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