HISS Tank brings you another advance review, this time for Cobra #1(which can be previewed here)! Now we get a glimpse at the Cobra Civil War from Cobra’s perspective.
Read on to see how this issue turned out! Cobra #1[/b]
Writer: Mike Costa
Artist: Antonio Fuso
Colorist: Arianna Florean
Letterer: Chris Mowry
Assistant Editor: Carlos Guzman
Assitant Editor: Tom Waltz
Editor: Andy Schmidt
Cover A[/u]
Art: Zach Howard
Colors: Nelson Daniel
Cover B[/u]
Art: Zach Howard
Colors: Nelson Daniel
Cover C[/u]
Art: Zach Howard
Colors: Nelson Daniel
Cover RI[/u]
Art: Antonio Fuso
Colors: Arianna Florean
[Center]Review[/u][/center]
The Baroness takes charge in the 1st issue of Cobra, as she “takes care” of a problem in Ecuador. Her monologue reveals her belief that Cobra will never accept a female leader nor will she ever become Cobra Commander. Nonetheless, they reward talent and loyalty. Her talents are less administrative and more ruthlessly efficient, as witnessed in this issue.
If you’re a fan of The Baroness, you’ll probably like this issue. She’s swift, brutal, and determined to serve her own purposes. She and Cobra High Command view Cobra’s purpose differently. So despite her belief that she’ll never become Cobra Commander, one gets the feeling she’ll kill her way into a position to make moves.
The artwork as a whole takes on a more animated/exaggerated styling. I don’t mind this, however the colors are not what I’m used to. I’m used to seeing more subtle applications of color, with some textured overlays. Those applications of color accentuate Fuso’s inks better. Nonetheless, the Florean manages to give the colors some depth. The colors in this issue are a noticeable difference but not a bad one.
Breaker discovers an anamoly during surveillance of Ecuador. Meanwhile Steeler has his doubts. Steeler is more focused on getting to Panama(see GI Joe #1), and brushes off Breaker’s concerns. This sequence is done rather well…..
We find out just why Serpentor is sticking around. It turns out he’s got a man on the inside within GI Joe. This is of course, news to The Baroness, and to the reader.
See, when I got to this point of the issue, I had a good feeling of who the traitor would be. By the end of the issue, the would-be traitor is revealed and it’s not who I thought it would be. Well played Costa.
Cobra #1[/i] maintains the suspense of the previous Cobra titles. The artwork, while the colors are different, is still bold and reads well. The Cobra titles are usually worth looking forward to and this issue is no exception.
Shin Densetsu says
HISS Tank Reviews Cobra #1 - GI Joe News
Cobra #1 Review
Hectoramirez says
ummm. I thought Serpentor was a white guy. Or is that "Rip" in disguise.
NAJA EMPIRE says
Ya, I am lost with this Civil Wars thing. Have no idea how this is suppose to read in order...
Troynos says
There is no true order to it. It's three titles that cross over in theme.
Cobra #1 takes place after Joe #1, you can tell because of the dialogue. But you don't have to read Joe #1 to enjoy Cobra #1.
Not really an advanced review if it's done the day it comes out, lol, but good review.
There's more then just colors being different. They're closer to the other volumes, but it's more of Fuso's linework being different. It's not as sharp edged as previoius issues.
This issue really shows off the Baroness.
The traitor part is interesting because it's not a true traitor situation. The "man on the inside" is just that. It's not someone that has turned against the Joe at all. Traitor probably isn't even the best word to use.
It all ties in nicely with Serpentor and his role in Cobra.
Stormgard says
Yeah, it's interesting and cool that Serpentor's "man on the inside" doesn't even had a clue what's going on.
I like the art for the most part. I prefer when Baroness is drawn a little more um, curvaceously, but she's definitely in her right element here.
Three books into the CCW storyline, I say so far so good. I anticipate following all three, and really hope the SE book is more than just a ninja action showcase.
maczero says
I'm a little confused. So you guys think Breaker isn't aware that he's betraying the Joes? I still say he's a traitor even if he doesn't think so. The Joes are supposed to be an ultra-hush organization. I would assume talking with anyone outside of Joe about its operations would be an act of treason. I mean Scarlett was nearly executed for staying in contact with Snake-Eyes when he went AWOL. Seems like Breaker should know better even if he thinks he's doing the "right thing".
Trooper13 says
Yeah, this is waaaayyyy off on Breaker. As a signal soldier with clearance he would know better. He would also know the penalties for what he is doing. So wether or not he's been brainwashed, or not, he's burned. He's been compromised, and he should have known better to get mixed up with anything like that in the first place. As technical intelligence you are trusted to be more dependable then an intelligence analyst. An analyst works on conjecture, signal works in absolutes. Your job is to make sure that the data you receive is legitimate, and that the data you report has been kept secure. It's a very, very serious responsibility. Once the data has been compromised, it's useless. Wether or not he is collecting the intelligence with good intentions, that intelligence hasn't been properly vetted, and is therefore not actionable. This is a very, very uninformed portrayal. I could see an intel analyst making a play like this, as coming up with big intel is a career maker. However, as technical intelligence notice is the LAST thing you want. You're good at your job if nothing ever goes wrong. Good story, though.
Stormgard says
Oh, he definitley shouldn't be talking to his cult leader about this, but I assume he's oblivious of the Cobra connection.
Trooper13 says
If they find out, he can be charged with treason. He is giving aid to the enemy. Wether willfully, or not, by disregarding protocol. They might not follow through with the full weight of a charge of treason, but they could. Either way, he's done. It'll be interesting to see if he snaps out of it, and what lengths he will either go to in order to protect that secret, and keep his career. Or will he come clean? Not good.
The motto of the Signal Corp. is "Pro Patria Vigilans". It means "Watchful for Country". I can't really describe to you how bad this is. What a let down. Of all the fobbits, Breaker should have been the most trustworthy. A really, really uninformed portrayal.
Stormgard says
Sure, it's unrealistic that a top notch special operator turned intel guy would be so unprofessional - unless of course he had a reason... Just think, what's it like to be a former field Joe, who used to get your boots muddy and now you've become a fobbit?
It's an interesting story mechanism, I'm happy to run with it and see where it goes. Sure, I can see that it seems completely unrealistic and unbelievable to anyone with a real background in the intel field. But even the new adult IDW Joe world is unrealistic. Some dude with a metal facemask/head? The Trouble Bubble? A huge Submarine Battleship?
Keep reading: Cobra # 1 Review - Page 2
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