One of the longest-running non-superhero comics of all time, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero returns this week after a brief hiatus. With the series now flying the flag over at Skybound, comics legend Larry Hama also returns to add to his epic record-breaking run on the series (as joined by artist Chris Mooneyham). How many writers can say they started a run in 1982 and get to continue it in 2023?
Hama and Mooneyham are hitting the ground running with the series — alongside colorist Francesco Segala — by giving fans more of the big-time action and intensity that’s defined the series for decades. Serving as a jumping-on point, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #301 arrives in comic shops on November 15, marking a new era with your old favorite characters: Duke, Scarlett, Roadblock, Storm Shadow, Cobra Commander, Serpentor, and the return of the original Snake-Eyes.
To get audiences further hyped, I had the opportunity to ask both Hama and Mooneyham questions about the series, how it got picked back up by Skybound, and much more. And, as always, “Go Joe!”
Courtesy of Skybound Entertainment.
AIPT: Larry, congratulations on extending the historic run on this series, how does it feel to be back penning the series again?
Larry Hama: It doesn’t feel like I ever left. Just like I took brief breaks since 1982, it is sort of like going home again.
AIPT: Given issue #300 at IDW was a kind of “end,” how and when did Skybound reach out to you to come back and continue the run?
LH: I got a personal call from Robert Kirkman asking if I would continue the series from where I left off. How could I refuse?
AIPT: Chris, your work is highly detailed, with a look like it’s straight out of a comic of our youth. What inspired you to take that route with this series?
Chris Mooneyham: Honestly, that’s just the way I draw. I’ve always had an affinity for classic comics/comic artists, guys I grew up reading, and try and emulate in my work. I think that’s one of the reasons Skybound asked me to come aboard, honestly.
Courtesy of Skybound Entertainment.
AIPT: Now under Skybound, do you have a specific goal or approach in mind that might have shifted from the previous run?
LH: No shift at all. I’ve been doing the same continuity for over 40 years now. It’s all one long story, actually.
CM: I know this one is geared toward Larry, but for me, I really want to give this book a look/feel that it’s either never had, or hasn’t been seen in a long time. I want this book to really “pop” on the shelves.
AIPT: Larry, having written G.I. Joe since 1982, what do you think is the secret sauce in its longevity?
LH: About 30 years ago, editor Mark Gruenwald told me he thought my stories were “old-fashioned.” When I asked what he meant by that, he replied, “The characters are likeable, and the stories make sense.” It’s about as simple as that.
Courtesy of Skybound Entertainment.
AIPT: Chris, I gotta ask, do you have the toys laying around for reference when drawing?
CM: I wish! The G.I. Joe craze of the early 80s started *just* before my time, so it wasn’t as prevalent throughout my childhood and into my adult life to warrant collecting the toys. But now, considering all the stuff Larry is having me draw, I wish that hadn’t been the case haha. I’d especially love having all the vehicles! Thankfully, Larry provides references for what’s in each issue, and we have a wonderful continuity coordinator who gets me everything I need, no matter how small it may be. (shoutout to Diana Davis for making things a bit easier on me!).
AIPT: Do either of you have a favorite G.I. Joe and vehicle?
LH: That’s like asking, “Who is your favorite kid?”
CM: Like I said, I’m a relative newbie to the brand, so I’m probably giving the most basic, eye-rolling response when I say “Snake-Eyes”, but it’s true. He’s almost too cool. I also really enjoy drawing Cobra and the other villains, like Serpentor Khan. There’s just something so fun and ridiculous about drawing a dude in a giant cobra headpiece. I really look forward to making my mark on Destro and Baroness, as well.
Courtesy of Skybound Entertainment.
AIPT: If G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #301 was a song, what would it be and why?
LH: “Run Through the Jungle” by CCR. Or “Stand By Me.”
CM: Hmmm… well, I’ve been listening to a lot of 80s action movie soundtracks whilst drawing this series, but I’m not sure I could narrow it down to one song. However, if I could choose a soundtrack, it’d probably be a tie between James Horner’s “Commando” or Alan Silvestri’s “Predator.” It’s a mood, man.
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