Issues #48-100 (including Special Missions #1-28 and everything in-between)
ARAH #48
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #48
Publication Date : June 1986
Slaughter
Dr. Mindbender takes possession of Storm Shadow’s corpse.
Zartan, disguised as Rip-Cord inside G.I. Joe HQ, tries to make good his escape, but fails. Rip-Code, disguised as Zartan in a Springfield hospital, goes off on Buzzer for kidnapping Candy, prompting the Dreadnoks to remove him from Springfield before Cobra finds out he’s lost his marbles and fires them all.
General Hawk meets “The Jugglers,” who inform him that Cobra Island is now hands-off to all Joe operations.
Appearances
Joes : Stalker, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Steeler, Breaker, Clutch, Doc, Gung Ho, TorpedoTrip-Wire, Roadblock, Duke, Cutter, Recondo, Blowtorch, Barbecue, Bazooka, Crank-Case, Heavy Metal, Quick Kick (1st – Sgt. Slaughter)
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr.Mindbender, Storm Shadow (corpse)
Hasbro 25th Anniversary Action Figure Release #9
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Hasbro #9
Publication Date : 2007
25th Anniversary Action Figure Release
Cobra tries to blow up a Joe test sight in the desert, but end up needing Trip-Wire’s help to disarm Cobra Commander’s helmet before it detonates.
Appearances
Joes : Duke, Trip-Wire, Heavy Duty, Mainframe, Spirit
Cobra : Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Dr Mindbender
Hasbro 25th Anniversary Action Figure Release #12
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Hasbro #12
Publication Date : 2007
25th Anniversary Action Figure Release
The Joes duke it out with Cobra in the desert in this 25th anniversary special release comic.
Appearances
Joes : Wild Bill, Airborne, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Dial-Tone
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Scrap-Iron
ARAH #49
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #49
Publication Date : July 1986
Serpentor
Rip-Code gives the Joes the coordinates to Springfield, and it’s almost all-hands-on-deck for the Joes’ full-scale invasion! But, just as the Joes begin their invasion, Cobra’s plan the use the remains of the “10 greatest warriors of all time” (plus Storm Shadow), and combine them into Dr. Mindbender’s “ultimate soldier,” culminates in the birth of Serpentor!
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Rock ‘n Roll, Steeler, Flash, Zap, Grunt, Short Fuse, Breaker, Wild Bill, Snowjob, Doc, Gung Ho, Airborne, Torpedo, Ace, Cover Girl, Trip-Wire, Roadblock, Duke, Mutt & Junkyard, Deep Six, Spirit, Recondo, Blowtorch, Lady J, Rip-Cord, Flint, Footloose, Shipwreck, Barbecue, Bazooka, Crank-Case, Airtight, Heavy Metal, Alpine, Quick Kick, Beach Head (1st – Lift-Ticket, Slipstream, Leatherneck
Cobra : Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Firefly, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Tomax & Xamot, Scrap-Iron, Dr. Mindbender, Storm Shadow (corpse) (1st – Serpentor)
ARAH #50
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #50
Publication Date : August 1986
The Battle of Springfield
As the battle of Springfield rages, Serpentor counters every move the Joes make, allowing Destro and the Baroness to successfully evacuate the entire populace of Springfield, leaving the Joes with nothing except a lot of explaining to do.
Storm Shadow is mysteriously resurrected! He and the Dreadnoks flee Springfield to the Dreadnoks gas station hideout.
Cobra Commander realizes that Dr. Mindbender didn’t just combine the 10 greatest soldiers of all time; they were the 10 greatest leaders of all time. And, now Serpentor is coming to Cobra Island after his successful evacuation of Springfield with the adoration of all the Cobra soldiers that he fought alongside.
In a bonus story previewing the new “Special Missions” title; the Joes thwart a group of terrorists who have highjacked a commercial airliner, with the intent to crash it into a secret Soviet chemical warfare depot.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Rock ‘n Roll, Zap, Breaker, Doc, Cover Girl, Roadblock, Spirit, Recondo, Lady J, Rip-Cord, Flint, Shipwreck, Crank-Case, Heavy Metal, Quick Kick, Beach Head, Leatherneck
Cobra : Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Storm Shadow (not corpse!), Firefly, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr. Mindbender, Serpentor (1st – Zarana)
ARAH #51
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #51
Publication Date : September 1986
Thunder Machine
The Dreadnoks, including Zartan’s brother and sister, rescue him from the PIT. The Dreadnoks mayhem allows Storm Shadow to infiltrate the PIT undetected.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Wild Bill, Roadblock, Flint, Shipwreck, Crank-Case, Heavy Metal, Alpine, Sgt. Slaughter (1st – Tollbooth, Thunder, Cross-Country)
Cobra : Storm Shadow, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Zarana (1st – Zandar, Thrasher)
Special Missions #1
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #1
Publication Date : Oktober 1986
That Sinking Feeling
The Joes, Oktober Guard, and Cobra all race to retrieve a sunken US submarine in the Baltic Sea. The sub turns out to be fictitious, a plot intended to lure the Oktober Guard out into the Baltic Sea, where the Joes retrieve from the Russian ship, Captain Bulgakov, a Russian defector.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Wild Bill, Torpedo, Roadblock, Cutter, Deep Six, Shipwreck, Wetsuit
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Firefly
Villains : Colonel Brekhov, Shrage, Horror Show, Stormavik, Daina
ARAH #52
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #52
Publication Date : October 1986
Snap Decisions
Cobra Commander plots to assassinate Serpentor upon his triumphant return to Cobra Island, but Serpentor outsmarts him. Cobra Commander makes a second attempt using the Dreadnoks, who have returned to Cobra Island with the knowledge of the PIT’s location. Destro thwarts the second assassination attempt, as the Baroness was also in harm’s way.
Storm Shadow seeks out Snake-Eyes in the PIT and explains to him the harrowing ordeal of his murder and resurrection. He asks Snake-Eyes for his help, and Snakes gives him the key to his mountain cabin bunker, so Storm Shadow can retreat there to heal his body and soul.
After the failed invasion of Springfield, the G.I. Joe program is suspended, pending a full investigation.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Timber, Rock n Roll, Steeler, Clutch, Wild Bill, Doc, Gung Ho, Cover Girl, Trip-Wire, Roadblock, Flint, Shipwreck, Barbecue, Crank-Case, Airtight, Heavy Metal, Quick Kick, Sgt. Slaughter, Cross-Country
Cobra :Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Storm Shadow, Firefly, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Tomax & Xamot, Dr. Mindbender, Serpentor, Zarana, Zandar, Thrasher
ARAH #53
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #53
Publication Date : November 1986
Pit-Fall
The top brass shows up to inspect the PIT and investigate the Springfield incident. The investigation isn’t looking good, until Serpentor and Cobra Commander launch an invasion of the PIT. Hawk and the brass have to make a stand within the PIT, while a handful of Joes who were on-base attempt to stop Cobra topside. Two of the brass sacrifice themselves in battle, one of them doing so by detonating an explosion that brings the entire PIT down on top of Cobra Commander and Destro. The attack leads the remaining General to immediately unsuspend the Joe team.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Rock n Roll, Gung Ho, Roadblock, Spirit, Lady J, Flint, Quick Kick, Beach Head, Wetsuit, Sgt. Slaughter, Leatherneck, Cross-Country
Cobra : Cobra Commander, Destro, Zartan, Serpentor, Zarana, Zandar
Allies : (1st – General Ryan (killed), Admiral Dyon (killed), General Hollingsworth)
ARAH #54
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #54
Publication Date : December 1986
Launch Base
With Cobra Commander and Destro buried under the PIT, and presumed dead, Serpentor begins selling Terror Dromes to anyone with the money to buy them. Reconnaissance reveals that the first one has been sold and built in Sierra Gordo. Since the Joes aren’t permitted to run operations on Cobra Island, they send Snake-Eyes (disguised as Flint) to be captured and taken to the drome in Sierra Gordo to find out exactly what it is.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Rock n Roll, Wild Bill, Airborne, Ace, Spirit, Lady J, Flint, Airtight, Slipstream (1st – Dial-Tone)
Cobra :Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Tomax & Xamot, Dr. Mindebender, Sepentor, Zarana, Zandar
Special Missions #2
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #2
Publication Date : December 1986
Words of Honor
When a German WW2 loaded with nerve toxin is discovered sticking out of a glacier in Greenland, the Joes are tasked with preventing the toxin from wiping out the Eastern seaboard if the plane plummets into the ocean.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Breaker, Clutch, Snowjob, Roadblock, Recondo, Airtight, Alpine, Lift-Ticket, Dial-Tone
Cobra : Firefly
Special Missions #3
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Mission #3
Publication Date : February 1987
Burn-Out
The Joes go on a mission in the Middle East to steal a new Russian Jet.
Appearances
Joes : Stalker, Ace, Crank-Case, Slipstream, Leatherneck
ARAH #55
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #55
Publication Date : January 1987
Unmaskings
Cobra Commander and Destro escape their tomb buried underneath the PIT. Cobra Commander learns that his son Billy is still alive and has been in a coma for over a year.
A small squad of Joes rescues Snake-Eyes from the Cobra Terror Drome in Sierra Gordo, but Stalker is gravely injured by Tomax during the extraction. Snake-Eyes stays behind to slow their pursuers, while the others flee with Stalker’s life in the balance.
Grunt retires.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Rock n Roll, Wild Bill, Airborne, Ace, Spirit, Lady J, Flint, Airtight, Slipstream (1st – Dial-Tone)
Cobra :Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Tomax & Xamot, Dr. Mindebender, Sepentor, Zarana, Zandar
ARAH #56
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #56
Publication Date : February 1987
Jungle Moves
Cobra recaptures Snake-Eyes and extracts him to NYC. The Joes capture the Terror Drome and extract some of the pieces before Cobra can destroy it. Grunt meets someone new. Destro heads home to Scotland.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Grunt, Doc, Trip-Wire, Roadblock, Recondo, Flint, Lift-Ticket, Dial-Tone (1st – Lifeline)
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Tomax & Xamot, Dr. Mindbender, Serpentor
Yearbook #3
IDW 2021 Reprint
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Yearbook #3
Publication Date : March 1986
Yearbook #3
Yearbook #3 includes a gallery of covers #45-56 and a synopsis of the story from issues #25-56.
In a silent story, paying homage to Snake-Eyes’ rescue of Scarlet being held captive by Storm Shadow in the Silent Castle; Scarlet enlists Storm Shadow (and Timber) to help her rescue Snake-Eyes from captivity within the Cobra embassy in NYC.
After the Dreadnoks serve Serpentor a dinner of mini frozen pizzas, he recounts a memory dating back to 52 B.C.
Appearances
Joes: Scarlet, Snake-Eyes & Timber, Slipstream
Cobra : Baroness, Storm Shadow, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr. Mindbender, Serpentor
ARAH #57
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #57
Publication Date : March 1987
Strange Bedfellows
Destro returns to Scotland to find someone masquerading as him and the imposter has him arrested! Lady Jaye and Flint break Destro out of jail and agree to help him dethrone the imposter in exchange for the complete Terror Drome plans. The imposter turns out to be the long-lost Major Bludd!
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Flint, Lady Jaye, Flash, Dial-Tone (1st – Mainframe)
Cobra : Destro, Major Bludd
Special Missions #4
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #4
Publication Date : April 1987
No Holds Barred
The Joes recover a downed Firebat in SE Asia and attempt to remove the black box for its valuable Cobra data. However, they are shot down by the Oktober Guard, who also want the data. Both teams fight over the black box, but are all captured by local river pirates. Lifeline negotiates with their leader to spare all their lives, but the black box is lost in the deal.
Appearances
Joes : Wild Bill, Roadblock (ver 2), Leatherneck, Lifeline
Villains : Col Brekhov, Shrage, Horror Show, Daina, Stormavik
ARAH #58
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #58
Publication Date : April 1987
Desperate Moves
The Joes infiltrate a Terror Drome in the Middle East and connect it to Joe HQ.
Cobra Commander acquires new battle armor. Billy wakes up from his coma with amnesia.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Scarlet, Flint, Mainframe (1st – Dusty)
Cobra : Cobra Commander (1st – Fred VII)
Civilian : (1st – Rashid)
ARAH #59
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #59
Publication Date : May 1987
Divergent Paths
After Fred VII equips him with a new bionic leg, Billy meets two Arashikage ninja.
To prove to Cobra Commander that he isn’t insane, Raptor shows him a way to track down the now nomadic Joe team. Cobra Commander ambushes a Joe convoy, but is unable to capitalize.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Grand Slam, Steeler, Crank-Case, Thunder, Cross-Country, Dusty (1st – Tunnel Rat, Outback, Jinx)
Cobra : Cobra Commander, Fred VII (1st – Raptor)
Civilian : Billy
ARAH #60
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #60
Publication Date : June 1987
Cross Purposes
Hawk is kidnapped by a small group of elite soldiers who have been operating under the belief they were members of G.I.Joe. It turns out these soldiers were falsely recruited by rogue members of the Pentagon for their own nefarious purposes. A couple new Dreadnoks show up. These two small groups clash over a rocket aimed at Cobra Island. Hawk brings the new soldiers onto the Joe team.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk (1st – Law & Order, Falcon, Chuckles, Fastdraw)
Cobra : Zarana, Buzzer (1st – Zanzibar, Monkeywrench)
Special Missions #5
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #5
Publication Date : June 1987
Showdown!
Ace and Slipstream dogfight a Cobra Night Raven over the Gulf of Mexico.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Ace, Slipstream
ARAH #61
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #61
Publication Date : July 1987
Beginnings…and Endings
A small group of Joes is sent off-book into Borovia to free a captured journalist. Unbeknownst to them the journalist was released before they got there. While trying to escape the Joes are captured and disavowed by the US government.
Billy gets his memory back and leaves his father to train with Jinx. Cobra Commander decides to walk away from Cobra to make a new life and win back the respect of his son, but Fred VII shoots him in the back, killing him!
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Quick Kick, Snowjob, Outback, Jinx, Rock n Roll, Flint, Falcon, Slipstream, Roadblock, Scarlet, Snake-Eys, Shipwreck
Cobra : Cobra Commander, Raptor, Fred VII
Civilians : Billy
Special Missions #6
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #6
Publication Date : August 1987
Evasion
Outback escapes Borovia, North into Austria.
Appearances
Joes : Outback, Stalker, Quick Kick, Snowjob
ARAH #62
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #62
Publication Date : August 1987
Transit
Outback gets a chilly reception from his fellow Joes after he returns stateside, leaving Stalker, Quick Kick and Snowjob to rot in a Borovian gulag.
Fred VII and Raptor bury Cobra Commander in woods. Billy begins training with Jinx. Raptor tails Jinx and Billy to a secret location in San Francisco.
Appearances
Joes : Stalker, Snowjob, Quick Kick, Outback, Grunt, Gung Ho, Roadblock, Mutt & Junkyard, Spirit, Recondo, Beach Head, Lift-Ticket, Leatherneck, Jinx
Cobra : Raptor, Fred VII
Civilians : Billy, Blind Master
ARAH #63
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #63
Publication Date : September 1987
Going Under
Snake-Eyes and Scarlet fake their own deaths with the help of the Blind Master.
Billy breaks the news about Candy and the Soft Master to Storm Shadow and Ripcord.
Serpentor and Dr. Mindbender use satellite photos to determine the Joes have got some kind of base in the Utah desert.
Fred VII books passage to Cobra Island.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Rock n Roll, Scarlet, Stalker, Snake-Eyes, Wild Bill, Snowjob, Gung Ho, Roadblock, Mutt, Spirit, Recondo, Lady J, Rip-Cord, Flint, Shipwreck, Bazooka, Crank-Case, Quick Kick, Beach Head, Leatherneck, Low-Light, Dusty, Tunnel Rat, Jinx, Law & Order, Chuckles
Cobra : Storm Shadow, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Fred VII, Raptor
Civilians : Billy, Blind Master (1st-Captain Minh)
Special Missions #7
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #7
Publication Date : October 1987
The Old Switcheroo
Sierra Gordo counter-revolutionaries, secretly backed by G.I. Joe, attack the Cobra consulate in NYC. The Joes use the attack as a diversion to secretly tap Cobra’s communication network.
Appearances
Joes : Chuckles, Dial-Tone, Lady Jaye (1st – Psych-Out)
Cobra : Baroness, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Serpentor
ARAH #64
2007 25th Anniversary Reprint
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #64
Publication Date : October 1987
Maneuvering for Position
Fred VII arrives on Cobra Island claiming to be Cobra Commander. Baroness returning to Cobra Island, fresh off her defeat at the Cobra consulate and on Serpentor’s naughty list and being the only Cobra who knows what Cobra Commander looks like, backs Fred VII’s claim, creating a secret alliance between them.
Chuckles and his group of new Joes arrive at the Joe base in Utah and are curious about what the Joes are hiding there.
Snake-Eyes, Scarlet, and the Blind Master arrive in France on their way to rescue the Joes imprisoned in Borovia.
Appearances
Joes : Steeler, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Wild Bill, Gung Ho, Spirit, Recondo, Lady Jaye, Flint, Footloose, Shipwreck, Bazooka, Crank-Case, Leatherneck, Low-Light, Dusty, Tunnel Rat, Outback, Law & Order, Falcon, Chuckles, Fastdraw, Psych-Out (1st – Backstop, Hardtop, Payload, Frostbite, Sci-Fi, Clutch v2)
Cobra : Baroness, Zartan, Ripper, Torch, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Fred VII/CC
Civilians : Blind Master, Captain Minh
ARAH #65
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #65
Publication Date : November 1987
Shuttle Complex
The Joes and Cobra clash in outer space as Cobra puts a stop to the US upgrading their spy satellites, which would detect Cobra’s ultimate Terror Drome plan.
Snake-Eyes, Scarlet and the Blind Master join a traveling circus in Austria in order to get across the border into Borovia.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Roadblock, Rip-Cord, Lift Ticket, Slipstream, Dial-Tone, Mainframe, Hardtop, Payload, Sci-Fi
Cobra : Baroness, Scrap-Iron, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Fred VII/CC
Civilians : Blind Master
ARAH #66
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #66
Publication Date : December 1987
The Tenth Letter
Storm Shadow, Jinx, and Billy travel to Borovia and help Snake-Eyes, Scarlet, and the Blind Master rescue Stalker, Snowjob and Quick Kick from the gulag.
Appearances
Joes : Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Jinx, Stalker, Snowjob, Quick Kick
Cobra : Storm Shadow
Civilians : Billy, Blind Master
Special Missions #8
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #8
Publication Date : December 1987
Ambush
The Joes are sent on a suicide mission in SE Asia by the CIA, but get out and succeed in foiling the CIA’s plan in the process.
Appearances
Joes : Wild Bill, Duke, Flint, Footloose, Beach Head, Wetsuit, Lift-Ticket, Leatherneck, Low-Light, Tunnel Rat
ARAH #67
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #67
Publication Date : January 1988
Cold Snap
Stalker, Snowjob and Quick Kick return from Borovia. Cobra finally activates their Terror Drome plan; paranoia rays, stolen by Kwinn from the Russians in issue #2, and installed in the Terror Dromes are used to create chaos, causing the countries who own them to require the purchase of more weapons from Cobra.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Rock n Roll, Scarlet, Stalker, Snake-Eyes, Snow Job, Doc, Gung Ho, Roadblock, Lady Jaye, Flint, Shipwreck, Crank-Case, Quick Kick, Leatherneck, Cross-Country, Dial-Tone, Lifeline, Dusty, Tunnel Rat, Outback, Jinx, Chuckles, Psyche-Out
Cobra : Baroness, Dr Mindbender, Fred VII/CC, Storm Shadow
Civilians : Billy, Blind Master
ARAH #68
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #68
Publication Date : February 1988
Cut and Freeze Dried
The Joes crack the secret to the Terror Dromes and kick Cobra out of Frusenland.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Wild Bill, Cover Girl, Duke, Slipstream, Backstop, Frostbite (1st – Iceberg, BF2000-Blaster, Blocker, Dodger, Avalanche, Maverick, Knockdown)
Cobra : Baroness, Dr Mindbender, Fred VII/CC
Yearbook #4
IDW 2021 Reprint
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Yearbook #4
Publication Date : February 1988
Trade-Offs
Yearbook #4 includes a gallery of covers, and a synopsis of the story from issues #57-68.
The Oktober Guard infiltrate Cobra Island on a mission to kidnap Cobra Commander. Unbeknownst to them, Serpentor and Dr. Mindbender had just incapacitated Fred VII and put his armor on a BAT, with the intention of replacing him entirely. The Oktober Guard incapacitate Serpentor and Dr. Mindbender, and Fred VII wakes up before them, and had fortuitously just completed building himself a spare suit, so the status quo is maintained. The Oktober Guard come away empty-handed, but the Joes get their hands on a Mamba (which they will use to infiltrate Cobra Island later in issue #73.)
Bystander
In this short, Snake-Eyes puts down 3 convenience store robbers while on a road trip with Scarlet.
Appearances
Joes: Scarlet, Hawk, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Torpedo, Cutter, Deep Six, Shipwreck, Wetsuit
Cobra : Baroness, Zartan, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Fred VII/CC, Croc-Master
Villains : Col Brekhov, Shrage, Horror Show, Stormavik, Daina
Special Missions #9
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #9
Publication Date : February 1988
Plausible Denial
The Joes run an overcomplicated mission through Afghanistan and into Iran to rescue a captured CIA operative.
Appearances
Joes : Falcon, Slipstream, Psyche-Out
ARAH #69
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #69
Publication Date : March 1988
Into the Breach
The Joes attempt to extract the US ambassador from Sierra Gordo as the country collapses.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Roadblock, Psyche-Out, Wild Bill, Maverick (1st – Crazylegs)
Cobra : Zarana, Thrasher, Monkey Wrench (1st-Destro v2)
ARAH #70
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #70
Publication Date : April 1988
Fair Trade
The Joes struggle to escape Sierra Gordo.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Roadblock, Psyche-Out, Wild Bill, Maverick, Crazylegs
Cobra : Destro, Zarana, Thrasher, Monkey Wrench
ARAH #71
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #71
Publication Date : May 1988
Bailout
The Joes (and the Dreadnoks) finally escape Sierra Gordo.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Roadblock, Psyche-Out, Wild Bill, Maverick, Crazylegs
Cobra : Destro, Zarana, Thrasher, Monkey Wrench
Special Missions #10
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #10
Publication Date : April 1988
Turnabout
The Joes help bring Prince Ngoto back to power in Equatorial Kalingaland.
Appearances
Joes : Chuckles, Wild Bill, Lift-Ticket, Slipstream (1st-Roadblock v2)
Special Missions #11
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #11
Publication Date : June 1988
Sheep’s Clothing
The Joes stop a group of terrorists in West Germany.
Appearances
Joes : Scarlet, Lady Jaye, Dial-Tone, Low-Light, Jinx, Chuckles
Special Missions #12
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #12
Publication Date : August 1988
Airshow
Firefly tries, unsuccessfully, to seal the Joes’ new Vector jet.
Appearances
Joes : Ace, Slipstream, Maverick
Cobra : Firefly
Allies : General Hollingsworth
ARAH #72
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #72
Publication Date : June 1988
Stiletto
Dr Mindbender’s latest creation, the Star-Viper infiltrates the Pit III in Utah and steals an experimental black box from the Defiant space shuttle.
Appearances
Joes : Rock n Roll, Gung Ho, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Flint, Footloose, Beach Head, Cross Country, Mainframe, Dusty, Tunnel Rat, Fastdraw, Iceberg (1st – Skidmark, Windmill, Wildcard)
Cobra : Baroness, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Fred VII/CC (1st – Croc-Master)
Civilians : Captain Minh
ARAH #73
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #73
Publication Date : July 1988
Divided We Fall
General Hollingsworth “doesn’t order” Hawk to send a recon team to Cobra Island to attempt to locate the stolen black box.
Cobra Island devolves into civil war between Serpentor and “Cobra Commander” (Fed VII). Dr Mindbender leaves the island with the stolen black box to cut a deal with the American government.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Gung Ho, Mutt & Junkyard, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Flint, Lift-Ticket, Slipstream, Dial-Tone, Mainframe, Tunnel Rat, Falcon, Windmill, Wild Card, Keel-Haul (1st – Sneak-Peek)
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Major Bludd, Firefly, Zartan, Buzzer, Torch, Tomax & Xamot, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Zarana, Zandar, Fred VII/CC, Croc-Master
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Captain Minh
Continuity : Major Bludd and Firefly are spotted in 1 frame, but are never seen for the rest of the Battle for Cobra Island.
Special Missions #13
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #13
Publication Date : September 1988
Washout
The Joes destroy an abandoned US weapons cache in Africa. A new Joe sacrifices himself to save the rest of the squad.
Appearances
Joes : Dusty, Outback, (1st-Lightfoot, Mangler-KIA)
ARAH #74
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #74
Publication Date : August 1988
Alliance of Convenience
As the Baroness sieges Serpentor in the land-locked freighter, General Hollingsworth arrives on the USS Flagg to inform the Joes that they will be inserting in force onto Cobra Island to help Serpentor.
All 3 forces clash at the Cobra Island airfield with the Baroness tied prisoner to the front of Serpentor’s HISS tank, Destro arrives on Cobra Island with a force of his own.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Breaker, Stalker, Short Fuse, Wild Bill, Doc, Gung Ho, Airborne, Trip-Wire, Roadblock, Duke, Cutter, Mutt & Junkyard, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Rip-Cord, Flint, Shipwreck, Crank-Case, Beach Head, Lift-Ticket, Leatherneck, Dial-Tone, Low-Light, Mainframe, Lifeline, Tunnel Rat, Falcon, Fastdraw, Sci-Fi, BattleForce 2000, Crazylegs, Keel-Haul, Sneak-Peek
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Tomax & Xamot, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Zarana, Zandar, Thrasher, Fred VII/CC
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Captain Minh
ARAH #75
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #75
Publication Date : September 1988
Holding Actions!
Serpentor, with the help of the Joes, battles Cobra Commander (Fred VII) to a standstill on the airfield. Destro waits for them to beat each other down, then moves in and pushes them all out.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Breaker, Stalker, Short Fuse, Wild Bill, Doc, Gung Ho, Airborne, Trip-Wire, Roadblock, Duke, Cutter, Mutt & Junkyard, Spirit, Rip-Cord, Shipwreck, Crank-Case, Beach Head, Leatherneck, Dial-Tone, Low-Light, Lifeline, Tunnel Rat, Falcon, Fastdraw, Hardtop, Sci-Fi, BattleForce 2000, Crazylegs, Sneak-Peek
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr Mindbender, Serpentor, Thrasher, Fred VII/CC, Monkeywrench
Civilians : Captain Minh
ARAH #76
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #76
Publication Date : September 1988
All’s Fair
As Serpentor, the Joes, and Destro all begin to close in on Cobra Commander (Fred VII), Zartan assassinates Serpentor with an arrow through the eye putting an end to the conflict. Destro agrees to withdraw, in exchange for the Baroness.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Breaker, Gung Ho, Torpedo, Roadblock, Spirit, Recondo, Blowtorch, Lady Jaye, Flint, Leatherneck, Tollbooth, Dial-Tone, Low-Light, Tunnel Rat, Outback, Falcon, Psyche-Out, Keel-Haul, Sneak-Peek (1st-Ghost Rider)
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Zandar, Thrasher, Fred VII/CC, Monkeywrench, Croc-Master (KIA-Serpentor)
Civilians : Captain Minh
ARAH #77
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #77
Publication Date : October 1988
Aftershocks
In the aftermath of the “Cobra Island Debacle” the Jugglers and the US Senator who ordered the Joes’ involvement, arrange to scapegoat the Joes by pegging Generals Hawk and Hollingsworth as rogue. The two generals and Roadblock are immediately arrested and the rest of the Joe team is taken into “quarantine” after the USS Flagg arrives back in port. But, Roadblock makes a daring escape and seeks help from an unexpected ally.
Captain Minh, whose been lurking about Cobra Island since his ship was destroyed bringing Fred VII to the island back in issue #63 makes his move on Fred. Threatening to expose his identity, Minh extorts a Cobra Hydrofoil out of the new Cobra Commander to replace his destroyed fishing boat and buy his silence. Dr Mindbender who witnesses the payoff, admits he’s known Fred’s secret for some time, but offers to keep it in exchange for permission to keep Serpentor’s corpse “for purely scientific purposes.”
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Doc, Airborne, Roadblock, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Flint, ShipwreckLeatherneck, Dial-Tone, Low-Light, Lifeline, Tunnel Rat, Falcon, Sci-Fi, Blaster, Keel-Haul
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Zandar, Thrasher, Fred VII/CC, Monkeywrench (Serpentor-corpse)
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Captain Minh, Dr Burkhart
ARAH #78
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #78
Publication Date : October 1988
Payback!
General Malthus has Hawk and Hollingsworth transported to a mental hospital and leaks the location to the remaining Joes, assembled by Roadblock. He then sets up an ambush, replacing the employees and other patients with his own agents, and inviting the media; his plan: to have Hawk and Hollingsworth killed in the cross-fire of an attempted breakout by the other “rogue” Joes.
The Joes rescue the generals and Destro shows up to expose Malthus, in front of the media, as the one who purchased, from his company, the supplies for the Joes’ insertion onto Cobra Island.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Rock n Roll, Zap, Steeler, Grunt, Flash, Snowjob, Cover Girl, Roadblock, Barbecue, Bazooka, Wetsuit, Dusty, Jinx
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Storm Shadow
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Dr Burkhart, Billy, Lola
Special Missions #14
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #14
Publication Date : October1988
In From the Cold
A small group of Joes are sent into a small Asian country to extract a CIA agent who went rogue 20-years ago.
Appearances
Joes : Snake-Eyes, Scarlet, Chuckles, Iceberg
Special Missions #15
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #15
Publication Date : November 1988
…and into the Fire!
The Joes try to complete their mission, but the agent they were sent to extract sacrifices himself to ensure the Joes escape.
Appearances
Joes : Snake-Eyes, Scarlet, Chuckles, Iceberg
ARAH #79
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #79
Publication Date : November 1988
Dreadnoks Rule
Zartan is put in charge of the Cobra Consulate, so all the Dreadnoks return to NYC.
The Joes clash with the Dreadnoks at their old gas station hideout and capture a few of them.
Appearances
Joes : Cross-Country, Law & Order, Mutt & Junkyard, Cover Girl, DIal-Tone, Mainframe
Cobra : Zartan, Zarana, Zandar, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Thrasher, Monkeywrench, Zanzibar
ARAH #80
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #80
Publication Date : November 1988
Rolling Thunder
The Joes fight it out with Cobra to take possession of another new island that emerges in the Gulf, only to have it sink right back after the Joes win the battle.
Appearances
Joes : Wild Bill, Duke, Rip-Cord, Lift-Ticket, Outback, Ghost Rider (1st-Hardball, Char-Broil, Muskrat, Hit & Run, Rumbler
Cobra : Dr Mindbender, Firefly, Fred VII/CC
Special Missions #16
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #16
Publication Date : December 1988
Tight Circle
The Joes and Cobra engage in a large dogfight in the Gulf. Cobra begins secretly shipping their people off island to their new secret town in Broca Beach.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Wild Bill, Ace, Lady Jaye, Lift-Ticket, Slipstream, Mainframe, Maverick, Ghost Rider
Cobra : Zartan, Dr mindbender, Fred VII/CC
ARAH #81
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #81
Publication Date : December 1988
Plots and Tracts
After Cobra’s lawyers get the captured Dreadnoks released, Mutt joins the Battleforce 200 team on another recon of their gas station in hopes of getting revenge on Buzzer cutting up Junkyard in their previous meeting. Cobra’s ship full of personnel arrive in Broca Beach.
Appearances
Joes : Doc, Roadblock, Duke, Mutt & Junkyard, Lift-Ticket, Blocker, Dodger, Avalanche, Knockdown, Rumbler
Cobra : Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Zarana, Thrasher, Zanzibar, Monkeywrench
Special Missions #17
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #17
Publication Date : January 1989
All in a Night’s Work!
The Joes are called in to resolve a hostage situation, which turns out to be a Cobra operation to cover up a tech company defrauding the government.
Appearances
Joes : Scarlet, Stalker, Dusty, Sneak-Peek, Hardball, Muskrat, Hit & Run (1st-Shockwave)
Cobra : Scrap-Iron
ARAH #82
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #82
Publication Date : January 1989
Weeding Out
A group of new recruits help stop Destro’s Iron Grenadiers from stealing a cache of high-tech weapons.
Appearances
Joes : Grand Slam, Zap, Steeler, Doc, Cover Girl, Roadblock, Duke, Lift-Ticket, Light Foot (1st-Budo, Repeater)
Special Missions #18
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #18
Publication Date : February1989
Extraction
The Joes get caught between two factions in SE Asia, one supported by The Oktober Guard, the other armed by Destro.
Appearances
Joes : Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Chuckles, Iceberg, Lift-Ticket
Cobra : (1st-Voltar)
Villians : Col Brekhov, Horror Show, Stormavik, Daina, Dragonsky
Special Missions #19
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #19
Publication Date : March 1989
Getting There
A extraction team is sent in to extract the Joes from last issue.
Appearances
Joes : Wild Bill, Lift-Ticket, Keel-Haul, Repeater, Lifeline, Muskrat, Snake-Eyes, Scarlet, Iceberg, Chuckles
ARAH #83
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #83
Publication Date : February 1989
Roadpig
Roadpig busts Zarana and Zanzibar out of jail. Cobra tries to destroy the Pit III, but Captain Minh gives them a heads up. Billy’s mom shows up looking for her son.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Roadblock, Mutt, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Shipwreck, Crank-Case, Quick Kick, Leatherneck, Low-Light, Dusty, Jinx, Law & Order, Blocker, Dodger, Avalanche, Knockdown
Cobra : Zartan, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Fred VII/CC, Zanzibar (1st-Roadpig)
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Captain Minh (1st-Billy’s Mom)
ARAH #84
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #84
Publication Date : March 1989
Converging Destinies
Fred VII and Dr Mindbender try to take out Zartan, but Fred is captured instead. Two conversations, one between Between Billy and his mom; the other between Zartan and Fred, reveal Cobra Commander’s origin and the details of the assassination attempt that killed the Hard Master.
Appearances
Joes : Jinx
Cobra : Zartan, Dr Minbender, Fred VII/CC (1st-Storm Shadow v2)(Flashback-Cobra Commander)
Civilians : Billy, Billy’s Mom (Flashback-Hard Master, Soft Master)
ARAH #85
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #85
Publication Date : April 1989
SFX
Another silent ninja issue depicts Zartan’s attempt to kill Storm Shadow before he exacts his revenge for the Hard Master, culminating in Zartan plummeting off the Golden Gate Bridge.
Appearances
Joes : Jinx
Cobra : Storm Shadow, Zartan
Special Missions #20
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #20
Publication Date : April 1989
Snow Blind
The Joes team up with The Oktober Guard and put an end to a Cobra Terror Drome operating in the Bering Strait.
Appearances
Joes : Wild Bill, Slipstream, Airborne, Frostbite, Snowjob, Avalanche
Villains : Col Brekhov, Horror Show, Daina
ARAH #86
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #86
Publication Date : May 1989
…Not Fade Away
In this 25th anniversary issue of the original G.I.Joe, Cobra attempts to steal the software for a Star Wars defense laser, only to be foiled by the Joes and the original G.I.Joe and his nurse, Jane.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Roadblock, Lady Jaye, Flint, Lift-Ticket, Cross-Country, Low-Light, Lifeline, Tunnel Rat, Outback, Lightfoot, Muskrat, Repeater, Shockwave
Cobra : Firefly, Dr Mindbender, Fred VII/CC
Special Missions #21
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #21
Publication Date : May 1989
The Lower Depths
The Joes investigate the sewers under NYC where Cobra is plotting some sort of gas attack.
Appearances
Joes : Tunnel Rat, Airtight, Charbroil (1st – Spearhead & Max)
Villains : Zandar, Buzzer, Zarana, Roadpig
ARAH #86.5
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Hasbro Action Figure Release #7
Publication Date : 2008 Hasbro Action Figure Release
Pre-Assault on Castle Destro
This 2008 special action figure release comic depicts the events immediately preceding Fred VII’s attack on Castle Destro as seen in issue #87.
Appearances
Joes : Flint, Outback, Sneak-Peek, Shockwave
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Tomax & Xamot, Dr Mindebender, Fred VII/CC
ARAH #87
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #87
Publication Date : June 1989
Assault on Castle Destro
Angered by Destro’s competing arms sales, Cobra attacks Castle Destro in Scotland. Destro gets the better of Fred VII, but rather than eliminating the false commander, Destro offers Fred a new alliance.
Appearances
Joes : Flint, Outback, Sneak-Peek, Shockwave
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Tomax & Xamot, Dr Mindbender, Fred VII/CC, Voltar
Special Missions #22
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #22
Publication Date : June 1989
Decisions
The Joes take out a groups of terrorists holding a family hostage in their home.
Appearances
Joes : Chuckes, Lady Jaye, Hit & Run, Shockwave
ARAH #88
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #88
Publication Date : July 1989
Python Patrol
The Joes and Cobra engage in a border skirmish, as Destro and Cobra try selling arms on both sides of the border.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Roadblock, Lady Jaye, Flint, Skidmark
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Dr Mindbender, Fred VII/CC
Villains : (1st-Darklon)
Special Missions #23
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #23
Publication Date : July 1989
Scoop
The Joes insert into Sierra Gordo to rescue the counter-revolutionary leader captured by Destro, only to be completely routed by his Iron Grenadiers.
Appearances
Joes : Stalker, Leatherneck, Hit & Run, Tunnel Rat, Muskrat, Duke, Keel-Haul, Wild Bill, Lift-Ticket (1st – Scoop)
Special Missions #24
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #24
Publication Date : August 1989
Ladies’ Day
The lady Joes thwart Cobra’s attempt to kidnap the President of the United States
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Zap, Scarlet, Doc, Cover Girl, Lady Jaye, Heavy Metal, Tunnel Rat, Jinx, Falcon, Hardball
Cobra : Firefly, Zarana, Fred VII/CC, Raptor (1st – Crystal Ball)
Continuity Error : The Joes are seen using Cobra hardware, a Stinger jeep.
ARAH #89
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #89
Publication Date : August 1989
Mean Dog!
Clutch and Rock n Roll stumble on Cobra’s new cover town, Broca Beach, Zarana and the Dreadnoks go all out to stop them from getting away and informing the Joes. The Joes get some backup, who capture Zanzibar again, but Clutch and Rock n Roll are captured also, by Roadpig!
Appearances
Joes : Clutch, Rock n Roll, Scarlet, Hawk, Wild Card, Hardball, Repeater
Cobra : Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Zarana, Thrasher, Zanzibar, Monkeywremch, Roadpig
ARAH #90
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #90
Publication Date : September 1989
Recurring Themes
Destro reorganizes the Cobra hierarchy with him at the top and makes a deal with Dr Mindbender. Zarana uses the Brainwave scanner on Clutch and Rock n Roll in an attempt to brainwash them.
Zartan continues his hunt of Storm Shadow, but comes face-to-face with the Blind Master instead. Meanwhile, his red ninjas track down Storm Shadow in the mountains.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Rock n Roll, Scarlet, Breaker, Snake-Eyes & Timber, Cover Girl, Roadblock, Mutt & Junkyard, Footloose, Bazooka, Dusty, Jinx, Law & Order
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Storm Shadow, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Thrasher, Fred VII/CC, Monkeywrench, Roadpig, Voltar
Enemies : Darklon
Allies : Blind Master
ARAH #91
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #91
Publication Date : October 1989
No Simple Solutions
Zarana and the Baroness continue their brainwave manipulation of Clutch.
The red ninjas, employed by Zartan and tracking Storm Shadow, turn out to the last of the Arashikage clan. Snake-Eyes, Scarlet and Jinx take eliminate all of them, but their leader escapes Storm Shadow.
Zartan is defeated by The Blind Master, but his honor prevents him from killing him. Zartan, lacking honor, has no problem stabbing The Blind Master in the back, killing him. Zartan leaves him dead in an alley, using his chameleon ability to take his place.
Appearances
Joes : Clutch, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes & Timber, Jinx
Cobra : Zartan, Baroness, Zarana, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Roadpig, Storm Shadow
Allies : (Killed – The Blind Master)
Continuity Error : Zartan says he killed The Hard Master “20 years ago,” but it was more like 10 years.
Special Missions #25
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #25
Publication Date : September 1989
Forced Play
Tiger Force stops a Darklonian terrorist plot in NYC.
Appearances
Joes : Duke, Rip-Cord, Jinx, Alpine, Lightfoot (1st – Tiger Force – Recondo, Lifeline, Dusty)
Special Missions #26
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #26
Publication Date : October 1989
Passing of the Guard
The Joes go to Sierra Gordo to attempt to free “El Jefe” from Destro again, but are beat out by The Oktober Guard. 4 members of The Oktober Guard sacrifice themselves to ensure El Jefe’s revolution proceeds, only to have him sellout to the North American Banana Monopoly. The Joes and remaining Oktober Guard are taken captive.
Appearances
Joes : Falcon, Recondo, Shockwave
Cobra : Voltar
Villains : Daina, Dragonsky (KIA – Oktober Guard – Col Brekhov, Horror Show, Stormavik, Shrage)
Continuity Error : Beach Head is depicted on the cover instead of Shockwave.
ARAH #92
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #92
Publication Date : November 1989
Thunderclap
The Joes infiltrate Rio Lindo and rescue the other Joes and two Oktober Guard captured in Special Missions issue 26.
Appearances
Joes : Falcon, Recondo, Shockwave, Cross-Country, Muskrat, Rumbler, Repeater, Scoop (1st – Stalker v2, Long-Range, Backblast)
Cobra : Voltar
Villains : Daina, Dragonsky
Special Missions #27
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #27
Publication Date : November 1989
Mexican Holiday
While on a simple drop mission in Mexico, the Joes stop revolutionaries from killing a busload of tourists.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Wild Bill, Ace, Cover Girl, Roadblock, Recondo, Shipwreck, Quick Kick, Leatherneck, Outback
Special Missions #28
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero Special Missions #28
Publication Date : December 1989
Condor
In the final issue of the Special Missions series, Cobra takes out the Joes’ secret “stealth base” in Central America.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Scarlet, Wild Bill, Ace, Cutter, Deep Six, Shipwreck, Lift-Ticket, Slipstream, Dial-Tone, Hardtop, Payload, Keel-Haul, Ghost Rider (1st – Dogfight)
Cobra : Fred VII/CC, Darklon, Wild Weasel
ARAH #93
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #93
Publication Date : November 1989
Taking the Plunge
WIth the brainwashing of Clutch and Rock n Roll complete, Cobra “arranges” their rescue.
Snake-Eyes goes to Switzerland for facial reconstruction surgery, to the same surgeon who reconstructed the Baroness’ face. The surgeon contacts the Baroness and informs her, and sends her a 20 year-old photograph of Snake-Eyes, which the Baroness recognizes as the assassin who killed her brother in Saigon!
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Rock n Roll, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Roadblock, Lady Jaye, Flint, Lift-Ticket, Dial-Tone, Repeater
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Buzzer, Ripper, Torch, Zarana, Road Pig
ARAH #94
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #94
Publication Date : December 1989
Exterminating Circumstance
The Baroness kidnaps Snake-Eyes and shoots Scarlet in the head.
We learn, via flashback, that Snake-Eyes wasn’t the one who killed the Baroness’ brother in Saigon in 1968.
Raptor offers to tell Billy the truth about what happened to his father.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Rock n Roll, Scarlet, Stalker, Snake-Eyes, Doc, Roadblock, Flint,
Cobra : Baroness, Storm Shadow, Buzzer, Torch, Zarana, Raptor, Roadpig
Civilians : Billy, Billy’s mom
Continuity Errors
1. Scarlet gets a heads-up that the Baroness is coming for Snake-Eyes because the captured Zarana spilled the beans, but the Baroness only learned of Snake-Eyes whereabouts in Switzerland moments before she blew up Zarana’s truck.
2. In a flashback to Saigon 1968 Stalker calls Tommy Arashikage “Storm Shadow,” even though Stalker didn’t know that name was associated with him until 1984 (issue #26).
3. Also, in issue #26 Stalker says he’d only been with Tommy and Snake-Eyes for 6 months at the time of their fateful mission in Vietnam when half their squad was lost and Snake-Eyes received his discharge-causing injuries (around 1974 or 1975.)
ARAH #95
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #95
Publication Date : December 1989
No Turning Back!
Scarlet is alive, but in a coma, and being medevacked back to the States.
Wade Collins (Fred II) returns to help Stalker and Storm Shadow rescue Snake-Eyes from the Cobra Consulate building in NYC. Snake-Eyes manages to escape captivity on his own, but not before his captors burn his face (again).
Raptor takes Billy to dig up his father, and they are joined by The Blind Master (Zartan) and Tyrone.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Scarlet, Stalker, Doc, Roadblock, Lifeline, Chuckles (1st – Snake-Eyes v3)
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Storm Shadow, Zartan/BM, Raptor
Civilians : Wade Collins (Fred II), Billy, Tyrone, Dr Hundtkinder
ARAH #96
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #96
Publication Date : January 1990
The Hexagram Completed
Snake-Eyes saves the Baroness from falling from the top of the Cobra consulate building, but when Destro reveals to her that he was in Saigon the day her brother was killed, and knows that Snake-Eyes was not the killer, she chooses to fall, rather than face her choice to become an international terrorist over a misunderstanding. Storm Shadow then saves her life again, and everyone escapes in one piece (except every Cobra foot soldier that was in the consulate building, of course.)
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Stalker, Scarlet, Snake-Eyes, Wild Bill, Doc, Airborne, Lifeline, Lift-Ticket
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Storm Shadow
Civilians : Wade Collins (Fred II)
ARAH #97
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #97
Publication Date : February 1990
What Goes Around Comes Around
The Joes bust a Cobra warehouse full of Terror Drome parts in Montreal.
Billy and Raptor infiltrate Cobra Island, along with The Blind Master (Zartan) to take revenge on Fred VII.
Baroness and Destro walk away from the terrorist life.
Appearances
Joes : Clutch, Stalker, Snake-Eyes, Lady Jaye, Flint, Chuckles (1st – Rock n Roll v2)
Cobra : Baroness, Destro, Storm Shadow, Zartan/BM, Dr Mindbender, Fred VII/CC, Raptor, Croc-Master, Voltar
Civilians : Wade Collins, Tyrone, Billy, Captain Minh
ARAH #98
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #98
Publication Date : March 1990
He’s Back!
The REAL Cobra Commander returns to Cobra Island, burying all of his adversaries under a mountain.
Zarana activates Rock n Roll’s and Cutch’s mind control.
The jugglers plan to retire the G.I. Joe unit, again.
Appearances
Joes : Hawk, Clutch, Rock n Roll, Chuckles
Cobra : Firefly, Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Fred VII/CC, Raptor, Croc-Master, Roadpig, Voltar (1st – Cobra Commander v4, black hood)
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Tyrone, Billy, Captain Minh
Continuity Errors : Raptor takes Dr Mindbender to dig up Cobra Commander’s corpse, but they find nothing. Raptor had previously been there digging with Billy, so should/would have already known the body was not there.
ARAH #99
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #99
Publication Date : April 1990
Calm Before the Storm!
Zarana clues Cobra Commander in on her brain washing operation, and uses Clutch and Rock n Roll to finally locate the PIT in Utah.
Cobra Commander assembles a force to invade a town called Millville, where Mutt and Spirit happen to be taking leave.
Appearances
Joes : Clutch, Rock n Roll, Wild Bill, Mutt & Junkyard, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Flint (1st – Steam-Roller)
Cobra : Cobra Commander, Zartan, Buzzer, Dr Mindbender, Zarana, Fred VII, Raptor, Roadpig
Allies : General Hollingsworth
Civilians : Tyrone, Billy, Captain Minh
ARAH #100
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #100
Publication Date : May 1990
Seeds of Empire!
Cobra invades the town of Millville and begin brainwashing its residents, including Mutt’s uncle, who turns him and Spirit over to Cobra.
Zarana initiates the brainwashing program in the minds of Clutch and Rock n Roll, but they overcome the programming.
Appearances
Joes : Clutch, Rock n Roll, Doc, Mutt & Junkyard, Spirit, Lady Jaye, Flint, Dusty, Psych-Out, Sci-Fi, Wildcard, Muskrat, Steam Roller
Cobra : Cobra Commander, Zarana
Civilian : (1st – Russ)