Comic News: In Stores Today: IDW and Habro Release G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1

Special Editon Complete Mirror Image of Self

Available In Stores September 30, 2009


IDW Publishing and Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) today announced the release of G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1, a groundbreaking special edition comic in the popular G.I. JOE: COBRA comic book series. Available in stores today, G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1 tells the gripping tale of twin brothers drifting apart, framing the story in panels and pages that mirror each other. G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1 is written by renowned G.I. JOE scribe Mike Costa, with art by fan-favorite Antonio Fuso.

“When Mike and Antonio first told us what they were planning for this Special, a story about twins that is perfectly symmetrical, it seemed almost impossible to execute,” said Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s Senior Global Publishing Manager, Entertainment & Licensing. “My first thought was, ‘If you’re going to cite Watchmen issue #5 as your inspiration, you’d better deliver on a level never seen before.’ G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1 is an amazing accomplishment. The IDW team has given readers something to talk about for a long time.”

Spinning out of the red-hot mini series, G.I. JOE: COBRA, G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1 follows up on the surprise reveal from COBRA #4 and focuses on masterminds behind this evil organization. The engaging storyline explores the deep conflict between twin brothers and how the feeling of isolation can trigger some dark consequences, all of which is enhanced by the art and design of the comic itself. As each brother tells his story, it is mirrored by the other. The level of detailed design throughout the comic, creating an exact panel to panel mirror, also serves to highlight the very different views of life that each brother has.

“Mike and Antonio have created something unique in the comic book genre,” said Andy Schmidt, G.I. JOE editor for IDW Publishing. “The imagery and complexity of the story are breathtaking. Watching this story come together with such a perfect integration of script, art, color, and lettering has been like watching a baseball pitcher work through a perfect game. I could feel the tension in my chest as we closed in on the final adjustments before we sent it to the printer. I’m looking forward to seeing what G.I. JOE fans and comic fans alike think about the issue.”

G.I. JOE: COBRA Special #1 ($3.99) will be available in stores on September 30, 2009.