Ever since the new era of G.I. Joe began, fans have been wondering the fan-favorite silent ninja, the G.I. Joe creators have at least shot down one popular theory about Snake Eyes floating around the internet.
In the letters column for G.I. Joe #4, a reader asked about the rumor concerning the new character Risk, who some fans have theorized will eventually become the Energon Universe version of Snake Eyes.
Writer Joshua Williamson and editor Ben Abernathy rejected the theory immediately, with Abernathy saying, “I can say categorically that is NOT THE CASE.” Williamson and Abernathy went on to state they had never even heard the theory before, after reinforcing the idea that Risk was always meant to be a brand new, original character.
G.I. Joe Writers Confirm That Risk Is Not Snake Eyes In The Energon Universe
Debunking The Fan Theory
The fact that both Williamson and Abernathy made a definitive statement on the "Risk = Snake Eyes" theory is significant; generally, the Energon Universe creators have remained fairly coy when talking about future plans. While giving away nothing about when Snake Eyes may appear, Williamson did address the process of how they bring characters into the new continuity:
“If you look at how we’ve introduced the characters in the Energon Universe, none of them have been a massive departure from who they are at their core…Whenever we talk about bringing a character into the books the first thing I do is grab the original file cards and start there.”
While the new G.I. Joe series has radically reinterpreted certain characters like Baroness (who is now a member of the G.I. Joe team), it sounds like there are certain aspects of franchise lore the creators want to remain true to.
Risk is the codename of Guerrero La Caza, who first appeared in G.I. Joe #1.
It’s somewhat understandable that some fans may have seen Risk as a potential new Snake Eyes. Risk’s backstory lies in deadly MMA cage fights, before he was recruited by the CIA for especially dangerous missions around the world. Given his martial arts proficiency, Risk could probably make for a deadly ninja commando in his own right. But Snake Eyes has his own rich backstory with the Arashikage clan in the classic continuity, and it would be a shame to see all of that swept away in favor of an entirely new character.
Snake Eyes Remains M.I.A. As The New G.I. Joe Series Gets Underway
Fans Are Clamoring To Know Where The Fan-Favorite Character Is Hiding
G.I. Joe's creative team more than likely has big plans for when Snake Eyes does finally show up, and want to tease out his eventual debut for a major event in the Energon Universe; Clan Arashikage was in Skybound’s new shared continuity. Scarlett, Jinx and Storm Shadow made their debut in that series, but have yet to the main G.I. Joe ongoing book, so perhaps Snake Eyes will factor in when they do appear.
G.I. Joe’s New Continuity Finally Teases the Return of Snake Eyes
The Energon Universe era of G.I. Joe is here, and the recently released Duke #2 from Sybound Entertainment just teased the return of Snake Eyes.
When Snake Eyes does reappear in the Energon Universe, it sounds like the creative team won’t stray too far from the proven model. Of course, there are certain changes that could be made to have the character fit in better with the new continuity. Perhaps Skybound could even honor G.I. Joe godfather Larry Hama’s wishes and finally make the character of Asian descent. By holding Snake Eyes back, the G.I. Joe continues to tease fans with what’s to come next in the Energon Universe.
G.I. Joe #4 is available now from Skybound Entertainment
