G.I. Joe Special Missions #9

Set against a dramatic canyon backdrop, this February 1988 Marvel issue puts Dave Cockrum and Bob McLeod's cover front and center — a menacing green aircraft unleashes cannon fire while a turbaned, heavily armed figure stands his ground in the foreground and another fighter scrambles for cover below. The tension is palpable, with the rocky terrain and billowing smoke suggesting a high-stakes covert confrontation perfectly suited to the "Special Missions" premise. Larry Hama and Herb Trimpe bring their talents to the interior story, "Plausible Denial," making this a solid entry in the series for fans of gritty, grounded G.I. Joe action.