G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330 shipped Wednesday July 8 and immediately sold out at the distributor level. The reason: the final page of the issue features the surprise first appearance of Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, as she infiltrates Castle Destro. It is the first time the worlds of G.I. Joe and Tomb Raider have ever crossed over in comic book history. And it is only the beginning. Sources: Skybound / Image Comics official press release (July 8 2026), Bleeding Cool (July 8 2026), AIPT (July 8 2026), CBR (July 9 2026), Graphic Policy (July 9 2026).
What happened in G.I. Joe #330
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330 is written by Larry Hama with art by Chris Mooneyham, Paul Pelletier, Andrew Krahnke, and Tony Kordos, with colours by Francesco Segala — the regular creative team on the ongoing series. The issue ends with Lara Croft's surprise appearance as she infiltrates Castle Destro in search of her next dangerous destination. It is an unexpected final-page reveal that sent the issue to an immediate distributor-level sellout. Source: Skybound official press release, AIPT (July 8 2026).
The crossover series: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero / Tomb Raider #1
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 launching October 7, 2026. Written by Kyle Higgins (Immortal Legend Batman, Radiant Black), with art by Elena Casagrande (Black Widow, Eisner Award-winning), colours by Alex Guimarães, and letters by Pat Brosseau. Source: Skybound / Image Comics official press release (July 8 2026).
The story: Lara Croft's search for the Arbco Star leads her to Cobra Island. To survive the mission she will need the help of her old acquaintance Shipwreck and several squads of Joes. Racing them to the treasure are Destro and Baroness. Source: Skybound official press release (July 8 2026).
Writer Kyle Higgins said: '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.' Source: Skybound official press release (July 8 2026), Comics Beat (July 8 2026).
The covers for issue #1
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 ships with: Cover A by Elena Casagrande and Alex Guimarães (main cover) · Cover B by Stjepan Šejić · Cover C (Foil, $5.99) by Stjepan Šejić · Cover D (1:25 incentive) by Chris Mooneyham — launching a Classic Joe cover series · Cover E (1:50 incentive) by Leirix · Cover F (1:100 Foil incentive, $5.99) by Lorenzo Tammetta and Mike Spicer · Cover G (blank sketch variant). $4.99 standard cover price. Lunar Code: 0826IM8000. Source: Skybound official press release, Comic Book Club (July 8 2026).
The second printing of G.I. Joe #330
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330 sold out at distributor level on release day. A second printing is confirmed for Wednesday August 12, 2026. The second printing features Lara Croft's first-ever Skybound cover appearance — an all-new cover by Chris Mooneyham. $3.99. Source: Graphic Policy (July 9 2026), Bleeding Cool (July 9 2026), CBR (July 9 2026).
Lara Croft's comics history
Lara Croft has appeared in comics before — most notably through Top Cow Productions in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where she crossed over with Witchblade, Fathom, The Darkness, and Magdalena. The G.I. Joe crossover marks her first major comics crossover appearance since that era. Dark Horse Comics also published Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts, with the trade paperback releasing August 25 2026. Source: Comics Beat (July 8 2026), CBR (July 8 2026).
The broader Tomb Raider picture
The G.I. Joe crossover is part of expanding Tomb Raider comics activity in 2026. A live-action Tomb Raider series with Sophie Turner is in development at Amazon Studios. The next Tomb Raider game, Legacy of Atlantis, is scheduled for February 12, 2027. Source: Comics Beat (July 8 2026), CBR (July 8 2026).
Get the second printing
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330 first printing is sold out at distributor level. The second printing — with Lara Croft's first Skybound cover by Chris Mooneyham — ships August 12. Pre-order now at superheroempire.com. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 ships October 7, 2026 — all covers available to pre-order. In store and shipping across Canada.
Sources: Skybound / Image Comics official press release (July 8 2026) · Bleeding Cool (July 8 and 9 2026) · AIPT (July 8 2026) · CBR (July 8 and 9 2026) · Graphic Policy (July 9 2026) · Comics Beat (July 8 2026) · Comic Book Club (July 8 2026)