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G.I. Joe: Cobra #13
Publisher: IDW
Writer: Mike Costa
Artist: Antonio Fuso
Cover: Antonio Fuso

While Cobra was focused on dismantling the Joes, they were also busy having their fair share of internal problems. As a result, Major Bludd ended up in custody, and Tomax decided to cut his losses and leave when his lfe was in danger. Now, we find out where he’s run off to, and how the Joes have decided to adapt and rebuild after the beating they took at the hands of Cobra.

Costa opens the issue with a pretty intense action sequence, as Ronin is attacked by Vipers in retaliation for embarrassing the Baroness in the previous issue. From here on out we are treated to what will become the new state of G.I. Joe (at least for the time being) and their operations. The decision to ally themselves with Tomax was something completely unexpected, and puts a great twist on the situation. Especially when you consider the cliffhanger at the end of the issue. Though I will state that the high point was seeing Chameleon’s reaction to seeing Tomax with the Joes. Costa also teases us a with a brief appearance from Black Light, so it’s anyone’s guess what the highly trained sniper will be up to.

Fuso’s artwork continues to help make Cobra stand out from all of the other G.I. Joe related titles. It’s a grittier style that effectively conveys the entire feel of the story and what the title is delivering. This isn’t some pretty stylized military comic with fire fights panel after panel. Fuso gives us a darker look at both the Joes and Cobra, with more of an espionage and spy feel to the story.

Ever since G.I. Joe: Cobra vol 1, Costa has been able to effectively make some of the less desirable characters on both teams a lot more interesting. Costa has also helped make the entire confrontation between the Joes and Cobra something to be excited about again. Cobra has arguably become one of the better of the three Joe titles, and that’s saying something, because IDW has made all of them pretty awesome. If you grew up reading G.I. Joe as a kid, just know that the title has grown up with you, but hasn’t lost what made it cool in the first place!

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