"Sins of the Mother (part 4)"
Writer: Mark Powers
Artist: Mike Bear
Publisher: Devil's Due Publishing
Big events in comicdom are all the rage (no pun intended) amongst many comic book publishers these days, even those outside of the “big two.” One of the most highly anticipated events is coming in the pages of a comic book featuring classic characters from my childhood. “World War III” is about to rage through comics, and Devil’s Due Publishing is upping the ante by finally bringing “World War III” front and center. Two years ago during Devil’s first run on G.I. Joe, the Red Shadows nearly destroyed both Cobra and G.I. Joe, sending Cobra into hiding. Now Cobra Commander has returned. After infiltrating the White House and stealing the Baroness and Destro’s child, he is more dangerous than ever.
“Sins of the Mother” has essentially been a lead-in arc for “World War III” as the Baroness, escaped from the G.I. Joe prison on the Rock, has been on the hunt for Cobra Commander. Finally, she has found him in Honduras only to be stopped by her husband, Destro. Cobra Commander has always played the two like pawns, and he continues to do so here, the only difference is he has something they both want. It’s a hairy situation, and Cobra Commander has the upper hand over everyone. Last issue also saw the return on my favorite Joe and one of my all-time favorite comic book characters, Flint.
The scope and the meaning of this issue are huge. Writer Mark Powers (no relation) sets up “World War III” in a way that I honestly never expected. There’s plenty of suspense and action to keep readers on the edge of their seats, not to mention an ending that will shock any G.I. Joe fan and will make readers antsy for “World War III.” Cobra Commander has kept the Baroness and Destro’s son not only as leverage but also as heir to his throne. It really a touching moment after the Baroness knees her husband in the nads and wonders why he protects the megalomaniac masked commander. She has been kept in the dark about her child, she doesn’t even know its gender, and only that Cobra Commander kidnapped the baby. When she finds out it is a son, there’s a moment where the Baroness looks at her husband and seems to realize how trivial everything they have fought about in the past seems. She and Destro have a new purpose, so the struggle with Cobra/G.I. Joe is no longer a priority.
Snake Eyes and Spirit have tracked down the Baroness and found Flint bound and gagged inside the Baroness’ plane. When they free Flint, there’s a panel featuring classic Flint. Since the death of his wife, Lady Jaye, Flint had become an angry, violent, Punisher-type character and early on in the America’s Elite series, he left the Joes. But when Snake Eyes and Spirit free him, he seems to be somewhat back to his old self: a cocky smile, a quip and immediately acknowledging that they have a job to do. It’s great to see some of the classic Flint back in action, but I know it’s only a matter of time before he snaps again.
Snake Eyes, Flint and Spirit raid the Cobra base and open fire only to be stopped by a traitor, Blackout. Cobra Commander orders their death, but before Blackout can execute Flint, the Baroness asks for one final moment with him. The Baroness and Flint have a storied past, and there has been some sexual tension between the two. In classic form, Cobra Commander obliges and lets the Baroness have her moment. She kisses Flint and drops a skeleton key down the back of his shirt. Brilliant move. The Baroness wants Cobra Commander’s head on a platter, and if that means she has to help the Joes, so be it. The always rocky relationship between Baroness, Destro and Cobra Commander plays extremely well here, and it leads to yet another stand-off.
In the final stand-off, the shocking moments of this issue occur. There’s really no way out of the situation besides bargaining with Cobra Commander. In one of the most shocking incidents in the history of G.I. Joe, Cobra Commander becomes the most powerful man in the world. What Destro does will be talked about for years in G.I. Joe fandom. Destro does what any father would do, but he indirectly starts “World War III” in the process. It’s a twist I never even saw coming, and it propels my excitement for “World War III” to even higher levels. What is even wilder is that the Joes can’t arrest Cobra Commander because he knows all their real names and the whereabouts of their entire families from his time in the White House. “World War III” is going to be crazy, and Devil’s Due is absolutely on the right track with G.I. Joe.
Mike Bear’s artwork has taken quite a turn for the better in this issue. I loved his artwork throughout. His edgy and dark style has been perfect for this storyline. But in this issue, Bear’s artwork looks cleaner and more refined, definitely showing signs of growth and improvement. I love seeing young artists grow as their superb artwork gets even better.
While I don’t know how I feel about how easily the Joes let Cobra Commander off the hook, I suppose it works for the coming storyline. While it may just be personal preference and the writer in me talking, some of the dialogue is a bit stiff and expositional in places. It works overall, though, and does not really detract from the quality of the book. Mark Powers has been doing a superb job, really capturing the spirit of G.I. Joe.
This is another great issue that continues to propel G.I. Joe even further. “World War III” is shaping up to be a classic G.I. Joe story with plenty of action, suspense, drama and bloodshed. It’s no secret that I personally think that G.I. Joe is one of the best titles on the shelves. With the 25th Anniversary figures shipping this month, it is a great time to be a Joe fan.
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