G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #16
Written by Chuck Dixon
Artists: Robert Atkins & Atilio Rojo
Inks by Juan Castro & Atilio Rojo
Colors by Simon Gough & Joana LaFuente
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Editors: John Barber & Carlos Guzman
Covers by Alex Cal & Robert Atkins
IDW Publishing
Release Date: August 29, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

In Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #16 a TON of mysteries are revealed. The unfortunate part… they’re not solved. Yet. But, it’s a really fun ride trying to figure them out with the clues given in this issue.

Of the two G.I. Joe books that Chuck Dixon writes, I feel that this is his best. By far. In G.I. Joe, he has to juggle a TON of characters, both heroes and villains; here, he only has to write a handful of characters, and I think that’s why he excels on this title. This issue continues the battle between the Araskicage and Cobra. Cobra has declared war on the Arashikage clan, and it’s everyone for himself. During the issue we get some FANTASTIC flashbacks telling the origin of the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow rivalry. I was very surprised at just how MEAN that Snake Eyes was a child, you almost get the feeling that you should be sympathizing with Storm Shadow, as he’s portrayed as the victim in their childhood feud. Now, I have a feeling that will change in upcoming issues, but for now, it’s really quite surprising.

Another surprising story arc is that of Cobra and its search for new enforcers now that the Arashikage have been kicked out of Cobra. They turn to some VERY strange places, and I’m very excited to see where this leads to. All in all, another great issue!

Artists Robert Atkins and Atilio Rojo turn in another amazing issue here. The attention to detail is INCREDIBLE here, both artists really know their G.I. Joe mythology and it truly shows in this issue, not to mention that each artist is excellent at drawing faster than the eye can follow action. The flashback scenes are fantastic, done in a totally different style than the story that takes place in current times, and there’s a certain charm to them, even though some of the scenes are quite intense. This is a GREAT book to look at. Some serious G.I. Joe eye candy in this issue.

While I wouldn’t want this issue of Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow to be your first, you should definitely check it out. If you haven’t been following the series, grab a couple back issues to get you up to speed and enjoy! If you HAVE been following this title, this is simply the latest chapter in a fantastic comic book.