G.I. JOE: MASTER & APPRENTICE #2 REVIEW

[Nathan P. Mahney]

<a href="http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/images/content/MASTER%20n%20APP_02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/images/content/MASTER%20n%20APP_02.jpg" align=left alt="G.I. Joe: Master & Apprentice #2"></a>Reviewer: Nathan P. Mahney, npmahney@yahoo.com.au
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: Master & Apprentice

What's eating Snake-Eyes?

Story: Brandon Jerwa
Artwork: Stefano Caselli and Sunder Raj
Lettering: Dreamer Design
Editor: Mark Powers

If there is one thing that has been done to death in the G.I. Joe universe it is ninjas. The dominant focus of the title, aside from the constant battles with Cobra, has always been Snake-Eyes and his fascinating back-story. As fascinating as it was, though, there were times in the old Marvel series when the focus became too strong. Devil's Due has been careful not to overuse this aspect, but now we have a limited series devoted to Snake-Eyes and the training of his apprentice Kamakura. Surprisingly, it has been quite good, and the second issue maintains the quality of the first.

Last month saw the identity of Kamakura finally revealed, as well as a confrontation with the mercenary Firefly that left Snake-Eyes' previous apprentice, Ophelia, as the newest brand of fertilizer. Kamakura became the new apprentice, so this month features the obligatory ninja training sequence and the also-obligatory seeking of revenge against Firefly. Cliches all, but the story is so tightly written that it doesn't matter.

The training sequences aren't particularly inspired, but they do feature a short story of sorts that I found interesting. I don't know if it's adapted from Japanese mythology, but it certainly seems to be. Either it's very well written to seem authentic, or it's very well adapted. Whichever it is, it's a success. After the training we segue into the characters tracking down Firefly, all very solidly done. There's a surprise at the end that regular readers will see coming from a mile away, but it still managed to whet my appetite for next issue.

Aside from the action that is to be expected from a G.I. Joe comic, there's some good character material to be had. Kamakura's desire for revenge is fairly standard stuff, but there is something brewing in Snake-Eyes that promises to be interesting. I'm not entirely sure that his current views are rational, but they do go some of the way towards explaining why he left Scarlett at the altar. Just when I think that there is nothing more to done with these characters, Brandon Jerwa comes along to surprise me.

Another surprise has been the artistic team of Stefano Caselli and Sunder Raj. They've followed up the good work of the previous issue with work that's even better. Their action scenes have a sense of kinetic immediacy, and they have a gift for facial expressions that brings the quieter scenes to life. The only complaint I have is that I feel they're overcompensating with Snake-Eyes' body language. I understand that it's necessary because he never speaks, but some of his poses just seem too flamboyant for an efficient ninja master. Otherwise, the two have done a fine job.

So, what have we got? Action. Intrigue. Ninjas. Ninjas. Ninjas. Add to that a cliffhanger with a character that always rouses my interest, and we have one of the best comics of the franchise since it went to Devil's Due. Thumbs up!

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)

[Ryan Patrick]

Firefly has always been my favorite character. He just looks so damn cool!

A saboteur/mercenary? Wicked.

Back in the day, I would make Firefly infiltrate the Joe base and cause havoc (tamper with vehicles, etc) ...but I digress!

:D

I might just pick up this issue.

[gatorgav]

Yeah that firefly toy pwned! Whenever I played with my toys it would always end in one of those Mexican standoffs where everbody has a gun pointed at everbody else and somehow Firefly would be the only one not to take a bullet :LOL: I never got into the original Hama series because the whole thing seemed like it was about snake eyes and ninjas and somehow everybody was a member of the Arashikage clan, but the devils due issues that I've picked up have impressed me for the reason that you stated above, they seem to be able to balance the Snake Eyes stories with other stuff. Anywho, good review, I'll prolly see how this series pans out and buy the trade if its good, seems interesting so far.

[Anand Khatri]

Great Review! Looks like I missed out on some old school goodness. To bad I couldn't pick it up due to funds.:(

btw...If you like G.I.Joe check out the link on my signature. I found this pic on ebay. This comic was up for auction.

[Nathan P. Mahney]

gatorgav:

With your aversion to the Snake-Eyes stuff, I probably shouldn't tell you that they eventually tied Firefly into his backstory as well...

And yes, I too love Firefly. Of all the classic villains, he has the most untapped potential.

[James Groves]

Seems a decent "80's" comic book.

Might give this a go next time i pop into my comic shop.

[gatorgav]

Yeah Nathan, when they tied Firefly into the whole Arashikage thing I was a little dissapointed I mean Zartan I could handle but Firefly was just already so cool. Don't get me wrong though I really do love Snake Eyes and Stormy and I think Kamakura is pretty sweet too its just somtimes the its a little bit overpowering sometimes, kind of like Wolverine being in all the x-books. You're definitely right about the untapped potential of Firefly! Anywho, thanks again for reviewing this book, its probably one that would have slipped underneath my radar, now I'm planning on looking for it next time I'm at my LCS!

[Nathan P. Mahney]

In a Devil's Due Firefly appearance, someone said to Firefly:

"Are you still pretending to be a ninja?"

Not those exact words, but the implication was that Firefly may not have been entirely truthful when revealing his ties to the clan. Perhaps a retcon was intended?

And thanks for the kind words folks! Always nice to know people are reading my stuff.

[Nathan J. Wilson]

My favourite bits of the Marvel GI Joe that we got in Transformers UK was always the Storm Shadow/Snake Eyes ninja stuff, so I'm really enjoying this.

Spot on review again.