A comprehensive collection of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comics is heading to Kickstarter next month, promising fans the most complete assemblage of the iconic series ever published. Skybound and Image Comics are partnering with Hasbro to launch the campaign for G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Compendium Sets 1+2 on , at .
The sets will span over 300 issues of the long-running comic, pulling from both the Marvel and IDW eras, covering material published between 1994 and 2022. Presented across eight volumes, the compendiums will feature new key art by artist Andy Kubert. This project arrives after a successful initial G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero Compendium Kickstarter campaign and offers returning backers a direct path to acquiring the new set.
For longtime fans, the release represents a significant milestone. Larry Hama, the writer most associated with the G.I. Joe comic series, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “I am really glad that there will finally be a quality compendium of the continuation of my run on G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero beyond the initial Marvel run and into the IDW issues,” Hama said. “This will be the first time that a uniform hard-bound edition will be produced that includes the first 300 issues, along with covers and many exclusive extras. A real must for loyal fans and completists!”
The appeal extends beyond simply collecting the issues. Skybound’s Editorial Director, Alex Antone, emphasized the ambition of the project. “Following the massive success of our first G.I. JOE campaign, we’re going BIGGER and BETTER with the second campaign!” Antone stated. “These collections are the most comprehensive assemblage of G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO material ever, and You can’t wait for fans to see what we have cooked up.”
The Kickstarter campaign isn’t just about reprinting existing material. A range of exclusive extras are planned, including signed bookplates by Larry Hama, faux leather hardcover options, spot gloss and foil finishes, gilded edges, satin ribbons, patches, pins, stickers, and reprints of individual issues. Two source books will be included, featuring art from previous G.I. Joe trading cards and vehicle designs, offering a deeper dive into the franchise’s visual history.
The timing of this release comes as Hasbro continues to leverage its intellectual property across multiple platforms. While the announcement doesn’t directly tie into any specific film or television projects, the renewed focus on the G.I. Joe comic universe suggests a broader strategy to maintain and expand the franchise’s fanbase. The success of the first compendium campaign clearly demonstrated a strong appetite for high-quality, comprehensive collections of the G.I. Joe mythos.
The campaign will allow fans to once again “choose a side” – aligning themselves with G.I. Joe or Cobra – a nod to the classic rivalry at the heart of the franchise. The deluxe hardcovers are designed to complement the original compendium set, creating a visually impressive and complete collection for dedicated fans.
Interested fans can sign up for updates and early access to the campaign details at www.GIJoeKickstarter.com. The launch on promises to be a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts of the iconic action figure and comic book series.