CAUTION: Spoilers Ahead for G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx #1. The captivating latest installment in G.I. Joe‘s “Silent Missions” series zeroes in on the skilled ninja Jinx, utilizing an innovative approach to narrate its story without any dialogue. This month serves as a tribute to the original “Silent Mission” from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21, which showcased Snake Eyes’ daring rescue of Scarlett from a Cobra stronghold.
Crafted by the talented duo of Dan Watters and Dani, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx #1 is the second of five scheduled specials, each crafted as a “silent” issue devoid of any spoken word or narrative captions. The comic chronicles Jinx’s daring escape from a Cobra mountain outpost after she has set a bomb to detonate.
The tension is palpable, with the explosive’s timer set for a mere twenty seconds, as each of the comic’s twenty pages portrays Jinx’s escape in real-time. Drawing inspiration from the television series 24, each page features a countdown clock that ticks down the seconds until detonation.
A Real-Time Narrative Echoing the Tension of 24
Unfolding the Saga in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx #1
This narrative approach adds a refreshing layer of engagement to the reading experience. Writer Watters and artist Dani previously collaborated on the intriguing series Coffin Bound and have effectively translated their unique chemistry into this series for DC Comics with the compelling Arkham City: The Order of the World. Each time this duo reunites, the outcomes are consistently captivating, indicating a seamless artistic partnership.
Contrasting with the Energon Universe titles, these “Silent Missions” specials are fully integrated within the established continuity of the original G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series.
This entry showcases another flawless collaboration, demonstrating Dani’s artistic prowess. Dani’s artwork is meticulously designed, leading readers’ eyes fluidly across the pages, combining inspiration from legendary artists like Frank Miller and Alberto Breccia. The use of bold ink lines and chiaroscuro style significantly enhances the visual impact. When paired with Brad Simpson’s understated yet atmospheric color schemes, the result is undoubtedly one of the most visually stunning comics currently available.
A Masterclass in Artistry: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx #1
Dani: A Leading Talent in Contemporary Comics
While the comic’s innovative concept shines, it inadvertently leads to a perception of the narrative being somewhat insubstantial. Since the timeline spans just twenty seconds, the reading experience might feel fleeting, giving the comic a somewhat ephemeral nature that may not justify its $3.99 price tag. Although readers can take a moment to appreciate Dani’s mesmerizing illustrations, the brevity may warrant hesitation before purchase.
The narrative sequencing occasionally falters as well. Conceptually, a story unfolding over twenty pages equating to twenty seconds appears appealing, yet the actions rendered on certain pages raise plausibility questions regarding the timeframe. For instance, during a skirmish, when Jinx is briefly incapacitated, the implications of her being knocked out for merely a millisecond seem inconsequential if we adhere to the “one page equals one second” construct.
A Visual Delight, Despite Narrative Shortcomings
Isn’t Aesthetic Appeal the Essence of a Silent Issue?
In conclusion, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx #1 is a comic that garners more admiration for its ambition than unconditional endorsement. If evaluated based on creativity and execution, it earns an A for its boldness, yet it likely falls closer to a B- due to its narrative brevity. This exercise stands out impressively and contributes to the ongoing “Silent Missions” theme, yet it is hoped that the remaining G.I. Joe one-shots will deliver richer storytelling.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Jinx #1 is currently available from Skybound Entertainment.