Skybound and Image Comics have revealed a major new crossover with Hasbro and Crystal Dynamics. G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero and Tomb Raider will meet for the first time in comic book history.
The event launches with a five-issue miniseries this fall. It brings Lara Croft into the world of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero for a new action-adventure story.
Lara Croft Makes Her G.I. JOE Debut
Readers got the first surprise today in G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #330. The issue features Lara Croft’s first appearance as she infiltrates Castle Destro in search of her next deadly destination.
The moment marks the first-ever meeting between G.I. JOE and Tomb Raider in comics. It also sets up Lara’s search for the Arbco Star.
The Miniseries Arrives in October
The story continues in G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1. The five-issue limited series arrives in comic shops on October 7, 2026.
The series comes from writer Kyle Higgins, artist Elena Casagrande, colorist Alex Guimarães, and letterer Pat Brosseau. Higgins is known for Immortal Legend Batman and Radiant Black, while Casagrande is known for Black Widow.
“Tomb Raider meets G.I. JOE. Lost artifact, a Destro plot, and a joint infiltration mission to Cobra Island– the appeal of a story like this should be obvious,” said writer Kyle Higgins. “Having never had the opportunity to work with either, I was quite excited when Alex Antone called to ask me if I’d like to build an adventure for both. We’re taking some really fun swings with both brands–and there are definitely some deep cuts for G.I. JOE fans!”
“I’m extremely happy to have the chance to draw one of the top myths in my life: Lara Croft!” exclaimed artist Elena Casagrande. “It will be epic to see her in this adventure with the G.I. JOE team, fighting to solve one of her iconic mysteries on Cobra Island! I’m looking forward to showing you more pages!”
Knowing Is Half the Battle. Raiding Is the Other Half.
G.I. JOE and Lara Croft meet for THE FIRST TIME EVER in the new limited series. The story reveals a classified connection between the two pop culture icons.
Lara Croft has explored some of the most dangerous places on Earth. This time, she heads to Cobra Island.
For this mission, Lara needs help from her old acquaintance, Shipwreck. Several squads of Joes also join the expedition into the heart of the island.
Their goal is to recover a treasure hidden there for decades. Destro and Baroness will do anything to claim it first.
“We love a surprise at Skybound, and when we were approached by Hasbro about the possibility of introducing Lara Croft to the world of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, we were so excited for the opportunity to do something new and unexpected!” said Alex Antone, Editorial Director. “Kyle and Elena have really outdone themselves with this series – it’s the crossover event you never knew you wanted, but won’t be able to live without!”
Covers and Variants
G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 features a main cover by Elena Casagrande and Alex Guimarães. The issue also includes an open-to-order variant and foil cover by Stjepan Sejic.
Additional covers include a 1:25 incentive variant by Chris Mooneyham. That cover launches a “Classic Joe” cover series.
The issue also includes a 1:50 variant by Leirix. Fans can also look for a 1:100 incentive variant by Lorenzo Tammetta and Mike Spicer, plus a blank sketch variant.
The Larger Skybound and Hasbro Line
G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero remains a cornerstone of the Skybound and Hasbro collaboration. The series features writer Larry Hama, artists Chris Mooneyham, Paul Pelletier, Andrew Krahnke, and Tony Kordos, and colorist Francesco Segala.
That collaboration also includes the shared Energon Universe. Its ongoing titles include Void Rivals by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Conor Hughes.
The Energon Universe also features TRANSFORMERS by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Jason Howard. G.I. JOE by writer Joshua Williamson and artist Andrea Milana is also part of the line. M.A.S.K. is the new fourth Energon Universe title. The series comes from writer Dan Watters and artist Pye Parr. Fans can expect major moments in every issue of the Energon Universe. Secrets will unfold as the line answers big questions from some of comics’ largest franchises.
G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 arrives Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The issue will be available at comic book shops and on digital platforms.
