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

2001 (Series 17)

NOTE: Sorry about the harsh color, but this is what Hasbro chose for their filecard backgrounds this year!

Overview:

The new millennium saw the continued release of new figures, only months after the 2000 line hit stores. Due to the late release of the vehicles, the releases of 2000 and 2001 actually overlapped in some regions of the country, and a few 2001 two-packs arrived in stores before Christmas 2000. The sets of figures arriving every few months were now referred to as "waves." The late 2000 figures were designated Wave 1, and the early 2001 packs were Wave 2. Wave 3 arrived in July, and Wave 4 in September. Wave 5 was planned for November but was delayed until early 2002. In February 2001, three of the Manimals originally designed for 1994/95 were released as "exclusives" to Kay-Bee Toys, but they could also be located on-line. But without the context of Star Brigade, the space aliens sat on shelves until they went on clearance the following year.

Problems with expired copyrights apparently continued, as the molds for Ambush, Range-Viper, Shockwave, Snow Job, Torpedo, and even the original Roadblock were given new names and identities. The quality and look of these figures were comparable to those of 2000, with the exception that paint wipes were less prominent. The release of an expensive Headquarters set shortly before Christmas testified to Hasbro's confidence in the new line, as did the Image/Devil's Due revival of the G. I. Joe comic book. The new comic picked up where Hasbro's comic series left off, and its storyline did not closely follow the release of new toys.

Contents:

• Wave 2 Joe and Cobra figures
• Wave 3 Joe and Cobra figures
• Wave 4 Joe and Cobra figures
• Equipment
• Devil's Due Comics

Figures:

2-pack minimum price: $6.99

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

Big Ben	Item # 57755-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment I
SAS Trooper		E-6 (Army staff sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. David J. Bennett		Primary MOS: Infantry
POB: Burford, England		Secondary MOS: Subversive Operations
Appearance: white and light brown hat; brown hair; white jacket with light brown straps and gold ammo belts on chest; white pants; black and light brown boots.
Accessories: white backpack (91 Big Ben's); white explosives pack (91 Big Ben's) with cream strap); black machine gun (91 Big Ben's M240); two black grenades (91 Big Ben's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: The British Special Air Service is roughly the equivalent of the American Special Forces and maintains an equally rigorous standard for its recruits. The combat records of SAS personnel are classified, but it is assumed that Big Ben participated in the initial recon operations in the Falklands campaign and in various covert operations. He received his initial training at Bradbury Lines Barracks in Hereford and was on cadre at the NATO LRRP School in West Germany. "To qualify for the SAS, a candidate trooper must complete the 'Long Drag' which is a forced march over 30 miles through marshes and rough, hilly terrain, carrying 50 pounds of equipment. This march must be completed in less than 20 hours and is a grueling test of endurance and land navigation. Big Ben completed his march in 12 hours, had a bit of supper, and volunteered to go back out and help search for candidates who got lost in the moors!"
Versions: 1. 1991 2. 1993 (Int'l Action Force) 3. 2001 (RAH Collection) 4. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1.5) 5. 2002/II (JvC Wave 2.5) 6. 2003 (Road Rebel)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II, 03) arms—Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II), Crossfire (01), Tracker Kwinn (04), Rock 'n Roll (05) torso—Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II), Crossfire (01), Tracker Kwinn (04), Shrage (05), Craig "Rock 'n Roll" McConnel (05) waist—Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II), Tracker Kwinn (04), Shrage (05) legs—Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II), Tracker Kwinn (04), Gen. Flagg (04), Shrage (05)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Whiteout.

 

Duke	Item # 57757-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment I
First Sergeant		E-8 (Army first sergeant)	SN: RA 213-7577-DU93
File Name: 1SG Conrad S. Hauser		Primary MOS: Airborne Infantryman
POB: St. Louis, MO		Secondary MOS: Artillery, Small-arms armorer
Appearance: brown hair; green short-sleeved shirt with brown vest; black holster, straps, and gloves; light and dark green camouflage pants with dark green belt; black boots.
Accessories: dark green helmet (92 Duke's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Duke's the kind of soldier that knows how to get a mission accomplished fast and with minimal casualties. After 30 years of dedicated service to G. I. Joe and the fight for freedom, he continues to lead the G. I. Joe team against COBRA and its attempts to imprison the world in its evil grasp! Since joining the G. I. Joe team, Duke has applied his foreign language expertise, Special Forces experience, and leadership qualities to accomplish objectives most would label as impossible! Feared by his enemies, but respected by his peers, Duke doesn't take any assignment lightly. From planning strategy to leading the troops into battle, Duke can overcome whatever obstacles impede his efforts to thwart Cobra's diabolical schemes. As the saying goes, "It's tough to keep a good man down." That fits Duke to a tee.
Versions: 1. 1983 (Mail)/carded 1984 2. 1988 (Tiger Force) 3. 1992 4. 1993/I (Battle Corps) 5. 1993/II (Armor-Tech) 6. 1994 (Star Brigade) 7. 1997 (Silver Mirage) 8. 2001 (RAH Collection) 9. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1) 10. 2002/II (JvC Wave 1.35) 11. 2002/III (JvC Wave 3) 12. 2003/I (BTR Armadillo) 13. 2003/II (Night Force) 14. 2004/I (Action Attack) 15. 2004/II (Wal-Mart) 16. 2004/III (Anti-Venom) 17. 2004/IV (VvV Wave 4) 18. 2004/V (Single Pack) 19. 2004/VI (Voice FX) 20. 2005/I (Desert Humvee) 21. 2005/II (VvV Wave 7) 22. 2005/III (Comic #24) 23. 2005/IV (Heavy Assault) 24. 2005/V (BTR Outpost) 25. 2007 (25th Joe set) 26. 2008 (Comic #24)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Duke (92, 01), Agent Faces (modified, 03) upper arms—Duke (92, 01), Leatherneck (01), Agent Faces (03), Sgt. Stalker (04/III), Crimson Guard (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 05/I), Crimson Shadow Guard (05) lower arms—Duke (92, 01), Leatherneck (01), Sgt. Stalker (04/III) torso and waist—Duke (92, 01), Leatherneck (01), Sgt. Stalker (04/III), Steel Brigade Paratrooper (05 legs—Duke (92, 01), Sgt. Stalker (04/III), Steel Brigade Paratrooper (05)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Side Track.

 

Side Track	Item # 57757-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment I
Survival Specialist		E-6 (Army staff sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. Sean C. McLaughlin		Primary MOS: Wilderness Survival Specialist
POB: Hingham, MA		Secondary MOS: Demolitions Expert
Appearance: brown hair and moustache; brown short-sleeved shirt with dark brown diagonal strap and sleeves; light and dark green camouflage pants; black belt and boots.
Accessories: dark green helmet (92 Duke's); brown backpack (90 Ambush's); black pistol (90 Ambush's grenade launcher); black assault rifle (90 Ambush's EM-2 bullpup); four light brown poles (90 Ambush's tent supports); two light green nets (90 Ambush's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: When it comes to taking on an enemy in the world's most inhospitable climates, Side Track is the perfect man for the job! When he was 10, and adventurous uncle took Side Track on a safari and from then on, he was hooked—no more city life for him! Side Track honed his unique combat skills by sneaking up on crocodiles, challenging them for drinking rights at watering holes. He's especially fascinated with the survival techniques of frogs. Who else could learn a breathing regimen from an amphibian that sits on lily pads? Since joining G. I. Joe, Side Track has helped his fellow team members learn how to survive in areas where the temperature is 120 degrees in the shade, with minimal water available. His favorite vacation spot is the Australian Outback, not a place for lightweights. Every summer, Side Track takes a few of his G. I. Joe friends camping at his favorite site in the middle of the Bush. He doesn't tell them that they'll be 350 miles from the nearest restroom and that they'll need to forage for their meals. That would spoil all the fun.
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Side Track (01), Ambush (90, 93) arms, torso, waist, and legs—Side Track (01), Ambush (90, 93, 04)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Duke. Not related to the 2002 figure named "Sidetrack. "

 

Whiteout	Item # 57755-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment I
Arctic Trooper		E-6 (Army staff sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. Leonard J. Lee III		Primary MOS: Arctic Ski Patrol
POB: Bridgeport, CT		Secondary MOS: Communications
Appearance: brown hair and beard; large black goggles; off-white hooded snowsuit with gloves and boots; grey backpack straps and belt; black boots.
Accessories: white backpack (83 Snow Job's); black laser rifle (83 Snow Job's XMLR-3A); two white skis with black skipoles (83 Snow Job's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Tired of northeastern winters, Whiteout's family moved west before he could walk. He was raised in the Arizona desert, where temperatures are known to reach 128 degrees in the shade. After college, Whiteout decided on a career in publishing. With revenues gained from the sale of a rather valuable baseball card collection, he founded a political magazine with a decidedly eccentric Libertarian bent entitled, Live Free Or Else! As publisher, Whiteout took more heat than a lone cactus in the middle of a desert. A trip back east convinced him that a cooler climate—and career change—were desperately needed. Once he witnessed his first snowfall, he was hooked. Whiteout took to skis, and the snow, the way a squirrel takes to trees. No maneuver is beyond his capabilities, even when carrying a backpack and rifle. He even grew a beard to insinuate his face against the stinging blast of downhill runs. The Joe team recruited Whiteout when it was learned that he single-handedly saved the lives of 12 mountain climbers trapped on the unforgiving slopes of K2.
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Whiteout (01), Snow Job (83, 97), Frostbite (03/I, 05/II) upper arms: Whiteout (01), Breaker (82), Rock 'n Roll (82), Clutch (82, 84), Frostbite (03/I, 05/II), Snake Eyes (04/II), Sgt. Misha Zubenkov (06), Robert "Grunt" Graves (07) lower arms: Whiteout (01), Snow Job (83, 97), Frostbite (03/I, 05/II), Snake Eyes (04/II), Steeler (04), Sgt. Misha Zubenkov (06), Robert "Grunt" Graves (07) torso—Whiteout (01), Snow Job (83, 97), Frostbite (03/I, 05/II), Snake Eyes (04/II), Robert "Grunt" Graves (07) waist—Whiteout (01), Snow Job (83, 97), Frostbite (03/I, 05/II), Snake Eyes (04/II), Sgt. Misha Zubenkov (06), Robert "Grunt" Graves (07) legs—Whiteout (01), Snow Job (83, 97), Frostbite (03/I, 05/II), Snake Eyes (04/II), Sgt. Misha Zubenkov (06), Robert "Grunt" Graves (07), Rafael "Zap" Melendez (07)
Toy notes: Named after the publisher of Lee's Action Figure News and Toy Review. Available in a 2-pack with Big Ben.

 

Major Bludd	Item # 57756-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment I
Mercenary
File Name: Maj. Sebastian Bludd		Primary MOS: Terrorist
POB: Sidney, Australia		Secondary MOS: Weapons and Tactics
Appearance: black helmet and eyepatch; black hair and moustache; brown shirt with black collar and straps; silver grenades and black gloves; brown pants with silver grenades and black boots.
Accessories: black laser machine gun (92 Maj. Bludd's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Bludd received initial military training in the Australian Special Air Service. Later joined the French Foreign Legion. Worked as military advisor in a number of countries and is currently wanted for crimes in Rhodesia and Libya. Proficient with every form of infantry weapon in current use. Bludd has a tactical mind like a steel trap. Qualified Expert: All NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms.
Versions: 1. 1983 2. 1992 (Super Sonic Fighters) 3. 1994 (Battle Corps) 4. 2001 (RAH Collection) 5. 2003 (Python Patrol) 6. 2005 (DTC)
Variations: None.
Mold: Maj. Bludd (92, 01)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Rock Viper. A slightly different version was released in India.

 

Rock Viper	Item # 57756-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment I
Cobra Attack Unit		Special Training: Arctic and Wilderness Survival, Mountain Climbing, Bungee Jumping
Appearance: blue-grey helmet with white blue face mask and silver eyes; white shirt with blue-grey blue short-sleeved jacket and red ammo belts, gloves, and belt; blue-grey pants with "Cobra" on left leg; black boots.
Accessories: blue-grey backpack (90 Range-Viper's); black grenade launcher (90 Range-Viper's) with chamber; blue-grey mortar (90 Range-Viper's); blue-grey mortar shell (90 Range-Vper's); black knife (90 Range-Viper's); black hose (short standard); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Rock Vipers scramble up a mountain crag as easily as the rest of us can stroll across a deserted street. And they do it so stealhtily that it's almost impossible to detect their movements. The higher the mountain, the better they like it. More altitude means more room for pranks to a Rock Viper! They think nothing of slicing a fellow Viper's safety line, or dulling the point of his climbing pick, just for laughs. Of course, laughing would be easier if they weren't at 1700 feet elevation and gasping for air! Laughter echoes a long way up—or down! But it's no laughing matter for the G. I. Joe team if the Rock Vipers capture the high ground!
Versions: 1. 1990 2. 2001 (RAH Collection) 3. 2003 (Python Patrol)
Variations: None.
Mold: head, waist, and legs—Rock Viper (01), Range-Viper (90, 06), Skull Buster (02), Imperial Guard (05) arms and torso—Rock Viper (01), Range-Viper (90, 06), Skull Buster (02)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Maj. Bludd. The code name is hyphenated for the 1990 version.

 

Iguanus	Item # 53002	Kay-Bee Toys-exclusive Manimals Carded Assortment
Stellar Stalker		Primary Specialty: Manimal—Bounty Hunter
		Secondary Specialty: Alien Hunter
Appearance: white horned helmet; white body armor with fins on shoulders; blue vest, arms, and legs; white boots; changes to saurian animal form.
Accessories: silver alien weapon (shared with Warwolf, segmented rifle with rectangular chamber over grip); silver alien weapon (new, large and round with jagged bayonet).
Filecard Information: Thought to be a mythical creature of ancient cosmic lore, the entire universe was shocked when Iguanus recently appeared on the planet Mastodon, hunting its giant creatures and eating them raw—horns and all! A part-time bounty hunter and full-time meat eater, nothing can escape his capture after he locks onto its scent. If you're going to explore a star sector near Mastodon, take along plenty of lasers and set them all to full power!
Versions: 1. 2001 (Manimals)
Variations: A differently colored version was planned for release late in 1994.
Mold: UNIQUE!
Toy notes: Exclusive to Kay-Bee Toys and certain Internet sites.

 

Slythor	Item # 53003	Kay-Bee Toys-exclusive Manimals Carded Assortment
Galactic Attacker		Primary Specialty: Manimal—Bounty Hunter / Mercenary
		Secondary Specialty: Pilot
Appearance: green skin; horn on head; pointed ears; long white wrist-claws; black pants and copper boots; changes to snake-like animal form.
Accessories: clear visor (new, fits over ears, with nose notch); black alien weapon (new, large and pistol-like with sight); black alien weapon (new, huge rectangular barrel and tiny grip).
Filecard Information: Roaming the universe searching for villains to capture, this beastly bounty hunter has the strength of 10 ordinary men—20 after mutating into his evil alter ego. He's one Manimal no one wants to mess with. Not even the other aliens will approach his space craft when he's armed for battle and frothing at the fangs! Luckily, the G. I. Joe team is out there to protect planet Earth from alien forces like Slythor, but still the threat remains. WATCH OUT!
Versions: 1. 2001 (Manimals)
Variations: A differently colored version was planned for release late in 1994.
Mold: UNIQUE!
Toy notes: Exclusive to Kay-Bee Toys and certain Internet sites.

 

Warwolf	Item # 53001	Kay-Bee Toys-exclusive Manimals Carded Assortment
Alien Mutation Expert		Primary Specialty: Manimal—Bounty Hunter/Mercenary
		Secondary Specialty: Alien Arms Dealer
Appearance: human; blue helmet; black shirt and pants; purple gloves, belt, and boots; changes to mammalian animal form.
Accessories: black alien weapon (shared with Iguanus); black alien weapon (large, asymmetrical T-shaped rifle).
Filecard Information: After mutating into his evil monster personality, this planet stomping alien will bite anything that moves, and almost anything that doesn't! His poor vision once led him to swallow a fallen meteor that he'd mistaken for a glowing mound of space algae. Soon thereafter, WARWOLF began to expel the contents of his stomach, coughing up an entire tail section of a COBRA helicopter. Talk about an appetite, when this guy gets hunger pangs . . . RUN!
Versions: 1. 2001 (Manimals)
Variations: A differently colored version was planned for release late in 1994.
Mold: UNIQUE!
Toy notes: Exclusive to Kay-Bee Toys and certain Internet sites.

 

Crossfire	# 53039-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Army Machine Gunner		E-7 (Army sergeant first class)
File Name: Sgt. Bill White		Primary MOS: Heavy Weapons Operator
POB: Long Island, NY		Secondary MOS: Demolitions
Appearance: brown hair; black jacket with diagonal ammo belts on chest; green camo pants; black boots.
Accessories: black submachine gun (91 Dusty's MAT-49) with stock; black figure stand. .
Filecard Information: When it comes to knowing everything there is about any heavy weapons' ordinance, Crossfire has the rest of the Army over a barrel. As a kid, he was more interested in how a toy gun was made rather than playing with it. Needless to say, Christmas morning at Crossfire's house was one big menagerie of parts and pieces spread out on the living room floor. When he was eight years old, his father took him to visit an uncle at Fort Bragg, where they chopped down trees with Quad-50 machine guns! Crossfire was instantly mesmerized by these surroundings. The Base Command's Sergeant Major was so impressed with Crossfire's persistence that he took him under his wing and personally instructed him in some of the finer things in military life . . . such as how to assemble and diassemble various types of small arms weaponry in the dark. Nowadays, keeping the barrel of his weapon hot and spitting out lead is Crossfire's idea of having a party. No noisemakers necessary—Crossfire brings his own!
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Crossfire (01), Sidetrack (02) arms—Crossfire (01), Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II), Tracker Kwinn (04), Rock 'n Roll (05) torso—Crossfire (01), Big Ben (91, 93, 01, 02/I, 02/II), Tracker Kwinn (04), Shrage (05), Craig "Rock 'n Roll" McConnel (05) waist and legs—Crossfire (01), Dial-Tone (86/I, 86/II, 91, 00, 02, 03), Alex "Sparks" Verdi (07)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Double Blast.

 

Double Blast	# 53039-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Army Machine Gunner		E-8 (Army first sergeant)
File Name: 1SG Charles L. Griffith		Primary MOS: Heavy Machine Gunner
POB: Dayton, OH		Secondary MOS: Electrical Engineering
Appearance: African-American; bald with black moustache and goatee; light and dark green camouflage vest with black belt and straps; bare arms; green gloves and holster; rust-orange pants; black boots.
Accessories: olive green helmet (standard, but no visor holes); olive green backpack (84 Roadblock's) with attached ammo box; black machine gun (84 Roadblock's M2 Browning) and tripod; black figure stand.
Filecard Information: When the heat is on, the G. I. Joe team calls in Double Blast to add just the right amount of firepower to leave COBRA shell-shocked! This guy is so knowledgeable of handheld weapons that he can take apart, repair, and reassemble a jammed M-60 machine gun in less than 60 seconds—in the dark. Incredible? Yes, but that's why he's a G. I. Joe! A jack-of-all-trades, Double Blast can fix anything with whatever is in his reach. As a kid, he once repaired his mother's broken vacuum cleaner with a rubber band that someone shot at him in school that day. It never worked better and hasn't broken down since. In college, a professor's botched electrical experiment had everyone baffled, except Double Blast. He corrected the error with nothing more than a ballpoint pen and a thumbtack. That got him an A in the class—and a visit from a G. I. Joe recruiter. Leading his squad of gunners against advancing Cobra forces, Double Blast often relies on the element of surprise in his attack strategy. And Cobra never knows what hit them—only that Double Blast called the shots!
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection) 2. 2002 (Sound Attack)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II) upper right arm—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Cobra Trooper (04, 06/II), Zarana (05), Cobra Squad Leader (05/I, 05/II), Night Trooper (05/I, 05/II) lower right arm—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Flint (04/I, 05), Cobra Squad Leader (05/I, 05/II), Night Trooper (05/I, 05/II), Cobra Trooper (06/II) upper left arm—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Gung-Ho (83, 97), Duke (97, 04/III, 05/III, 05/IV), Breaker (97), Cobra Trooper (04, 06/II), Zarana (05), Cobra Squad Leader (05/I, 05/II), Night Trooper (05/I, 05/II) lower left arm—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Gung-Ho (83, 97), Duke (97, 04/III, 05/III, 05/IV), Flint (04/I), Cobra Squad Leader (05/I, 05/II), Night Trooper (05/I, 05/II), CLASSIFIED (06), Lonzo Wilkinson (06), Cobra Trooper (06/II) torso—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Tommy Arashikage (06) waist—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Cobra Trooper (04, 06/II), Cobra Officer (04), Cobra Squad Leader (05/I, 05/II), Night Trooper (05/I, 05/II), Tommy Arashikage (06) upper legs—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Starduster (87), Leatherneck (01), Mutt (04/II), Tommy Arashikage (06) lower legs—Double Blast (01, 02), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Starduster (87), Leatherneck (01), Tommy Arashikage (06)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Crossfire. Named for Tomart Price Guide author Charles Griffith, who helped write 1997's filecards. The 2002 version was named "Roadblock" but is not the same character as the other Roadblock figures.

 

Low-Light	# 53042-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Night Spotter		E-6 (Army staff sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. Cooper G. MacBride		Primary MOS: Infantry
POB: Crosby, ND		Secondary MOS: Marksmanship
Appearance: black hair, beard, and face paint; blue shirt; black vest and sleeves; grey straps; black pants; grey belt, holsters, and kneepads; black boots.
Accessories: black helmet (91 Low-Light's); black visor (91 Low-Light's, lens unpainted); black backpack (91 Low-Light's); black submachine gun (91 Low-Light's Uzi); black knife (91 Low-Light's); black flashlight (91 Low-Light's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: As a child in North Dakota, Low-Light was afraid of the dark, timid with animals, and shy of loud noises . . . until one precarious hunting expedition with his father .Low-Light somehow lost his way in the impenetrable darkness. He was found three weeks later with his flashlight, .22 rifle, and a grin from ear to ear. Ten years later he was an instructor at the Army marksmanship program in Fort Benning, and a self-taught expert on image intensification. Now working as a special agent with the CID (Criminal Investigation Division), Low-Light's workday begins when the sun goes down. Low-Light can precisely locate what most people doubt is even there. No dark hallway, back alley, or shadowy figure is beyond his tracking sight. It's as if he's invisible in the dark, but everything about the night is as clear as day to him. Like he has a sixth sense or something. COBRA once attempted a covert midnight attack through the San Andreas Fault, only to find Low-Light waiting on the other side! Don't even think about giving him the slip because no one knows the night better than Low-Light.
Versions: 1. 1986 2. 1989 (Slaughter's Marauders) 3. 1991 4. 1993 (Dino-Hunters) 5. 2001 (RAH Collection) 6. 2006 (DTC)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Low-Light (91, 93, 01), Big Brawler (03/I), 2004, Aaron "Ambush" McMahon (04) arms, torso, waist, and legs—Low-Light (91, 93, 01)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Sure Fire. The code name is not hyphenated for the 2006 version.

 

Sure Fire	# 53042-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Military Police		O-5 (Army lt. colonel)
File Name: Col. David S. Lane		Primary MOS: CID (Criminal Investigation Divison) Special Agent
POB: Los Angeles, CA		Secondary MOS: Telecommunications
Appearance: black hair; blue shirt with black vest and gloves; blue pants with black belt, holster, kneepads.
Accessories: black helmet (85 Crankcase's); silver pistol (86 Low-Light's Uzi); black pistol (91 Dusty's 9mm); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Sure Fire grew up on the proverbial poor side of town, in a neighborhood so rough that the street signs were covered with banners that read "Get Out While You Still Can!" While other kids were running numbers and hanging on street corners, Sure Fire was studying the martial arts with such skill and determination that he earned a black belt in Shoto-Kan Karate-Do on his sixteenth birthday. Seeing so many of life's injustices at such an early age made Sure Fire vow to defend the rights of others at all costs. After graduating from the Police Academy—where to this day, he still holds the record for not missing a single target—he joined the special investigation unit of the FBI. There he was first introduced to the workings of a terrorist organization called COBRA Command, having been assigned to investigate several of its high ranking members. His keen eye and sharp attention to detail didn't go unnoticed by the G. I. Joe Team. Recruiting was cinch once Sure Fire found out that extensive target practice took place every day before breakfast. He did them one better . . . those jelly doughnuts didn't have holes in the middle until Sure Fire loaded his gun!
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection) 2. 2002 (JvC Wave 1.5)
Variations: none
Mold: head—UNIQUE! upper arms, torso, waist, and legs—Sure Fire (01, 02), Shockwave (92) lower arms—Sure Fire (01, 02), Shockwave (92), Agent Faces (03/II), Crimson Guard (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 05/I), Crimson Shadow Guard (05)
Toy notes: Named after Hasbro employee David Lane. Available in a 2-pack with Low-Light.

 

Wet Down	# 53043-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Navy SEAL		WO-5 (Navy chief warrant officer)
File Name: Daniel R. Alexander		Primary MOS: Covert Naval Operations
POB: Norfolk, VA		Secondary MOS: Martial Arts Instructor
Appearance: black diving mask with eyes exposed; black and grey diving suit with grey belt, gloves, and boots.
Accessories: two black flippers (83 Torpedo's); black backpack (83 Torpedo's, with black tanks); silver speargun (83 Torpedo's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Adventure is nothing new to Wet Down. Growing up near the naval installation at Norfolk, Virginia, Wet Down often tried to sneak on the base just to get a better look at the ships. Immediately after high school graduation - still wearing his cap and gown - Wet Down rushed to the recruitment office and signed on the dotted line before the recruiter even finished his spiel. Boot camp was a day at the beach for Wet Down. He excelled in everything he did and graduated with top honors. He sailed through the BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL program) to become the youngest S.E.A.L. in the Navy. That's when the G. I. Joe team took notice and assigned him to head amphibious assault operations. Here's a guy who just can't wait to get his feet wet, again and again. Unfortunately for him, his enthusiasm for seaborne attack procedures is not shared by his land-lubber team mates.
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection)
Variations: A US flag appeared on Wet Down's left or right arm.
Mold: Wet Down (01), Torpedo (83, 97)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Wet-Suit. Originally to be named Skimmer.

 

Wet-Suit	# 53043-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
SEAL		E-5 (Navy petty officer)	SN: 701-54-87WS
File Name: Brian C. Forrest		Primary MOS: SEAL
POB: Myrtle Beach, SC		Secondary MOS: UDT (Underwater Demolitions)
Appearance: black helmet with grey goggles; grey diving suit with white chest panel and light grey straps; black wristbands.
Accessories: two black flippers (85 Eel's); grey backpack (86 Wet-Suit's); grey sea sled (86 Wet-Suit's); grey flashlight (86/I Wet-Suit's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: He's smart as a whip, quick as a deer, and mean to the bone. Best to stay out of his way, even on a good day. Probably the reason why he's a SEAL—he has the personality of a wet fish. No wonder the Navy keeps their SEALS locked up below decks until something bad becomes worse. That's when they're in their element and they all get dumped in the soup on a rubber raft with a knife, a gun, and all the ammo and explosives they can carry. Doesn't matter how fast their target is moving—they get it every time. Wet-Suit may just be the roughest, and most precise, one of the bunch. Even the most frightful sea creatures run for cover when Wet-Suit hits their turf. He's wild and unruly—but he's simply the best at what he does.
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.
Mold: 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 2-pack with Wet Down. Note that Wet-Suit's middle initial has changed from M. to C.

 

Cobra Commander	# 53041-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Enemy Leader		Commander-in-Chief
File Name: (CLASSIFIED)		Primary MOS: Intelligence
POB: (CLASSIFIED)		Secondary MOS: Ordnance (Experimental Weaponry)
Appearance: grey helmet with Cobra emblem on forehead; light blue shirt and pants with grey armor on chest, arms, and legs; black gloves, joints, and boots; dark red belt and holster.
Accessories: silver backpack (87 Cobra Commander's); black pistol (82 Snake Eyes's Uzi); black air tube (87 Cobra Commander's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: As if he weren't vicious enough, Cobra Commander has once again enlisted Destro and his best technical minds to enhance his one-of-a-kind, battle armor with miniaturized laser weapons that emit invisible beams of explosive firepower, and protective infra-red sensor barriers, so he can stand front and center in any battle using the latest laser technology. That suit can resist a zap from as much as 40 feet away. If it were anyone else, you'd have to give the guy credit for having guts, but where Cobra Commander is concerned, it's all about control—of everything! Only thing standing in his way is the G. I. Joe Team. As long as they're around, his reign of power is only for those stupid enough to believe he'll give them a piece of the action.
Versions: 1. 1982 (Mail)/carded 1983 2. 1984 (Mail, Hooded) 3. 1987 4. 1991 5. 1992 (Battle Commanders) 6. 1993 (Battle Corps) 7. 1994 (Star Brigade) 8. 1997 (3-Pack) 9. 2000 (RAH Wave 1) 10. 2001 (RAH Wave 3) 11. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1) 12. 2002/II (JvC Wave 1.35) 13. 2002/III (JvC Wave 3) 14. 2003/I (Convention) 15. 2003/II (JvC Wave 7.75) 16. 2003/III (JvC Wave 8) 17. 2004/I (VvV Wave 1) 18. 2004/II (Comic #1) 19. 2004/III (VvV Wave 5) 20. 2004/IV (Built to Rule) 21. 2005/I (VvV Wave 7) 22. 2005/II (Comic #76) 23. 2005/III (Imperial) 24. 2005/IV (Comic #9) 25. 2007/I (25th Wave 1) 26. 2007/II (25th Cobra set) 27. 2007/III (Cobra Legions) 28. 2008/I (Comic #24) 29. 2008/II (25th Wave 6)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Cobra Commander (87, 97, 01) arms and torso—Cobra Commander (87, 97, 01, 05/II), Imperial Guard (05) waist and legs—Cobra Commander (87, 97, 01, 05/II)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Laser Viper.

 

Destro	# 53040-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Enemy Weapons Supplier
File Name: Unknown		Primary MOS: Weapons Manufacturer
POB: Unknown		Secondary MOS: Terrorist
Appearance: silver mask; yellow shirt with red medallion; black jacket with large red hood, shoulder armor, and gloves; black pants with red belt; black boots.
Accessories: black machine gun (92 Destro's XL-14); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: The faceless power behind the largest manufacturer of weapons technology, not much is known about Destro other than his reputation for anything at a price. Power is the name of his game and he plays to win—every time. Wherever there's a battle brewing, there's Destro. In fact, he'll incite a battle where one doesn't exist just to further his cause. Doesn't mind getting into the thick of it himself, if it'll turn a profit. Hard to believe anyone could be that diabolical. Anyone but Destro, that is. The silver battle mask he wears into battle is a family tradition and one he displays with pride. Makes you wonder what those folks talked about at the holiday dinner table! The only thing more apparent than his love of cash is his hatred for G. I. Joe. He respects them for their combat skills and expertise on the battlefield, but finds their methods worthless and wasteful in the pursuit of peace. He's cold, calculating, ruthless, and despicable—and those are his better qualities.
Versions: 1. 1983 2. 1988 (Iron Grenadiers) 3. 1992 4. 1993 (Cobra-Tech) 5. 1997 (3-Pack) 6. 2001 (RAH Collection) 7. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1) 8. 2002/II (Dominator) 9. 2002/III (JvC Wave 1.35) 10. 2003 (Spy Troops) 11. 2004 (Valor vs. Venom) 12. 2005/I (Comic #25) 13. 2005/II (Convention) 14. 2007/I (Comic Con silver) 15. 2007/II (Comic Con gold) 16. 2007/III (25th Cobra set) 17. 2008/I (25th Wave 5) 18. 2008/II (Comic #14)
Variations: Other filecards list him as James McCullen Destro XXIV from Callander, Scotland.
Mold: head—Destro (92, 93, 97, 01, 05/II) arms and torso—Destro (92, 97, 01, 05/I) waist and legs—Destro (92, 97, 01, 05/I), M. Bison (93/I, 93/II)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Fast Blast Viper.

 

Fast Blast Viper	# 53040-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Field Combat		Special Training: Hand-to-Hand combat, Field Weapons, Martial Arts, Demolitions, Night Recon.
Appearance: black face mask with red insignia; black shirt with grey stripes on chest and arms; dark grey backpack straps, gloves, and belt; black pants with grey holsters, stripes on codpiece and legs, and shinguards; grey boots; blades on ankles to hold missiles.
Accessories: black backpack (89 HEAT Viper's); black bazooka (89 HEAT Viper's); six black bazooka shells (89 HEAT Viper's); black sight cable (89 HEAT Viper's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Armed with specially designed battlefield bazookas, Fast Blast Vipers are deployed to lead an attack with only one objective—destroy G. I. Joe. Each one is trained to withstand excruciating battlefield conditions and obey every order from COBRA Commander. To make them more formidable, Fast Blast Vipers have a computer chip implanted at the base of their skulls to neutralize any fear-like emotional response to attack, while enhancing their aggressive tendencies. As if they need a push in that direction! In any situation, these guys area nightmare . . . with bazookas!
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection) 2. 2002 (Sound Attack)
Variations: Repainted for the 2002 version.
Mold: head—Fast Blast Viper (01, 02), Undertow (90, 00, 02) arms, torso, waist, and legs—Fast Blast Viper (01, 02), HEAT Viper (89, 03)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Destro.

 

Laser Viper	# 53041-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment II
Special Weapons Development		Special Training: Heat-Generated Weapons Systems, Laser Optics, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Covert Operations Specialist
Appearance: blue helmet; red facemask; grey shirt with blue vest; red zipper and gloves; grey pants with red stripes on legs; blue armbands and belt; black boots.
Accessories: black backpack (91 Sci-Fi's); black laser rifle (91 Sci-Fi's); black hose (medium standard); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Specialists in infra-red laser technology, Laser Vipers can set their sights on a target thousands of yards away and "zap it"in less than a milli-second. These guys are no slouches! Each one has a masters degree in mechanical engineering and spends his spare time increasing the firepower capability to make his laser weapon more destructive. Ever wonder how the hole in the ozone layer really got there? To get the attention of COBRA Commander, they "test" their latest modifications on each other. Not exactly the best way to see if something works, but it's one way to eliminate the competition.
Versions: 1. 1990 2. 2001 (RAH Collection) 3. 2003 (Python Patrol)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—UNIQUE! arms, torso, waist, and legs—Laser Viper (01), Sci-Fi (91, 93)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Cobra Commander. The code name is hyphenated for the 1990 version.

 

Big Brawler	# 53059-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment III
Jungle Mission Specialist		E-8 (Army first sergeant)
File Name: 1SG Brian K. Mulholland		Primary MOS: Counterintelligence and Espionage
POB: New York City, NY		Secondary MOS: Jungle Survival Expert
Appearance: black hair and beard; green T-shirt with "ARMY" on front; black gloves; green camouflage pants; black belt and boots.
Accessories: black backpack (92 Big Bear's); black attack rifle (92 Big Bear's AK-88); black flashlight (87 Outback's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: A master of both psychological warfare and hand-to-hand combat, Big Brawler has engaged in top secret operations against despots and terrorists worldwide. When it became evident that most of the world's terrorist activities were orchestrated by COBRA, Big Brawler transferred from Army Intelligence to the G. I. Joe team. He now takes his battle directly to the snake pits, while acting as liaison to the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). He has a natural ability to persevere in the adverse conditions of the world's jungles, in ways that Tarzan himself would be envious of. Big Brawler has refused all officer-level promotions, preferring to remain on the front lines where the real action takes place. Despite his superior intelligence-gathering and infiltration skills, Big Brawler is quick-tempered and can't resist the urge to pound any COBRA on sight. Since his first mission, when he was only supposed to take photos of a secret spy headquarters but "improvised" and blew up the island instead, he has been regarded as a loose cannon. Good thing he's a G. I. Joe - he's too dangerous to be anything else.
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection) 2. 2003/I (Tiger Force) 3. 2003/II (Gun Station) 4. 2004 (VAMP)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—UNIQUE! arms, waist, and legs—Big Brawler (01), Outback (87, 88) torso—Big Brawler (01), Outback (87, 88), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91)
Toy notes: Named after G.I. Joe notable Brian Mulholland. Available in a 2-pack with Tripwire. A somewhat different version was released in India.

 

Gung Ho	# 53060-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment III
Marine Recon		E-9 (Marine sergeant major)
File Name: Sgt. Major Ettienne R. Lafitte		Primary MOS: Reconnaissance
POB: Fer-de-Lance, LA		Secondary MOS: Jungle Warfare Training Instructor
Appearance: bald with black moustache; black headband; light brown vest with open collar; ammo belt on chest; black right armband; green camouflage pants with black belt, holster, and boots.
Accessories: black backpack (92 Gung-Ho's); black machine gun (92 Gung-Ho's M60); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: This guy may look like someone out of a Hollywood war movie, but he's no actor - he's the real deal. Gung-Ho has more guts than sense. He has no problem walking through a fierce COBRA artillery barrage just to get a better look at his target. Sound crazy? Maybe, but when it comes to describing the terms bravery, courage, and determination, Gung-Ho is the perfect example. His "esprit de corps" attitude and drive to be the best keeps [sic] him and his fellow G. I. Joes on their toes, ready to go into battle when called. He's so keyed up all the time that the only way he unwinds is when he and Leatherneck get liberty to go out and compare notes with the Navy S.E.A.L.S. The funny thing is that their version of winding down usually results in heated outbursts with their Naval counterparts. What do you expect? They're Marines through and through.
Versions: 1. 1983 2. 1987 (Dress Blues) 3. 1992 4. 1993/I (Battle Corps) 5. 1993/II (Mega-Marines) 6. 1997 (Slugger) 7. 2001 (RAH Collection) 8. 2002/I (JvC Wave 1) 9. 2002/II (JvC Wave 1.35) 10. 2002/III (Assault Quad) 11. 2003/I (Built to Rule) 12. 2003/II (JvC Wave 8) 13. 2004/I (Wal-Mart) 14. 2004/II (VvV Wave 4) 15. 2004/III (Night Force) 16. 2004/IV (Desert Patrol) 17. 2005/I (VvV Wave 7) 18. 2005/II (Convention)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Gung-Ho (92, 93/I, 01, 04/IV) arms—Gung-Ho (92, 93/I, 01, 04/IV), Mercer (06), Red Dog (06), Sgt. Slaughter (06), Taurus (06) torso, waist, and legs—Gung-Ho (92, 93/I, 01, 04/IV), CLASSIFIED (06), Sgt. Slaughter (06)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Leatherneck. Gung Ho's code name is hyphenated for the 1983, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2002/I, 2002/II, 2004/III, and 2004/IV versions.

 

Leatherneck	# 53060-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment III
Marine		E-7 (Marine gunnery sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. Wendell A. Metzger		Primary MOS: Weapons & Tactics Instructor
POB: Stromsburg, NE		Secondary MOS: Drill Sergeant
Appearance: brown hair; green short-sleeved shirt with vest; black holster and straps; brown gloves; black pants with grey holster and knife; brown belt and boots.
Accessories: dark green helmet (92 Duke's); dark green backpack (84 Roadblock's) with attached ammo box; black battle rifle (92 Duke's G3); black knife (92 Duke's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: He's all Marine . . . tough, bull-headed, and always on the offensive. Leatherneck has never been in a situation where defeat was an option. When he was a Boot at Camp Lejeune, he was so revved up to complete the training that he would awaken his drill sergeant and the men in his barracks before the bugler blew reveille at 4:30 AM. That didn't win him any popularity contests with his fellow Boots, but they soon realized that he was more of a jarhead than all of them combined. Before joining the G. I. Joe Team, Leatherneck served with a variety of Marine units throughout the world. He earned a reputation for being one of the roughest, hard-nosed brawlers in the Corps, ready to fight to the hilt for a fellow Marine. Aside from that, the only other soft spot this guy has is on the top of his head, exactly where his mother accidentally dropped him as a baby. That would explain his overbearing, opinionated disposition.
Versions: 1. 1986/I (Carded) 2. 1986/II (Brazil) 3. 1993 (Battle Corps) 4. 2001 (RAH Collection)/MCC 2003 5. 2004 (Defense Mech)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—UNIQUE! upper arms—Leatherneck (01), Duke (92, 01), Agent Faces (03/II), Sgt. Stalker (04/III), Crimson Guard (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 05/I), Crimson Shadow Guard (05) lower arms—Leatherneck (01), Duke (92, 01), Sgt. Stalker (04/III) torso and waist—Leatherneck (01), Duke (92, 01), Sgt. Stalker (04/III), Steel Brigade Paratrooper (05) upper legs—Leatherneck (01), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05), Starduster (87), Double Blast (01, 02), Mutt (04/II), Tommy Arashikage (06) lower legs—Leatherneck (01), Roadblock (84, 88, 04/II, 05/I), Starduster (87), Double Blast (01, 02), Tommy Arashikage (06)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Gung Ho. Also available with the 2003 Mobile Command Center.

 

Tripwire	# 53059-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment III
Mine Detector		E-4 (Army specialist 4)
File Name: Spc. Tormod S. Skoog		Primary MOS: Explosive Ordnance Disposal
POB: Hibbing, MN		Secondary MOS: Demolitions
Appearance: olive green helmet with large black goggles; black gloves and padded vest; olive green belt and pants with black boots.
Accessories: dark green backpack (83 Tripwire's); three dark green mines (83 Tripwire's); black mine detector (83 Tripwire's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Tripwire is an accident waiting to happen. He's clumsy, jittery, all thumbs, and a nervous wreck around people - unless he's working with high explosives. Then he's calm and collected, with the skill and precision of a surgeon. Doesn't matter what type of explosive, detonator, or blasting machine he's handling, he knows exactly how to make it work without missing a beat. After dropping out of high school, Tripwire spent two years in a Zen monastery, pondering the meaning of life. All he got out of it was expelled for breaking too many dishes and spilling every liquid in sight. Determined to make something of his shortcoming, Tripwire joined the Army at 19 and found his calling on the grenade range. Something about setting off explosives and watching bombs bursting in air that relaxes him. Hard to believe for a guy who seems to trip over air. If COBRA calls Firefly the "Rembrandt" of explosions, then Tripwire is no less than a modern day "Picasso."
Versions: 1. 1983 2. 1985 (Listen & Fun) 3. 1988 (Tiger Force) 4. 2001 (RAH Collection)
Variations: None.
Mold: Tripwire (83, 85, 88, 01)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Big Brawler.

 

Shadow Viper	#53058-2	Regular 2-Pack Assortment III
Counter Intelligence		Special Training: Undercover Operations, Infiltration, Computer Hacking and Data Acquisition, Martial Arts
Appearance: black face mask; blue shirt and gloves with black paint-wipe and silver vest with red straps; Cobra emblem on gold stomach panel; black pants and boots with silver braces on outside legs.
Accessories: black helmet (88 Astro-Viper's, with red visor); silver backpack (88 Astro-Viper's) with two black laser cannons and two silver control arms; two black hoses (short standard); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: No one knows exactly how Shadow Vipers get in and out of places udnetected, just that when they do, they leave their mark of damage and destruction behind. They are expert computer hackers with a major grudge against worldwide government agencies. Shadow Vipers know every means of camouflage, disguise, and concealment there is to blend into any environment. Before a mission, they cover themselves in a dark, powder-like substance that makes them virtually invisible to ground radar and infra-red sensors for up to 24 hours. Ample time to infiltrate and ravage any facility, not to mention grab a few top secret "souvenirs" to impress Cobra Commander. Only problem is that these guys are loyal to no one, and will steal from each other to get in good with the big guy. They are like a nasty computer virus that keeps spreading. COBRA forces are bad enough to deal with when you can see them, let alone when you can't.
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection) 2. 2004 (Built to Rule)
Variations: None.
Mold: Shadow Viper (01), Astro-Viper (88, 93)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Zartan.

 

Zartan	# 53058-1	Regular 2-Pack Assortment III
Master of Disguise
File Name: Unknown. Uses aliases, too numerous to list		Primary MOS: Infiltration
POB: Nice, France		Secondary MOS: Espionage
Appearance: long brown hair; black face paint around eyes;black vest, armbands, and gloves; brown pants with black belt, boots, and leggings.
Accessories: pale face-mask disguise (84 Zartan's); black backpack (90 SAW-Viper's); silver heavy machine gun (90 SAW-Viper's) and bipod; gold ammo belt (90 SAW-Viper's); black figure stand.
Filecard Information: Zartan's early military career has been traced back to the Saint-Cyr Academy, where the misguided youth quickly proved himself to be a traitor, turning his regiment into a band of mercenaries and selling secrets to opposing forces. Although he was charged with treason and sent to prison, his talent for impersonation got him out the door, along with the dirty laundry. After escaping incarceration, he traveled to the Orient and became an apprentice to a Ninja master. Skilled in archery and the use of edged weaponry, his reputation led him to an encounter with an organization known as COBRA Command. His unequaled prowess as a quick-change artist made it easy for him to infiltrate and spy on G. I. Joe Headquarters. A master of make-up and disguise, a ventriloquist, a linguist (he speaks over 20 languages and dialects), an acrobatic-contortionist and practitioner of several martial arts forms, he's been known to use holographic implants to alter his appearance instantaneously. He can look like a punk rocker one minute and an elderly gentlemen [sic] the next. Many have been fooled by how seemingly easy it is to capture him. . . . the trick is keeping him, because Zartan does the most damage from the inside! Psychological Profile: Extremely paranoid. Experiences multiple personality disorder to such an extent that his original personality has been buried and forgotten.
Versions: 1. 1984 (Chameleon) 2. 1993 (Ninja Force) 3. 2001 (RAH Collection) 4. 2002/I (JvC Wave 2) 5. 2002/II (JvC Wave 3) 6. 2003/I (Mail) 7. 2003/II (Spy Troops) 8. 2004/I (Valor vs. Venom) 9. 2004/II (Convention) 10. 2004/III (Morphing) 11. 2004/IV (as Hawk) 12. 2005 (Comic #76) 13. 2007 (25th Wave 3)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Zartan (84, 01, 04/II, 04/III) arms and torso—Zartan (01), SAW-Viper (90, 03), Dragonsky (06) waist and legs—Zartan (01), SAW-Viper (90, 03)
Toy notes: Available in a 2-pack with Shadow Viper.

 

Pathfinder	Item # 57768	boxed with AWE Striker
All-Weather Assault Specialist		E-6 (Army staff sergeant)
File Name: Sgt. William V. Iannotti		Primary MOS: All-Weather Assault Specialist
POB: Key West, FL		Secondary MOS: Forward Observer / Recon
Appearance: black hat; black hair; black sunglasses; black short-sleeved shirt with open blue-grey vest; black pants, belt, and boots.
Accessories: 2001 release: none. 2004 VAMP release: black backpack (90 Pathfinder's); two black cannons (90 Pathfinder's); black powered pole saw (90 Pathfinder's) with black blade; two black ammo belts (90 Pathfinder's); black hose (short standard).
Filecard Information: When a G. I. Joe assault team is faced with an obstacle, such as having to scale a 15,000 foot mountain to invade a COBRA fortress, Pathfinder's there to get them over the "hump." Ever since his childhood days in Key West, he's always had a fascination with being able to "rough it" in the wild. When he was only 9 years old, he spent a week alone in the everglades, just to prove that he could do it. His only worry wasn't the alligators, but the mosquitoes. Pathfinder can't stand bugs. After joining the G. I. Joe Team, he spent over 10 years learning how to overcome whatever Mother Nature dished out. His ability to survive in dense jungles, barren tundras, and sand-swept deserts is uncanny. When the G. I. Joe team deployed the A.W.E. Striker vehicle there was only one choice for its driver . . . Pathfinder. It was as if the vehicle was made just for him. Like him, the A.W.E. Striker never quits. That's probably why this man and machine combination is such a good match!
Versions: 1. 1990 2. 2001 (AWE Striker)/VAMP 2004
Variations: The 2004 VAMP release has a black belt buckle, whereas the original's was silver.
Mold: head, arms, waist, and legs—Pathfinder (90, 01) torso—Pathfinder (90, 01), Lance "Clutch" Steinberg (07)
Toy notes: Also included with the Toys 'R Us-exclusive 2004 VAMP with Twin Battle Gun set, along with Big Brawler and Chief Torpedo.

 

Cutter	Item # 53045	boxed with NLC
Coast Guard Specialist		O-2 (Coast Guard lieutenant, junior grade)
File Name: Lt. (j.g.) Ronald "Skip" A. Stone		Primary MOS: Aquatic Vehicle Operations
POB: Kinsley, KS		Secondary MOS: Coast Guard Officer
Appearance: blue baseball cap; red hair and moustache; light blue short-sleeved shirt with open collar; orange life jacket; dark blue bell-bottom pants; green belt, holster, and watch; black shoes.
Accessories: none.
Filecard Information: Cutter knows the high seas better than any fish in the ocean. But when a snake like Cobra decides to get its feet wet, best to be prepared for a big splash! That's where Cutter comes in. Like a great white shark with a ravenous appetite, Cutter is always ready to take a bite out of Cobra whenever they wreak havoc in the world via the sea. He may have been a typical land-lubber as a kid in Kansas, but after a family trip to Florida at age 14, Cutter was hooked on the sea like a sailfish on a 100-pound test line. His experience as a Coast Guard skipper in hunting down drug smugglers on the high seas made him a perfect catch for the G. I. Joe team's Aquatic Defense Division. Cutter likes nothing better than sneaking up on unsuspecting crafts and pounding them like a tidal wave. Now, instead of scouring the oceans for drug-dealing slime-balls, he patrols the sea for something else that's even more slimy . . . Cobra!
Versions: 1. 1984 (Killer WHALE) 2. 1992 (Drug Elimination Force) 3. 1993 (Shark 9000) 4. 2001 (NLC)
Variations: None.
Mold: head—Cutter (84, 01) arms, torso, waist, and legs—Cutter (84, 01), Shipwreck (07/I)
Toy notes: Nearly identical to the original figure, but paler and without the "B" on the baseball cap.

 

Flint	Item # 53044	boxed with Desert Striker
Desert Paratrooper		WO-2 (Army chief warrant officer)
File Name: Dashiell R. Faireborne		Primary MOS: L.A.V. (Land Assault Vehicles) Operator
POB: Wichita, KS		Secondary MOS: Desert Paratrooper
Appearance: black hair; light brown shirt with grey chest panel and black tubing; black gloves; light brown pants with grey belt and black boots.
Accessories: none.
Filecard Information: What can you say about a guy who likes to skydive in the desert where there is nothing but scorpions, rattlesnakes, and miles of sand awaiting him? Get a better hobby? Not Flint. A product of the Special Forces School and a career Army officer, Flint has always been a daredevil and take-charge individual. This guy is so tough that during one nighttime airborne assault mission, he leaped out of a C-5 transport at 30,000 feet, dove head-first to the ground, then at 900 feet pulled up and made a soft landing minutes before anyone else even came close to the landing zone. How he did it is anybody's guess. All we know is that Cobra's resistance forces were wiped out by the time the rest of the G. I. Joe assault team landed. As the driver for the Desert Striker, Flint has the task of leading the G. I. Joe team against Cobra's most lethal forces. Never one to turn down an assignment, Flint accepted it on one condition. He requested that he field test the Desert Striker vehicle's "airborne capability" from a 5,000 foot drop behind enemy lines. Only Flint would dare to make such a request. Only Flint would get it.
Versions: 1. 1985 2. 1988 (Tiger Force) 3. 1991 (Eco-Warriors) 4. 1994 (Battle Corps) 5. 2001 (Desert Striker) 6. 2002/I (Headquarters) 7. 2002/II (JvC Wave 3) 8. 2003 (JvC Wave 6) 9. 2004/I (Night Force) 10. 2004/II (Built to Rule) 11. 2005 (Comic #74) 12. 2007 (25th Wave 1)
Variations: None.
Mold: Flint (91, 01)
Toy notes:

 

Rock 'n Roll	Item # 53076	boxed with Headquarters
Tactical Operations Specialist		E-7 (Army sergeant first class)
File Name: Craig S. McConnel		Primary MOS: Infantry / Machine Gunner
POB: Malibu, CA		Secondary MOS: Physical Training Instructor
Appearance: black hair; brown vest with grey straps and black grenades; light green pants with black boots.
Accessories: none.
Filecard Information: Rock 'n Roll loves loud noises. Whether it's ear-splitting guitar riffs or heavy machine gun fire, it doen't matter; it's all music to his ears. A G. I. Joe from the team's inception, Rock 'n Roll has been blasting firepower in the Cobra direction ever since. Now stationed at G. I. Joe Headquarters, Rock 'n Roll leads the armament division, lending his expertise in tactical defensive systems, equipment maintenance, and heavy weapons repair. Even with added responsibility, he still retains the quirky sense of humor he is famous for. A dedicated soldier, Rock 'n Roll is always ready to lay down cover fire and guide the team to their target without missing a beat. You can bet the Cobra troops attempting to infiltrate the Headquarters are singing the blues at the mere mention of his name.
Versions: 1. 1982 2. 1989 3. 1992 (Super Sonic Fighters) 4. 1993 (Armor-Tech) 5. 1997 (Stars & Stripes) 6. 2001 (Headquarters) 7. 2005 (Comic #8) 8. 2007 (Convention) 9. 2008 (25th Wave 6)
Variations: This figure was renamed Flint when the Headquarters was re-released in 2002 (identified as Flint version 2002/I). The new filecard was identical to that of 2002's Wave 3 Flint.
Mold: Rock 'n Roll (01), Flint (94)
Toy notes: The 1989 version was spelled "Rock & Roll," and the 2008 version's full name is "Ssgt. Rock 'n Roll."

 

Sub Viper	Item # 53062	boxed with Wave Crusher
Underwater Demolitions		Special Training: Pressure-sensitive breathing techniques, aquatic assault and firearms, hand-to-hand combat and mine disposal
Appearance: silver helmet with red visor; blue shirt with silver chest armor and gloves; blue pants with silver straps and boots.
Accessories: none.
Filecard Information: When Cobra Commander tells these guys to "jump," they ask, "How far down?" More slimy than the slickest oil spill, Sub Viper would rather spend his time in the dark, muddy, frigid temperatures of the ocean depths than on dry land. They are specially trained to remain motionless in water for hours, then attack their target and move out within 10 seconds. Less if their sights are on a G. I. Joe transport ship - the motivation is greater. They're experts at planting underwater mines in a harbor filled with G. I. Joe crafts, taunting the G. I. Joe shore patrols into a chase, then . . . BOOM! Talk about getting blown out of the water. It's just their little reminder to the G. I. Joe team that a Sub Viper may be all wet, but that's when he is the most dangerous.
Versions: 1. 2001 (RAH Collection)
Variations: None.
Mold: Sub Viper (01), Sludge Viper (91)
Toy notes:

 

Equipment:

Comics:

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

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