Continuing on with the prequel to the G.I. Joe movie, Mainframe's discovery of the terrorist group Cobra is explained. A classic nobody-is-listening-to-me plot sets up this story as Mainframe is busy deciphering codes and connecting terrorist trades where one word keeps popping up: Cobra. With no one on the Joe team convinced that this so-called Cobra is real, Mainframe is ready to take drastic steps.

Things seem to be back on track since last month's issue. At least this issue relates directly to the current main storyline. I actually really enjoyed this issue, mostly because I could follow it back to what's happening in the main G.I. Joe comic. It's nice to have some questions answered, like why is Snake Eyes running to a well-hidden Mainframe for help, and why is Mainframe hiding in the first place?

Unfortunately for the Origins series, the strength of the current issue could also be its weakness. When you think "origins," you assume it's going to be about how the characters came to be, much like how the first five issues showed the first real threat the G.I. Joes faced and the recruitment of the team members. With the past two issues, I actually had (and still have) no clue where Scarlett's issue fit in or its purpose, but this issue is more like a prologue.

At this point, it may be too late to return to the roots of the characters. We've already passed into the future of the G.I. Joes, so returning to their origins may be confusing. Larry Hama is returning to the Origins series next month and Snake Eyes is previewed on the cover. This leads me to believe that we will next delve into the mystery of how and why Snake Eyes went rogue and exactly what it is he is looking for. If my guess about Snake Eyes turns out to be true, the line between Origins and the main series will become more blurred.

At this point, it might as well be called G.I. Joe: Two Weeks Ago. I was excited about the extension of Origins, but so far it hasn't lived up to expectations. I still like Chuck Dixon though; he's doing alright with the G.I. Joe team, but perhaps keeping his focus on the main series might be best.

The art in this issue has that standard American comic look. Nothing really jumped out as "wow," but I was intrigued by the addition of scars all over Snake Eyes' body. This isn't any kind of plot point, or any kind of spoiler to the issue. It's just something that never really entered my mind. Of course he would be all scared up, it makes perfect sense; we've just never really seen Snake Eyes without all the ninja gear.

I'm just not too sure about G.I. Joe: Origins as of late. This issue was pretty good, the last not so much, and the future is yet to be seen. It will be interesting to see how much longer this series will last. It's never been the strongest and it's only a matter of time before it runs right into the current story. Maybe IDW will start putting out a Cobra Origins that would be worth some reading time.

For now, I'd say if you're really into the G.I. Joe comics IDW is putting out and you've been following them for this long, it would be a pity to have that gap in your collection. But if you don't really care or were put off by the last issue you're not missing a whole lot, and you should save your money for the continuation of the way more kick ass G.I. Joe: Cobra.

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