Set Description:
COMPLETED – In 2009 this was the first completed CGC graded set of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero by Marvel. In 2010 CGC added 2nd prints into the mix and my 100% status dropped. On February 13th, 2013 I again completed the set back to 100% thanks to CGC Board Member JRS069 who sold me the final pieces. In 2013 I and a couple others requested the 2nd prints be pulled from this set.
The GI Joe: A Real American Hero (1982 – Marvel) set was established by CGC in 2006 and originally contained only issues 1 thru 30. I believe this was expanded in 2007 or 2008 to include the entire Marvel run; 1 thru 155 – Yearbooks 1-4 – and the Special 1 that was printed a few months after the series ended and contained the original artwork for issue #60 that was drawn by McFarlane but rejected by Marvel and redrawn. In 2010 CGC added several of the 2nd printings into the set, in March 2013 the 2nd prints were removed and CGC created a separate GI Joe: A Real American Hero set that included all the variants leaving this one pure.
UPDATED August 12, 2013
The CGC set contains 160 comics - Currently this set contains:
• (132) CGC 9.8’s Signature Series signed by the creative teams through the years including: Larry Hama, Herb Trimpe, Todd McFarlane, Steven Grant, Amanda Conner, George Perez, Michael Zeck, John Beatty, Bob McLeod, Randy Emberlin, Geof Isherwood, Lee Weeks, and Michael Golden.
• (28) CGC 9.8's Universals are waiting to be signed (a few of these are either the only 9.8 graded copies or just a few exist. I did not want to chance a grade drop after being cracked and signed until I acquire a 2nd copy).
GI Joe issue #1 was released in June 1982 and reportedly holds the unique distension of being the first comic book that was ever advertised on television. Simultaneously the GI Joe 3-3/4 figures from Hasbro were released. The comic was always a springboard for the new toys as they were released. As new figure were released by Hasbro the comic brought them into the GI Joe Universe as we know it. Although Hasbro had a lot of control over the direction of the comic (and toys) the real genius of the Joe Universe was writer/artist Larry Hama. Larry Hama not only wrote every GI Joe comic, except issues 8, 9, 119, 143, 153, and 154, he also wrote the “file cards” that were located on the back of each action figure released (including those released with vehicles). These file card mirrored the backgrounds discussed within the comic. In May 2010 IDW and Larry Hama released issue 155.5 of GI Joe: A Real American Hero, picking up where the series ended in Dec. 1994. This series is ongoing and will reach issue 200 in 2014.
I came across my first GI Joe comic with issue 24 and I was captivated! I spent the summer mowing and working in able to afford the first couple of dozen I had missed. Of course I read other comics; X-Men, Spiderman, New Mutants, Transformers, Secret Wars II (I think I was one of the few who enjoyed that one), etc. But when money was tight at times though my early teens it was GI Joe I made sure I purchased. As I got older I slowly let the comics go by the wayside as I embraced cars, dating, girls…the typical teenager’s life. In 1990 I sold all my GI Joe comics (along with several others I had collected) and I continued into my adulthood.
In 2004 I came across a box of stuff I had had in storage since…forever. Contained in the box was a Snake Eyes V2 and Storm Shadow V1 3-3/4 action figures still in their packaging! After finding out what they were worth I quickly sold them on E-Bay! And decided to take that money and find out exactly what ever happened to all the Joe’s after I had left them. I purchased the entire collection of GI Joe 1-155 and the 4 Yearbooks all raw in one lucky purchased and read away. I was hooked again! 9 years later I have this collection, along with 99% of every GI Joe comic printed in North America including those printed by Marvel, Image, DDP, IDW, and more since 1982. I am also having fun tracking down the many foreign issues of GI Joe that are out there and have managed to gather GI Joe (or Action Force as it’s called in many other countries) Comics from 19 different countries.
In addition to this set I have 30 additional registry sets with other GI Joe titles from Marvel, Image, Devils Due, Blackthorn, Dreamwave, and IDW. This includes a complete 9.8 run of the Marvel GI Joe: Special Missions spin-off series that I am also working on getting in 9.8 Signature Series.
My future goals for this set include getting the (28) 9.8’s Universals upgraded to some 9.8 yellow label goodness!!!
I have added a short summary, listed the creative teams for each book, and scanned the cover of each issue to jog your memory for those of you who remember them as fondly as I did.
Now you know and knowing is half the battle!
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 1 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 1 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0176099001
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 2 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 2 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1025026002
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Owner Comments
Signed by Hama - The 2nd issue was the first appearance of a fan favorite 'guest' character - Kwinn. A small unit of Joe's consisting of Snake Eyes, Scarlett, Breaker, and Stalker head to Alaska to investigate a research station. This cover was the first to have Snake Eyes on it (who is by far the favorite character of Joe fans). It was also the first time Snake-Eyes disfigured face was hinted at.
Scripter: Larry Hama, Penciler: Don Perlin, Inker: Jack Abel, Letterer: Jim Novak, Colorist: Bob Sharen, Editor: Tom DeFalco, Cover Penciler: Herb Trimpe, Cover Inker: Jack Abe
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 3 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 3 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1025026003
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Owner Comments
Signed by Hama - In issue 3 a robot was brought into the ‘Pit’ by the Joe’s that turns out to be a Cobra trap. This story was reprinted as a children book.
Script: Larry Hama, Pencils: Herb Trimpe, Inks: J. Abel & J. D'agostino, Letters: Diana Albers, Colors: George Roussos, Editor: Tom DeFalco, Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 4 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 4 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1025026004
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Owner Comments
Signed by Hama - In issue 4 Vance Wingfield leads a Cobra funded militia group called First Strike who is determined to start World War III using a nuclear weapons on both U.S. and Russia soil. Snake Eyes has is first dialog in this story as you get to read some of his written thoughts.
Script: Larry Hama, Plot & Art: Herb Trimpe, Inks: Jon D'Agostino and Jack Abel, Letters: Diana Albers, Colors: George Roussos, Edits: Tom DeFalco, Commander: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 5 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 5 |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1148108022
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Owner Comments
Signed by Larry Hama - In issue 5 the Joe’s are showing off the MOBAT (M.O.B.A.T. - MOtorized BAttle Tank) in a parade in NYC. But the Springfield Marching Band (Cobra in disguise) attacks the tank in order to steal it. The town of Springfield begins a long history of ties with the Cobra organization.
Script: Larry Hama, Pencils: Don Perlin, Inks: Jon D'Agostino and Mike Esposito, Letters: Jim Novak, Colors: Stan Goldberg, Editor: Tom DeFalco, Commander: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 6 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 6 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1002666009
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Owner Comments
Signed by Herb Trimpe on 12-June-10. Issue 6 begins the first multi-part story line for the Joe’s and introduces the October Guard. The Joe’s are sent to Afghanistan to locate a downed spy aircraft. They come across the down aircraft and the October Guard, the Soviet Union’s version of GI Joe, at the same time. As they are fighting it out Cobra step’s in and captures the plane and both teams.
Scripter: Larry Hama, Plot & Penciler: Herb Trimpe, Inks: Jack Abel, Letterer: Jim Novak, Colorist: Christie Scheele, Editor: Tom DeFalco, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 7 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 7 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0176099012
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Owner Comments
Double signed by Hama & Trimpe - Issue 7 cobra has captured both the Joe and October Guard teams as well as the spy plane parts they are fighting over. Both teams escape and form a pact to recapture the plane parts from Cobra. They invade a Cobra bunker, and survive several traps. Both teams meet at the RTV that is holding the parts inside the bunker, and the Joe team is able to escape from Cobra and the October Guard with the RTV. Once they reach the extraction point, they learn that they had been decoys and the spy plane parts where taken out another way.
Scripter: Larry Hama, Plot & Penciler: Herb Trimpe, Inks: Chic Stone, Letterer: Jim Novak, Colorist: Christie Scheele, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 8 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 8 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0176099002
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Owner Comments
Double signed by Hama & Trimpe - Issue 8 was the first issue not written by Larry Hama and one of only 6 in the original series that did not have Larry at the helm. The Joes battle strange Cobra robots intent on shooting down the space shuttle.
Script and art: Herb Trimpe script and art, Letterer: Rick Parker, Colorist: Christie Scheele, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in chief: Jim Shooter.
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 9 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 9 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1034247002
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Owner Comments
Signed by Steven Grant - Issue 9 as a non-Hama issue as well. Clutch and Scarlett, with support by Snake-Eyes and Stalker, are given a mission to protect a State Department diplomat named Brain Hassell, actually a Cobra agent. Brian Hassell turns on Scarlett and Clutch and attempts to kill an Ambassador from Al-Alwai. The assassination attempt fails. Writer: Steven Grant, Penciler: Mike Vosburg, Inks: Chic Stone, Letterer: Janice Chiang, Colorist: Andy Yanchus, Editor: Dennis O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 10 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 10 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1047966001
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Owner Comments
Signed by Larry Hama - Issue 10 introduces the brainwave scanner! Snake-Eyes, Scarlett, and Zap are captured by the Baroness and brought to Springfield, Cobra's headquarters. There Snake-Eyes is subjected to the brainwave scanner that is run by Dr. Venom. Snake-Eyes past is revealed to Dr. Venom in his search for the GI Joe base. Scarlett and Zap are in a prison cell with a little boy, who helps them escape. They collect Snake-Eyes and escape from the town, the boy elects to stay behind.
Writer: Steven Grant, Penciler: Mike Vosburg, Inks: Chic Stone, Letterer: Joe Rosen, Colorist: Christie Scheele, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 11 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 11 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1047966002
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Owner Comments
Signed by Larry Hama - Issue 11 - In Alaska, the GI Joe team is fighting against Cobra to protect an oil pipeline. New Joe team members show up to help in the fight. An unseen Cobra specialist (Destro) is trying to steal plutonium from a nuclear power plant. The Joes are able foil him and prevent Cobra from getting such a powerful weapon.
Writer: Larry Hama, Penciler: Mike Vosburg, Inks: Jon D'Agostino, Letterer: Rick Parker, Colorist: Christie Scheele, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 12 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 12 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0176099004
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Owner Comments
Signed by Larry Hama - Issue 12 - The Joes attempt to gain information about a Cobra operation in the fictional South American country of Sierra Gordo. The return of Kwinn!!!
Script: Larry Hama, Pencils: Mike Vosberg, Inks: Jon D'Agostino, Letterer: Joe Rosen, Colors: Glynis Wein, Editor: Denny O'Neill, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 13 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 13 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1047966004
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Owner Comments
Signed by Larry Hama - Issue 13 - Hawk leads Scarlett, Rock 'n' Roll, Grunt, Torpedo and Doc on a mission rescue Gung-Ho, Stalker and Breaker. In the process of this rescue the Joes gather some very important planted information about Cobra. Snake-Eyes, Kwinn, and Dr. Venom are presumed dead.
Writer: Larry Hama, Penciler: Mike Vosburg, Inks: Jon D'Agostino, Letterer: Joe Rosen, Colorist: Bob Sharen, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 14 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 14 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
0176099010
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Owner Comments
Double signed by Larry Hama & Herb Trimpe - Issue 14 - Destro's first (full)appearance! Destro attacks as Kwinn, Dr. Venom, and Snake-Eyes form an uneasy truce to get out of the sunken bunker and escape Sierra Gordo.
Scripter: Larry Hama, Penciller: Mike Vosburg, Inker: Jon D'Agostino, Letterer: J. Rosen, Colorist: C. Scheele, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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| Slot: |
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero 15 |
| Item: |
G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero 15 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1047966005
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Owner Comments
Signed by Larry Hama - Issue 15 - In Sierra Gordo, Snake-Eyes, Kwinn & Dr. Venom have escaped from the underwater bunker they were trapped in. They are able to sneak out an airplane with Florida as their destination. In Springfield, Destro expresses his love to the Baroness and his plot to get Cobra Commander captured.
Writer: Larry Hama, Penciler: Mike Vosburg, Inks: Jon D'Agostino, Letterer: Rick Parker, Colorist: Andy Yanchus, Editor: Denny O'Neil, Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
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