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• Price: $3.99
• Pages: 32
• On Sale: February 14, 2018
• Writer: Larry Hama
  
• Artist: Netho Diaz
  
• Publisher: IDW

From the Publisher – “Dawn of the Arashikage,” Part 3! Dawn Moreno’s ultimate identity crisis continues as she battles to maintain her sanity against the dark memories of the original Snake-Eyes that haunt her every waking moment!

Our We Talk Comics WeView – Way back in the Marvel days of Real American Hero, Larry Hama did a silent issue (Silent Interlude, issue #21) to great effect. Much like back then, issue #248 of RAH is a silent issue that features Snake Eyes (only this time it’s the NEW Snake Eyes). The battle rages on for Snake Eyes, both within and without as she fights the enemies in front of her as well as the memories of the original Snake Eyes. It’s been about two years since I’ve read an issue of Real American Hero, and despite the fact that this comic takes place in the middle of the “Dawn of the Arashikage” storyline that is a lead-up to issue #250, the fact that it was a silent issue really helped draw me in.

I will admit to being a bit of a Larry Hama purist when it comes to G.I. Joe. And though I’ve always given the other titles a shot, I just keep coming back to Real American Hero as MY G.I. Joe. And despite the fact that there are no words (nor sound effects) in this issue, it’s very easy to see the guiding hand that Larry had in making this comic. The story is fast-paced and easily understood, and despite the non-stop action there is still a decent amount of characterization in this story.

The art by Netho Diaz is attractive and has a nice flow from one panel to the next which is extremely important for a silent issue. I found that because of the lack of words I had to force myself to slow down to fully digest the comic and gain the proper appreciation of it. Because of that, I think the quality of the artwork really helped with my engagement in the story. I’m sure Larry Hama had a large hand in the art because of his history as an artist, but this is a fine looking comic.

Obviously it’s a different era in comics and this silent issue is a far cry in tone from the first one. There is far more blood staining the pages of RAH #248 than there was #21, but I think that speaks to a difference in expectations (and lack of a comics code) as this comic feels less like a “licensed property” and more like a quality comic book story. In the end, I was very pleased to see that this was a silent issue and found that it probably helped bring me back in to the storyline more than an issue chock full of exposition. The action is intense and the art is very good. All in all a tight, well told comic.

Rating – Very Fine+ (VF+) or 8.5

Review by Brett

Love the review? Hate the review? Disagree with me? I’m happy to talk comics on twitter @Brett_WeTalk

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