Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics have pulled off another surprise reveal, and this time it brings two major action-adventure franchises together. Readers discovered an unexpected appearance by Lara Croft in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330, setting the stage for the first-ever crossover between G.I. Joe and Tomb Raider.
The surprise appearance turns out to be more than a simple cameo. It leads directly into G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider, a new five-issue limited series scheduled to debut on October 7, 2026. The series will be written by Kyle Higgins, with Elena Casagrande providing the artwork, Alex Guimarães handling colors, and Pat Brousseau working on lettering.
The story brings Lara Croft into the dangerous world of Cobra and the G.I. Joe team. According to Higgins, the adventure will involve a lost artifact, a scheme involving Destro, and a joint infiltration mission targeting Cobra Island. That combination gives the crossover plenty of room for action while bringing together the different styles and characters of both franchises.
Higgins also teased that the creative team is taking some exciting chances with both properties. Longtime G.I. Joe readers can apparently expect some deep-cut references along with the larger crossover story. Bringing Lara Croft into the conflict also creates an interesting dynamic, since she is used to working alone and investigating ancient mysteries, while the G.I. Joe team operates as a highly trained military unit.
The crossover also represents a collaboration between different rights holders. G.I. Joe is a Hasbro property, while Tomb Raider is owned by Embracer Group. Their characters will now share the same comic book adventure for the first time.
The main cover for the first issue will be provided by Elena Casagrande and Alex Guimarães. The October 7 release will also include an open-to-order variant and foil cover by Stjepan Sejic, along with a blank sketch variant. That gives collectors several versions of the first issue to choose from.
The surprise reveal has already created interest in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330. The issue has sold out, and a second printing featuring a new cover by Chris Mooneyham has been released. The new cover places Lara Croft front and center, making the connection between the two franchises impossible to miss.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330 features a story by legendary G.I. Joe writer Larry Hama, with art from Paul Pelletier, Tony Kordos, and Francesco Segala, and the cover by Chris Mooneyham.
With Lara Croft heading to Cobra Island alongside the G.I. Joe team, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider has the ingredients for a crossover packed with treasure hunting, espionage, villains, and explosive action. The first issue arrives October 7, 2026, giving readers their first chance to see how these two worlds work together.
Visit the GI Joe A Real American Hero #330 Second Printing Lara Croft Tomb Raider product page at Si-Fi Toys & Comics for full details.
