G.I. JOE: Cobra - Oktober Guard starts with a rescue/kidnapping of Cobra villain Major Bludd. This leads to the discovery of the Russian equivalent of G.I. Joe, the Oktober Guard. Meanwhile, the Joes have a former Cobra agent (or two, I'm a little unsure) of their own. They get wind of this and send in their operative Ronin to find out more. Chaos ensues; the Joes, Cobra, and the Oktober Guard clash; and the espionage/backstabbing continues.
The story was okay. I wasn't thrilled, but it did have some interesting spots. I particularly liked the backstory for Ronin. She seems like she has the potential to capture the Snake-Eyes-type fandom. I was also interested in the Oktober Guard. I think it could be a nice set-up if there were multiple groups battling Cobra, as the Joes are basically American and Cobra is international.
The biggest problem for me was there were very few characters I recognized or was familiar with. None of the big name heroes or villains were in this story, aside from (possibly) Major Bludd. The art didn't help me distinguish the characters, either. It was serviceable, but nothing special.
Also, a who's who gallery at the start of the book (like in Fables) would have been a helpful primer for those new to G.I. Joe.
This is the fourth of the new G.I. Joe graphic novels that I've read, and if they don't start getting more engaging, I most likely won't read many more.
This was an average book. I would recommend it to G.I. Joe fans. It is NOT a good jumping on point.
I received a review copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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