G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #184
Written by Larry Hama
Art by S L Gallant
Inks by Gary Erskine
Colors by J. Brown
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Covers by Ron Frenz & Larry Hama
IDW Publishing
Release Date: November 14, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely LOVE IDW’s current G.I. Joe books. And I’m over the moon excited about the relaunch next year. But, once a month, I’m transported back in time and reminded WHY I love this franchise in the first place. And that’s all thanks to this book. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #184 is just another example of that. And c’mon, it’s got Roadpig and Zarana on the cover too!!

How awesome is writer Larry Hama? He’s been writing this book for THIRTY YEARS (OK, the book wasn’t published for a little chunk of that, but still) and he hasn’t lost a beat with these characters and this concept. What impresses me most about his writing is that he’s able to mix the perfect amount of real life military adventure with the right amount of sci-fi to create situations that are both believable and unbelievable at the same time.

This issue, Cobra heads west! That’s right, welcome to Rancho Cobra! The ruthless terrorist organization takes over a small town (Springfield anyone?) and sets up shop and starts recruiting. Or kidnapping. Potato PaTAHto. A small group of Joes are there to try and stop them and meanwhile, Destro and Baroness try to wedge their way into a small middle eastern country with Zartan and the Dreadknocks where they’re under watch by Tunnel Rat, Dusty, and Airtight. Mix up all of those ingredients and you get an AWESOME comic book!

S.L. Gallant has really come into his own on this title. I’ll be the first to admit, when he first started I wasn’t a big fan. But, he’s grown by leaps and bounds and now whenever I pick up this book, I can’t wait to look at his art. This issue is no exception. He does a fantastic job from first page to last. There’s a LOT of drawing in this issue. Each page is packed with panels and those panels are packed with cast members, vehicles, action and locations. I’m guessing he’ll be up for a little rest after drawing this book alone.

Another great issue by the creative team! The story keeps getting better and better and just when you think you’re going to get a breather, another story line pops up out of no where and you’re right back holding your breath. THIS is my pick for book of the week.