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2008-09 Characters, Page 3

Click-to-Reveal Profiles for Cobra Para-Viper, Cobra Bazooka Trooper,
Mercenary Wraith, Iron Grenadier Officer, Cobra Pilot, Specialist Tracker, and Hard Master

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

+ Cobra Para-Viper

COBRA PARA-VIPER - portmanteau (parachute + viper), based on the similar paratrooper.

Char. #438, 102nd Cobra troop type

1. 2008 (post-25th Wave 10)

Version 1: 2008 post-25th Anniverary Wave 10 carded assortment
Fig. #1322: Cobra Paratrooper	MOS 1: Airborne Infantry MOS 2: Infiltration
	head: Cobra Para-Viper (08) arms: Cobra Para-Viper (08); upper arms only: Capt. Ace (08/I), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09) chest: Capt. Ace (08/I), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09), Cobra Para-Viper (08), Specialist Trakker (08), Air Viper Commando (09) midsection: Capt. Ace (08/I), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09), Cobra Para-Viper (08), Specialist Trakker (08), Air Viper Commando (09) legs: Cobra Para-Viper (08); upper legs only: Capt. Ace (08/I, 08/II), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09), Lt. Slip Stream (08), Specialist Trakker (08), Air Viper Commando (09)
	Accessories: dark grey helmet (new, with silver visor and yellow Cobra logo); black goggles (new, with red lenses); vest (new, with clear hoses and pouches down to knees); black harness (new, with leg straps); two black flippers (based on 85 Eel's, with peg holes); black submachine gun (new, with retracted stock); black sniper rifle (new, with grip at a severe angle); with stock and side-inserted magazine; black knife (04 Swamp Viper's, with silver blade); black Cobra figure stand
	COBRA PARA-VIPER troopers are the deadliet, most highly trained commandos in the COBRA legions. They specialize in high-altitude, low-opening jumps to go behind enemy lines or infiltrate unsuspecting countries or targeted facilities to conquer, steal, or cause generalized chaos. COBRA PARA-VIPER troopers are selected from the ranks of the COBRA EEL troopers and are chosen for their exceptional audacity, independent attitude, and utter fearlessness. They are given a parachute, instructions, and not much else; their purpoes is to go in first and pave the way for the main assault force. "Jumping out of a plane into cold, thin air, when everything is pretty much a speck below you, and there's nothing to keep you alive but some thin fabric, sounds like a completely insane thing to do. You're right; it is. That's why we do it."
Toy Notes: Item #34118.

+ Cobra Bazooka Trooper

COBRA BAZOOKA TROOPER - a man-portable anti-armor rocket launcher using high explosive anti-tank shells.

Char. #439, 103rd Cobra troop type

1. 2008 (post-25th Wave 10)

Version 1: 2008 post-25th Anniversary Wave 10 carded assortment
Fig. #1323: Anti-Armor Trooper	MOS 1: Anti-Armor MOS 2: Infantry
	head: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV, 08/VI), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Vehicle Gunner (08), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) arms: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Grunt (08), G.I. Joe Hawk (08/II), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Scrap-Iron (08/I, 08/II), Short-Fuze (08), Steeler (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Cobra Viper (08/III), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09); left arm only: Maj. Bludd (08/III) chest: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Flint (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Scrap-Iron (08/II), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) midsection: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Flint (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Scrap-Iron (08/II), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) legs: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Crankcase (08), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Flint (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Scrap-Iron (08/I), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Cobra Stinger Driver (09); upper legs only: Storm Shadow (08/III, 09/III); right leg minus kneecap: Outback (09)
	Accessories: blue helmet (new, with black netting); black webbing (new, with pockets covering chest and holster in back); black pistol (new, small with square trigger guard); black RPG (02 Dusty's, with brown trim); black knife (07 Cobra Officer's, with silver blade); black Cobra figure stand
	The motto of the COBRA BAZOOKA TROOPER force is, "Simple gets the job done...with a bang." These basic infantry troopers are given the bare minimum in combat training, handed a rocket launcher, and sent into the field to fire at anything that gets between them and their destination. Their rocket-propelled grenades are simple yet effective, capable of blasting through even explosive reactive armor on advanced battle vehicles. They take pride in the simplicity of their weapons and quietly scorn the higher-ranking troopers with their technologically complex systems. "Data input, digitized logistics, coordinate computation...who needs it? Let the techies play with their toys. It's simple really: Aim, launch, enjoy big explosion."
Toy Notes: Item #34119.

+ Mercenary Wraith

MERCENARY WRAITH - a visionary image of a person who has just died or is about to die.

Char. #440, 12th misc. enemy individual

Charles Halifax (French-born with Saxon English surname) of Lyon, France.
Lyon is one of France's largest cities (pop. 1,452,952), about 250 miles south of Paris. It is the international headquarters of Interpol and a major biotech industrial center. Zartan is also from France. Other characters from continental Europe include Thrasher of Belgium, Hotwire of Germany, Sparks of Italy, Vega of Spain, Daina of former Czechoslovakia, Baroness from an unspecified country, and a number of Oktober Guard from former Soviet republics.

1. 2008 (post-25th Wave 10)

Version 1: 2008 post-25th Anniversary Wave 10 carded assortment
Fig. #1325: Counter Intelligence	MOS 1: Espionage MOS 2: Covert Operations
	head: Mercenary Wraith (08) arms: Mercenary Wraith (08) chest: Mercenary Wraith (08) midsection: Mercenary Wraith (08) legs: Mercenary Wraith (08)
	Accessories: silver visor (new, with blue eyes); brown backpack (new, small and roughly square); silver vest (new, with blue and grey armor plates); brown machine gun (new, futuristic); black Cobra figure stand
	MERCENARY WRAITH was known for years by the G.I. JOE team and the COBRA organization. Each group hoped that the skilled spy and fighter would choose to join them. In the end, DESTRO was the only one who discovered what MERCENARY WRAITH truly lived for: chaos and destruction. MERCENARY WRAITH doesn't care about causes or sides, right or wrong; he cares only about the next mission or battle, the next chance to cause harm. Using stolen technology, he acquired a stealth assault suit thta makes him virtually invisible. He is protected from weapons fire by impenetrable ceramic plates and is an expert marksman with the built-in forearm cannons. The only flaw in the suit is that an outline of him can be seen if he moves to fast, but by then he is so close to his target that you only get a quick, shadowy glimpse before MERCENARY WRAITH makes his move. "Do you ever get the feeling that someone is watching you, even when no one is in sight? That creeping feeling on the back of your neck could be telling you that I am next to you, ready to strike."
Variations: A deliberate "chase variant" was produced with blue-tinted translucent body parts and accessories.
Toy Notes: Item #34121. The hoses linking the forearm cannons to the upper arms are very fragile.

+ Iron Grenadier Officer

IRON GRENADIER OFFICER - elite company formed from the tallest men of a regiment (originally simply a grenade thrower)

Char. #441, 9th Iron Grenadier troop type

1. 2008 (Senior Ranking Officers)

Version 1: 2008 Senior Ranking Officers Wave 2 assortment
Fig. #1333: Elite Officer
	head: Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) arms: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) chest: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) midsection: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) legs: Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08); upper legs only: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI)
	Accessories: black bandolier (08 Iron Grenadier's, with gold and red shoulder armor); gold scabbard (08/I Destro's, with red belt); black submachine gun (88 Iron Grenadier's Uzi); red laser pistol (08/I Iron Grenadier's); gold sword (08/I Destro's, with black grip and silver blade); black Cobra figure stand
	Among the castle guards and mercenaries who have become a private army for DESTRO are those who aspire to a higher rank, one with more responsibility, more chances to apply their military acumen, and more opportunities to exert complete control over others. IRON GRENADIER officers command squadrons that are sent by DESTRO around the world to cause conflict and chaos. If the "grunts" of this elite force attack like iron fists in battle, the officers in charge of them surge into combat like iron sledgehammers, smashing anything in their path. As a bonus for their superior rank, IRON GRENADIER officers receive an additional percentage of all weapon sales conducted by their squadrons.
Toy Notes: Boxed in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive three-pack with Destro (08/V) and Iron Grenadier Trooper (08/II). Item #36146, set 3 of 3. A dull, very dark grey as opposed to the truer, glossier black of the very similar Iron Grenadier (08/I) comic two-pack figure.

COBRA PILOT - one who steers or otherwise operates aircraft or watercraft.

Char. #442, 104th Cobra troop type

1. 2008 (CLAW/FANG)

Version 1: 2008 boxed FANG and CLAW vehicle set
Fig. #1337: Air Trooper	MOS 1: Gyrocopter Pilot
	head: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV, 08/VI), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Vehicle Gunner (08), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) arms: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Grunt (08), G.I. Joe Hawk (08/II), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Scrap-Iron (08/I, 08/II), Short-Fuze (08), Steeler (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Cobra Viper (08/III), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09); left arm only: Maj. Bludd (08/III) chest: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Flint (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Scrap-Iron (08/II), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) midsection: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Flint (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Scrap-Iron (08/II), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) legs: Cobra Officer (07, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Cobra Trooper (07/I, 07/II, 07/III, 08/I, 08/II, 08/III), Air Trooper (07), Vehicle Driver (07), Night Watch Officer (08), Night Watch Trooper (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 08/IV), Crankcase (08), Cobra Driver (08), Cobra Bazooka Trooper (08), Cobra Pilot (08), Flint (08/II), Vehicle Gunner (08), Scrap-Iron (08/I), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Cobra Stinger Driver (09); upper legs only: Storm Shadow (08/III, 09/III); right leg minus kneecap: Outback (09)
	Accessories: red helmet (07 Air Trooper's, with black chevron and gas mask); black webbing (07 Cobra Officer's); black laser rifle (08 Tomax/Xamot's); black Cobra figure stand
	COBRA air troopers are basic infantry "grunts" with wings. They're one step below COBRA VIPER troops (who never let them forget this difference in rank), so they always figure they have nothing to lose nd everything to gain in battle. They're trained in ground and air combat, then provided with just enough pilot training to get them flying. Like ravenous mosquitoes on a summer's night, COBRA air troopers swoop down upon their targets. Their only thought is to prove their mettle so that a higher-ranking officer (or perhaps COBRA COMMANDER himself) notices their fearlessness and skill—and promotes them. "We swear absolute loyalty to our leader, COBRA COMMANDER. When he conquers the world, we will also reap the riches of his conquest."
Toy Notes: Boxed with Cobra Viper (08/II), a retooled FANG vehicle, and a slightly miniaturized CLAW vehicle. Item #33557.

+ Specialist Trakker

SPECIALIST TRAKKER - personal name derived from tracker, one who follows the path or trail of a target.

Char. #443, 3rd misc. allied individual

Matt Trakker (American with unattested surname), birthplace classified.

Grades: none listed (Army specialist rank is E-4)

SNs: Classified

1. 2008 (post-25th Wave 11)

Version 1: 2008 post-25th Anniversary Wave 11 carded assortment
Fig. #1341: Advanced Vehicle Specialist	MOS 1: Vehicle Designer MOS 2: Advanced Technology
	head: Specialist Trakker (08) arms: Specialist Trakker (08) chest: Capt. Ace (08/I), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09), Cobra Para-Viper (08), Specialist Trakker (08), Air Viper Commando (09) midsection: Capt. Ace (08/I), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09), Cobra Para-Viper (08), Specialist Trakker (08), Air Viper Commando (09) legs: Capt. Ace (08/I, 08/II), Wild Bill (08/I, 08/II, 08/III, 09), Lt. Slip Stream (08), Specialist Trakker (08); upper legs only: Cobra Para-Viper (08), Air Viper Commando (09)
	Accessories: silver flight helmet (new, with silver visor and red trim); silver half-vest (new, with red V-shaped trim and harness); light grey backpack (89 Annihilator's helicopter pack) with detachable green propeller, black control arm, and black machine gun; black submachine gun (89 Annihilator's); black Joe figure stand
	SPECIALIST TRAKKER leads a secret unit which develops ordinary-looking vehicles that convert into advanced combat vehicles. Joining forces with the G.I. JOE team, the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand (M.A.S.K.) team battles V.E.N.O.M. (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem), the unit COBRA formed to construct its own converting vehicles. SPECIALIST TRAKKER uses his next-gen technological devices to preserve peace throughout the world and stop the corrupt forces that are using the same technology to amass power in a quest to control the world. "We have a responsibility to use our ingenuity and advancements to help the world - and stop the power-hungry despots and criminals who hunger for their own glory."
Toy Notes: Item #36140. The first official crossover to G.I. Joe from a competing toy line. Kenner's M.A.S.K. toys and their DiC animated series were released in 1985 and 1986, combining the anti-terrorist action concept with low-price-point transforming vehicles.

HARD MASTER - demanding instructional head with great skill in an art.

Char. #444, 4th misc. allied individual

1. 2008 (Comic #10)

Version 1: 2008 Wave 6 comic two-pack assortment
Fig. #1347: Arashikage Leader
	head: Hard Master (08) arms: Hard Master (08); upper arms only: Snake Eyes (08/V, 09/II) chest: Snake Eyes (08/V, 09/II), Hard Master (08) midsection: Snake Eyes (08/V, 09/II), Hard Master (08) legs: Snake Eyes (08/V, 09/II), Hard Master (08)
	Accessories: white headband (new, plain); white face mask (new, with silver insectoid eyes); white bow (new, with coiled tips); silver arrow (new, with distinct feathers); white sword (shared with 08/VIII Snake Eyes, with silver blade); black sheath backpack (new, with white wrapping); black Joe figure stand
	The HARD MASTER is the head of the ARASHIKAGE clan, a centuries-old and highly revered ninja clan famous for its martial arts techniques, including the "ARASHIKAGE Mind Set," the "Sleeping Phoenix," the "Ear That Sees," and the "Cloak of the Chameleon." Together with his brother the SOFT MASTER, the HARD MASTER trained SNAKE EYES to be the exceptional ninja he is today. The HARD MASTER recognized the natural abilities of his newest student, yet tested him again and again to make sure he was worthy to receive the mark of the ARASHIKAGE clan and wear it with honor. "You have done well, acolyte. You will meet with more lessons on your journey, and each one will further temper the steel to make the blade stronger than it was before."
Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Snake Eyes (08/VIII) and an original comic (#10). Item #31529.

Character Contributions

Cobra Para-Viper

Cobra Paratroooper
Airborne Infantry: light infantry inserted by aircraft to supervise, lead, or serve as a member of an infantry activity that employs individual or crew served weapons in support of offensive and defensive combat operations.
Infiltration

Cobra Bazooka Trooper

Anti-Armor Trooper: uses conventional or improvised high explosives to disable or destroy armored vehicles and armor-protected fortifications.
Infantry

Mercenary Wraith

Counter Intelligence
Espionage
Covert Operations

Cobra Pilot

Air Trooper
Gyrocopter Pilot

Iron Grenadier Officer

Elite Officer

Specialist Trakker

Advanced Vehicle Specialist/Designer
Advanced Technology: specializes in the development, building, use, and maintenance of 21st-century machinery, tools, and systems.

Hard Master

Arashikage Leader

Continue to 2008-09 Characters, Page 4 (Montezuma's Skeleton, Cobra Vehicle Gunner, Cobra Diver, Snow Serpent Officer, Cobra Paratrooper, Munitia, Arctic HISS Driver, and Air Viper Commando)

Go back to 2008-09 Characters, Page 2 (Headhunter BAT, Headhunter Driver, Hotwire, Sky BAT, G.I. Joe Trooper, and Crimson Guard Squad Leader)

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