CGC Featured Comic of the Month: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21

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Name of comic: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21

Comic publisher: Marvel Comics

Date: March 1984

Variants: None

What makes it special? G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21, “Silent Interlude,” is a landmark issue that broke convention with zero dialogue, just pure visual storytelling. It spotlighted fan-favorite Snake Eyes in a daring solo mission and proved that action, emotion and narrative could hit just as hard without a single word. It’s widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential comics of its time.

Why is it interesting now? With July marking Independence Day and a time to celebrate American ideals, this comic is a tribute to the quiet strength of those who serve, capturing the grit and resolve at the heart of real heroism.

Did you know? Storm Shadow, the iconic white-clad ninja introduced in this issue, was originally a villain. Over time, his complex backstory with Snake Eyes, including their shared ninja training and tragic past, made him one of the most compelling antiheroes in the G.I. Joe universe.

Total graded by CGC: As of June 30, 2025, there are 3,405 copies of GI Joe: A Real American Hero #21 listed in the CGC Census.

CGC highest graded: There is just one copy graded CGC 9.9, followed by 189 copies graded CGC 9.8.

CGC median grade: CGC 9.0

Sales highlights: A CGC 9.8 example realized $4,800 through Heritage Auctions in June 2022. Examples in the median grade of CGC 9.0 realized $149 and $124 in April and December 2023, respectively.

CGC Comics Registry Champion: Collector Silent Master showcases a CGC 9.8 copy in their set, Silent Master, which includes a complete run of the series, all in CGC 9.8. The set received the Best in Set Type Award every year between 2006 to 2024, the Best Set Presentation in 2011 and the Best Copper Age Set in 2013.

Previous Featured Comics of the Month:

• June 2025: Superman #233
• May 2025: Omega Men #3
• April 2025: Godzilla 70th Anniversary #nn
• March 2025: Fantastic Four #209
• February 2025: X-Men #24
• January 2025: Batman #25
• December 2024: Batman #33
• November 2024: Vote Loki #1
• October 2024: The Walking Dead #1
• September 2024: Infamous Iron Man #1
• August 2024: Superman #75
• July 2024: Evil Ernie #1

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