G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: ZARTAN #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: ZARTAN #1 by Tom DeFalco, Pat Olliffe & John Kalisz brings the Master Of Disguise to a dangerous assignment!
Let’s take a deeper dive into this chapter!
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: ZARTAN #1 by Tom DeFalco, Pat Olliffe & John Kalisz ( IMAGE Comics/Skybound)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The team kicks things off with an explosion via weapon in a suburban street. A full page image shows the devastation at hand. Having a weapon with this much power is deadly in the wrong hands. G. I. Joe has this in their possession, but it doesn’t stop both COBRA and Zartan from taking an interest. With the prize in sight, Zartan makes his moves to secure it. A bold attack on a Joe Helicopter spins events into a more frantic pace.
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Readers watch as Zartan moves form face to face. The art locks in his changings as he maneuvers out of range. Not all plans go easy. His confrontation with Major Bludd leads to an abrupt halt. The panels show Zartan defeated and prisioner. This only lasts for so long until a half page image shows him on the offensive. There’s some great action moments before the key standoff goes down. The aftermath leads readers in one direction, even as a shock to Cobra Commander can’t deny. Events wrap up on very solid ground. A half page panel caps off the mission in style. The moment is completely fitting for one who never plays fair in getting the job done.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
The Master Of Disguise plays both Cobra and G.I. Joe against one another to score a major heist. This creative team crafts a very classic story by playing into the villain’s strengths. It results in another solid addition to the silent missions lore.
Let us know your thoughts on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Sssilent Missions: ZARTAN #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
