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2001 Characters, Page 2

Click-to-Reveal Profiles for Fast Blast Viper, Sure Fire, Wet Down, Sub Viper, Shadow Viper, and Big Brawler

Click a code name to show the character's profile.

+ Fast Blast Viper

FAST BLAST VIPER - a quick explosion or burst of air or sound.

Char. #311, 59th Cobra troop type

1. 2001 (RAH Wave 3)

2. 2002 (Sound Attack)

Version 1: 2001 Real American Hero Collection Wave 3 two-pack assortment
Fig. #0562: Field Combat	Special Training: Hand-to-Hand Combat, Field Weapons, Martial Arts, Demolitions, Night Recon
	head: Undertow (90, 00, 02, 09), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) arms: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) torso: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) waist: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) legs: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02)
	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
	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!
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Destro (01). Item #53040.

Version 2: 2002 Sound Attack boxed set
Fig. #0648: Field Combat	Special Training: Hand-to-Hand Combat, Field Weapons, Martial Arts, Demolitions, Night Recon
	head: Undertow (90, 00, 02, 09), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) arms: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) torso: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) waist: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02) legs: HEAT Viper (89, 03), Fast Blast Viper (01, 02)
	Accessories: silver pistol (91 Dusty's 9mm); black machine gun (88 Spearhead's, with Sound Attack tab); silver laser rifle (91 Sci-Fi's, with Sound Attack tab); silver knife (88 Hit & Run's)
	Armed with specially designed battlefield weapons, FAST BLAST VIPERS are sent out to lead an attack with only one objective: stop G.I. JOE forces. Each one has learned to withstand tough battlefield conditions. They obey every order from COBRA COMMANDER instantly and without question. To make them formidable, FAST BLAST VIPERS have been trained to wipe out any fear or hesitation in attack situations—they show no emotion no matter what happens. They are mean and aggressive opponents with many combat skills and are tough enemies of the G.I. JOE team. "We fight until we win."
Toy Notes: Boxed in a B.J.'s-exclusive set with Dial-Tone (02), Firefly (02/II), Roadblock (02), Snake Eyes (02/III), Storm Shadow (02/III), Wet-Suit (02/III), and Undertow (02). Item #53227.

SURE FIRE - certain to happen or succeed.

Char. #3132 170th Joe Team member

David S. Lane (American with Saxon English or Irish surname) of Los Angeles, CA.
Los Angeles is the second largest US city (pop. 3,849,378) and has been a minority-majority city since the mid-1980s. Other LA Joes include Jinx, Quick Kick, Skidmark, and Wreckage. Ambush is from nearby Walnut, and Rock 'n Roll is from Malibu.
Note: Named for Steel Brigade fan club founder David Lane.

Grades: O-5: 2001-2002

SNs: 442-94J-DS48

1. 2001 (RAH Wave 3)

2. 2002 (JvC Wave 1.5)

Version 1: 2001 Real American Hero Collection Wave 3 two-pack assortment
Fig. #0566: Military Police	MOS 1: CID (Criminal Investigation Division) Special Agent MOS 2: Telecommunications
	head: Sure Fire (01) arms: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08); lower arms: Agent Faces (03/II), Crimson Guard (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 05/I), Crimson Shadow Guard (05) torso: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02) waist: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08) legs: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08)
	Accessories: black helmet (85 Crankcase's); silver pistol (86 Low-Light's Uzi); black pistol (91 Dusty's 9mm); black figure stand
	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!
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Low-Light (01). Item #53042.

Version 1: 2002 Joe vs. Cobra Wave 1.5 two-pack assortment
Fig. #0616: Military Police	MOS 1: CID (Criminal Investigation Division) Special Agent MOS 2: Telecommunications
	head: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (02) arms: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08); lower arms: Agent Faces (03/II), Crimson Guard (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 05/I), Crimson Shadow Guard (05) torso: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02) waist: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08) legs: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08)
	Accessories: black backpack (92 Gung-Ho's); black pistol (91 Dusty's 9mm); black assault rifle (91 Red Star's AK-103); black figure stand
	The evil acts of COBRA are many, and the United States military needs a specially trained force to get all the information they can about COBRA. SURE FIRE is a special agent for the Army's Criminal Investigation Division. At the CID, SURE FIRE is part of the Military Police, trained to look into criminal activities and stop them. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and saw a lot of serious criminal acts. Those experiences made him determined to defend the rights of others at all costs. He went to the U.S. Army Military Police School and completed specialized training. Now he has joined the G.I. JOE team and is dedicated to fighting criminals as an arm of the law and a soldier on the battlefield. In one investigation, SURE FIRE came up against COBRA SLICE. His finely honed military and police skills got the better of the sword-wielding ninja—and made him COBRA SLICE's bitter enemy. "If evil is being done anywhere in the world, I'll find out about it—and stop it."
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Cobra Slice (02). Item #57450.

WET DOWN - to toss a newly promoted officer into the sea as an act of initiation.

Char. #313, 171st Joe Team member

Daniel R. Alexander (American; with Greek surname) of Norfolk, VA.
Norfolk (pop. 234,403), on I-64, is a port city in the state's southeast corner, and is home to the world's largest naval base. Also from Virginia are Gen. Flagg, Keel-Haul, Mercer (1991), and Salvo.

Grades: Navy WO-5: 2001

SNs: [none listed]

1. 2001 (RAH Wave 3)

Version 1: 2001 Real American Hero Collection Wave 3 two-pack assortment
Fig. #0568: Navy SEAL	MOS 1: Covert Naval Operations MOS 2: Martial Arts Instructor
	head: Torpedo (83, 97), Wet Down (01) arms: Torpedo (83, 97), Wet Down (01) torso: Torpedo (83, 97), Wet Down (01) waist: Torpedo (83, 97), Wet Down (01) legs: Torpedo (83, 97), Wet Down (01)
	Accessories: two black flippers (83 Torpedo's); black backpack (83 Torpedo's, with black tanks); silver speargun (83 Torpedo's); black figure stand
	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.
Variations: The US flag was on the figure's left or right arm.
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Wet-Suit (01). Item #53043. Early promotion identified the figure as Skimmer.

SUB VIPER - prefix for underneath.

Char. #314, 60th Cobra troop type

1. 2001 (Wave Crusher)

Version 1: 2001 Real American Hero Collection Wave 3 boxed Wave Crusher vehicle
Fig. #0571: Underwater Demolitions	Special Training: Pressure-sensitive breathing techniques, aquatic assault and firearms, hand-to-hand combat and mine disposal
	head: Sludge Viper (91), Sub Viper (01) arms: Sludge Viper (91), Sub Viper (01) torso: Sludge Viper (91), Sub Viper (01) waist: Sludge Viper (91), Sub Viper (01) legs: Sludge Viper (91), Sub Viper (01)
	Accessories: none
	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.
Toy Notes: Item #53062.

SHADOW VIPER - darkness caused by the blocking of direct light.

Char. #315, 61st Cobra troop type

1. 2001 (RAH Wave 4)

2. 2004 (Built to Rule)

Version 1: 2001 Real American Hero Collection Wave 4 two-pack assortment
Fig. #0573: Counter Intelligence	Special Training: Undercover Operations, Infiltration, Computer Hacking and Data Acquisition, Martial Arts
	head: Astro-Viper (88, 93), Shadow Viper (01) arms: Astro-Viper (88, 93), Shadow Viper (01) torso: Astro-Viper (88, 93), Shadow Viper (01) waist: Astro-Viper (88, 93), Shadow Viper (01) legs: Astro-Viper (88, 93), Shadow Viper (01)
	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
	No one knows exactly how Shadow Vipers get in and out of places undetected, 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.
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Zartan (01). Item #53058.

Version 2: 2004 Built-to-Rule boxed Night Prowler vehicle
Fig. #0939: Counterintelligence	Skills: Infiltration
	head: Shadow Viper (04) arms: Shadow Viper (04), AVAC (04) torso: Shadow Viper (04) waist: Shadow Viper (04), AVAC (04) legs: Shadow Viper (04); lower legs only: AVAC (04)
	Accessories: none
	[The 2004 Built-to-Rule filecards had no main text.]
Toy Notes: Item #6558. This figure is a moderately hard-to-find item.

BIG BRAWLER - a brawl is a noisy quarrel or fight.

Char. #316, 172nd Joe Team member

Brian K. Mulholland (American with Irish surname) of New York City, NY.
NYC, on I-95 at the SE corner of NY, is the largest city in the US (pop. 8,214,426). Backblast, Rampart, and Zap are also said to be from NYC with no further specification. Also from various parts of the city are Bushido, Crossfire, Heavy Metal, Nunchuk, and Tunnel Rat.
Note: Reportedly named for G. I. Joe notable Brian Mulholland.

Grades: E-8: 2001-2004

SNs: 022-97-BF74; 844-75-BK53

1. 2001 (RAH Wave 4)
2. 2003/I (Tiger Force)

3. 2003/II (Gun Station)
4. 2004 (VAMP/TBG)

Version 1: 2001 Real American Hero Collection Wave 4 two-pack assortment
Fig. #0574: Jungle Mission Specialist	MOS 1: Counterintelligence and Espionage MOS 2: Jungle Survival Expert
	head: Big Brawler (01) arms: Outback (87, 88), Big Brawler (01) torso: Outback (87, 88), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91), Big Brawler (01) waist: Outback (87, 88), Big Brawler (01) legs: Outback (87, 88), Big Brawler (01)
	Accessories: black backpack (92 Big Bear's); black attack rifle (91 Red Star's AK-103); black flashlight (87 Outback's); black figure stand
	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.
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Tripwire (01). Item #53059.
Re-releases: A slightly different version was released in India.

Version 2: 2003 Tiger Force carded set (03/I)
Fig. #0695: Jungle Mission Specialist	MOS 1: Counterintelligence and Espionage MOS 2: Jungle Survival Expert
	head: Low-Light (91, 93, 01), Big Brawler (03/I, 04), Ambush (04) arms: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04) torso: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04) waist: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04) legs: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04)
	Accessories: black pistol (85 Tomax/Xamot's); black machine gun (91 Big Ben's M240)
	A master of both psychological warfare and hand-to-hand combat, BIG BRAWLER has engaged in top secret operations against despots and criminals worldwide. When it became evident that most of the world's nefarious 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. BIG BRAWLER has refused all officer-level promotions, preferring to remain on the front lines where the real action takes place. "I'll gather the intel as specified in my mission, but while I'm there, I might as well pound some sense into a COBRA or two!"
Variations: Early releases of the figure had red hair like Outback.
Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive set with Dial Tone (03), Agent Jinx (03), Sgt. Stalker (03), and Wreckage (03). Item #53263. Prototypes exist with "Survival" printed on the shirt, suggesting that perhaps this figure was intended to be Outback.

Version 3: 2003 Spy Troops Wave 7 carded Gun Station accessory
Fig. #0745: Jungle Mission Specialist	MOS 1: Counterintelligence and Espionage MOS 2: Survival Expert
	head: Big Brawler (03/II) arms: Big Brawler (03/II) torso: Big Brawler (03/II) waist: Big Brawler (03/II) legs: Big Brawler (03/II)
	Accessories: metallic pistol (91 Dusty's); metallic attack rifle (92 Big Bear's AK-88)
	BIG BRAWLER started out in Army Intelligence before he was tapped to join the G.I. JOE team and brought along an impressive catalogue of specialized skills and talents. Equally at home in dense tropical undergrowth as he is in concrete urban badlands, his survival and observation abilities put him on a par with jungle cats and the most feral street criminals. His main annoying trait is his tendency to scarf up junk food when he gets back from long jungle missions and has to work twice as hard to burn it off. Totally proficient in small arms, squad-level infantry weapons and most platoon support weapons, BIG BRAWLER also holds rank in several obscure martial arts disciplines. He has always maintained, however, that his chief weapon is his mind. Trained as a psychologist and having participated in several military psychological operations, he knows that as good as you are with a weapon, you can't win a fight unless you can think three moves ahead of your opponent, and then have a surprise for him! "Never start a fight you can't finish, never drink water that a purification tablet won't dissolve in, and always brush your teeth when you're in the jungle!"
Toy Notes: Item #57545.

Version 4: 2004 boxed VAMP with Twin Battle Gun vehicle set (04/I)
Fig. #0920: Jungle Mission Specialist	MOS 1: Counterintelligence and Espionage MOS 2: Survival Expert
	head: Low-Light (91, 93, 01), Big Brawler (03/I, 04), Ambush (04) arms: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04) torso: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04) waist: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04) legs: Salvo (90), Big Brawler (03/I, 04)
	Accessories: shares a metallic grey carbine (02 Duke's M4) with Chief Torpedo (04/I)
	BIG BRAWLER started out in Army Intelligence before he was tapped to join the G.I. JOE Team, bringing an impressive catalogue of specialized skills and talents. Equally at home in dense tropical undergrowth as he is in concrete urban badlands, he has survival and observation abilities on a par with jungle cats and feral street criminals. Proficient in small arms, squad-level infantry weapons, and platoon support weapons, BIG BRAWLER also holds rank in several martial arts disciplines. Trained as a psychologist and having participated in several military psychological operations, he knows that as good as you are with a weapon, you can't win a fight unless you can think three moves ahead of your opponent, and hten have a surprise for him! "Never start a fight you can't finish, never drink water that a purification tablet won't dissolve in, and always brush your teeth when you're in the jungle!"
Toy Notes: Boxed in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive vehicle set with Pathfinder (01) and Chief Torpedo (04/I) as well as the VAMP with Twin Battle Gun (04). Item #60352.

Character Contributions

Fast Blast Viper

Field Combat
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Field Weapons
Martial Arts
Demolitions
Night Recon

Military Police
CID Special Agent
Telecommunications

Navy SEAL
Covert Naval Operations
Martial Arts Instructor

Underwater Demolitions
Pressure-Sensitive Breathing Techniques
Aquatic Assault and Firearms
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Mine Disposal

Shadow Viper

Counter Intelligence
Undercover Operations
Infiltration
Computer Hacking and Data Acquisition
Martial Arts

Big Brawler

Jungle Mission Specialist
Counterintelligence and Espionage
Jungle Survival Expert

Continue to 2002 Characters, Page 1 (CLAWS, Moray, and Neo-Viper)

Go back to 2001 Characters, Page 1 (Whiteout, Side Track, Warwolf, Iguanus, Slythor, Double Blast, and Cross Fire)

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