Hama always mentioned this interviews when someone wanted to discuss #21. He seemed determined to let people know this wasn’t viewed as a daring experiment in form at the time.
Kids got an issue with no words and assumed either it was printer’s mistake or a rip-off.
I’d love to know if the lettercol addressing #21 was nothing but confused, angry letters from kids. Its legend grew quickly, though. I remember looking through back issue JOE listings. “#21 - Silent Issue” they read. This intrigued me as a kid. What the heck was the “Silent Issue”? And why did it cost so much? Now, it’s viewed as one of the most important comics of the ‘80s. (Even if it was published in a “toy comic” the fan press refused to cover.)
Hama provided breakdowns on a tight deadline, after the editor “lost” the entire issue scheduled for #21. Whether that “lost” JOE comic has been found, I don’t know. #20 was filler, so perhaps #21 was just more inventory. No dialogue meant a week or two saved on lettering, allowing the book to make deadline. #21 also served as the intro for the latest Cobra toy.
Sheer pragmatism creating 1) the most notable experiment in mainstream comics form in 30+ years, and 2) the second most popular character in the JOE canon. Hama’s always been bugged by the coloring mistake in the last panel. (The light should be covered.) Not corrected until IDW’s recent prestige reprint.
Also notice that Storm Shadow’s character’s still being formed. Hard to reconcile the idea of him being “undercover” in some of these scenes. Hama says giving Snake-Eyes & Storm Shadow the same tattoo was inspiration that hit when drawing that page. People have marked their bodies forever thanks to this.
G. I. JOE #22 (April 1983) Don’t know if this was intentional commentary, Destro playing with the Joes like toys… #GIJoe #LarryHama
Was this mis-colored Snow Job the first “ally” with ulterior motives?
Three funerals this issue. Kwinn’s traditional warrior sendoff, Flagg’s official service with the united Joes, and Dr. Venom being sent to Potter’s Field. Another commentary on honor and friendship. A noble life and death contrasted against Venom’s ignominious farewell. Plus, two new toys appear. Roadblock and Duke - will kids go for these new guys? #GIJoe
Hama’s Duke bears little resemblance to the cartoon. He’s not fatherly or friendly. Duke’s the drill sergeant, essentially. Years later, Sgt. Slaughter will receive a similar intro in the cartoon. Only recently has Hama shown much of an interest in using Duke. He seems to be the de facto “leader” in the current issues, a role Hama previously seemed to reject. The story stops so that Hawk can show off the new design of the Pit, Handbook-style.
Hama always hated the name “DeCobray” for the Baroness. He presents it here as Major Bludd’s bad adlib.
Also, around 70 issues later, we’ll see this doctor and clinic again. Early JOE continuity rarely dies.
Early problem with Duke’s intro evident in opening pages - he’s spying on Baroness while Hawk’s at Joe base. When he radios in, it’s like he’s talking to himself! Vosburg doesn’t even try to distinguish Hawk from Duke. Why are there two blond “leaders” of the Joes? Hawk did appear in the early animated commercials. The design was slightly altered and given to Duke for the first miniseries.
The cartoon wasn’t bound by the comics/commercial canon, so Hawk was just ignored. When introduced in the cartoon later, Hawk received a drastic makeover. Older, more distinguished voice, and dark hair! Comics defied this for years, until Hawk suddenly had dark hair one issue. I don’t think the dark hair survived the continuation of the comics canon. At one point, the rule was Duke has round hair, Hawk has square hair. Did that stick? Anyway, more Cobra infighting. Cobra Commander lands a low blow. #GIJoe
Roadblock is still being fleshed out. (More of an everyman than a food snob now.)
The dramatic debut of Baroness’ new face…which is identical to her old one!
The idea of Baroness’ “new” face always amused me. Perhaps subliminally influenced one aspect of my JOE novel.
G. I. JOE #24 (June 1983) Early Mike Zeck cover!
It's a toy commercial issue, with all that implies. #GIJoe
Last issue, Cobra Commander was apprehended in Europe. Didn’t feel typical of Hama’s writing, which keeps the Commander above the fray. This issue, he feels in place for his role in a commercial. Nearly all of the new characters/vehicles introduced this issue are miscolored. Were they left white, assuming proper reference would arrive later?
Also worth noting Russ Heath’s appearance as fill-in artist. Heath designed the cartoon, making him the definitive JOE artist in many minds. This is also apparently the issue Vosburg was asked to pencil last minute, only to be told Heath had finished the job after all. Some pages are reminiscent of the cartoon’s look. This Baroness, for example. Without the Toei animation and colors, though, it’s hard to draw a direct line to the cartoon.
Hama has the Commander mock the strategic advantage of the latest toy he’s supposed to be promoting. Heh.
The Baroness strikes a pose and relinquishes her initial job title, as we meet Firefly and Wild Weasel.
And, final page, Zartan debuts. Very much a toy commercial issue, but the action feels organic and the dialogue is often funny.
No comments:
Post a Comment