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G.I. Joe: Cobra #4 closes out a four-part arc where a G.I. Joe spy named Chuckles attempts to infiltrate Cobra, and eradicate the organization from within. The tale works surprising well, as suspense and intrigue keep building throughout the story, until the comic concludes with some clever double and triple-crossing action.
The issue picks up with our hero Chuckles painstakingly planning his coup against Cobra. He has little respect for the Cobra rank and file around him (who in reality do not know Chuckles' secret allegiance) as his ample thought balloons demonstrate, with comments such as “He's a good kid, really. Too bad he has to die with the rest of them.” This sort of plot has been done a million times over in various video games, spy movies, novels and the like, so writers who use this idea must handle the material carefully, in order not to drift into cliché. Thankfully writer Christos Gage succeeds gracefully here, by crafting a totally unpretentious plot that seeks simply to tell a tale. We immediately identify with the protagonist despite his foibles.
The best feature of this issue is the modernization of the Cobra organization for the 21st century. This is done by introducing interesting conspiracy theories about civil and political unrest. The way Cobra counters the well-laid plans of Chuckles speaks to their prowess at perfectly controlling any environment in which they operate. The artwork suits the story perfectly, and adds the necessary ambiance to the proceedings. The variant cover by Howard Chaykin is also a nice touch.
Even though this issue ends on a tone of sad defiance, it makes me look forward to how things will unfold in the next chapter of G.I. Joe and Cobra's complex war. All I can say is GO JOE!
8/10
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor
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