Creators: Larry Hama (writer), Chris Mooneyham (artist), Francesco Segala (colorist), Sabrina Del Grosso (flatter), Pat Brosseau (letterer)
Story: A Joe team of Duke, Roadblock, Down Range and R.C. (Salazar, Hector M.) are observing a Borovian unit fighting against the Darklonian invasion and how drones, especially smaller ones, are being utilized on the modern battlefield. At their destination they split into a sniper and drone team and work on taking out their targets (other snipers and armored vehicles).
Writing: I really appreciate Hama's not-so-subtle take on on-going world events in this issue. The Darklonian forces are using older Russian vehicles and it takes pages right out of the current conflict in the Ukraine with the use of smaller, cheaper drones dropping explosives onto and into armored vehicles. Hama also gives us a couple good moments with the snipers and telling us how'd they operate in a situation like the one set up in the issue. On top of that, Hama just naturally introduces the new characters Down Range and RC. Back in the Marvel days, when new toys were coming out, the introduction of new characters sometimes felt a bit more forced.
Art: Mooneyham is on point again with this issue. We get a lot of destroyed and burnout buildings, troops in the trenches and some intense action. Because it's a military comic taking place in a conflict zone, characters die and we see that. Helps drive home the point that yes, this is war and people will die, instead of just casual mentions later or the reader having to make assumptions.
Overall: Another good, strong, stand-alone issue. Hama easily hits upon real-world events and how war and conflict has been changing because of them and how the Joe team is also adapting to those changes.
