Two legendary action franchises are finally crossing paths.
Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with Hasbro and Crystal Dynamics, have announced G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider, a five-issue limited series that unites Lara Croft with the world of G.I. Joe for the very first time. AIPT also has a preview of the upcoming debut.
The crossover was teased today in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330, where readers witnessed Lara Croft make her surprise first appearance as she infiltrates Castle Destro in pursuit of her latest dangerous mission. It marks the first comic book meeting between the Tomb Raider and G.I. Joe franchises.
The adventure continues in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1, arriving in comic shops on October 7, 2026. The series is written by Kyle Higgins, with artwork by Elena Casagrande, colors by Alex Guimarães, and letters by Pat Brosseau.
The story sends Lara Croft to Cobra Island in search of the mysterious Arbco Star. To survive the mission, she’ll team up with her old acquaintance Shipwreck and several squads of Joes as they race Destro and Baroness to recover a long-lost treasure.
Writer Kyle Higgins said the crossover offered an opportunity to play with two iconic worlds.
“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. 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!”
Artist Elena Casagrande said bringing Lara Croft into the series has been a dream project.
“I’m extremely happy to have the chance to draw one of the top myths in my life: Lara Croft! 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!”
Skybound Editorial Director Alex Antone said the crossover grew out of a desire to surprise longtime fans.
“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. 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!”
The first issue will feature a main cover by Elena Casagrande and Alex Guimarães, alongside variants by Stjepan Šejić, Chris Mooneyham, Leirix, and Lorenzo Tammetta with Mike Spicer, plus a blank sketch cover for collectors.
Check out our preview below before G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 arrives on October 7, 2026.
The full list of variant covers is below:
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover A by Elena Casagrande & Alex Guimarães (Lunar Code: 0826IM8000)
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover B by Stjepan Sejic (Lunar Code: 0826IM8001)
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover C (Foil, $5.99) by Stjepan Sejic (Lunar Code: 0826IM8002)
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover D (1:25 Incentive) by Chris Mooneyham (Lunar Code: 0826IM8003)
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover E (1:50 Incentive) by Leirix (Lunar Code: 0826IM8004)
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover F (1:100 Foil Incentive, $5.99) by Lorenzo Tammetta & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code: 0826IM8005)
- G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 Cover G Blank Sketch Variant ($5.99) (Lunar Code: 0826IM8006)
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