In July 2001, a new comics studio acquired the rights to G.I. Joe. Image Comics released a four-issue mini-series written and drawn by Josh Blaylock along with artist John Larter and Steve Kurth. The mini-series was a success and immediately led to a fifth issue and a monthly schedule. The new series picked up where the storyline from the Marvel Comics left off, melding aspects of the comic and animated continuities. Many familar faces returned to active duty and several new members joined the roster. Issue #26 of GIJoe: A Real American Hero marked the first issue published soley under the banner of Devil's Due Publishing. The success of the title led to an expansion of the comic franchise to include a bi-monthly title (Frontline), an alternate continuity series (GIJoe: Reloaded), as well as several crossovers with another Hasbro property- The Transformers. The core title (A Real American Hero) ended with issue #43 and the series was relaunched with a new creative staff under the title of GIJoe: America's Elite. In 2007, an ongoing monthly title Storm Shadow debuted, written by famed GIJoe-scribe Larry Hama.

The very first issue of Devil's Due GI Joe comic was released on September 11, 2001.