Skybound Games is wading into the crossover craze with an unexpected team-up that pairs the globe-trotting archaeologist Lara Croft with the military action figures of G.I. Joe. The partnership kicks off this October with a five-issue limited series that expands on a surprise appearance Croft made in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #330.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider launches October 7, 2026, and follows Croft alongside Shipwreck and a crew of Joes racing to Cobra Island in search of a legendary lost artifact. Their mission faces serious opposition from The Baroness and Destro, who want the treasure for their own nefarious purposes.
Kyle Higgins, known for his work on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, handles writing duties while Elena Casagrande (Black Widow) provides the artwork. The creative team is rounded out by colorist Alex Guimarães and letterer Pat Brosseau, who has worked extensively on the G.I. Joe franchise.
Higgins expressed enthusiasm about building a story that weaves together both properties. "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," he said in a statement. "We're taking some really fun swings with both brands, and there are definitely some deep cuts for G.I. JOE fans."
Casagrande added her own excitement about illustrating one of gaming's most iconic characters. "I'm extremely happy to have the chance to draw one of the top myths in my life: Lara Croft," she said. "It will be epic to see her in this adventure with the G.I. JOE team, fighting to solve one of her iconic mysteries on Cobra Island."
The crossover extends beyond the printed page. Hasbro is introducing a Lara Croft figure to its G.I. Joe Classified action figure line, allowing collectors to own a physical representation of the collaboration.
The partnership reflects a broader trend in 2026, as publishers continue rolling out unexpected crossovers. Recent announcements have included projects like Batman/Superman/Weird Al: World's Weirdest and Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars, suggesting the industry is fully embracing fan service mashups.
Fans can preorder G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero/Tomb Raider #1 at their local comic shop now ahead of the October release.
Author Emily Chen: "This crossover works because both franchises thrive on action and mythology, but pairing them still feels audacious enough to actually catch your attention."
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