Intro 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

1994 1995-96 1997 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

COMPLETE GUIDE TO G. I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO

1998 (Series 15)

Overview:

Probably to the astonishment of Joe's creators, fan reaction to 1997's revival of 3 3/4-inch figures was generally negative. While Hasbro-Kenner had brought back the beloved line, they did so poorly, according to most buyers and collectors. The mold problems, and especially the replacement molds chosen, spoiled the expectations of many. The new, complex paint schemes were interesting, but there were several questionable choices, such as the lime-green Duke and the purple-and-orange Scarlett. Some of the accessories included with the Stars & Stripes Forever set made little sense, and the helmets didn't fit. The set's US flag had 56 stars on it. The greatest criticism was the quality of the plastic. It was much softer and fit badly so that many figures could not stand properly. Fans of the comic were also disappointed that Larry Hama had not been asked to continue as filecard writer; the filecards were written by respected fan/collector Thomas Wheeler. (David Lane would assist him on 1998's cards.) Nevertheless, they bought the toys, so the revival was a success from a marketing standpoint.

Hasbro-Kenner heard the complaints and vowed to do better. Also, in response to countless requests, the next year's releases (still Toys 'R Us exclusives) would include Oktober Guard figures. The quality of the 1998 figures was at least close to that of the original line, and the 1998 vehicles have been hailed as even better looking than their originals. One other change was that, for the first time, most packages and filecards did not have character art for each figure, but rather a generic background: an orange flame explosion with a helicopter in the corner. A new difficulty surfaced this year and was, like the mold problem, the effect of time and neglect: copyrights were beginning to expire. Some products would have to be renamed, and Hasbro-Kenner's solution would be to use copyright-intact names from other Joe products. The only item affected this year was the Stinger, renamed the Rattler; but more would come in 2000. The toys appeared first in Canada in October, then in the states by mid-November.

Contents:

• Joe, Oktober Guard, and Cobra figures
• Equipment

Figures:

3-pack minimum price: $8.99

(Prices reflect original store price, not current value. Items are not for sale on this site.)

Shipwreck	Item #57066-1	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Navy SEAL		E-7 (Navy chief petty officer)	SN: 924-92-54SP
File Name: CPO Hector X. Delgado		Primary MOS: Navy SEAL
POB: Chula Vista, CA		Secondary MOS: Gunners Mate
Motto: "The way I drive attack boats, the brass decided the best place for me is UNDER water."
Appearance: brown hair and moustache; black wet suit with grey chest panel and blue-green gloves; black belt; grey boots.
Accessories: black air mask (94 Shipwreck's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Shipwreck grew up in the shadow of the Navy, notably the San Diego Navy Yards. He lied about his age and enlisted at 16. He soon became the quintessential sailor, able to splice a line, fry powdered eggs in the tooth of a gale, and actually stomach his own cooking. He joined the Joes and was a valued member of the team, except for an incredibly arrogant attitude that caused trouble more than once. He was finally packed off for Navy SEAL training in the hope that it would straighten him out. The result was a new SEAL for the Joes—who somehow managed to keep the same brassy attitude as before, despite the rigors of the harshest military training available. From General Hawk's Files: "Shipwreck is without question the most frustrating and annoying member of the entire team. He's arrogant, loud-mouthed, and has virtually no respect for authority. He must have somehow fooled them into thinking he'd changed to get through SEAL training. That's the really annoying thing about him—he's so blasted good at what he does that it almost compensates for his personality . . . almost."
Versions: 1. 1985 (w/ Polly) 2. 1994 (Battle Corps) 3. 1998 (3-Pack) 4. 2002/I (RAH Collection) 5. 2002/II (JvC Wave 4) 6. 2003/I (JvC Wave 6) 7. 2003/II (Cobra Mountain) 8. 2004 (Piranha Attack Boat) 9. 2005 (Valor vs. Venom) 10. 2007/I (Flaming MOTH) 11. 2007/II (25th Wave 3)
Variations: None.
Mold: head, arms, and torso—Shipwreck (94, 98, 02/I) waist and legs—Shipwreck (94, 98, 02/I), Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 02/III)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Torpedo and Wet-Suit.

 

Torpedo	Item #57066-2	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Navy SEAL		WO-4 (Navy chief warrant officer)	SN: 946-77-54TR
File Name: Edward W. Leialoha		Primary MOS: Navy SEAL
POB: Aiea, HI		Secondary MOS: Command
Motto: "Discipline is the key on land or under the sea."
Appearance: brown hair; black shirt with grey straps and gloves; black pants with blue-green belt and knife.
Accessories: black helmet (92 Wet-Suit's, with yellow and blue trim); two black flippers (92 Wet-Suit's); black spear rifle (92 Wet-Suit's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Torpedo is a no-nonsense, by the book, stand-by-the-regs Navy SEAL. He was the first SEAL ever assigned to the G. I. Joe Team, and he regards that with considerable pride. He has the personality of a cold fish, but given that he's in charge of this three-man SEAL unit, which includes a loose cannon like Wet-Suit and a wild card like Shipwreck, Torpedo's aloof personality is the only thing that can keep the other two in line and functioning as a team. When not on a mission against COBRA, Torpedo puts his team through the same kind of strenuous training that he himself has always maintained. From General Hawk's Files: "I don't know of anyone that would regard Torpedo as a close personal friend. He's a strict vegetarian, and tends to grow his own food, so you don't even see him socializing in the mess hall. The best thing anyone says about him is that he's a 'highly competent professional.' But in this business, that's high praise and he knows it. He is completely committed to the task at hand at all times, and actually manages to keep Wet-Suit and Shipwreck in line most of the time."
Versions: 1. 1983 2. 1997 (Night Landing) 3. 1998 (3-Pack) 4. 2003 (Spy Troops) 5. 2004/I (VAMP) 6. 2004/II (Built to Rule) 7. 2008 (25th Wave 6)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Torpedo (98, 04/I), Wet-Suit (92, 93) arms, torso, waist, and legs—Torpedo (98), Wet-Suit (92, 93)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Shipwreck and Wet-Suit. Note that Torpedo has apparently been demoted from WO-5 to WO-4. Versions from 2003 onward were named "Chief Torpedo," and the 2008 version is "Lt. Torpedo."

 

Wet-Suit	Item #57066-3	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Navy SEAL		E-5 (Navy petty officer)	SN: 701-54-87WS
File Name: Brian M. Forrest		Primary MOS: Navy SEAL
POB: Myrtle Beach, SC		Secondary MOS: UDT (Underwater Demolitions)
Motto: "With all due respect, sir, no one told me NOT to blow it up!"
Appearance: black helmet with blue-green trim; black diving suit with blue-green chest panel and grey straps; black and blue-green boots.
Accessories: black backpack (86 Wet-Suit's); black sea sled (86 Wet-Suit's); black flashlight (86 Wet-Suit's); black air tube (86 Wet-Suit's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: It is said that SEALs are the guys who were too nasty to be Airborne Rangers or Marines. That certainly qualifies in the case of Wet-Suit. The man is a walking attitude. Fortunately, he's not a walking attitude PROBLEM like Shipwreck, but Wet-Suit is almost as hard to keep in line. The problem may lie in the fact that he loves his work a little too much. His specialty is underwater demolitions, and he tends to use too heavy a hand when asked to blow up something. The last COBRA base he took out—a floating fortress—got blasted into so many pieces that there wasn't enough left to sink. From General Hawk's Files: "Wet-Suit is wild and unruly, exactly the opposite of the unit's commander, Torpedo, but he's not as obnoxious as Shipwreck. He's also much more intelligent than he comes across. I just wish he'd exercise more caution in his work. We could really use a little more evidence of COBRA's oceanic operations for evaluation than inch-wide pieces of metal and plastic."
Versions: 1. 1986/I (Carded) 2. 1986/II (Brazil) 3. 1992 4. 1993 (Battle Corps) 5. 1998 (3-Pack) 6. 2001 (RAH Collection) 7. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1) 8. 2002/II (JvC Wave 1.35) 9. 2002/III (Sound Attack) 10. 2003 (Built to Rule)
Variations: None. head and torso—Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 01, 02/III) arms—Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 01, 02/III), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91), Mutt (04/II) waist—Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 01, 02/III), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91), Shipwreck (94, 98, 02/I) legs—Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 01, 02/III), Shipwreck (94, 98, 02/I)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Shipwreck and Torpedo.

 

Colonel Brekhov	Item #57069-1	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Oktober Guard Commando		O-6 (Army colonel equivalent)	SN: (CLASSIFIED)
File Name: Col. Ivan Nikolevich Brekhov		Primary MOS: Command and Strategy
POB: Odessa, Ukraine		Secondary MOS: Infantry
Appearance: light brown hair; light green jacket with rolled up sleeves; light brown straps; light green pants; grey boots.
Accessories: black officer's cap (91 Red Star's); black backpack (91 Red Star's) and black antenna (91 Red Star's); black assault rifle (91 Red Star's AK-103); black "hand Gatling gun" (91 Red Star's); black knife (91 Red Star's); black ammo belt (91 Red Star's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: COLONEL BREKHOV is the distinguished commander of the OKTOBER GUARD, the Soviet counterpart to the American G. I. Joe Team (although he maintains that the G. I. Joe Team is the American counterpart of the Oktober Guard). Brekhov has spent his entire adult life in service to his country, but he's by no means a flunky of the Soviet hierarchy, spouting party line at every opportunity. He genuinely cares about the welfare of the Soviet Union and its people, and feels that the best way he can serve them is to be the best soldier and commander possible. He is a superb strategist and fearless in battle. His tactical mind is not above setting aside political differences to occasionally team the Oktober Guard with the G. I. Joe Team to overcome the far greater threat posed by COBRA. From General Hawk's Files: "Brekhov is what some would call an 'old war-horse.' The military is his life and it's really all he knows. He's the quintessential Soviet soldier through and through, and has no great love for Americans. But he hates COBRA even more. I can respect an attitude like that."
Versions: 1. 1998 (3-Pack) 2. 2005 (Comic #6)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Col. Brekhov (98), Red Star (91) arms, waist, and legs—Col. Brekhov (98, 05), Red Star (91), Stormavik (a href="2005.html#stormavik">05) torso—Col. Brekhov (98, 05), Red Star (91), Stormavik (05), Sgt. Misha Zubenkov (06)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Lt. Gorky and Volga.
Cartoon notes: Col. Brekhov appeared in the Sunbow episodes The Invaders, The Great Alaskan Land Rush, and Arise Serpentor Arise Parts 2 and 3. He spoke 28 lines.
Comic notes: Col. Brekhov appeared in 9 issues between 1982 and 1989: #6, 7, Special Missions #1, 4, 18, 20, and 26, and Yearbooks #2 and 4. Brekhov died in Special Missions #26 during a battle with Iron Grenadiers.

 

Lieutenant Gorky	Item #57069-2	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Oktober Guard Commando		O-2 (Army first lieutenant equivalent)	SN: (CLASSIFIED)
File Name: Lt. Mikhail P. Gorky		Primary MOS: Naval Commando
POB: Arkhangelsk, Russia		Secondary MOS: Infantry
Appearance: grey furred cap with red star; red hair and beard; grey shirt with light brown straps; grey pants with light brown belt and dark grey boots.
Accessories: black backpack (92 Big Bear's); black attack rifle (92 Big Bear's AK-88); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: LT. GORKY was a latecomer to the OKTOBER GUARD team when reinforcements were needed. Although detached from the Black Sea regiment of the Naval Infantry, the Soviet equivalent of the Navy SEALs, Gorky was frequently treated like an inexperienced youngster by the otheer members of the team. To that end, he grew a beard to appear more mature. But it wasn't facial fuzz that gained him the respect of the Oktober Guard. Gorky is utterly fearless in batle, and his training allows him to handle any environment thrown at him. He despises COBRA, but he doesn't have the same hostility towards the G. I. Joe team that Col. Brekhov tends to have. In fact, Gorky has a mild crush on Lady Jaye, but the situations where the two might encounter each other don't really allow for the expression of feelings, and Gorky is first and foremost committed to getting the job done for his team. From Colonel Brekhov's Files: "So I am sent this kid with a reputation for being the best the Naval Infantry has to offer. I am not impressed. Then I see him against Cobra, and not just the troops, but tanks and helicopters. He stands his ground. Now I am impressed."
Versions: 1. 1998 (3-Pack) 2. 2006 (Comic #101)
Variations: None.
Mold: Lt. Gorky (98), Big Bear (92, 93)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Col. Brekhov and Volga.
Comic notes: Lt. Gorky appeared in 8 issues between 1990 and 1994: #101-105 and 146-148. His character was killed in Devil's Due #19.

 

Volga	Item #57069-3	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Oktober Guard Weapons Expert		O-2 (Army first lieutenant equivalent)	SN: (CLASSIFIED)
File Name: Lt. Daina L. Janack		Primary MOS: Small Arms Specialist
POB: Ostrava, Czechoslovakia		Secondary MOS: Helicopter Pilot
Appearance: grey hat with red star; red hair; green short-sleeved, open-collared shirt and pants with light brown camouflage; black gloves, belt, and boots.
Accessories: olive green backpack (85 Lady Jaye's); black power javelin (85 Lady Jaye's); black video camera (85 Lady Jaye's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: VOLGA is the lone female on the OKTOBER GUARD team, and her team-mates often make the mistake of underestimating her skills. So have her adversaries. This has proven to be highly detrimental to the forces of COBRA and others that have challenged the Oktober Guard. Volga is a skilled tactician, second only to Colonel Brekhov himself, a world-class sniper, and a helicopter pilot of considerable talent. Her personality is somewhat of a mystery. She has a surprising sense of humor, but in the midst of a conflict, is all business. Her deepest commitment is to the team. She doesn't care if she has to sneak or fly to the battlefield, or stand on ridge away from it with a long-range weapon, as long as she does her part. From Colonel Brekhov's Files: "I'm never sure what to make of Volga. I've never liked the idea of women in combat in the first place. If it had been up to me, Volga would fly us to the mission and then leave. But how do you tell someone not to fight who's so good at it?"
Versions: 1. 1998 (3-Pack) 2. 2005 (Comic #6)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Volga (98) upper arms and torso—Volga (98), Lady Jaye (85, 97) lower arms—Volga (98, 05), Lady Jaye (85, 97, 06) waist and legs—Volga (98, 05), Lady Jaye (85, 97, 06), Doc (07)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Col. Brekhov and Lt. Gorky. Volga's head was the only new figure part created between 1994 and 2001. The 2005 version was named Daina.
Cartoon notes: Daina (alternately pronounced as if spelled Dinah or Diana) appeared in the Sunbow episodes The Invaders, The Great Alaskan Land Rush, and Arise Serpentor Arise I. She spoke 4 lines.
Comic notes: Daina (as she was known in the comic) appeared in 18 issues between 1982 and 1994: #6, 7, 92, 101-105, 146-148, Special Missions #1, 4, 18, 20, 26, and Yearbooks #2 and 4.

 

Cobra Officer	Item #57064-1	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Cobra Officer		Primary MOS: Infantry
		Secondary MOS: Command
Motto: "I'll be there when COBRA conquers the world!"
Appearance: grey helmet with gold goggles and silver faceplate; grey shirt and vest with black straps; black and gold gloves; grey pants with black belt and boots.
Accessories: black backpack (91 Dusty's); black pistol (91 Dusty's 9mm); black submachine gun (91 Dusty's MAT-49) with stock; black figure stand.
Filecard Information: The COBRA Officers are "officers" in name only. The only real rank they have is over their own little squad of Cobra Troopers. They are among the meager handful from the teeming ranks of COBRA Troopers that, for some reason, whether it's previous experience, personal ambition, or dumb luck, manage to show some level of initiative, organization, or leadership skills. Ultimately, somebody has to keep the ranks together and moving with a purpose, so that even these bottom-of-the-barrel COBRA forces achieve their given objective, because nobody else wants the job. From General Hawk's Files: "Calling these jerks 'officers' is an insult to ever commissioned officer that ever served in any reputable military organization. The ones we've captured are as dumb as bricks, but not as pleasant to have around. Unfortunately, they've got just enough skill to keep a squad of COBRA Troopers together and moderately organized . . . at least well enough to cause the kind of chaos that COBRA likes to make."
Versions: 1. 1982 2. 1989 (Python Patrol) 3. 1998 (3-Pack) 4. 2004 (Comic #5) 5. 2007 (25th Wave 1) 6. 2008 (Scarred)
Variations: None.
Mold: head, arms, and torso—Cobra Officer (98), Viper (86, 89, 91, 97, 02/I, 02/II, 02/III, 03/I, 03/II, 03/III, 06/I, 06/II), Cobra Trooper (98) waist and legs—Cobra Officer (98), Viper (97, 02/I, 02/II, 02/III, 03/I, 03/II, 03/III), BAT (86), Cobra Trooper (98)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with two Cobra Troopers. The 1989 version was named "Python Officer," and the 2008 version (representing the Scarface character) is named "Scarred Cobra Officer."

 

Cobra Trooper	Item #57064-2	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Cobra Trooper		Primary MOS: Infantry
		Secondary MOS: Terrorism
Motto: "COBRA, COBRAAAAAA!"
Appearance: blue helmet with silver goggles and gold faceplate; blue shirt and vest with black straps; black and gold gloves; blue pants with black belt and boots.
Accessories: black backpack (91 Dusty's); black pistol (91 Dusty's 9mm); black submachine gun (91 Dusty's MAT-49) with stock; black figure stand.
Filecard Information: The COBRA Troopers are the most basic, bottom-of-the-barrel soldiers in the COBRA regime. They have to work their way up to even become Vipers. They come from all over the world. They are thugs, mercenaries, pirates, and assorted lowlifes that have committed so many atrocities that the only organization that will have them is COBRA. They are given the most basic level of training, which amounts to little more than organizing a handful into a reasonably cohesive group, giving them the most basic of uniforms, handing them equipment, and telling them to go out and cause trouble. The COBRA Trooper divisions were the first of COBRA's notable forces. They're not specialists. They're not qualified for anything [other] than the most low level of infantry. The only advantages they have are pure nastiness and sheer numbers. From General Hawk's Files: "Maybe we shouldn't be surprised that COBRA was able to build up this most basic level of trooper divisions once again. We seem to live in a society that creates people who feel hostile towards established authority, disenfranchised and apart. COBRA gives them the semblance of purpose and belonging. Don't get me wrong. I don't sympathize with them. Ultimately, they're a too-well-organized, too-well-equipped, too-numerous, band of thugs. And they're so stupid that a few of them we've captured have to be reminded to breathe."
Versions: 1. 1982 2. 1989 (Python Patrol) 3. 1998 (3-Pack) 4. 2004 (Comic #1) 5. 2006/I (DTC) 6. 2006/II (Comic #44) 7. 2007/I (25th Cobra set) 8. 2007/II (25th Wave 2) 9. 2007/III (Cobra Legions)
Variations: None.
Mold: head, arms, and torso—Cobra Trooper (98), Viper (86, 89, 91, 97, 02/I, 02/II, 02/III, 03/I, 03/II, 03/III, 06/I, 06/II), Cobra Officer (98) waist and legs—Cobra Trooper (98), Viper (97, 02/I, 02/II, 02/III, 03/I, 03/II, 03/III), BAT (86), Cobra Officer (98)
Toy notes: Two available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Cobra Officer. The 1989 version was named "Python Trooper." The 1982 and 2007 versions were simply named "Cobra."

 

Firefly	Item #57068-1	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Cobra Saboteur
File Name: (CLASSIFIED)		Primary MOS: Sabotage
POB: (CLASSIFIED)		Secondary MOS: Demolitions
Motto: "Destroyed overnight, or your next one is free."
Appearance: white face mask, shirt, pants, and belt; dark grey gloves and boots; light blue straps.
Accessories: white backpack (84 Firefly's) with cover; black submachine gun (84 Firefly's MOD EEP KEDR-B); black walkie-talkie (84 Firefly's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Firefly is COBRA Commander's number one contract man. It is rumored that he took care of some personal family matters for him and has been on the payroll ever since. His fees are paid into a Swiss bank account and always payable in advance. Firefly's infiltration skills are legendary; no one has ever reported seeing him enter or leave any target area. He specializies in bomb-planting, arson, and booby-traps. His unique construction of these devices is so complex that they are impossible to defuse. His skills in cross-wiring, anti-tamper, and secondary timers have allowed him to achieve a "100%" success rate over the years. This record was eventually broken by G. I. Joe team member, Snake-Eyes. To avoid any future confrontation, he chose to move his operations to the Cobra Polar Base. He now focuses on sabotaging top secret, arctic research facilities, and uses Night-Creepers to steal their classified documents. From G. I. Joe files: "Firefly is known as the 'Rembrandt' of plastic explosives. He continues to escape undetected, leaving only ashes of destruction in his wake."
Versions: 1. 1984 2. 1992 3. 1993 (Battle Corps) 4. 1998 (3-Pack) 5. 2000 (RAH Collection) 6. 2002/I (Joe vs. Cobra) 7. 2002/II (Sound Attack) 8. 2003/I (Black Dragon) 9. 2003/II (Tiger Force) 10. 2004/I (BTR Sand Snake) 11. 2004/II (Valor vs. Venom) 12. 2004/III (Urban Strike Team) 13. 2004/IV (BTR Venom Striker) 14. 2005/I (Crimson Guard) 15. 2005/II (Comic #49) 16. 2007 (25th Wave 3)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Firefly (84, 98, 00, 02/II, 03/I, 03/II, 04/III, 05/I), Wreckage (03) arms, torso, and waist—Firefly (84, 98, 00, 02/II, 03/I, 03/II, 04/III, 05/I, 05/II), Wreckage (03) legs—Firefly (84, 98, 00, 02/II, 03/I, 03/II, 04/III, 05/I, 05/II), Wreckage (03), Hardtop (04)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Night-Creeper and Snow Serpent.

 

Night-Creeper	Item #57068-2	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Cobra Ice Ninja		Primary MOS: Arctic Field Intelligence
		Secondary MOS: Covert Operations
Motto: "We are less forgiving than an avalanche."
Appearance: white helmet with face mask and light blue visor; white shirt with silver chest panels and light blue gloves; white pants with grey and light blue boots.
Accessories: black sword (90 Night-Creeper's, with serpentine blade); black crossbow (90 Night-Creeper's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Night-Creeper are a syndicate of high-tech ninjas. They do not follow the traditional methods of their ancestors, choosing modern weapons over the crude sword and staff to accomplish their tasks. By using the most advanced stealth and anti-detection technology available, these martial arts masters infiltrate Top Secret research bases for the COBRA organization. It is believed that a portion of the clan resides in the arctic region and have adapted their methods to the cold environment. It takes a special breed to endure, let alone fight in sub-zero temperatures. Under the cloak of darkness and heavy snow storms, they strike with deadly accuracy. Combining both swift and ruthless punishment, they take what they want and leave only destruction in their midst. Showing loyalty only to Firefly, they react without mercy against all adversaries, including other agents of COBRA. From General Hawk's Files: "All investigations into the structure and origin of the Night-Creepers have run into dead ends, or resulted in they mysterious disappearance of the investigators. Their policy is, you can't hit what you can't find."
Versions: 1. 1990 2. 1993 (Ninja Force) 3. 1994 (Shadow Ninjas) 4. 1998 (3-Pack) 5. 2003 (Spy Troops) 6. 2004/I (Urban Strike Team) 7. 2004/II (VvV Wave 4) 8. 2004/III (VvV Wave 5) 9. 2005/I (Single Pack) 10. 2005/II (HISS)
Variations: None.
Mold: head, arms, and torso—Night-Creeper (90, 98, 04/I) waist and legs—Night-Creeper (90, 98, 04/I), Night Creeper Leader (93, 94)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Firefly and Snow Serpent. The code name was not hyphenated for the 1993, 1994, and 2003 versions.

 

Snow Serpent	Item #57068-3	Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-Pack Assortment
Cobra Polar Assault Trooper		Primary MOS: Arctic Operations
		Secondary MOS: Infantry
Motto: "Run from us and you will only end up frozen."
Appearance: white helmet with grey furred goggles and light blue eyepiece; white shirt with grey furred chest and wrists; light blue gloves; white pants with grey belt; light blue boots with grey fur.
Accessories: black backpack (91 Snow Serpent's); white pistol (91 Snow Serpent's); white machine gun (91 Snow Serpent's); blue-grey snowboard (91 Snow Serpent's); black hose (medium standard); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Snow Serpents are the arctic specialist branch of the EELS (COBRA frogmen). They are specially trained and equipped to handle the cold weather. Each soldier is Airborne qualified and licensed to operate COBRA's full arsenal of Polar attack vehicles. Their methods include low opening parachute drops and bombarding their enemies with anti-tank weapons. These elite troops use the latest advancements in down-filled, heated suits, allowing them to fight in temperatures low enough to freeze the bolts on most G. I. Joe weapons. Snow Serpents are expected to endure rigorous physical and psychological training as part of their everyday existence in Polar regions. They can march 50 miles with full field packs, then go for a swim in sub-zero ice flow just for the fun of it. All of this activity enhances their ability to become formidable arctic fighters, mainly because it makes them exceedingly mean and nasty—perfect traits for COBRA. From the G. I. Joe files: "Snow isn't the only thing dropping from the sky. These guys are the best at what they do—and that's trouble for us. If they surround your base camp on a cold winter's night, you'd better hope your insurance is paid up."
Versions: 1. 1985 2. 1991 3. 1993 (Arctic Attack Force) 4. 1998 (3-Pack) 5. 2002 (Joe vs. Cobra) 6. 2003 (Polar Blast) 7. 2005 (DTC)
Variations: None.
Mold: Snow Serpent (91, 93, 98)
Toy notes: Available in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive 3-pack with Firefly and Night-Creeper.

 

Ace	Item #57062	boxed with Conquest X-30
Air Force Fighter Pilot		O-4 (Air Force major)	SN: 335-98-6725
File Name: Maj. Brad J. Armbruster		Primary MOS: Fixed Wing Pilot
POB: Providence, RI		Secondary MOS: Intelligence Operations
Motto: "You only get one shot at me; when it's my turn, you'll crash and burn."
Appearance: red-brown hair; black helmet base and grey segmented flight suit; black pads on shirt and waistpiece; black gloves, belt, boots, and stripes on legs.
Accessories: grey flight helmet (83 Ace's, with clear domed front); black pistol (82 Snake Eyes's Uzi).
Filecard Information: Ace would rather fly than do anything else. He's a legend in the sky with an outstanding mission record. He joined the G. I. Joe team after serving as a senior instructor for the USAF's Fighter weapons squadron (known as the "Aggressors"). Put him in the cockpit of any high-powered craft and he'll be performing daring aerobatic maneuvers that other pilots would consider impossible. Suffice it to say, he's an expert—qualified to fly the F-5E, F-14, and F-16 fighter jets. Always looking for the thrill of higher, faster, better—the CONQUEST X-30 was exactly the challenge he had been looking for. His highly sensitive computer controls compliments [sic] his fast reflexes and target acquisition capabilities. COBRA pilots know,once he's on their six, it's all over for them. His only major character flaw is cut-throat poker. Gambling would ordinarily disqualify any applicant from the team, but since he NEVER loses, it can't really be called gambling. From General Hawk's Files: "Ace is a fast thinker with great judgment. His knowledge of air-combat and dog-fighting skills is extraordianry A man you can trust anytime except at the card table. He has what it takes to accomplish the mission and bring himself and the aircraft home in one piece. If I didn't trust his skill, I wouldn't ride along with him."
Versions: 1. 1983 (SkyStriker) 2. 1992 (Battle Copter) 3. 1993 (Ghoststriker) 4. 1997 (A-10 Thunderbolt) 5. 1998 (Conquest) 6. 2004/I (Tigerhawk I) 7. 2004/II (Tigerhawk II) 8. 2008 (Comic #115)
Variations: None.
Mold: Ace (83, 98)
Toy notes: Note that Ace has been promoted from O-3 to O-4 again. The 2008 version was named "Capt. Ace."

 

Heavy Duty	Item #57063	boxed with MOBAT
Heavy Ordnance Specialist		E-5 (Army sergeant)	SN: 807-02-4665
File Name: Sgt. Lamont A. Morris		Primary MOS: Armor Weapons Systems Operator
POB: Chicago, IL		Secondary MOS: Indirect Fire Infantryman
Motto: "A target lock on an enemy tank sounds as sweet as a well-tuned instrument."
Appearance: African-American; black hair and moustache; light brown cap; light brown sleeveless torn shirt with black strap; red tattoo on left arm; grey pants with black, red, and light green camouflage; black belt and boots.
Accessories: black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Heavy Duty sees playing Bach correctly and hitting a fast-moving target as two sides of the same coin. They both require right and left hand independence, exceptional hand/eye coordination and the ability to concentrate simultaneously on two or more complex operations. One side represents his cultural refinement, and the other, his tactical expertise. He is efficient with all man-portable heavy weapons systems and the latest laser-guided technology. Inside the turret of a tank, he performs both as the loader and gunner. His great strength and reflexes allow him to load and fire, twice as fast as other tank jockeys. This advantage lets him take out more targets, giving the commander more control of the battlefield. His knowledge of tank defeating systems and flaws in COBRA armor make him more valuable than extra ammunition. In his spare time, he plays classical guitar. From General Hawk's Files: "Heavy Duty knows how to shut down the enemy, be it from the top of the tank or inside its turret. He is as intelligent as he is brave, and doesn't duck for anybody."
Versions: 1. 1991 2. 1993 (Armor-Tech) 3. 1998 (MOBAT) 4. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1/Wave 4) 5. 2002/II (Brawler) 6. 2002/III (JvC Wave 1.35) 7. 2003 (Spy Troops) 8. 2004/I (VvV Wave 1) 9. 2004/II (Built to Rule) 10. 2004/III (Single Pack)
Variations: None.
Mold: Heavy Duty (91, 98)
Toy notes: Re-released with the MOBAT in 2000.

 

Thunderwing	Item #57063	boxed with MOBAT
MOBAT Driver		O-1 (Army second lieutenant)	SN: 549-08-1969
File Name: Lt. Spencer D. Crecelius		Primary MOS: Armor
POB: Las Vegas, NV		Secondary MOS: Heavy Equipment Operator
Motto: "COBRA tanks are just smoking craters waiting to happen."
Appearance: black hair; green jacket and pants; grey vest; black gloves, belt, and boots.
Accessories: medium green helmet (standard, with visor holes); black headset (84 Thunder's); black visor (84 Thunder's); black backpack (86 Hawk's); black attack rifle (92 Big Bear's AK-88); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Thunderwing is the front man for the G. I. Joe team's armored tank division. Before joining the military, he worked as a nightclub bouncer in the roughest part of town. He also had a side job in construction, where he learned to operate heavy machinery. Searching for more excitement, he saw the Army gave him the whole package and joined the tank corps. Proving he had what it takes to be in the commander's seat, he was offered a spot on the G. I. Joe team. His choice armor vehicle is a re-outfitted MOBAT (Motorized Offensive Battle Attack Tank). Its upgrades include more armor protection, digital fire control computres, laser range finders, night vision and advanced thermal imaging systems. Sitting in the commander's station, he coordinates enemy targets with his gunner, and clears the battlefield for the ground infantry to take any stray prisoners. He often uses the smokescreen system to confuse opposing forces and take them by surprise. COBRA shouldn't just worry about that tank, but the guy riding on it. From General Hawk's Files: "Thunderwing is proud of his tank's capabilities and is always ready to protect the frontlines. To just say this guy is tough is quite an understatement. Ask him to show you his arm of tattoos counting off all the tanks he's destroyed—then you'll know, and knowing is half the battle."
Versions: 1. 1998 (MOBAT)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Thunderwing (84), Thunder (84), Skystriker (88) arms—Thunderwing (98), Thunder (84), Cobra Infantry Trooper (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 04/IV), Cobra Squad Leader (04/I, 04/II), Scrap-Iron (04, 05/I), Lance "Clutch" Steinberg (07), Rafael "Zap" Melendez (07) torso, waist, and legs—Thunderwing (98), Thunder (84)
Toy notes: Re-released with the MOBAT in 2000.

 

Vypra	Item #57061	boxed with Rattler 4-WD
Rattler 4-WD Driver
File Name: Ann A. Conda		Primary MOS: Intelligence
POB: New Orleans, LA		Secondary MOS: Martial Arts
Appearance: black mask; black and blue shirt and pants; black belt, gloves, and shoes.
Accessories: black backpack (87 Jinx's); two black swords (87 Jinx's); silver staff (87 Jinx's naginata); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: VYPRA was born in New Orleans, but was raised in the backwoods and swamps of Louisiana. She grew up mean, nasty, and uncontrollable. She would have enlisted in the military but regarded soldiers as "wimps." She finally signed up with COBRA, liking both the name and the attitude of the organization. She arose astonishingly fast through the ranks and proved herself as someone not to be underestimated. Although her primary specialty as a driver of the Rattler 4-WD, she doesn't need to be behind the wheel of a Cobra vehicle to be a threat to the G. I. Joes. She's just as effective all be [sic] herself.
Versions: 1. 1998 (Rattler) 2. 2004/I (Ninja Strike Force arrow) 3. 2004/II (Ninja Strike Force stripe)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Vypra (98, 04/I, 04/II), Jinx (87, 03) arms, torso, waist, and legs—Vypra (98, 04/I, 04/II), Jinx (87, 03), Scarlett (04/II)
Toy notes: The three Vypras are all separate individuals.

Equipment:

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