He’ll fight for freedom wherever there’s trouble Auto Joe is there— G…I…. BOOOOOoooT, the real Cybertronian hero…. G. I. Bot is there!
When the going gets tough he’ll stay ’til the fights won, GI BOT is there.
….G …… I ….. BooOOOOOooT!
(whatever, I know it looks like boot)Kind of how I feel about this series. I’m seeing it through to the end. Through all the nonsense, the craziness, and the far too few cool moments. I’ve tried to change to be one of the enlightened ones of those who get it— to present the unpopular side from what I experience around here anyway—- but I take my childhood heroes too seriously for that anymore.
Rather than bag on a series that is ‘critically-acclaimed’ by smart people who read lots of fiction literature for a living, I’m going to simply say a few words and then present the moments in this particular issue that made me smile. The images might be spoilers, they might not, but most of you don’t care, and if you do, well the issue has been out since last Wednesday.
After this as you know, there is mercifully one more issue left, one more issue for the rest of the scrap to hit the fan…
If you have enjoyed it, I’m glad. If you’ve hated it, I’m disappointed that a product related to heroes from your childhood has left you wanting. Only one more guys and gals…
PLOT-Megatron, the Deceptions 
and Cobra 
are going to destroy the sun and harvest the energy to create more Cybertronians. Last call for the Autobots 
and Joes 
. Time to use the kitchen sink…Page 1-I’ve always been a HUGE
DEFENSOR fan…always! The only combiner I had in full as a child. This take was an interesting way to
‘re-imagine’ the concept that used Prowl, one of my all-time favorite bots. The rest of the folks are not the normal Protectobots, but an amalgamation of emergency service alt mode vehicles like Red Alert, and Inferno, Blades (although it’s RESCUE BOTS BLADES
clearly—nothing escapes—nothing). Rounding out the group are a random Arcee, Jetfire, and Targetmaster Peacemaker*.
*chuckle for the VOLTRON reference* ‘And I’ll form the gun!’This whole configuration made me think of the Micromaster combiner re-released as a Kaybee exclusive Defensor using several of these bots’ names. Where’s my
yellow Lamborghini Scioli (Hot Shot—or Hot Spot, I’ll have to look)?
Page 3- Prime and Grimlock in matrix limbo. Totally reminded me of the video game Marvel Transformers issue (#24, I think--Prime dies--surprise!), crossed with the old ‘Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends’ Video Man plot
.
Kudos to
for pulling off the very believable Video Man from said SMahAF Ep.
Throw in a bit out of place Bludgeon as guardian of the AUTOBOT matrix heaven place… odd choice… Cause he's a Decepticon...
Page Speaking of ODD- 
Okay, honestly look away from this if you are easily frightened. It will be burned into your memory forever, and for me, it’s not an enjoyable picture. I wish I could un-see it.
It’s not really that bad, but an out-of-mouth stairs/tongue connection kiss thing… I don’t care if it is Snake Eyes and Scarlett bonded to the big bots now--it could have been anyone--. Touching fingers or even holding hands may have been a little easier on the ol' ticker.
SDCC GI JOE VS. TRANSFORMERS Boxset Exclusive coming in 2017! Just wait...
Page Laugher-This did make me have a little laugh out loud moment…
Free two-day shipping is a failure Megatron? Some free video streaming thrown in as well? What planet are you from?
I did like Grimlock’s attempt at revenge here. "Me Grimlock like two-day shipping Megatron!"
The Splash Pages-These pages were fun, you can spot some good stuff, like every color of the rainbow seekers, Shrapnel package art picture, Hot Rod riding Sky Lynx into battle with a Bazooka mounted on his shoulder. And combiners, but most don’t look messed up like Defensor.
Page ‘In Your Eyes’The John Cusack ‘Say Anything’ reference here really resonated with with me. Wheeljack just needed to be wearing a trench coat and it would have been perfect, but probably over the top. In your eyes indeed, Decepticons...Peter Gabriel says so.
And Wild Bill versus Six-shot… which gunslinger wins the showdown? (seems like a ridiculous question, right? Wild Bill already died once though and was reincarnated, so he’s all tough and stuff)
Page of REDEMPTION!!!Okay,
DEFENSOR down and hurt. Trypticon bearing down on him for the kill… and one of my lamest and yet most fun GI JOE toys ever comes in for the save…the
BRIDGE LAYER...
THAT… WAS…AWESOME!!!!! Seems like it needs a new name now, like 'Trypticon killer'. Best page of the whole series, end it here so I can feel somewhat good about the memories that I will take away from…
Page of BACK TO RIDICULOUSBaroness and King Hisss himself, Cobra Commander, consummated a reunion with apparently more than a kiss, as Crystal Ball sees ‘the future’???
So much for leaving this issue with a good taste in my mouth…
One more issue…
er... I mean 
In any event. if anyone is interested in picking up the entire run so far (#0-11), I have an auction on eBay right now including some variants and both SDCC covers.
