G.I. Joe #38

Published by Marvel Comics in August 1985, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #38 was part of the long-running series written by Larry Hama and illustrated by Mike Vosburg. This issue arrived during the peak of the franchise's popularity, capitalizing on the synergy between the comic books, the iconic Hasbro toy line, and the successful animated series. The narrative continued Hama's established focus on complex military characterizations, tactical realism, and the sprawling interpersonal conflicts within the G.I. Joe and Cobra organizations.

The creative direction for this era of the series was defined by Hama's unique ability to ground high-concept sci-fi themes in plausible, often gritty, military settings. By the mid-1980s, the title had become a cornerstone of Marvel's licensed properties, consistently praised for its dense storytelling and character development which often exceeded the expectations of typical tie-in comics. Issue #38 reflects this period's artistic identity, maintaining the visual consistency that fans expected while advancing the broader plot arcs that spanned several years.