G.I. JOE #29 REVIEW

[Nathan P. Mahney]

<a href="http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/images/content/gijoe29th.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/images/content/gijoe29th.jpg" align=left alt="G.I. Joe #29"></a>Reviewer: Nathan P. Mahney, npmahney@yahoo.com.au
Quick Rating: Above Average
Story Title: "Players and Pawns" Part 2 of 5

Where are the meat and potatoes?

Story: Brandon Jerwa
Pencils: Tim Seeley
Inks: Cory Hamscher
Coloring: Brett R. Smith
Lettering: Dreamer Design

I have moderately enjoyed Brandon Jerwa's run on G.I. Joe thus far, but the second part of "Players and Pawns" hasn't fired me up like the previous two issues. It's not that it's bad at all - there are a number of interesting subplots fighting for attention. But there are enough niggling points that I just couldn't genuinely enjoy this issue.

Let it be said that I hate false cliffhangers. You know the kind that leave you breathless when they happen, but ultimately have no payoff? G.I. Joe #29 opens with a scene like that, which might explain my dissatisfaction with the issue as a whole. In hindsight, last issue's cliffhanger seems tacked on for shock value, but it could prove important in the long run.

The many ongoing subplots all have me intrigued. Cobra Commander is consolidating his leadership, new Joe Barrel Roll is infiltrating Cobra Island, the nation of Sierra Gordo is being invaded, and Destro has something big a-brewing. I'm at a loss to even think how these threads are going to weave together, and I like not knowing what will happen next. My biggest complaint is that there is no main plot to focus on. There are sides aplenty, but where are the meat'n'potatoes? The strength of Jerwa's previous issues came partly from each having a complete story thread included, but here it's just a mess of subplots advancing.

I also didn't enjoy Tim Seeley's pencils as much as I have been. I don't know why, because they're easily on a par with those of last issue. In fact, there was not a single awkward moment in terms of the storytelling, which shows that Seeley is definitely progressing. I think that my problem is that I recently re-read the silent issue from last year (#21), with art by Mike Zeck, and I'm absolutely longing for him to take over the series. I've tried not to let it influence my end rating, because Seeley has turned in some fairly solid work, probably his best of the series.

G.I. Joe #29 is another entertaining issue, and the only complaints that I can aim at it stem from my own personal preferences. Joe fans should enjoy, and the rest of you could do a whole lot worse.

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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Buy this issue online now from X-WORLD and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=1099&cat=GI+JOE+%28DEVILS+DUE%29)

[Anand Khatri]

great review!

[Zacek]

I stopped buying the title with #20 because of budgetary difficulties. But now, with a better situation, I am considering buying #21-29. Would you recommend me buying them? Are they good?

Reply from anybody would be appreciated, thanks.

:)

[Anand Khatri]

they are pretty good. i would recommending buying 21- 29.

[Nathan P. Mahney]

Originally posted by Zacek
I stopped buying the title with #20 because of budgetary difficulties. But now, with a better situation, I am considering buying #21-29. Would you recommend me buying them? Are they good?

Reply from anybody would be appreciated, thanks.

:)

If you enjoyed the first twenty, then I'd recommend you get them. Issues #22-25 are the big big battle and climax of Josh Blaylock's run. It's a bit cluttered and rushed to fit into four issues, but it's fun and eventful. The issues after that are an improvement on Blaylock's run in moy opinion, and deal with the aftermath and some more conspiracy type stuff. I was bored with Joe before Jerwa came on, but now I'm interested again.

[Zacek]

Sounds pretty cool, and yes, I enjoyed most of the first 20 issues (mostly the first ones). So I'll pick them up, then.

Thanks!