G.I. Joe # 19 Cover G First Printing Mor Die Cut Foil Mask Variant 2026 BN

G.I. Joe #19, released on February 18, 2026, kicks off a new story arc titled "Joe vs. Transformer". Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Andrea Milana, this issue serves as a critical setup for the first meeting between Duke and Optimus Prime in the following issue. 

Plot Summary: "The Secret is Out" 

The issue deals with the emotional fallout of the "Dreadnok War" and centers on Duke discovering that his teammate Clutch has been secretly hiding the Autobot Hound. 

• The Confrontation: A furious Duke confronts Clutch and Hound. He blames all Cybertronians for the death of his friend (Frosting) until Hound explains the war between Autobots and Decepticons, specifically identifying Starscream as the killer.
• Zartan’s Deception: Zartan, still successfully disguised as Colonel Hawk, continues to manipulate the Joes. He reassigns the team to missions focused on collecting Energon for his own mysterious purposes.
• M.A.S.K. Integration: The story reintroduces Matt Trakker, who is lured out of hiding by a tip about Miles Mayhem. Trakker is subsequently targeted by Scrap-Iron, who is now working for Mayhem’s "Mayhem" organization.
• A Request for Prime: By the end of the issue, Duke’s perspective shifts from wanting to "put Hound down permanently" to demanding an audience with Optimus Prime. 
  

Creative Team & Product Specifications 

• Release Date: February 18, 2026.
• Publisher: Image Comics / Skybound Entertainment.
• Credits: Written by Joshua Williamson, with interior art by Andrea Milana, colors by Lee Loughridge, and letters by Rus Wooton.
• Format: 32-page full-color comic book.