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Snake Eyes
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Creation & Design

Snake Eyes was created by writer Larry Hama and artist Herb Trimpe for the G.I. Joe comic series. His design was influenced by classic ninja tropes and the popularity of martial arts in the 1980s.

Early Years

Initially introduced as a mysterious character with a dark past, Snake Eyes quickly became a fan favorite due to his silent demeanor and exceptional combat skills. His backstory involves a tragic event that led to his vow of silence.

Character Development

Over the years, Snake Eyes has evolved from a silent, enigmatic figure to a complex character with rich backstory and emotional depth. His relationships with other characters, particularly with Storm Shadow and Scarlett, have added layers to his persona.

Cultural Reception

Snake Eyes has been widely praised for his unique character design and compelling storylines. He has become an iconic figure in the G.I. Joe franchise and has garnered a dedicated fanbase.

Character Details

Real Name:
Unknown
Aliases:
Silent Master, Joe, Ninja Commando
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
G.I. Joe, Arashikage Clan
Abilities:
Expert martial artist, Master of stealth, Weapons specialist
Equipment:
Katana, Uzi, Combat gear
Weight:
200lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
black

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1

Marvel ⋅ 1982

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1
 
Low
$18
Mid
$60
High
$180

Key Facts

1st team appearance of G.I. Joe

1st appearance of Snake-Eyes, an Arashikage-trained ninja (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Scarlett, an intel officer (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Grunt, an infantry trooper (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Breaker, a communications officer (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Rock 'N Roll, a machine gunner (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Stalker, a ranger (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Zap, a bazooka soldier (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Short-Fuze, a mortar soldier (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Clutch, a Vamp operator (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Laser, a rifle trooper (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Steeler, a tank commander (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Hawk, a field commander (G.I. Joe)

1st appearance of Grand Slam, an artillery specialist (G.I. Joe)

1st team appearance of Cobra, a terrorist organization

1st appearance of Cobra Commander, leader and founder of Cobra

1st appearance of Baroness, an intel officer (Cobra)

Writer and Vietnam veteran Larry Hama intended to create a Nick Fury series but after being approached by Hasbro to launch their 3.75-inch action figures, the Fury Force concept was applied to G.I. Joe

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21

Marvel ⋅ 1984

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21
 
Low
$20
Mid
$80
High
$220

Key Facts

1st appearance of Storm Shadow, a former ally of Snake Eyes and the Young Master of the Arashikage Clan

Solo story featuring Snake-Eyes, told without any text or dialogue

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26

Marvel ⋅ 1984

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26
 
Low
$1
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$5
High
$15

Key Facts

Origin of Snake-Eyes

1st appearance of Hard Master, head of the Arashikage Clan

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #27

Marvel ⋅ 1984

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #27
 
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$1
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$2
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$10

Key Facts

Origin of Snake-Eyes

1st appearance of Timber, pet wolf of Snake-Eyes

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #41

Marvel ⋅ 1985

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #41
 
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$1
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$2
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$8

Key Facts

Debut of classic Snake-Eyes suit, cover only

Snake-Eyes is first seen in the classic suit in G.I. Joe: A Real America Hero #45

Action Force #11

Marvel UK ⋅ 1987

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Action Force #11
 
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$1
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$5
High
$15

Key Facts

Origin of Snake Eyes

Partial reprint of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #63

So Much Fun ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 1987

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #63
 
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$3
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$9
High
$30

Key Facts

Third printing

'So Much Fun' variant sold only in toy stores

Action Force #37

Marvel UK ⋅ 1987

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Action Force #37
 
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$1
Mid
$3
High
$12

Key Facts

'Consequences' is an original story that serves as a prelude to G.I. Joe #21 'Silent Issue', written by John Tomlinson, that ties the story into Action Force continuity

Reprint of 12 pages from G.I. Joe #21 'Silent Issue'

Action Force #38

Marvel UK ⋅ 1987

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Action Force #38
 
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$1
Mid
$5
High
$18

Key Facts

'Truth' is an original story that serves as an epilogue to G.I. Joe #21 'Silent Issue' , written by John Tomlinson ,that ties the story into Action Force continuity

Reprint of 10 pages from G.I. Joe #21 'Silent Issue'

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #93

Marvel ⋅ 1989

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #93
 
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$2
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$8
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$25

Key Facts

Snake-Eyes reveals his identity

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #133

Marvel ⋅ 1993

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #133
 
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$3
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$9
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$30

Key Facts

Cover art by Andrew Wildman

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #144

Marvel ⋅ 1994

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #144
 
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$3
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$9
High
$35

Key Facts

Origin of Snake-Eyes

The story of his facial disfigurement and his family's death by a drunk driver, who is later revealed to be the brother of Cobra Commander

G.I. Joe Special #1

Marvel ⋅ 1995

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G.I. Joe Special #1
 
Low
$20
Mid
$85
High
$260

Key Facts

Reprint of G.I.Joe #61 with interior art by Todd McFarlane

Cover art inspired by Spider-Man #1 (1990)

G.I. Joe: America's Elite #1

Exclusive ⋅ Devil's Due Publishing ⋅ 2005

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G.I. Joe: America's Elite #1
 
Low
$8
Mid
$20
High
$80

Key Facts

Cover art inspired by Captain America Comics #1 (1941)

Store exclusive

Snake Eyes: Declassified #1

Devil's Due Publishing ⋅ 2005

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Snake Eyes: Declassified #1
 
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$1
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$2
High
$3

Key Facts

Six-issue limited series

Origin of Snake-eyes

G.I. Joe: America's Elite #11

1:200 ⋅ Devil's Due Publishing ⋅ 2006

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G.I. Joe: America's Elite #11
 
Low
$18
Mid
$60
High
$180

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Stefano Caselli

As of January 2024 the census shows a total of 16 copies of this variant with only five in 9.8

Back Issue #16

TwoMorrows ⋅ 2006

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Back Issue #16
 
Low
$1
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$5
High
$15

Key Facts

Cover art by Mike Zeck

G.I. Joe: Cobra Civil War - Snake Eyes #3

1:25 ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2011

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G.I. Joe: Cobra Civil War - Snake Eyes #3
 
Low
$8
Mid
$20
High
$80

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Jonboy Meyers

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #180

SDCC ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2012

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #180
 
Low
$12
Mid
$40
High
$125

Key Facts

San Diego Comic Con 2012 exclusive featuring Snake-Eyes

Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #19

1:10 ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2012

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Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #19
 
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$20
Mid
$80
High
$200

Key Facts

Variant cover art by David Williams

Cover art inspired by the 1984 Prince film and album 'Purple Rain'

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #212

IDW ⋅ 2015

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #212
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

"Death of Snake-Eyes" part 1

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #213

IDW ⋅ 2015

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #213
 
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$3
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$9
High
$30

Key Facts

"Death of Snake-Eyes" part 2

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #214

IDW ⋅ 2015

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #214
 
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$2
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$5
High
$9

Key Facts

"Death of Snake-Eyes" part 3

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #215

IDW ⋅ 2015

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #215
 
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$1
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$2
High
$9

Key Facts

"Death of Snake-Eyes" part 4

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #224

Convention Exclusive ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2016

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #224
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Mike Zeck, limited to 3,000 copies

Great Lakes Comic Con 2016 exclusive

Cover art inspired by Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8 (1984)

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero - Complete Silence #1
Non-Key

IDW ⋅ 2020

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero - Complete Silence #1
 
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$1
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$5

Key Facts

Reprint of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21 'Silent Interlude' and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #21B 'A Silence Between Borders' - two issues with no dialogue

Snake Eyes: Deadgame #1

IDW ⋅ 2020

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Snake Eyes: Deadgame #1
 
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$1
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$2
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$5

Key Facts

1st appearance of Kirigun

Snake Eyes: Deadgame #1

SDCC ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2020

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Snake Eyes: Deadgame #1
 
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$5
Mid
$15
High
$70

Key Facts

San Diego Comic Con 2020: Comic-Con@Home Exclusive, limited to 500 copies

Snake Eyes: Deadgame #1

Store Exclusive ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2020

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Snake Eyes: Deadgame #1
 
Low
$5
Mid
$15
High
$50

Key Facts

Cover art inspired by The Incredible Hulk #181

Snake Eyes: Deadgame #2

Store Exclusive ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2020

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Snake Eyes: Deadgame #2
 
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$2
Mid
$8
High
$20

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Mico Suayan

Cover art inspired by New Mutants #87

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #280

Variant ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2021

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #280
 
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$3
Mid
$9
High
$30

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Kirill Repin

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #282

1:10 ⋅ IDW ⋅ 2021

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #282
 
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$3
Mid
$9
High
$30

Key Facts

Variant cover art by John Royle

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