Published: November 23rd, 2010
Written by: Max Brooks
Art by: Howard Chaykin, Antonio Fuso
Based on: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero by Hasbro
IDW Publishing, 132 Pages
Review:
Hearts & Minds is a pretty interesting collection at first glance.
The book is written by Max Brooks, son of the uber talented Mel Brooks, as well as the author of World War Z and its spiritual predecessor, The Zombie Survival Guide. There are no zombies in this, however.
Additionally, this is a collection of short character studies featuring several popular characters from G.I. Joe lore. This all takes place within the confines of the IDW continuity but it helps to give quick intimate glances at characters without trying to do it within a larger, multi-character story.
While I like the idea and like some of the characters showcased, the stories are really short and just sort of like a flash in the pan of a character’s life. This book really just went by too damn fast. I almost wish that each story was the length of a standard issue and that Max Brooks was able to make this like a 12 issue event, as opposed to this super quick read.
I’m not blaming Brooks for the minuscule content, that is probably due to whatever contract agents, lawyers and accountants in a San Diego office agreed on. But ultimately, this feels like bones with very little meat.
Some of the ideas and glimpses into the lives of the heroes and villains of this franchise were just enough to whet your palate and leave you wanting more. But more never came.
Good idea, nice art, cool ideas but shoddy execution. This wasn’t an attempt at good storytelling. It was more or less a way to throw Max Brooks name on a book in an effort to try and grab sales without much effort by all parties involved.
Rating: 6/10
Pairs well with: The early G.I. Joe stuff by IDW.
Talking Pulp 