G.I. Joe – The Fall of G.I. Joe (Vol. 1–2)
Genre
Military Fiction, Political Thriller, Action, Espionage
Main Characters
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Scarlett (Shana M. O'Hara): The seasoned leader of what remains of G.I. Joe, struggling with disillusionment, loyalty, and shifting global power dynamics.
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Duke: Once the face of American military might, his status and role have drastically changed in this new political climate.
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Baroness: A cunning strategist working with the new global Cobra order, wielding charm and menace with equal ease.
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Tomax Paoli: A former Cobra executive turned political opportunist navigating international diplomacy and corporate intrigue.
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Big Ben, Roadblock, and Cover Girl: Supporting members of the dwindling Joe squad, offering firepower and moral support.
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Sirene: A new character whose motivations and allegiances blur the line between ally and threat.
Writer
Karen Traviss – Known for her work on Star Wars novels and Halo lore, Traviss brings a gritty, geopolitical realism to the G.I. Joe franchise.
Artist
Steve Kurth – His expressive line work and detailed environments elevate the tension and emotional stakes of the story, bringing a grounded realism to the characters.
Editor Details
Carlos Guzman – With a focused editorial direction, Guzman helped shape this arc into a serious, character-driven political drama that diverges from traditional military fantasy.
Publisher and Brand
IDW Publishing
G.I. Joe: The Fall of G.I. Joe is published under IDW’s primary imprint, focusing on adult readers with mature storytelling and socio-political undertones.
Release Year
2014–2015
Brief Plot Summary
The Fall of G.I. Joe radically shifts the tone of the franchise by introducing a world where the iconic villainous organization, Cobra, has rebranded itself as an international peacekeeping force. With public perception on their side and political influence on the rise, Cobra no longer operates from the shadows.
Meanwhile, the G.I. Joe team has been defunded, discredited, and largely dismantled. Scarlett—now leading a skeleton crew—must grapple with her fading relevance, the shifting political tides, and a world that no longer sees the Joes as heroes. As she investigates Cobra’s true intentions, the story navigates global diplomacy, propaganda warfare, betrayal, and moral compromise. The narrative trades battlefield explosions for shadow games, media manipulation, and covert missions.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“Peace Through Control”: This arc introduces Cobra's transformation into a legitimate international peace organization. It highlights Tomax’s rise as a political influencer and corporate mogul, revealing Cobra’s infiltration into world politics.
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“Fall of a Legacy”: Focused on Scarlett’s internal struggles and her efforts to hold the G.I. Joe team together amid public distrust and political abandonment. This arc is a meditation on what it means to be a soldier in a world that no longer values warriors.
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“Sirene's Revelation”: The subplot involving the mysterious Sirene adds intrigue, hinting at new global players and ideological conflicts that extend beyond Cobra and Joe.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans speculate that Cobra’s peaceful front is inspired by real-world political propaganda and PR manipulation techniques. Comparisons have been made between Tomax’s maneuvering and corporate lobbying in democratic systems. A popular theory suggests that Sirene represents a new ideological movement—possibly a third force—that sees both Joe and Cobra as obsolete relics in a changing world.
Additionally, there’s speculation about Scarlett’s psychological arc being a metaphor for veterans struggling with reintegration into civilian society, and how shifting societal values impact former symbols of patriotism.
Review Summary
G.I. Joe: The Fall of G.I. Joe presents a bold reinvention of the franchise. Karen Traviss delivers a mature and thought-provoking script that explores war, politics, and identity with nuance. The characters are layered and emotionally complex, especially Scarlett, whose journey offers a compelling lens into loss, duty, and resilience.
Steve Kurth’s art complements the tone beautifully, portraying somber moods, tense dialogues, and subtle character expressions with precision. While some long-time fans might miss the high-octane action of earlier G.I. Joe series, others will appreciate the deeper narrative ambition and contemporary relevance of this storyline.
This is a comic for readers seeking intelligence in their action and realism in their heroes.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
