Customer Reviews

Classic G.I. Joe Vol. 1 (v. 1)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I mulled over what star rating I should give this volume and I have come to the conclusion (as you can see) that it deserves a 4 star rating.
Here's why: I own the original issue #1, heck, I own absolutely every issue from the line, but issue #1 came with several other parts to the issue. It had a 2 page spread in the middle called "G.I. Joe Classified File `The PIT' GI Joe Headquarters" which showed a diagram of the underground base. It is also missing 4 pages of "G.I. Joe Classified File" for Scarlet, Breaker, Flash, and Stalker. Then it's missing 2 pages of "G.I. Joe Weapons Profile" for the VAMP and the Mobat. But the ultimate problem with this IDW Volume 1 is the fact that they leave out the "special bonus feature...Hot Potato!" This was a 10 PAGE short feature!!! 10 PAGES! Now, yes, it was re-issued sometime later in one of the Special Missions comics or something, I don't recall, but it was part of issue #1. I didn't really expect IDW to include the "G.I. Joe Classified Files" or the "G.I. Joe Weapons Profiles" but to exclude "Hot Potato!"??? Come on IDW. It's not like Hasbro doesn't have the rights to "Hot Potato!". I'm not sure why it was left out. To save 10 pages in Volume 1? It's offensive? Not PC enough for 2009? I don't know. Am I glad we have IDW's Volume 1? Yes! And thank you IDW. But folks in their late 20s and 30s will be buying this...not small kids that don't know "Hot Potato!" is missing.
But for the remainder of the volume, it appears that the other 9 issues are intact. I at least checked issue 2 and that was complete. For a bare-bones Volume you get what need but for completionist...you don't. But I still hope that sales are good and that IDW can put out all 155 issues and maybe the other side issues too from the Marvel line...but in reality getting all 155 issues out seems impossible if sales dwindle. I would buy all volumes so wouldn't have to read my good copies.
But don't let my 4 star review from stopping you buy this volume. I recommend it, I just don't understand what IDW was thinking.

Having recently obtained the license, IDW has published this full-color 240-page trade paperback that reprints the first ten issues of the 1980s Marvel Comics "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero" series. This monthly comic book was launched in 1982 at the same time as Hasbro's action figure toy line and soon ran concurrently with the popular but less realistic television cartoon series. Writer Larry Hama provided enjoyable plots and strong characters that vastly exceeded the standards of a mere product tie-in. G.I. Joe is an elite US counterterrorism strike force secretly headquartered beneath an army chaplain's motor pool. Though Cold War references abound, Hama's portrayal of the enemy COBRA as a stateless terrorist organization seems especially prescient 25 years later. Issue 6 shows the gang working with anti-Soviet tribal mujhadden in Afghanistan. Herb Trimple penciled most of these issues and is listed as co-plotter of several.
All ten covers are included, though IDW has removed all "Marvel Comics" references from them, leaving some unusual blank space on each cover. The TPB credits indicate that IDW has recolored the original artwork. This series ultimately lasted for 155 issues, and IDW plans to release several subsequent collections in 2009 (as well as a new G.I. Joe series that disregards the previous continuity).

as a kid I owned an oversized first issue of GIJoe, and it's just great to be able to see these again, and all the other issues I missed out on. However, it's terribly disappointing when pages are omitted (the "Hot Potato" story from the original Issue 1 is nowhere to be found)... seeing a list-maker's comments, it seems this is the 2nd reprint omission of that story...what gives? If you're printing this comicbook volume, imagine yourself asking fans, "would you like the 'Hot Potato' story included in this reprint as it was originally?" How many fans would actually say, "no"...??!?!? what kind of logic does it take to cut something out intentionally?

In 1982 Hasbro made one of the smartest decisions of any toy company. They went to Marvel comics to develop a backstory for their relaunch of GI Joe. Marvel already had some success with licensed books such as their Star Wars comic, Conan and Micronauts but it was with GI Joe that Marvel really made their mark. The comic went to Japanese-American and army vet Larry Hama who managed to take an ever-growing line of toys and vehicles and weave them into a 10-year saga that often topped the sales charts. Cartoons and a movie would follow. Even today, over 25 years later, these comics are still being reprinted and packaged with GI Joe toys. And it all starts here.
This volume reprints the first 10 issues, though as others pointed out it omits one story from issue #1 and some other materials. Other than that strange omission the book is first-rate. The reproduction is clear, the recoloring faithful to the originals and there are some great design touches. The page numbers and masthead are done in a typewriter font with misplaced letters that look like they came from a 1981 army document.
The stories are just as much fun as they were then. Hama, Steve Grant and Herb Trimpe turn in over-the-top chase and battle scenes with tricks and twists worthy of a James Bond movie. Plastic action figures are quickly fleshed out and given personalities and histories.
The art is inconsistant, some issues seem rushed. Trimpe's work is usually strong but other artists are a bit of a let-down.
So, who should buy this? Fans of GI Joe in any incarnation will love this book to death. People interested in the franchise should also check it out, this book lays the groundwork for years of stories to come sets the tone for the books and movies today.

I am so happy, that IDW has been re-printing the issues from the original Marvel comics run, from the 1980's. These volumes give you a lot of bang for your buck, with 10 issues for $8.00 or so (that is what I paid on amazon.com). The art has also been re-mastered, which gives you the classic feel, but with a real crisp appearance.

This volume, consisting of issues 1-10, introduces you to the G.I. Joe team. And with these stories pushing almost 30 years, it's incredible how fresh and exciting they are.

Pick this one up if you desire to read some "good ol," 80's comic book action, at it's finest. I'll be trying to pick up the rest of these as time goes by.

G.I.Joe is an amazing classic comic that still holds up reading it nearly 30 years later as an adult. I was surprised at the depth of the infighting relationships within Cobra. It didn't take long for ambition and individual agendas to create some interesting scenarios. Just like with the original cartoon series, the characters are very likable, the conflict is very addictive, and it's an escapist episodic adventure.

If you're a Joe fan, a comics fan, or just looking for something fun to read, this can't miss.

My only complaint is that "Hot Potato" is missing, as other reviewers have noted.

I didnt read these back in the eighties when they came out so I had no idea how good these stories were. But let me tell you, they are fantastic! Very well writen, fun and clever. I thought G.I. JOE might not age well and was leary when I bought this volume, but I got home, started reading and absoultly loved it. There is some eightiesness to it, but it makes it that much better for it. These stories are excellent. Obviously the writer enjoyed what he was writing. Vol 2 and 3 get even better and run longer longer storie archs which tie into each other, but vol 1 is great for getting to know he team. Believe me these comics aged really, really well. If you remotely liked the movie or like me, grew up in the eighties you owe it to yourself to check this out.

A lot of fun, especially for someone who only followed the TV series. Great and interesting, despite little quirks here and there...don't get bent out of shape over the small stuff. Just enjoy it!

It was great to read these old GiJoe comics from when I was a kid.

What can I say - Classic G.I. Joe. Now my kids can read the same comics I read. They enjoy them as much as I did when I was their age.