“World War III" (part 7)

As the strange G.I. Joe casting continues to be revealed through the looming writers' strike, Devil’s Due continues it’s epic G.I. Joe vs. Cobra battle with “World War III”. I can’t shake the feeling that this is Devil’s Due’s final G.I. Joe story as Hasbro has yet to make an announcement over the future of the license. It’s questionable, given that Devil’s Due just started their Storm Shadow series only a few months ago, but Devil’s Due has had one hell of a run helping to revitalize G.I. Joe. “World War III” continues that trend and while last issue looked as if this series was going to be just another 'G.I. Joe overcomes the odds' story, I’m not so sure anymore as things heat up in this issue.

There’s a lot of great action in this issue, as well as some touching character moments. This series has done an excellent job taking the large ensemble cast of G.I. Joe and offering enough about each character personally that readers can relate or become attached. I think Mark Powers does some of his best work, character-wise, in this issue because he captures not only the spirit and dedication of some of the Joes, but also the general spirit that Americans usually feel in a time of uncertainty or tragedy, “We will overcome.” This is especially true during a scene with Spirit, Gung Ho and Wild Bill. They stay behind to fend off Cobra while the more natural leaders can escape. Long time characters, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save those who can help restore order.

General Colton, General Hawk and Storm Shadow also begin to develop their strategy of destroying Cobra from the inside out in what could prove to be a very interesting twist. Through his Cobra informant, Storm Shadow is able to possess files that contain the information on two people who can and will undoubtedly change the course of the war. However, Cobra Commander is seemingly one step ahead of them.

While Cobra Commander’s plot has seemed flawless thus far, all signs were pointing to G.I. Joe eventually regrouping and taking the fight full force back to Cobra. However, writer Mark Powers only makes the situation look that way on the outside. In the past two years Cobra Commander has finally earned the reputation he deserves as a brilliant strategist. But even while America plans its retaliation, Cobra Commander is still plotting his ultimate takeover. Cobra Commander proves he is on the same level as and understands the American strategy to strip him of power. Granted, you can probably figure out how it will go, the fact that Cobra Commander knows America’s next move could lead to something different than the suspected outcome of 'G.I. Joe overcomes'. The question becomes who will reach the shared objective first, G.I. Joe or Cobra Commander’s deadly new recruit? It should provide some great action and hopefully some great character moments especially if Flint comes face to face with Cobra’s latest recruit.

Speaking of Flint, he is one of my favorite comic book characters, but I’m a little annoyed with how he’s been used since he’s been brought back to G.I. Joe. One of the best character moves for him was when his wife, Lady Jaye, was killed. He became angry, impulsive and would risk his life in what would seem like suicide situations. He was always cocky and arrogant, but these traits flirted with death and Flint became an aggressor that was two steps shy of becoming G.I. Joe’s version of the Punisher. However, since his return he’s not even a shade of this dark persona. He seems to have come to terms with his wife’s death but at the same time, I don’t think he’d be so nonchalant about it when a Cobra agent taunts him during combat. I get that he’s focused on the fight, but I’d still love to see shades of the edgier Flint, especially when outnumbered by Cobra.

There are two more scenes that require mentioning. One is with Destro’s son waltzing into Buckingham Palace and taking over. Keep in mind the Destros are Scottish, thus there was something strangely poetic about a Scottish man walking into the Palace and making the Prince and Queen kneel before him. I am of Irish descent so I’m aware of the history of the United Kingdom, particularly the tension between Scotland, Ireland and England.

The second scene that should be mentioned is one that answers the question, “Where are the rest of the US troops?” Why, they're launching a counter-offensive. It’s a brief scene but it gets the job done as General Rey, former G.I. Joe commander and Serpentor clone, makes his way into Saudi Arabia. I’m a little suspect of General Rey but the scene is very necessary to show that there are other troops outside of G.I. Joe.

Mike Bear’s artwork, as usual, is very well done. For his first major comic book event, I think he has handled the work like a true professional and is really hitting his stride in terms of style. His work has become more detailed over the past year and his unique style continues to improve. The only thing I didn’t like was Dela Eden’s face, but hey, she could be ugly to begin with.

There’s also a brief scene with the Dreadnoks worth mentioning. Zartan doesn’t believe in what Cobra Commander is doing because Zartan represents exactly what Cobra Commander hates. I’m interested to see how this situation plays out.

When all is said and done, this issue has me wondering exactly how this series will end. I’m sure a lot depends on whether or not Devil’s Due is holding on to the license. Either way, this storyline, while maybe a few issues too long, has played out quite nicely and is shaping up to be a definitive G.I. Joe vs. Cobra saga. I really hope there are a few surprises left in store because this had been a great action-packed comic.

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