- Title: G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #252
- Comic Vine: link
- Writer: Larry Hama
- Artist: David Messina
G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #252 highlights the Baroness who leads a Cobra faction into the war-torn country of Darklonia to act as peace-keepers. Meeting a frightened young child and matching wits against a local sniper sends the Baroness’ thoughts back to her own childhood and meeting the man who would bestow her now famous moniker.
Although part of a larger arc, this issue of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero stands completely on its own. David Messina’s art fits the character rather well, and its always interesting seeing a writer like Larry Hama delve into a villain’s backstory and attempt to show them in a less-harsh light than their current actions warrant.
As for the Baroness, both storylines show off the strengths and flaws of here character that led her to Cobra but also help her stand-up for a little girl in need of assistance. With Cobra working a more insidious plan of earning recognition as a legitimate organization (rather than throwing together the next Weather Dominator to throw the world into terror), the G.I. JOE world opens up a bit for stories like this to flourish. Worth a look.
[IDW, $3.99]