G.I. Joe: Arise, Serpentor, Arise!

Due to Cobra Commander's continued incompetence as military leader, Dr. Mindbender and Destro hatch a plot to create the ultimate tyrant by combining the DNA of history's greatest conquerors (a concept which predated the similarly-themed Jurassic Park by a decade). The Joes launch an all-out defense of the crypts of Genghis Khan, Sun Tzu, Alexander the Great, and even Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), amongst others, taking them--as usual--all over the world to thwart Cobra's plans.

Unlike the previous G.I. Joe mini-series, this one tends to become somewhat redundant in the second act, as Joe and Cobra clash fangs time and again at grave after grave. Save for that minor liability, the story is intense, replete with humorous dialogue and memorable action sequences.

From the opening showdown against Cobra's new Battle Android Troopers (BATS) to Serpentor's megalomaniacal assault on Washington, D.C., this G.I. Joe adventure more than satisfies. In a cartoon filled with fascinating characters, with admirable heroes and redoubtable villains alike, the new Cobra leader is a welcome addition.