Publishers / Marvel / G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero (1982) / #26
26August 1984
$0.60; 0.30 GBP; 0.75 CAD

G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #26

Marvel · August 1984 · on sale 1984-04-17

First appearance: Soft MasterOrigin: Snake-EyesDeath of Hard Master3 variants
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero (Marvel, 1982 series)
Issue
#26
Publication date
August 1984
Key date
1984-08-00
On-sale date
1984-04-17
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.60; 0.30 GBP; 0.75 CAD
Pages
36

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Soft Master - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

Origin story on record for: Snake-Eyes, Storm Shadow, Thomas S. Arashikage.

Death on record for: Hard Master.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0At Last! The Strangest Secret of All!cover1pencils: Mike Zeck; inks: Bob WiacekThomas S. Arashikage, Snake-Eyes, Stalker, Storm Shadow, Lonzo R. Wilkinson
1Snake-Eyes: The Origincomic story22script: Larry Hama; pencils: Larry Hama, Steve Leialoha; inks: Steve Leialoha; colors: George Roussos; letters: Rick ParkerClayton M. Abernathy, Thomas S. Arashikage Origin, Baroness, Cobra Commander, Destro, Firefly, Hard Master Death, Hawk, Junkyard, Edward W. Leialoha, Mutt, Shana O'Hara, Stanley R. Perlmutter, Scarlett
2-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter; pencils: Mark Gruenwald, John Romita; inks: John RomitaBruce Banner, Chief Examiner, Hulk
3-letters page1pencils: June Brigman; inks: Bob WiacekEnergizer, Gee, Lightspeed, Mass Master, Alex Power, Jack Power, Julie Power, Katie Power, Aelfyre Whitemane, Whitey
4Bonus Certificate from Marvel!promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: John Byrne; inks: John ByrneHuman Torch, Invisible Woman, Willie Lumpkin, Mister Fantastic, Franklin Richards, Reed Richards, She-Hulk, Susan Storm Richards, Johnny Storm, Jennifer Walters, Ben Grimm, The Thing

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.60 USD; barcode 0714860206408
Second Printprice 0.75 USD
Canadianprice 0.75 CAD; barcode 0714860206408

Where to read it

CollectionYear
G.I. Joe Yearbook #21986On eBay ›
G.I. Joe Comics Magazine #101988On eBay ›
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero [Action Figure 3-Pack Reprint Series] #262005On eBay ›
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Compendium #1
ISBN 9781534371507		2024On eBay ›
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Kickstarter Compendium #1
ISBN 978-1-5343-8702-7		2024On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Check the price box: Marvel ran 30-cent and 35-cent test-market price variants in 1976-77.
  • Canadian and Whitman editions exist for many bronze books; match the barcode area to the plate.
  • Look for Mark Jewelers inserts and date stamps - they affect collector preference, not authenticity.

Series context

‹ #2526 of 155#27 ›

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com