The highly anticipated G.I. Joe Cobra Special #1 has been reviewed! While the spotlight was on Chuckles in the 1st series, the spotlight in this issue is one two individuals who played a pivotal part in manipulating him.
Ever wonder about the background of the Crimson Twins? Their upbringing, and personalities? How about their ambitions? This issue has all of that and more, as the personalities behind Extensive Enterprises are explored and revealed! Click on the discuss button to find out how this issue, which may be the most important G.I. Joe issue of the year, turned out!
Shin Densetsu says
While IDW gathered new fans with the ongoing G.I. Joe series, and impressed new and old fans alike with G.I. Joe Origins, they also had a sleeper hit on their hands that no one was expecting; G.I. Joe Cobra!
With the end of that series leaving fans craving, no, demanding more, IDW gives us something to tide us over until the sequel series; G.I. Joe Cobra Special #1.
While the main series focused on Chuckles, this one shot only shows him via flashback. This issue instead, focuses on 2 individuals who played pivotal roles in the main series, the Crimson Twins, Tomax and Xamot!
The 1st half of the book deals with Tomax, and the last half deals with his twin Xamot. Surprisingly enough, the writers didn't portray these guys as the 2 twins who act the same way and complete each other's sentences. They're definitely not the twins of yesteryear. You know what though? I prefer the approach that IDW decided to take with these two. The twins are much more interesting now, more than just carbon copies with 1 having a scar on his face.
The artwork is by the same art team as the 1st series so it's consistent and pleasant to see again. I'm glad to see these guys back as they were a vital component to the 1st story, and the same level of clarity they maintained is here too.
Every page is mirrored exactly to it's corresponding page in the 2nd half of the book, paying homage to Watchmen #5 but with a neat twist; in the 1st half you see the Crimson Twins but in the 2nd half you mainly just see one.
The story takes a surprising turn once the later half starts. it's a fitting shift or pace and tension. The reader is left wondering what will happen and how the ramifications shown through this issue will play out in the rest of IDW's G.I. Joe titles. This may just be, the most important issue of the year.
So do I recommend this issue? OF COURSE! Not just if you were a fan of G.I. Joe Cobra, but if you are a fan of G.I. Joe. With that said, I cannot wait for G.I. Joe Cobra 2!
Monkeywrench says
I can't wait to check it out. Thanks for the review
samantha says
I will be picking up this issue. Thanks for reviewing it, your review sold me on this one.
plague says
sounds great. i have to work at my grandfather's this afternoon but then i'm truckin' it to the city to pick this baby up. i really wish costa would take over for chuck dixon at some point on the regular title. no offense to mr. dixon, i just really love costa's stuff!
DrNightmare says
I remember as a kid reading Dixon's work on Punisher in the 90's and being like wow, this stuff is complicated, lol. I think I'd appreciate his work now.
BILL says
Loved gijoe:cobra so i cant wait to pick this up tommorow. Thanks for the review.
UMAN says
I just finished reading this. I love the direction they're taking with the twins, setting them up as vastly different individuals - not the Ace and Gary combo from the 80s. This issue serves as a great primer for the sequel, as well as anything beyond. They're really doing a great job at building up the threat of Cobra - can't wait to see the payoff!
Supreme Convoy says
I had to get the retailer incentive cover for GI Joe: Cobra Special.
The more I think of it, I never knew Xamot & Tomax's origins in either the cartoon or Marvel/Devil's Due continuities. I've always associated them with that cartoonish gimmick where one speaks while the other finishes the thought and acrobatics. Here, I see them as actual characters. Just seeing what Xamot is feeling after the events of the previous mini-series changes the way I see him.
As for the whole symmetry aspect, it's insanely well done. Just flipped through Watchmen #5 to compare it to this issue. I love Cobra Special's meticulous detail put into the dialogue, layouts, wordballoon/caption placements matching the respective stories. Mike and Antonio really do take the symmetry idea to a new level and succeed.
I have no idea what future GI Joe books have in store for Xamot & Tomax... but I think that'll be a treat to follow them.
I really dig this issue!
Uberlad says
The Cobra series was the best Joe stuff I've seen in a long loong time, comic-wise. Andy Schmidt and the folks at IDW should do everything they can to keep that creative team together, even if it's just to do a four or five issue mini series each year. It's absolutely awesome.
thatjimboguy says
This was a great issue. I'd definitely recommend picking it up if you haven't already.
Keep reading: G.I. Joe Cobra Special #1 Review - Page 2
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