G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #14 1st Full Appearance of Destro (Marvel, 1983), CGC 9.6 Signature Series (Signed by Larry Hama & Jim Shooter)
"I provide the sword, you provide the arm to swing it."
Enter the Iron Grenadier himself! This is the landmark issue that fully introduced Destro to the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero universe. Encapsulated in a pristine CGC 9.6 Signature Series slab, this copy is signed by two absolute legends of the comic book industry: G.I. Joe writer/creator Larry Hama and former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter.
About the Source Material: While Cobra Commander was the screaming face of the enemy, Destro (Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV) brought sophistication, honor, and cool technology to the villains. Writer Larry Hama created Destro as a foil to the Commander—a calm, calculating arms dealer who followed his own code of honor. His complex relationship with the Baroness and his "frenemy" dynamic with Cobra leadership became one of the most compelling subplots in both the comics and the cartoon.
Issue Summary (Major Key Issue): This issue is a "Holy Grail" for Cobra fans for two massive reasons:
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1st Full Appearance of Destro: While he appeared in cameos/shadows previously, this issue marks his first full cover and story appearance. The cover art by Herb Trimpe places him front and center, wielding his pistol with the Joes scrambling in the background.
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1st Appearance of Ace: The G.I. Joe team's premier fighter pilot also makes his debut here, perfectly timing with the release of the massive Skystriker toy.
Grading & Signature Details:
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Grade: This copy has been professionally graded by CGC as a 9.6 (Near Mint+). Finding a newsstand-era book in this high grade is difficult; finding one signed is even rarer.
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Signature Series: Features the coveted CGC Yellow Label, verifying the signatures were witnessed by CGC.
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Signed by Larry Hama: The "Godfather" of G.I. Joe, signed on 12/11/21.
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Signed by Jim Shooter: Marvel Legend and EIC, signed on 12/3/22.
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Page Quality: White Pages.
Product Specifications:
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Title: G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #14
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Publisher: Marvel Comics
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Date: August 1983
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Story: Larry Hama
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Art: Mike Vosburg & Jon D'Agostino
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Cover Art: Herb Trimpe & Steve Mitchell
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Grade: CGC 9.6 Signature Series (White Pages)
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Certification Number: 2704386005
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* Graded: CGC 9.6
* Marvel Comics
* 1983
