IDW and Hasbro Raise Awareness For Veteran Mental Health With ‘G.I. Joe’ Comic
by Olly MacNamee
IDW, the publishers of G.I. Joe, have teamed up with Hasbro to produce a special comic book to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst military veteran, and specifically PTSD and the recovery process. And, it’s already out on shelves!
“To bring attention to the serious issues facing the heroes who have served our country, IDW and Hasbro have teamed up during September’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with promotions timed to coincide with The Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).”
The issue in question was G.I. Joe #7 that our very own Benjamin Hall reviewed here. And, during the remainder of this month it’s available to read for free right here along with other useful resources in an effort to spread awareness of suicide prevention and mental health.
But why G.I. Joe? Here’s series’ writer Paul Allor to explain:
“G.I. JOE is one of the great pop culture icons of the past century, and I think everyone involved recognizes how powerful this brand can be when used to shine a light on mental health among our veteran population.”
As well as this, IDWW and Hasbro hosted a virtual panel to raise awareness. Moderated by George Gustines of The New York Times, the panel brings comic book creators, licensors and publishers, combat veterans, and experts on mental health issues together to discuss this important topic that can be watched here.