1988 Characters, Page 1

Click-to-Reveal Profiles for Super Trooper, Blizzard, Iron Grenadier, Repeater, Shockwave, and Charbroil

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

+ Super Trooper

SUPER TROOPER - traditionally, a trooper is a soldier of the lowest rank in the part of the Army that uses armored vehicles.	Char. #138, 88th Joe Team member
Paul Latimer (American with Welsh surname) of Dayton, OH. Dayton (pop. 156,771) is on I-75 about an hour north of Cincinnati in western OH, and is notable for the Air Force Museum and the aerospace research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Double Blast is also from Dayton. The closest Joe hometowns are Springboro (Checkpoint) and Colombus (Grunt).
Grades: O-2: 1988	SNs: 981-88-3819
Comic and Animation Notes: Super Trooper did not appear in the comic. He was never animated, but a live-action version appeared in his commercial.
Versions: 1. 1988 (Mail)     Version 1: 1987-88 special mail-order Fig. #0153 MOS 1: Infantry [11B] MOS 2: Public Relations [would be 46A] head: Knockdown (87), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91) arms: Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 01, 02/III), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91), Sgt. Mutt (04/II) torso: Outback (87, 88), Big Brawler (01) - armor added: Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91) waist: Wet-Suit (86/I, 86/II, 98, 01, 02/III), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91), Shipwreck (94, 98, 02/I) legs: Zandar (86), Super Trooper (88), Rapid-Fire (91) Accessories: chrome helmet (85 Crankcase's); chrome shield (new, large with handle); chrome assault rifle (86 Dial-Tone's HK 53) Lieutenant Latimer graduated at the top of the first class to be processed through a new army school that's so secret it doesn't have a name! Suffice to say, that's the object of that program is to produce highly motivated individuals with advanced technical skills for assault operations deep within enemy territory with virtually no support. Requirements consist of fluency in 3 languages from the potential adversary list, airborne qualification, and a recipient of the expert infantryman's badge. "He went to West Point the hard way, by enlisting in the Army straight out of high school. He then took the test for admission to West Point Prep School, a grueling ten-week program with a 60% attrition rate and no guarantee of an appointment to the Academy at the end of it! He could have been staff material. The Joint Chiefs had their eyes on him. So why did he sign up for a secret program with an extremely low profile and little chance for personal advancement? Was it because he preferred an assignment where honor, integrity, and loyalty were considered assets instead of liabilities? Or was he simply seeking adventure?" Toy Notes: Available free with shipping through the Operation Single-Handed offer, packaged with figures in late 1987 or early 1988. Most or all of the figures arrived in 1988, which is when the live-action commercial for the offer first aired. Re-releases: Also available by mail in 1989 through the offer Operation Deep Six.

+ Blizzard

BLIZZARD - a long, severe snowstorm.	Char. #139, 89th Joe Team member
Gregory M. Natale (American with French surname) of Wolfeboro, NH. Wolfeboro (pop. 6,083) is a resort town in eastern NH that calls itself The Oldest Summer Resort in America. The nearest Joe hometowns are Rutland (Snow Job) and Manchester (Claymore), both in Vermont, and Bangor, ME, where Sneak Peek was born. Note: The filecards misspell the city as Wolfboro.
Grades: E-7: 1988; E-8: 1997	SNs: 432-4424-64; RA 432-44-2464
Comic and Animation Notes: Blizzard did not appear in the comic and was never animated.
Versions: 1. 1988 2. 1997 (3-pack)   Version 1: 1988 regular carded assortment Fig. #0154: Arctic Attack Soldier MOS 1: Arctic Warfare Training Instructor MOS 2: Infantry [11B] head: Blizzard (88), Short-Fuze (05/II) arms: Blizzard (88), Short-Fuze (05/II) torso: Blizzard (88), Short-Fuze (05/II) waist: Blizzard (88), Short-Fuze (05/II) legs: Blizzard (88), Short-Fuze (05/II) Accessories: white helmet (new, soft plastic with blue-lensed goggles); two black ice shoes (new, spiked); black backpack (new, sled with detachable handles and peg holes); white pistol (new, wrapped); white machine gun (new, wrapped); two skis (new, black) Blizzard led an experimental security team based at Thule, Greenland for an entire winter. Their objective was to determine what kind of training and conditioning worked best to prepare men for combat in Arctic conditions. They found that training and conditioning had little effect. Only the hardest and meanest men made it through the course, and Blizzard was the hardest and meanest of the bunch. "The Arctic is totally unforgiving. You make one little mistake, you've had it. The cold makes you tired, and being tired makes you careless, and being careless makes you a statistic. Blizzard doesn't make mistakes and doesn't get careless; he wants to make the other guy the statistic." Toy Notes: Item #6505. Re-releases: Blizzard must have been vastly overproduced; the figure was released as a prize for various carnivals, arcade restaurants, and "Skeeball" games. A Tiger Force version was released in Europe. Version 2: 1997 three-pack assortment Fig. #0497: Arctic Attack Soldier MOS 1: Arctic Warfare Training Instructor MOS 2: Infantry [11B] head: Frostbite (93), Blizzard (97) arms: Frostbite (93), Blizzard (97) torso: Frostbite (93), Blizzard (97) waist: Frostbite (93), Blizzard (97) legs: Frostbite (93), Blizzard (97) Accessories: black pistol (82 Snake Eyes's Uzi); black laser rifle (84 Baroness's); black figure stand Blizzard joined the G.I. Joe team before its closure by the government. His experience as an Arctic Instructor made him the man to train under. To survive his kind of warfare, you not only have to worry about the enemy, but the unforgiving cold weather. Blizzardis as tough as the combat conditions. His methods may seem rough, but the troops either qualifty, or face the consequences. His claim to fame was after he led an experimental program that lasted an entire winter. It was the worst place he could find, and he loved every minute of it. He spends more time hanging out with the wildlife, as if he likes the company of polar bears rather than humans. Some might say his personality is a lot nastier. When the G.I. Joe program re-organized, Blizzard formed the Arctic Unit, and hand picked the soldiers he thought deserved to work alongside him. You have to give him respect, and plenty of room for his ego. We are all just happy he is on our side. From General Hawk's Files: "I compare Blizzard to a polar bear with an attitude problem. He's got the experience, and performs well under the arctic conditions. He doesn't work well with others, but his saving grace is his service record. Give him a mission with extreme circumstances, and he will pull through—no questions asked. We needed somebody tough enough to handle the Arctic Unit, guess who was number one on the list. I may get complaints from his teammates, but they respect him and that's what counts." Motto: "You got the mission, I got the time." Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive Arctic Mission Team three-pack with Blizzard (97) and Iceberg (97). Item #28014. Card art and preproduction photos indicate that this figure was intended to be a recolor of the 1988 version.

+ Iron Grenadier

IRON GRENADIER - elite company formed from the tallest men of a regiment (originally simply a grenade thrower).	Char. #140, 1st Iron Grenadier troop type
Note: This guide treats Iron Grenadiers and Iron Grenadier Troopers together, but Iron Grenadier Officers separately.
Animation Notes: Iron Grenadiers were animated only for commercials.
Versions: 1. 1988 (Iron Grenadiers) 2. 2003/I (JvC Wave 5) 3. 2003/II (JvC Wave 7) 4. 2004 (Wal-Mart) 5. 2005 (Convention) 6. 2008/I (Comic #7) 7. 2008/II (Senior Ranking Officers) Version 1: 1988 regular carded assortment Fig. #0155: Destro's Elite Trooper head: Iron Grenadier (88, 05) arms: Iron Grenadier (88) torso: Iron Grenadier (88) waist: Iron Grenadier (88) legs: Iron Grenadier (88) Accessories: black pistol (new, Uzi with retracted stock); red laser pistol (new, with trapezoidal muzzle); gold saber (new, with long chain) The Iron Grenadiers are handpicked from Destro's personal bodyguards. They are the spearhead of Destro's incursions into new territory. The Iron Grenadiers, acting as agents, provocateurs, saboteurs, or outright terrorists, impel an unsuspecting country towards chaos and turmoil, thereby creating new markets for Destro's weapons where none existed before. Their pay is a percentage of gross sales. "Imagine the slickest used car salesman you've ever met. Now imagine that he's also the trickiest accountant in the world. Got that? Try to picture what he would be like if that same guy was also a highly trained commando with expertise in explosives, small arms, and hand-to-hand combat.Top it off with the fact that no other mercenary group in the world wants them because of their history of turning on their superiors. That's what an Iron Grenadier is. Toy Notes: Item #6506. The 1988 insert catalog shows the pistol and sword colored white. Version 2: 2003 Spy Troops Wave 5 two-pack assortment (03/I) Fig. #0690: Elite Troopers of Destro head: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) arms: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) torso: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) waist: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) legs: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) Two-Pack Accessories: black helmet (new, tall, flared with red Cobra emblem and silver visor); two black spaulders (new, shoulder pads with red Cobra emblems); light brown ghillie suit (common for 03 figures); brown assault rifle (new, TAR-21 5.56mm); brown mortar (new, thin) with tripod Single-Pack Accessories: black helmet (same); two black spaulders (same); metallic laser rifle (84 Baroness's); black submachine gun (91 Low-Light's Uzi); black laser rifle (91 Sci-Fi's); silver rifle (92 Hawk's) Recruited from the ranks of the elite forces of DESTRO, the IRON GRENADIER is chosen for his endurance, tenacity, and pure meanness. The IRON GRENADIER is the key to the expansion of the armament business that DESTRO governs. This group is capable of infiltrating anywhere virtually undetected, they spread panic and chaos, undermine authority, and encourage disagreements, creating a greater demand for the weapons that DESTRO sells. The IRON GRENADIER is like an obnoxious salesman with guns. In fact, his pay is a commission on the armaments that are sold because of his efforts. The IRON GRENADIER gets special incentive points for starting riots, encouraging armed revolts, and igniting brush wars. "We are the IRON GRENADIERS We have no hearts, we have no fears We'll sell you guns, we'll sell you spears We'll make you pay for years and years We are the IRON GRENADIERS!" - Marching Song of the IRON GRENADIERS Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Recondo (03). Item #57260. Re-releases: Also available in 2004 in a single pack (Item #60103) and boxed (with armor only) in 2004 with the K-Mart-exclusive Operation Avalanche set. Version 3: 2003 Spy Troops Wave 7 two-pack assortment (03/II) Fig. #0736: Elite Troopers of Destro head: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) arms: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) torso: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) waist: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) legs: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) Accessories: grey helmet (03/I Iron Grenadier's, with red Cobra emblem and gold visor); two grey spaulders (new, with gold Cobra emblems); black pistol (88 Shockwave's); brown assault rifle (03/I Iron Grenadier's TAR-21) Recruited from the ranks of the elite forces of DESTRO, the IRON GRENADIER is chosen for his endurance, tenacity, and pure meanness. The IRON GRENADIER is the key to the expansion of the armament business that DESTRO governs. This group is capable of infiltrating anywhere virtually undetected, they spread panic and chaos, undermine authority, and encourage disagreements, creating a greater demand for the weapons that DESTRO sells. The IRON GRENADIER is like an obnoxious salesman with guns. In fact, his pay is a commission on the armaments that are sold because of his efforts. The IRON GRENADIER gets special incentive points for starting riots, encouraging armed revolts, and igniting brush wars. "We are the IRON GRENADIERS We have no hearts, we have no fears We'll sell you guns, we'll sell you spears We'll make you pay for years and years We are the IRON GRENADIERS!" - Marching Song of the IRON GRENADIERS Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Lady Jaye (03/II). Item #55423. Version 4: 2004 Valor vs. Venom special two-pack assortment Fig. #0816: Elite Troopers of Destro head: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) arms: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) torso: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) waist: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) legs: Iron Grenadier (03/I, 03/II, 04), Black Dragon Ninja (05) Accessories: black helmet (03 Iron Grenadier's, with red Cobra emblem); two black spaulders (03 Iron Grenadier's, with red Cobra emblems); black assault rifle (03 Iron Grenadier's TAR-21) Recruited from the ranks of the elite forces of DESTRO, the IRON GRENADIER trooper is chosen for his endurance, tenacity, and pure meanness. The IRON GRENADIER is the key to the expansion of the armament business that DESTRO governs. This group is capable of infiltrating anywhere virtually undetected. They spread panic and chaos, undermine authority, and encourage disagreements, creating a greater demand for the weapons that DESTRO sells. The IRON GRENADIER is like an obnoxious salesman with guns. In fact, his pay is a commission on the armaments that are sold because of his efforts. The IRON GRENADIER gets special incentive points for starting riots, encouraging armed revolves, and igniting brush wars. "We are the IRON GRENADIERS We have no hearts, we have no fears We'll sell you guns, we'll sell you spears We'll make you pay for years and years We are the IRON GRENADIERS!" - Marching Song of the IRON GRENADIERS Toy Notes: Carded in a Wal-Mart-exclusive two-pack with Duke (04/II). Item #55339. This figure is considered a moderately high-demand item. Version 5: 2005 General Mayhem: M.A.R.S. Invades! boxed set Fig. #1076: Destro's Elite Troopers head: Iron Grenadier (88, 05) arms: Night-Viper (89, 06), Iron Grenadier (05) torso: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (89), Iron Grenadier (05) waist: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (89), Iron Grenadier (05) legs: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (89), Iron Grenadier (05) Accessories: black backpack (89 Night-Viper's); grey laser pistol (88 Iron Grenadier's); grey rifle (89 Night-Viper's); grey knife (88 Hydro-Viper's); clear figure stand IRON GRENADIERS are DESTRO's elite ground forces, the backbone of his personal army of the same name. Lured from the world's finest military institutions by the promise of wealth and power, DESTRO delivers both to those skilled enough and greedy enough to make the cut. Intensely trained in both economics and warfare, they are equally prepared to sell M.A.R.S. armaments and armor to even the most reticent customer, or use those same arms to utterly conquer them. They are the de facto standard of elite trooper, more efficient and feared than CRIMSON GUARD Troops. While these elite troops are all ruthlessly loyal to DESTRO (even the IRON GRENADIERS subcontracted by COBRA COMMANDER), GENERAL MAYHEM's regiment could be considered the elite of the elite. Equipped with the next generation of M.A.R.S. ultra light body armor and tactical battle helmets, they consist primarily of former SPETSNAZ (Soviet Special Forces) troops and officers, as well as other mercenaries personally selected by Destro for their knowledge of the territory and devotion to the IRON GRENADIERS cause. "There is no better motivation than a one million dollar bonus to the man who brings DESTRO another corporation!" Toy Notes: Five copies were boxed in a convention-exclusive set with Destro (05/II), Gen. Mayhem (05), Metal-Head (05), and five copies of Iron Anvil (05). Version 6: 2008 Wave 5 comic two-pack assortment (08/I) Fig. #1306: Elite Trooper 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) body: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) upper legs: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) lower legs: Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) Accessories: black bandolier (new, 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 (new, miniature with square sight); gold sword (08/I Destro's, with black grip and silver blade); black Cobra figure stand DESTRO has built up his army of IRON GRENADIER troopers from among his own bodyguards. Chosen for their endurance, tenacity, and pure meanness, IRON GRENADIER troopers are part of the weapon supplier's plans to take control of the COBRA organization. The IRON GRENADIER force has been trained to infiltrate an area and spread panic and chaos, resulting in an increased demand for weapons—supplied by DESTRO, of course. An IRON GRENADIER trooper is like an obnoxious salesman with guns. In fact, he gets a commission on any armaments sold because of his efforts, and receives incentive points for starting riots and encouraging armed revolts. "We have no hearts, we have no fears, we'll sell you guns, we'll sell you spears... We are the IRON GRENADIERS!" (part of the IRON GRENADIERS marching song) Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Destro (08/IV) and an original comic (#7). Item #28936. A truer, glossier black than the very similar Iron Grenadier Officer (08) figure. Version 7: 2008 Senior Ranking Officers Wave 2 assortment (08/II) Fig. #1334: Elite Trooper Iron Grenadier Trooper 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) body: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) upper legs: Cobra Commander (08/II, 08/XI), Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) lower legs: Iron Grenadier (08/I, 08/II), Iron Grenadier Officer (08) Accessories: purple bandolier (08/I Iron Grenadier's, with gold and purple shoulder armor); gold scabbard (08/I Destro's, with purple belt); black submachine gun (88 Iron Grenadier's Uzi); purple laser pistol (08/I Iron Grenadier's, miniature with square sight); gold sword (08/I Destro's, with black grip and silver blade); black Cobra figure stand DESTRO has built up his army of IRON GRENADIER troopers from among his own bodyguards. Chosen for their endurance, tenacity, and pure meanness, IRON GRENADIER troopers are part of the weapon supplier's plans to take control of the COBRA organization. The IRON GRENADIER force has been trained to infiltrate an area and spread panic and chaos, resulting in an increased demand for weapons—supplied by DESTRO, of course. An IRON GRENADIER trooper is like an obnoxious salesman with guns. In fact, he gets a commission on any armaments sold because of his efforts, and receives incentive points for starting riots and encouraging armed revolts. "We have no hearts, we have no fears, we'll sell you guns, we'll sell you spears... We are the IRON GRENADIERS!" (part of the IRON GRENADIERS marching song) Toy Notes: Boxed in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive three-pack with Destro (08/V) and Iron Grenadier Officer (08). Item #36146, set 3 of 3.

+ Repeater

REPEATER - type of rifle with exchangeable barrels of different calibers.	Char. #141, 91st Joe Team member (Storm Shadow was 90th)
Jeffrey R. Therien (American with French surname) of Cumberland, RI. Cumberland (pop. 31,840) is seven miles north of Pawtucket (home of Hot Seat) and Central Falls (home of Joseph Colton). Many other Joes are from Rhode Island, but the next closest Joe birthplace is actually Tiger Claw's hometown of Douglas, MA.
Grades: E-6: 1988-1989	SNs: 343-26-7890; 343-9926-BU90
Comic and Animation Notes: Repeater appeared in 9 issues between 1989 and 1992: #82, 86, 89, 92, 93, 100, 131, and Special Missions #18 and 19. He was animated only for commercials.
Versions: 1. 1988 2. 1989 (Night Force)   Version 1: 1988 regular carded assortment Fig. #0157: Steadi-Cam Machine Gunner MOS 1: Infantry [11B] MOS 2: Heavy Weapons [13B] head: Repeater (88, 89) arms: Repeater (88, 89) torso: Repeater (88, 89) waist: Repeater (88, 89) legs: Repeater (88, 89) Accessories: green backpack (new, with canteen and roll); black machine gun (new, body-mounted steadi-cam) with base attaching to figure's belt With close to twenty years in the Army, Repeater never got any higher in rank than E-6. His performance in the field was always top-notch but he could never hack it in garrison. He's not a barracks soldier and never could be. But send him out in the bush beyond the farthest base camp, and you'll find that he's the one the other grunts want to soldier with; because he's the one who's going to bring the grunts back in one piece. "Being the machine gunner is probably the toughest job in an infantry squad. Number one, he's got the heaviest load to carry. Number two, as soon as he starts firing, the enemy knows where he is and [he] becomes their primary target. Number three, the squad depends on him to keep firing through all this to provide maneuvering cover. Your machine-gunner should always be the strongest, most stand-up troop you have . . ." Toy Notes: Item #6508. Re-releases: Recolored versions were released in Brazil as Retaguarda and Urzor. Version 2: 1989 Night Force two-pack assortment Fig. #0237: Steadi-Cam Machine Gunner MOS 1: Infantry [11B] MOS 2: Heavy Weapons [13B] head: Repeater (88, 89) arms: Repeater (88, 89) torso: Repeater (88, 89) waist: Repeater (88, 89) legs: Repeater (88, 89) Accessories: black backpack (88 Repeater's); black machine gun (88 Repeater's steadi-cam) with base With close to twenty years in the Army, REPEATER never got any higher in rank than E-6. His performance in the field was always top-notch but he could never hack it in garrison. He's not a barracks soldier and never could be. But send him out in the bush beyond the furthest base camp, and you'll find that he's the one the other grunts want to soldier with—because he's the one who's going to bring the grunts back in one piece! As Night Force's machine gunner, Repeater has to draw enemy fire while his unit moves in to get the mission accomplished. It's a tall order, but this tough guy is not one to disobey an order! "Being the machine gunner is probably the toughest job in an infantry squad. Number one, he's got the heaviest load to carry. Number two, as soon as he starts firing, the enemy knows where he is and [he] becomes their primary target. Number three, the squad depends on him to keep firing through all this to provide maneuvering cover. Your machine-gunner should always be the strongest, most stand-up troop you have . . ." Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive two-pack with Charbroil (89). Item #6710-1. This figure is considered a moderately high-demand item. Re-releases: Also available (without accessories) by mail as part of the Rapid Deployment Force, along with Fast Draw (87) and Shockwave (89) through the 1993 offer Terrifying Lasers of Destruction.

+ Shockwave

SHOCKWAVE - force created when the flow of air passes the speed of sound.	Char. #142, 92nd Joe Team member
Jason A. Faria (American with Portuguese surname) of Dearborn, MI. Dearborn (pop. 92,382), on I-94 in the Detroit metro area, is the headquarters of Ford Motor Company. Stalker and Lt. Clay Moore are from Detroit itself and Road Pig is from the fictional town of Goblu.
Grades: E-4: 1988-1989; E-7: 1992-2008; E-4: 2009	SNs: 369-09-6543; 369-0965-SW34; 231-4109-MR43; 369-09-JA43
DiC Cartoon Notes: Spoke 20 lines in 2 episodes. First appeared and spoke in The Greatest Evil I. Total appearances: 3. Wore his 1992 outfit with a clear visor. He had previously worn his 1988 outfit in Sunbow-era commercials.
Prioritized Appearance List: The Greatest Evil I-II. Silent: The Legend of Metal-Head. Shockwave is included in the opening sequence of season 2.
Comic Notes: Shockwave appeared in 11 issues between 1989 and 1992: #86, 87, 92, 124-128, and Special Missions #17, 22, and 26.
Versions: 1. 1988 2. 1989 (Night Force) 3. 1992 (Drug Elimination Force) 4. 2008 (Convention) 5. 2009 (Comic)   Version 1: 1988 regular carded assortment Fig. #0158: SWAT Specialist MOS 1: Special Weapons and Tactics MOS 2: Choir head: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) arms: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) torso: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) waist: Shockwave (88, 89), Beach-Head (93, 94) legs: Shockwave (88, 89), Beach-Head (93, 94) Accessories: dark blue backpack (new, with knife clips); blue pistol (new, with pin-shaped trigger); blue submachine gun (new, Ingram Mac-10 with stock); silver knife (new, partially serrated) Shockwave was the youngest member of the Detroit Police Department S.W.A.T. Team, and the holder of two citations for bravery when he signed up for, and was accepted by, the Joe Team. When asked why he left a promising career to work longer hours for less money, kicking down doors on better armed adversaries, Shockwave replied, "What, you think I do this for the money?" "Everybody on a S.W.A.T. team has a specific job, like in a choir. Choirs have tenors, baritones, altos, etc. S.W.A.T. teams have sharpshooters, climbers, and 'inside men.' Shockwave is the doorkicker. He's the first inside and the first to find out how bad it really is. He's also a half-decent tenor when his voice is in shape . . . " Variations: Early releases list the SN as 369-09-6543, later ones as 369-0965-SW34. Toy Notes: Featured in 1988's Swampmasher commercial. Item #6509. Version 2: 1989 Night Force two-pack assortment Fig. #0239: SWAT Specialist MOS 1: Special Weapons and Tactics MOS 2: Choir head: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) arms: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) torso: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) waist: Shockwave (88, 89), Beach-Head (93, 94) legs: Shockwave (88, 89), Beach-Head (93, 94) Accessories: black backpack (88 Shockwave's); black pistol (88 Shockwave's); black submachine gun (88 Shockwave's Mac-10); black knife (88 Shockwave's) SHOCKWAVE was the youngest member of the Detroit Police Department's S.W.A.T. Team, and the holder of two citations for bravery when he signed up for, and was accepted by, the G.I. Joe Team. When asked why he left a promising career to work longer hours for less money, kicking down doors on better armed adversaries, Shockwave replied, "Do you really think I do this for the money?" An expert in executing successful assault tactics, Shockwave is now a member of the Night Force unit as the commander of their post-daylight search and destroy missions. "Everybody on a S.W.A.T. team has a specific job, like in a choir. Choirs have tenors, baritones, altos, etc. S.W.A.T. teams have sharpshooters, climbers, and 'inside men.' Shockwave is the Night Force door kicker. He's the first inside and the first to find out how bad it really is. He's also a half-decent tenor when his voice is in shape . . . " Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive two-pack with Lightfoot (89). Item #6710-2. This figure is considered a moderately high-demand item. Re-releases: Also available (without accessories) by mail as part of the Rapid Deployment Force, along with Fast Draw (87) and Repeater (89) through the 1993 offer Terrifying Lasers of Destruction. Version 3: 1992 D.E.F. premium carded assortment Fig. #0346: SWAT Specialist MOS 1: Special Weapons and Tactics MOS 2: Choir head: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (02) upper arms: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Bullhorn (08) lower arms: Shockwave (92), Sure Fire (01, 02), Agent Faces (03/II), Crimson Guard (04/I, 04/II, 04/III, 05/I), Crimson Shadow Guard (05), Bullhorn (08) 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 (new, with cut-out visor); black machine gun (new, M33); clear yellow missile launcher (new, on treads with lights and black trigger); black battering-ram missile (new, with square front); black figure stand A former choirboy and Detroit police officer, SHOCKWAVE had all the qualifications to be the point-man for the special G.I. Joe D.E.F. detachment. Every special weapons team needs a "door-kicker." He's the guy who crashes through the barricade first with all weapons blazing to find out how bad the situation really is. At least on his D.E.F. assignment, the brass have seen fit to supply Shockwave with a mobile robot-tank battering ram to save him a bit of shoe leather on the door-kicking part. Now, if only they could teach the robot how to shoot straight! Vehicle Specialty: G.I. Joe Patriot driver Motto: "I never know what's on the other side of that door. That's why I'm there, to kick it down! Do you think I'd do that if I knew what was behind it? Get real!" Toy Notes: Item #6748. In the 1992 insert catalog, concept art appears instead of the actual figure. The prototype shown in the commercial had a blue missile launcher. Version 4: 2008 S.W.A.T. special three-pack release Fig. #1286: SWAT Squad Leader Shockblast MOS 1: Special Weapons and Tactics MOS 2: Military Police Officer [31B; filecard says 31A] head: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) arms: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) torso: Shockwave (88, 89, 08) waist: Low-Light (86, 89, 08), Shockblast (08) legs: Low-Light (86, 89, 08), Shockblast (08) Accessories: green backpack (85 Dusty's); grey shield (03 Burn Out's, with "SWAT" on front); grey knife (91 Low-Light's); grey assault rifle (03 Sgt. Hacker's); clear figure stand SHOCKBLAST was the youngest member of the Detroit Police Department S.W.A.T. Team and the holder of two citations for bravery when he signed up for, and was accepted b, G.I. JOE. Having proven his qualifications through two previous units, he was chosen to be the squad leader for the G.I. JOE S.W.A.T. detachment. Every special weapons team neds a "door-kicker." He's the guy who crashes through the barricade first with all weapons blazing to find out how bad the situation really is. This requires an individual who is not only absolutely fearless, but once an entry point is breached he must also be sharp-minded enough to instantly distinguish the enemy from innocent bystanders. Ultimately, he calls the shots, whether to press the attack or retreat—usually in pure darkness and surrounded by smoke, gunfire, and explosions! SHOCKBLAST often uses rappelling devices to drop into the middle of hostile situations. While this does help him avoid booby-trapped doors and windows, he nonetheless is plunging directly into the heart of established enemy territory, with virtually no chance of backing out. But, will his nerves of steel be enough against titanium skin? "When I find a locked door, it's a touch choice between my shoe leather and a battering ram!" Toy Notes: Bagged together with Low-Light (08) and Long Arm (08) at the Headhunters-themed 2008 Convention. Rights for this name were lost when Lanard Toys released a Shockwave military action figure for The Corps! toy line. Hasbro's rename was also applied to the Decepticon formerly known as Shockwave. Version 5: 2009 Wave 8 comic two-pack assortment Fig. #1404: SWAT Specialist Shockblast MOS 1: Special Weapons and Tactics MOS 2: Military Police Officer [31B] head: Shockblast (09) left arm: 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), Maj. Bludd (08/III), Cobra Viper (08/III), Cobra Paratrooper (08), Shockblast (09), Cobra Stinger Driver (09) right arm: 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) body: 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) upper legs: Snow Job (08), Wild Weasel (08/I, 08/II), Leatherneck (08), Shockblast (09) lower legs: Shockblast (09) Accessories: light blue cap (new, with yellow and dark blue urban camo); dark blue helmet (new?), black gas mask (new, with clear lenses); dark blue vest (08/II Scrap-Iron's, with black straps); two dark blue pistols (miniature based on 88 Shockwave's); black Joe figure stand. SHOCKBLAST was the youngest member of the Detroit Police Department S.W.A.T. team, and the holder of two citations for bravery when he joined the G.I. JOE team. When asked why he left a promising career to work longer hours for less money, kicking down doors on better-armed adversaries, he replied, "What, you think I do this for the money?" The fast reflexes and quick-thinking he honed as a S.W.A.T. specialist comes in handy when the team is out-numbered and out-gunned by COBRA forces: SHOCKBLAST instantly pulls together a plan that'll stop the enemy - and leave a mark to remember him by. "Everybody on a S.W.A.T. team has a specific job, like in a choir. Choirs have tenors, baritones, altos, etc. S.W.A.T. teams have sharpshooters, climbers, and 'inside men.' I'm the door kicker. I'm the first inside and the first to find out how bad it really is. I'm also a half-decent tenor when my voice is in shape." Toy Notes: Carded in a two-pack with Destro (09) and an original comic (Resolute #1). Item #37327.

+ Charbroil

CHARBROIL - to cook on a flat, lined metal surface heated from below.	Char. #143, 93rd Joe Team member
Carl G. Shannon (American with Irish surname) of Blackduck, MN. Blackduck (pop. 696) is a small town in the northern part of the state, midway between the Red Lake and Leech Lake Indian reservations. Also from Minnesota are Bazooka, Dart, Hi-Tech, Steam-Roller, and Tripwire.
Grades: E-4: 1988-2004	SNs: 247-4041-SC09; 247-5540-ZY09; 247-40-CG41
Comic and Animation Notes: Charbroil appeared in 2 issues between 1988 and 1989: #80 and Special Missions #21. He was animated only for commercials.
Versions: 1. 1988 2. 1989 (Night Force) 3. 2004 (Anti-Venom) Version 1: 1988 regular carded assortment Fig. #0159: Flamethrower MOS 1: Flame Weapons Specialist MOS 2: Small Arms Armorer [45B] head: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) arms: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) torso: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) waist: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) legs: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) Accessories: silver helmet (new, with red eyes); silver backpack (new, with hose hole and yellow lenticular sticker); silver flamethrower (new, with hose hole); black hose (new, thick segmented) As a childhood chore, CharBroil was made to heat the water pipes in the family basement with a blowtorch to keep them from freezing and bursting in the winter. As a teenager, he worked in the mills on the Great Lakes, feeding coal into blast furnaces. When the recruiting sergeant asked him what type of job he was interested in, he replied, "What have you got with open flames?" "Flame weapons are scary to the max. Why do you think he wears that asbestos suit? That tank on his back is full of jellied gasoline. Know what happens if a hot tracer round hits that? You wanna be standing next to him? For a flamethrower specialist, he's a pretty nice guy but with that thing on his back, he isn't going to win a popularity contest in the middle of a firefight." Variations: Charbroil's face had either black or orange eyes. Toy Notes: Item #6510. The 1988 insert catalog shows a different rifle, backpack, and hose, plus a helmet with unpainted eyes. Version 2: 1989 Night Force two-pack assortment Fig. #0236: Flamethrower MOS 1: Flame Weapons Specialist MOS 2: Small Arms Armorer [45B] head: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) arms: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) torso: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) waist: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) legs: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) Accessories: blue helmet (88 Charbroil's, with red eyes); black backpack (88 Charbroil's, with yellow lenticular sticker); black flamethrower (88 Charbroil's); black hose (88 Charbroil's) As a childhood chore, CHARBROIL had to heat the water pipes in the family basement with a blowtorch to keep them from freezing and bursting in the winter. As a teenager, he worked in the mills on the Great Lakes, feeding coal into blast furnaces. When the recruiting sergeant asked him what type of job he was interested in, he replied, "What have you got with open flames?" "Flame weapons are scary to the max. Why do you think he wears that asbestos suit? He's the only one on the Night Force squad who enjoys wearing a full tank of jellied gasoline on his back. Do you know what happens if a hot tracer round hits that? Would you want to be standing next to him? For a flamethrower specialist, he's a pretty nice guy but with that thing on his back, he isn't going to win a popularity contest in the middle of a firefight." Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive two-pack with Repeater (89). Item #6710-1. This figure is considered a moderately high-demand item. Version 3: 2004 Anti-Venom Strike Force carded set Fig. #0890: Warrant Officer MOS 1: Flame Weapons Specialist MOS 2: Small Arms Armorer [45B] head: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) arms: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) torso: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) waist: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) legs: Charbroil (88, 89, 04) Accessories: black helmet (common to Anti-Venom Joes; with dark green visor and name in white); black backpack (88 Charbroil's, no sticker); black flamethrower (88 Charbroil's); black hose (88 Charbroil's); black figure stand As a childhood chore, CHARBROIL was made to heat the water pipes in the family basement with a blowtorch to keep them from freezing in the harsh Minnesota winters. As a teenager, he worked summers in the mills of the Great Lakes, feeding coal into blast furnaces. When the recruiting sergeant asked him what type of job he was interested in, he replied, "What have you got with open flames?" It's not flames that he's throwing as part of the Anti-Venom Force, but instead, CHARBROIL shoots a specially created serum that can change the animal-hybrid victims, created by COBRA COMMANDER and DR. MINDBENDER, back to normal humans again. "Flames and flame weapons are scary to the max and only highly trained specialists should ever go near them. That said, flamethrowers are a quick way to turn the heat up on the enemy!" Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive set with Barricade (04), Duke (04/III), Sgt. Lifeline (04), Sgt. Mutt (04/II), and Roadblock (04/III). Item #53914. Oddly, this filecard calls him a Warrant Officer though he has a noncommissioned rank.

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