G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: Crimson Guard #1 (IMAGE COMICS/SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)
In 1983, Marvel Comics released G.I. Joe #21 by Larry Hama. The issue was entitled “Silent Interlude”. It is legendary not because its’ the first appearance of Storm Shadow. The Snake-Eyes driven story stood out for another reason.
The story had no dialogue.
Fast forward to April 2025 & G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is having a resurgence under the Skybound Entertainment Banner. The line decided to pay homage to this creative style of story telling with their “Silent Missions” one-shots.
The five issue run was so successful that they have now decided to run it back. This time, the focus is from the point of view of COBRA!
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: Crimson Guard #1 by Gabriel Hardman & Matt Hollingsworth put the spotlight on the elite of Cobra’s soliders.
Let’s take a closer look at how this plays out.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: Crimson Guard #1 by Gabriel Hardman & Matt Hollingsworth ( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Hardman throws two graduating Guard members into deep water for this chapter. A full blown G.I. Joe raid on he Cobra base is a bold move. The two page spread captures the chaotic scene magnificently. It unlocks the dark side of this line of work as Cobra Commander inflicts an action. This leads to a lone Guard survivor to become a pawn in ensure his escape. Panels instantly recreate the tense run & never lets up on the pressure.
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Even when the Commander and Guardsman thinks they has a clean get-away, the art shows how one shot changes everything. Stalker and Scarlett’s faces show the doubt of finishing their mission. The swamp area proves to be more of a challenge for all parties to navigate. Readers watch as one inhabitant become a catalyst swing favor in the Commander’s direction. Hollingsworth’s coloring switches gears when the air raids start. It leads to an expected yet exciting close. Knowing this line of work, the Guard knows what to expect. The closing pages ensure a mission is completed, but who’s is it?
FINAL GRADE: 9
Graduation Day teaches one more lesson to a pair of Crimson Guardsmen as the silent mission makes a bold statement. Hardman and Hollingsworth presents the gritty truth of their realities in a spectacular fashion. The creative fashion makes a bold statement, even in silence.
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: Crimson Guard #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
