the Joes do what they can to get the hell away from it.

It’s just a race against time as we get to see it tick down and wonder if the bomb will go off, and who might be caught in it. Hama keeps things exciting and leaves readers guessing as to what might happen. Who will get caught in the explosion, if anyone, that’s the gist of the issue. Plus, what happens when it goes off?

There’s a solid tense set of actions as the race against time ticks down. You can feel the excitement and the vibe oozes off the page as the Joes attempt to get to safety. Part of that is due to the art of Chris Mooneyham.

Mooneyham is joined by colorist Francesco Segala and lettering by Pat Brosseau. I tensed up as Wild Bill struggled to fly the plane. I felt the excitement as the Joes raced off on the water trying to get as far away as possible. It’s all done in a more gritty style than the previous run and with that delivers a slightly more “adult” vibe about it all. The comic absolutely feels different than what came before and in my opinion a next step in the series’ style.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #301 is good in that it continues the storyline that’s been going on for so long and delivers the conclusion to the celebration that was the previous issue. It wraps things up in some ways and sets the series off into the next arc with a new look but same classic storytelling. While this is a bit of an oddity in that it doesn’t feel like it’s part of Skybound’s new “Energon Universe” and might create confusion, it is a hell of a start that’s full of action. Basically, it’s not the best place to start for new readers but fans of the run that were reading will want to return and see where it all goes from here.

Story: Larry Hama Art: Chris Mooneyham
Color: Francesco Segala Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle