Get ready for a story told without a single word, as Skybound and Image Comics have announced that G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #321 will be a special silent issue. This bold creative choice pays homage to one of the most famous issues in comic book history, continuing the legendary run by writer Larry Hama. Teaming up with the dynamic artist Chris Mooneyham, Hama is set to deliver an action-packed, dialogue-free story that puts fan-favorite ninjas Snake-Eyes and Dawn Moreno in the spotlight. This highly anticipated issue is set to hit comic shops this October, and the buzz is already building.
The creative team behind this venture is nothing short of stellar. Larry Hama’s name is synonymous with G.I. JOE, having shaped the universe and its characters for decades. His return to the series under the Skybound banner has been a triumphant one, celebrated by longtime comic book fans and new readers alike. Artist Chris Mooneyham, known for his gritty and expressive work on titles like Nightwing, brings a visceral energy that is perfectly suited for a silent issue, where the visuals must carry the entire narrative. In addition, the issue features stunning cover art by the incomparable Andy Kubert, ensuring it stands out on the shelves.
What to Expect in G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #321
The plot of this special issue plunges the Joes into immediate peril. A new threat emerges as villains, first introduced back in G.I. JOE ORIGINS #19, have developed a mobile version of their sonic weapon. Mounted on a stealth dirigible, they launch a surprise attack on The Pit, the secret G.I. Joe headquarters. Because the attack is sound-based, most of the Joes are instantly incapacitated.
However, deep in the lowest, sound-proofed level of the base, Snake-Eyes and Dawn Moreno are completely unaffected. This leaves them as the last line of defense. The duo must single-handedly confront the airborne threat and save their comrades. Hama describes it as a tense scenario where our heroes must attack the enemy airship by themselves, promising a thrilling sequence of pure visual storytelling. This setup is a classic G.I. JOE scenario: the odds are stacked against them, and only skill and determination can win the day.
A New Silent Interlude for a New Generation
The decision to create a silent issue is a direct call-back to the groundbreaking G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #21, famously known as “Silent Interlude.” That 1984 issue, also written by Hama, is considered a masterpiece of sequential art, telling a complex story of espionage and combat featuring Snake-Eyes infiltrating a Cobra fortress without any dialogue or captions. It proved that comics could convey powerful narratives through visuals alone.
Now, over 300 issues later, Hama and Mooneyham are revisiting this powerful format. The excitement within our community is palpable. Skybound’s Editorial Director, Alex Antone, noted, “Larry Hama has done it again… [he] has captured the magic of the original Silent Interlude with a fresh new spin for a new generation.” It’s a testament to the enduring power of the G.I. JOE saga and the creative risks the team is willing to take. You can keep up with this and all the other upcoming new comics right here.
Creative Team & Variants
- Writer: Larry Hama
- Artist: Chris Mooneyham
- Cover Artists: Andy Kubert, Steve Beach, Chris Mooneyham
- Colorist: Laura Martin
In addition to the main cover by Kubert and Martin, collectors will be treated to a fantastic array of comic book covers. This includes a black-and-white variant of Kubert’s cover, an open-to-order variant by Mooneyham himself, and a 1:10 incentive “Gears of Joe” variant by Steve Beach. This release continues the successful collaboration between Skybound and Hasbro, which has revitalized the Energon Universe. For more on their incredible work, you can visit Skybound’s official page.
In conclusion, G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #321 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss issue for any fan of the franchise or the comic book medium itself. It honors the series’ innovative past while pushing its characters in new and exciting directions. Mark your calendars for its release on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
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