Yo Joe, Comic Book Addicts! Get ready for a unique mission hitting comic shops later this month. Skybound, Image Comics, and Hasbro have dropped a first look at G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – Duke #1, arriving on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025! Written and drawn by the incredible Wes Craig (Kaya, Deadly Class), this special one-shot serves as the grand finale to Skybound’s “Silent Missions” month, delivering a completely dialogue-free Duke adventure. Let’s check the intel provided by Skybound!
Before diving into Duke’s mission, it’s essential to understand the legacy inspiring this event. Back in 1984, G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #21, famously known as the “Silent Interlude,” changed comic book storytelling forever. Crafted by the legendary Larry Hama, this issue delivered a thrilling, action-packed narrative featuring Snake Eyes storming Cobra headquarters without a single word of dialogue or sound effect. It was a masterclass in visual storytelling, proving comics could convey complex action and emotion purely through art. Skybound’s “Silent Missions” month pays homage to this landmark issue, dedicating April 2025 to all-new, dialogue-free G.I. Joe one-shots.
Inside G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – Duke #1: A Silent Mission
This standalone issue puts the spotlight squarely on G.I. Joe’s field commander, Duke. Written and fully illustrated by Wes Craig, with vibrant colors by Jason Wordie (who also colored the recent Duke Energon Universe miniseries), the story throws Duke deep into Cobra-infested territory. His objective? Hunt down a traitor who has defected to the enemy. The stakes are intensely personal, and the mission poses a grim challenge: Can Duke do the unthinkable to complete his objective?
Wes Craig is renowned for his dynamic layouts and expressive character work in series like Deadly Class and his creator-owned hit Kaya. His ability to convey motion and emotion through visuals makes him a perfect choice for a silent issue. Skybound Editorial Director Alex Antone confirms this, stating, “When the Silent Missions were conceived, Wes Craig was my first call… Not only is he one of the very best storytellers in comics, it turns out he’s a massive G.I. JOE fan! His Duke issue is a love letter to G.I. JOE, and a fitting finale to this exciting event.”
This Duke one-shot serves as the fifth and final installment of the Silent Missions releasing this April. The event also saw silent one-shots from talents like Phil Hester, DANI & Dan Watters, Leonardo Romero, and Andrew Krahnke. In further celebration, Skybound is also releasing a special “Silent Missions” edition of the original G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #21, complete with a new letter from Larry Hama himself.
Why G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – Duke #1 is Essential
Why should G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – Duke #1 be on your radar? Firstly, the silent format offers a unique reading experience, relying entirely on Wes Craig’s art to tell the story. It’s a showcase for pure visual narrative skill, harkening back to the groundbreaking “Silent Interlude.”
Secondly, it features a top-tier creator tackling a beloved character. Seeing Wes Craig’s interpretation of Duke in action, especially in a high-stakes solo mission, is incredibly exciting for fans of both the creator and G.I. Joe.
Thirdly, it provides a focused, standalone story while still connecting to the broader G.I. Joe tapestry being woven by Skybound and Hasbro. This includes the classic ARAH continuation by Larry Hama, Chris Mooneyham, and Francesco Segala, as well as the shared Energon Universe titles (Void Rivals, TRANSFORMERS, and the G.I. JOE series by Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly). This Duke mission adds another layer to the ever-expanding world.
Finally, for collectors, there are multiple covers to track down:
- Cover A by Wes Craig & Jason Wordie (Lunar Code: 0225IM284)
- Cover B by Jorge Fornés (Lunar Code: 0225IM285)
- Cover C (1:10 Incentive – Black & White) by Wes Craig (Lunar Code: 0225IM286)
- Cover D (1:25 Incentive – Foil Letter) by Jorge Fornés (Lunar Code: 0225IM287)
Don’t miss the conclusion to Silent Missions month! G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero – Duke #1 arrives in comic book shops and on digital platforms on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with a cover price of $3.99. Make sure to secure your copy!
Are you excited for Wes Craig’s silent take on Duke? What did you think of the other Silent Missions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
