G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #174
Written by Larry Hama
Art by S L Gallant
Inks by Gary Erskine
Colors by J Brown
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Covers by S L Gallant and Gary Erskine, Herb Trimpe, and Larry Hama
IDW Publishing
Release Date: January 11, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99
I gotta tell you, once a month when I read G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, I feel like I’m a kid watching the G.I. Joe cartoon after school. And nothing is as fun as that! I’m really surprised that sales on this title don’t eclipse the sales on the other G.I. Joe books, because this is what Joe fans have always wanted.
I almost wish there were two books set in writer Larry Hama‘s Real American Hero universe. I would LOVE a Larry Hama Snake Eyes solo book. I mean, who wouldn’t? The best bits in this comics come from the Snake Eyes story and also from the Cobra Commander story.
There’s an underlying mystery that’s starting to really take shape and I can’t wait to find out more about it. Unfortunately, those pages are few and far between this issue. Hopefully soon, those stories will overtake the book as the main story. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Joes, but right now, this is where the real meat of the story lies. Still, an awesome read.
Now THIS is where artist S L Gallant belongs! He’s made to draw this “retro” G.I. Joe book! Everyone looks great and his work only enhances the story. He makes things very easy to follow with making things look simplistic. On a side note, in my review of G.I. Joe #9, I said that his art didn’t work for that book, and I stand by that comment, but BOY can this guy change up his style. Talk about a total 180! Very talented man in that regards. I really hope he stays on THIS book for quite a while.
Can’t recommend this comic highly enough. Whether it’s nostalgia you’re after or just a great comic book, this one is both. Great decision by bosses at IDW Publishing for taking a chance on this in the first place, and huge thanks to the creative team for the execution. If you’re not reading this, you’re missing out on a GREAT comic.
