Clayton M. Abernathy

Few characters can claim to have been present at the very birth of one of comics' most beloved franchises, but Clayton M. Abernathy has been there from the very first page — debuting in the landmark first issue of G.I. Joe, a Real American Hero #1 in 1982, brought to life by the legendary Larry Hama and Don Perlin at Marvel Comics. A Bronze Age original with staying power that stretches all the way to 2025, Abernathy has accumulated 189 catalog appearances and 12 key issues that any serious collector will want on their shelf. He's kept extraordinary company across those decades, sharing adventures with icons like Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, and Cobra Commander himself — the very heart of the G.I. Joe universe. If you want to understand the backbone of one of the most enduring action-adventure series in American comics history, Clayton M. Abernathy is essential reading.