GI Joe A Real American Hero #273: Nobody Does It Better

So, just when we think things couldn’t get any denser in this story, it thickens up. I can’t recall ever seeing more GI Joe characters in a story since……ever. And if you think you’ve seen everything, you haven’t even come close until you see artist Robert Atkins draw Crystal Ball USING his hypnotic shield. Atkins had to have spent hours on the web looking up Joe characters as this issue HAS to be a record for him. Beyond that, the art is, as usual, very high-quality. This issue, more than most, you don’t need word balloons to follow and comprehend the story (but you should TOTALLY read the words, it’s written by Larry Hama for crying out loud!). Not only does Atkins effectively portray all the Joe characters, but there’s also a healthy dose of civilians and members of other teams thrown in for good measure. He gives every scene and it’s characters the gravitas it deserves and that gives the book an incredible sense of urgency that might end up having you reading it fast and faster, but don’t worry, this is a book you’re going to read more than once. Also of note in this issue is the scenery. There’s every kind from suburbs to highways, but Atkins has to figure out the hallways and tunnels of a huge Cobra fortress in Springfield. There are parts where how the building is put together Is very important, and without Atkins’ ability, it would probably get any one of us lost. Thanks to him the book is easy and fun to follow.

I never take the time to write about comic book letterer Neil Uyetake. The man is a legend. Basically, if you’ve read almost any IDW book that they’ve put out in the last like five years at least, Neil has lettered it. He’s got real talent, knowing when and where to emphasize words, which is important because, without that, some lines of dialogue could take on a whole different meaning completely. Way to go Neil!!!