I’ve mentioned this before but I’ve only read a handful of the GI Joe books from the Marvel era. The earliest book I think I’ve read is #21. I’ve been buying IDW’s reprints as they come out but haven’t had a chance to read them until yesterday.
Volume 1 collects #1 through #10, featuring an unfamiliar cast to me. I know Hawk, Stalker, Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, Rock 'n Roll, Cobra Commander, and The Baroness. However, I’m not too familiar with Clutch, Breaker, Flash, Steeler, Short-Fuse, Grunt, Grand Slam, and Zap. I think the only story I know that features Steeler, Clutch, and Grunt is that two part episode in the cartoon where they cross over to a parallel dimension.
While the stories I read weren’t as deep as The Silent Interlude or the Snake-Eyes Trilogy, they hold up very well. Fun self contained action thrillers in each issue. I think Larry Hama has said that while writing GI Joe, he knew the conflict the heroes will face but didn’t know how they’ll get out until he actually wrote the story. I definitely feel it as there are mini-cliffhangers at almost every turn.
While I know the later books focused on Snake-Eyes’ ninja abilities, it’s neat to see his humble beginnings as team’s elite commando. Then as the issues progress, Hama slowly hints at his origin.
Prior to reading the GI Joe comics, I was reading Marvel’s Godzilla comics which Herb Trimpe also drew. He did a great job telling a story but his art improved so much by the time he got to GI Joe. Plus it’s very apparent he has a knack for drawing military fantasy. It really makes me wish Marvel had GI Joe crossover SHIELD in the 1980’s with Herb Trimpe drawing.
Great read. I cannot wait to start Volume 2.
Side note, while reading up on the early comics I learned that #1 had a back up story called “Operation: Hot Potato” that wasn’t collected in the Marvel or IDW reprint. Bummers. Then again, I did buy #1 recently so I don’t mind that much. I hope that at some point IDW reprints this story along with those Yearbook stories.