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G.I. JOE: Hasbro 1993 Mini-comics

    These small comic books were packaged with G.I. Joe action figures released in 1993. These stories were co-written by Larry Hama, and though they aren't really a part of the Marvel continuity, they don't specifically contradict it. The artwork was done by Marvel Comics artists, including Andrew Wildman, who had a long stint on the monthly series. Thanks to Straight-Edge for writing these reviews! If anyone has the fourth and final issue please let me know, or just e-mail me a summary/commentary of your own.

 

"Hijacked Heroes" Written by Larry Hama and Paul Kirchner Art by Andrew Wildman and Ray Kryssing

Summary: At a parade, the Joes Roadblock and Hawk are celebrating aboard the Patriot, while other Joes ride the Fort America. Cobra Commander, from his vantage point in one of the buildings on the parade route, detonates a fire hydrant full of super-lubricant, nutralizing the Fort America. Meanwhile, Alley-Vipers attack the Patriot in plain view of the crowd.  The Alley-Vipers obviously want the Patriot, but make light of the situation by telling Roadblock that they're part of the show, that without Cobra, G.I. Joe is useless, which is hauntingly true. On the patriot, Duke, Lady Jaye, and Flint assess the situation. Flint fires his rifle at a nearby float, which comes crashing down on the Patriot. When the float is cleared off, all that's left is Roadblock, Hawk, and two unconscious Alley-Vipers.

Commentary:  This one is great!  I guess even after the debacle with the MOBAT back in issue #5, the Pentagon was still not against rolling out G.I. Joe hardware in a parade.  Again a few odd choices in color/uniforms.  Duke is wearing an all green version of his 1992 12" figure.  Lady Jaye makes an appearence even though she hasn't had a figure since 1985.  Flint is wearing his 1985 outfit as well.  The Alley-Vipers are very strangely drawn, a oddity that can barely be expressed in words, other than it being plain wrong! They are colored in red and blue, but look more like Headhunters than Alley-Vipers.  A clean cut story, with not much to it, but a happy ending all the same.
 

"Jungle Fury" Written by Larry Hama and Paul Kirchner Art by Andrew Wildman and Tim Tuony

Summary: Snake-Eyes, Stalker and Muskrat sneak up to a Cobra hideout somewhere in the Amazon. Cobra was utilizing slave labor to build a damn for a hydroelectric power source.  Muskrat doubts that their small recon team could handle the job, but Stalker reminds him that they may not have heavy weapons, but they have the night.  Needless to say, that night, Snake-Eyes and Stalker overtake the Night Creepers standing guard.  When the Cobra leader -- Major Bludd -- exits the bulding, he discovers the Night Creepers tied to a tree. On the roof, and Alley-Viper sees the Joes freeing the workers. When he tries to fire his Quad .50, it explodes--- the result of Stalker's tampering with the barrels. Major Bludd remarks about having spare ammo, and gratiously offers some to the Joes, via the business end of his machine gun. With the help of some slaves, Muskrat lays piping down from the damn, to the fort, and literally flushes Cobra out. With Cobra defeated, the slaves demolished the fort.

Commentary: One of four G.I. Joe mini-comics inserted in 1993 figure packages, Jungle Fury is just that.  Its fast paced action, and a quick, enjoyable plot. Stalker, Snake-Eyes, and Muskrat all appear in recent uniforms, Snake-Eyes in his ninja Force outfit, Muskrat in a green and light blue version of his battle Corps uniform, and Stalker from his 12" release.  Major Bludd is wearing the Super Sonic Fighters garb, the Alley-Vipers once again are in orange and blue, and Night Creepers are the Ninja Force version, nearly unchanged.  While the idea of Major Bludd working for Cobra again is not touched upon in the regular series, it is very possible, as G.I. Joe had not visited the Amazon in 1993, and Major Bludd was still with Cobra as late as the Civil War.  After the Borovian incident with George Strawhacker, it can be assumed that Bludd rejoined Cobra. Beyond that, this was a great story, the best of the three I am in possesion of, in my humble opinion.
 

"Mountain Trouble" Written by Larry Hama and Paul Kirchner; Art by Kevin Kobasic and Jim Palmiotti

Summary:  Driving the G.I. Joe Battle Wagon thru a snowy mountain range, The Joes Cross Country, Beach Head, Rock & Roll, and Heavy Duty are attacked by three Cobra Ice Snakes and a Trasport Chopper. Rock 'N Roll takes one of the vehicles out, whicle sharing clever banter with Heavy Duty. Next, Cobra Snow Serpents jump onto the Battle Wagon, both of whom are quickly dispatched by the team of Rock & Roll and Heavy Duty. Approaching a bridge that could assit their escape, they are assaulted by Destro in the Chopper.  He blows out the bridge, forcing the Battle Wagon to capsize. Sensing defeat, the Joes retreat on foot.  Destro is not interested in the Joes, only their cargo.  A crate is found on board the Battle Wagon which Destro believes houses a top secret satellite component. At their destination, Hawk congratulates the men for a job well done. Cross Country hands over the chip, and Heavy Duty inquires about the contents of the crate. Rock & Roll reveals that it was his dirty laundry.

Commentary:  A fun story.  This was one of four Mini-comics inserted into the G.I. Joe figure packages in 1993.  Heavy Duty appears in his 12" Basic Training Gear, Rock 'N Roll is weaing the old tan verison of his second uniform, and Beach Head seems to be wearing his 1986 outfit.  Besides small problems, like Destro working for Cobra, its a very interesting piece. Transport Choppers, which were never a G.I. Joe toy, make an appearence here, thanks to Mr. Hama. All in all, a fun, quick read.
 
 

"Desert Dustup" Written by Larry Hama and Paul Kirchner Art by Mike Harris and Joe Rubinstein