The return of a beloved G.I. Joe storyline, with a focus on the infamous Cobra, aims to reinvigorate interest among collectors and fans alike. This new release highlights the depth and versatility of the G.I. Joe universe.
Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro are set to bring back one of G.I. Joe fans’ most favored comic storylines, this time with a twist that puts Cobra at the forefront. The new entry, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Sssilent Missions — Crimson Guard #1, will be available on April 8, crafted by Gabriel Hardman, who is known for his work on Green Lantern: Earth One.
This upcoming issue follows the popular ‘Silent’ issue format, first introduced in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21, which captivated audiences with its action-driven storytelling devoid of dialogue.
As collectors gear up for this installment, Skybound has teased an exciting lineup for April, featuring the return of Silent Missions Month but with a surprising focus on Cobra and its notorious members. The release of Crimson Guard will be the second among five planned Silent Missions, each spotlighting high-stakes encounters in a format that collectors have eagerly anticipated.
The issue invites readers to experience the intense scenario: “join the next graduating class of Crimson Guard as they complete their final test: protecting Cobra Commander from an all-out assault by G.I. Joe. Failure is NOT an option!” This narrative choice provides a unique shift in perspective, showcasing the complexity of Cobra’s characters.
Hardman will not only contribute to the storyline but also handle interior art and the main cover design. In addition, the issue will feature variant covers, including an open order piece by Rorschach‘s Jorge Fornes, a black and white incentive cover, and a continuing 1:25 foil letter cover series by Fornes that will spell out ‘COBRA.’
Fans can also expect contributions from notable creators such as Joelle Jones, Declan Shalvey, Pat Olliffe, Tom DeFalco, Howard Porter, and Jorge Fornés in the Silent Mission one-shots, expanding the Cobra narrative further as details emerge leading up to these releases throughout April.
The revival of Silent Missions Month enriches the G.I. Joe legacy, and along with it, collectors can look forward to another Kickstarter campaign launching this month, focused on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Compendium Sets 1+2. This campaign promises to deliver a comprehensive hardcover collection of the original G.I. Joe comics, encompassing issues #1-300 and additional content, opening on March 24.
For those interested in early updates, collectors can sign up for Kickstarter’s mailing list at GIJoeKickStarter.com, where exclusive notifications regarding the campaign will be shared, including a Kickstarter-exclusive G.I. Joe #244 variant for pledgers of physical books during the campaign.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Sssilent Missions — Crimson Guard #1 will be available for purchase on April 8, 2026, from Skybound.
Based on reporting by Sam Fang. Read the full story at https://www.cbr.com/gi-joe-first-look-real-american-hero-silent-missions/.