With G.I. Joe: Sierra Muerte, indie comics artist Michel Fiffe brings his very distinct sequential art sensibilities to a classic pop-culture property; making it both completely new, unique and a love letter old die-hard fans will love. 
G.I. Joe: Sierra Muerte #1
Story & Art by: Michel Fiffe
Eccentric soldiers dominating bizarre terrorists are showcased in this bombastic account of G.I. Joe’s quintessential mission against Cobra! Through a beachside ambush, a compromised manhunt, and a revenge plan that backfires, America’s fighting elite risk life, love, and honor in this brutal globe-spanning adventure.
Writing
G.I Joe: Sierra Muerte is a loving tribute to a classic property. Michel Fiffe’s debut issue of this new 3 part IDW series is filled with just about every character you want to see in a Joe story, and all the fan favorites are written to fit their classic archetypes. Fiffe also wastes no time in starting his story. The issue opens on a bad-ass action scene, with all the major players getting an appropriate roll call. That momentum continues page after page, right up to the cliffhanger ending that will have some classic Joe fans saying “Holy Shit!” This kind of writing is perfect for G.I. Joe, a property that mostly always succeded on the basis of its iconic, dynamic characters, situations and places. Fiffe understands this and rolls with it. He uses the large Joe canvas perfectly and has an obvious love for it. But he also brings with him an idiosyncratic sense of humor that gives it a unique feel that no other cartoonist could bring to the page. The result is a comic book both classic Joe fans and Fiffe’s Copra readers can enjoy. It’s a joy to read and like most of Fiffe’s stuff, it embraces comics for its unique storytelling rhythm.
A nice added extra is an entertaining and knowledgable essay on G.I. Joe geography and locations by comic book writer Chad Bowers (X-Men ’92/Youngblood: Blood Wars). More comics need this kind of extra back matter stuff.
Art
Fiffe’s linework is truly unique. He is one of those artists whose style is so distinct it simply cannot be mistaken for anyone else. Sierra Muerte is filled with classic Fiffe panels, layouts and choreography. There are thick lines, pop-art colors and wonderful use of lettering. Fiffe truly understands the visual language of comics and knows the in and outs of the medium. His art on Sierra Muerte truly shines, and will not disappoint his fans or those new to his talents.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, G.I. Joe: Sierre Muerte is one of this week’s comic book highlights. It’s a perfect fusion of property and artist and a real treat for comic book fans. Yo Joe!
