A Review: G .I. JOE: SILENT INTERLUDE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of G .I. JOE: SILENT INTERLUDE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION from IDW Publishing. The stories, breakdowns, and layouts are by Larry Hama, finishes by Steve Leialoha, pencils by Joe Benitez, inks by Victor Llamas, and colors by George Roussos and J. Brown.

“Silent Interlude” – Storm Shadow delivers the captured Joe Scarlett to Cobra Commander. Not far behind is Snake Eyes to save her, but does she really need rescuing? Meanwhile, Destro seems to be making plans with Baroness possibly a major cog.

“Origins: Snake Eyes” – Snake Eyes drops in alone to take out an outpost (whose we don’t know) located in a winter wonderland.

This collection celebrates the famous “silent” issue; rare to see nowadays, but unheard of thirty years ago. To convey a story solely through action and character's reactions is difficult, but this story is just as impressive now as it was then. The G.I. JOE: ORIGINS story, while being a good tale too, pales by comparison. Also included are Hama’s original breakdowns for “Silent Interlude,” which shows off his under-appreciated drawing skills. Fans of Snake Eyes, the Joes, or good story writing should pick this up.

G .I. JOE: SILENT INTERLUDE 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION is in stores now, or available for ordering at www.idwpublishing.com.