[HISSTANK]

Originally posted by: Shin Densetsu @ Hisstank.com

Quote:

GI Joe Cobra by IDW Publishing stood out from the 3 series that IDW originally launched, raising the bar with a mature tone and pleasantly surprising storylines. This series made Chuckles even more popular, going for a darker, more realistic take on the character. The series has progressively upped the ante, keeping readers anticipating what will happen next.

This doesn't change with GI Joe Cobra #12, Mike Costa & Christos Gage have upped the ante further, kicking off 2011 with a huge bang. Without further ado, check out the review of this pivotal issue after the jump!
GI Joe Cobra by IDW Publishing stood out from the 3 series that IDW originally launched, raising the bar with a mature tone and pleasantly surprising storylines. This series made Chuckles even more popular, going for a darker, more realistic take on the character. The series has progressively upped the ante, keeping readers anticipating what will happen next.

This doesn't change with GI Joe Cobra #12, Mike Costa & Christos Gage have upped the ante further, kicking off 2011 with a huge bang.

GI Joe Cobra #12 Review

Credits
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Written by: Mike Costa & Christos N. Gage

Art by: Antonio Fuso
Colors by: Peter Dawes

Letters by: Shawn Lee
Assistant Editor: Carlos Guzman
Editor: Andy Schmidt

Covers
Regular Cover: Art by Antonio Fuso after John Byrne
Cover RI: Art by Zach Howard colors by Nelson Daniel

Review

GI Joe Cobra stood out from IDW’s GI Joe series, shocking and surprising fans, and constantly upping the ante. That never really stopped, and it continues with GI Joe Cobra #12.

Both covers are drawn pretty well, and Zach Howard’s cover is a cool retailer incentive. Both are drawn and designed in a way that graphically they stick out.

Chuckles has gained the trust of Cobra Commander. This issue revolves around him, and the Crimson twins, Tomax and Xamot. What ensues is a well written, intertwining plot in which Xamot makes moves seemingly unapparent to his brother and Cobra Commander.

What I like is that nothing is predictable. This issue comes off as a game of chess with one or more individuals thinking they have the upper hand, when they really don’t. Yet it does this without confusing the reader and without complicating the plot.

What this issue does do, is pull off some major events that no one will see coming. Now shock value is nothing new to GI Joe comics, but I think what’s done in this issue, moves the story forward. The death of a major figure in this issue will leave readers speechless, and this death plants the seeds for subsequent storylines later in the year. It’s rather bold of IDW, epitomized on the 2 page spread, on pages 18-19.

Being that this is an issue of GI Joe Cobra, the fact that it turned out so well wasn’t surprising. However, the fact that it kicked off 2011 off with a huge bang, literally, was very surprising. This is a great way to kick off subsequent story arcs, and one in which all the creators involved did a great job.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the art. Fuso and Dawe’s work stands out a lot, with Dawe’s colors complementing Fuso’s inks well. Fuso’s inks in particular, lend themselves well to the last page, and aforementioned 2 page spread. The last page reminds me of Jack Kirby’s work, with the bold spot black shading, posture, and angular contour work.

I’ve stated before that some of IDW’s pages/covers ought to be made into posters. This issue is no different. The covers for this issue, the 2 page spread, and the last page would make for awesome posters. The 2 page spread is not only graphically designed well, but one that shows that IDW is taking GI Joe where no other comic company has taken them before.

GI Joe Cobra #12 is definitely worth picking up, you’re missing out if you pass on it!

Read More: HISS Tank Reviews GI Joe Cobra #12 @ G.I. Joe - HissTank.com.