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1988 Characters, Page 4

Click-to-Reveal Profiles for Skidmark, Star-Viper, Windmill, Nullifier, and Ferret

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

+ Skidmark

SKIDMARK - track left on a road surface from the sliding of a vehicle with lost traction.

Char. #155, 100th Joe Team member

Cyril Colombani (American with Italian 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 Quick Kick, Jinx, Sure Fire, and Wreckage. Ambush is from nearby Walnut, and Rock 'n Roll is from Malibu.

Grades: E-4: 1988

SNs: 470-38-8412

Comic and Animation Notes: Skidmark appeared in 5 issues between 1988 and 1990: #72, 73, 88, 99, 100. His character is apparently killed in Devil's Due #25, although he is listed as active in later issues. He was animated only for commercials, where he had a yellow helmet.

1. 1988 (Desert Fox)

Version 1: 1988 boxed Desert Fox 6WD vehicle
Fig. #0172: Desert Fox 6WD Driver	MOS 1: Fast Attack Vehicle Driver [88M] MOS 2: Infantry [11B]
	head: Skidmark (88) arms: Skidmark (88) torso: Skidmark (88) waist: Skidmark (88) legs: Skidmark (88)
	Accessories: none
	SKIDMARK was the kid that was held up by your mother as a shining example of everything that you were not. He was annoyingly polite, maddeningly well groomed and excruciatingly successful in his studies. There was a collective sigh of relief from his contemporaries when he received his first driver's license, and subsequently shattered all known records for the accumulation of speeding violations. "He keeps his locker and bay area squared away and spotless; it makes everyone else look bad by comparison. This could have been cause for resentment if he wasn't the fastest and most reliable recon driver around. The worst thing that his teammates can say about him is the best thing that a soldier can say about another soldier: "He does his job."
Toy Notes: Item #6253. Character art, the commercial animation, and the figure in the commercial and the 1988 insert catalog all show a pale yellow helmet instead of the orange one released.

STAR-VIPER - large masses of burning gas in space, seen as bright points of light in the night sky.

Char. #156, 24th Cobra troop type

Comic and Animation Notes: A Star-Viper was featured in Marvel #72. He was animated only for commercials, where his visor was black instead of red.

1. 1988 (Stellar Stiletto)

Version 1: 1988 boxed Stellar Stiletto vehicle
Fig. #0173: Cobra Stellar Stiletto Pilot
	head: Star-Viper (88) arms: Star-Viper (88), Major Altitude (91, 93) torso: Star-Viper (88), Major Altitude (91, 93) waist: Star-Viper (88) legs: Star-Viper (88), Black Dragon Trooper (03)
	Accessories: none
	A STAR-VIPER is a qualified Cobra STRATO-VIPER with an electro-magnetic shunt surgically implanted in the right side of the brain. During high-speed, upper-atmospheric dog-fights, electronic impulses are introduced through the shunt, stimulating the reflexes while heightening awareness for split-second decisions. "Star-Viper are exceedingly dangerous in action! They routinely execute fast maneuvers with insect-like efficiency. However, they are referred to as 'Jolt-Heads' by their fellow Cobras and are known to be distracted and generally disoriented between missions."
Toy Notes: Item #6252. The shunt should probably be in the left side of the brain to achieve its intended purpose, but maybe I just don't understand the technology. The box art, like the commercial animation, shows a black visor instead of the red one released.

WINDMILL - a structure with sails turned by the wind to produce power or crush grain.

Char. #157, 101st Joe Team member

Edward J. Roth (American with Saxon, German, or Ashkenazi surname) of Allentown, PA.
Allentown (pop. 106,632) is in east central PA, within 100 miles of New York City and was the location of the Libery Bell during the American Revolution. The other Pennsylvania Joes are Sideswipe of Philadelphia, Depth Charge and Steeler of Pittsburgh, and Ozone of Three Mile Island. But closer than any of these is Plainfield, NJ, home of Countdown.

Grades: O-3: 1988

SNs: 019-21-1858

Comic and Animation Notes: Windmill appeared in 2 issues between 1988 and 1991: #72 and 119. His animated form is visible for an instant in a commercial featuring the Skystorm.

1. 1988 (Skystorm)

Version 1: 1988 boxed Skystorm X-Wing Chopper vehicle
Fig. #0174: Skystorm X-Wing Chopper Pilot	MOS 1: Stopped-Rotor Aircraft MOS 2: Attack Helicopter Pilot
	head: Windmill (88) arms: Windmill (88) torso: Windmill (88) waist: Windmill (88) legs: Windmill (88)
	Accessories: black revolver (new, oversized)
	WINDMILL was a flight instructor at the Army Flight Warrant Officers School in Fort Rucker and later flew experimental helicopter prototypes at the same facility for the Army Aviation Department Test Activity. You might think that test-piloting helicopters is easier, or even safer, than testing jet fighters. Consider this—helicopters don't have ejection seats. If you make a mistake, you ride down with it! "When the G.I. Joes are sitting on a hot LZ waiting for an extraction chopper, they want fast air support with maximum fire-suppression. The X-Wing Chopper clocks at 345 mph in its stopped-rotor mode and can carry a bigger payload than a Dragonfly. Windmill can get there faster, with more thrust, and once he's there, he can make every piece of ordnance count!"
Toy Notes: Item #6045. The prototype shown in the 1988 insert catalog was a Crazylegs repaint with Law's torso.

NULLIFIER - one who causes something to have no effect or value.

Char. #158, 2nd Iron Grenadier troop type

Animation Notes: Nullifiers were animated only for commercials.

1. 1988 (AGP)
2. 2004 (Urban Strike Team)

3. 2006/I (GIJCC)
4. 2006/II (Convention)

Version 1: 1988 Iron Grenadiers boxed AGP vehicle.
Fig. #0175: Iron Grenadier AGP Pilot
	head: Nullifier (88) arms: Nullifier (88) torso: Nullifier (88) waist: Nullifier (88) legs: Nullifier (88)
	Accessories: pink visor (new, with peg holes and V-shaped grill)
	The only advantage of an ANTI-GRAVITY POD (considering its poor energy consumption to performance ratio) is its ability to turn sharply and to "stop on a dime." Acute maneuvers of this sort can be physically debilitating to anybody but a NULLIFIER! These A.G.P. pilots require a six hour weight workout every day simply to maintain their massive physique and high levels of endurance. Such training is necessary in order for them to command a vehicle that can reduce a normal man to a gelatinous pulp during the course of a simple turn. "Nullifiers are fed solely on a diet of high protein gruel that looks like grey mush and tastes like wet cardboard. Their muscles are always sore and their nerves are constantly on edge from the stress. Consequently, a Nullifier usually has the temperament of a rabid pit-bull, and is more likely to bite!"
Toy Notes: Item #6649.

Version 2: 2004 Strike Team: Urban Division carded set
Fig. #0898: COBRA Anti-Aircraft Trooper
	head: Flak-Viper (92, 93, 06), Nullifier (04) arms: Flak-Viper (92, 93, 06), Nullifier (04) torso: Flak-Viper (92, 93, 06), Nullifier (04) waist: Flak-Viper (92, 93, 06), Nullifier (04) legs: Flak-Viper (92, 93, 06), Nullifier (04)
	Accessories: black pistol (86 Lifeline's 9mm); black carbine (02 Duke's M4); black machine gun (03 Torpedo's); black figure stand
	COBRA NULLIFIER troops have a passive, infrared targeting and sighting system built into their helmets. This allows them to fire extremely accurate missiles at G.I. JOE aircraft with absolute impunity! These are dedicated and motivated troopers. To maintain a maximum level of effectiveness, COBRA NULLIFIER troops spend long hours every day practicing simulated missile engagements using a program that plugs into their helmets. It's like playing a portable video game for ten hours straight. The congested and densely packed cities are perfect places for COBRA NULLIFIER troops to conduct their nefarious air attacks in anonymity, as they strike quickly then disappear into myriad dark alleyways and underground hideaways. "Aim. Fire. Aim. Fire. Aim, and fire some more. It's a... blast!"
Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive set with Alley Viper (04), Firefly (04/III), Night Creeper (04/I), Scrap Iron (04), and Storm Shadow (04/II). Item #53913. Why this figure is identified as Nullifier is unknown, since the mold and filecard text match those of Flak-Viper.

Version 3: 2006 Collector's Club annual exclusive (06/I)
Fig. #1143: Iron Grenadier Pilot
	head: Range Viper (05), Cobra Trooper (06/I), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II), Cobra Officer (08/V) arms: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II) torso: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Zartan (04/I), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II) waist: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II) legs: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II)
	Accessories: gold helmet (03 Heavy Duty's, with red grill visor); gold breastplate (03 Heavy Duty's, with red trim); grey personal defense weapon (03 CLAWS Commander's CBJ-MS); grey knife (91 Low-Light's); clear figure stand
	Nullifiers are the elite pilots of Destro's personal army. They require a six-hour weight workout every day simply to maintain their massive physique and high levels of endurance. Each throttle jockey is fed solely on a diet of high-protein gruel that looks like grey mush and tastes like wet cardboad. Their strict regimen is necessary in order for them to command the variety of vehicles in the Iron Grenadier Air Force—especialy the A.G.P. (Anti-Gravity Pod). This also explains why they always have the temperament of a rabid pit bull. "Prepare to be nullified!"
Toy Notes: Free to paid club members who joined before spring 2006. This figure is considered a moderately high-demand item.

Version 4: 2006 special Convention release (06/II)
Fig. #1153: COBRA Elite Paratrooper
	head: Range Viper (05), Cobra Trooper (06/I), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II), Cobra Officer (08/V) arms: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II) torso: Zartan (04/I), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II) waist: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II) legs: Heavy Duty (03, 04/I, 04/III), Nullifier (06/I, 06/II)
	Accessories: silver helmet (03 Heavy Duty's, with blue grill visor); silver breastplate (03 Heavy Duty's, with blue trim); black backpack (87 Jinx's) with attached silver parachute; grey personal defense weapon (03 CLAWS Commander's CBJ-MS); grey knife (91 Low-Light's); clear figure stand
	COBRA NULLIFIERs are commissioned from DESTRO's personal army to work for COBRA COMMANDER. Their purpose is to perform covert para-drop missions to ambush heavily guarded outposts. Once on the ground, these immensely powerful troopers eliminate any immediate resistance, and then prepare anti-aircraft batteries, allowing COBRA officers to move in and safely secure the locations. COBRA NULLIFIERS must work out every day to maintain their massive physique and high levels of endurance. Thus, each trooper is fed solely on a diet of high protein gruel that looks like grey mush and tastes like wet cardboard. Their strict regimen is necessary in order for them to withstand H.A.L.O. (High Altitude Low Opening) parachute jumps and immediately engage in close quarter combat. This also explains why they always have the temperament of a rabid pit bull! "Prepare to be nullified. . . from above!"
Toy Notes: Bagged as a parachute-drop exclusive at the Mercenaries-themed 2006 Convention. This figure is considered a moderately high-demand item. Promotional photo courtesy of Master Collector Online.

FERRET - small European animal of the weasel family; domestic form of the polecat.

Char. #159, 3rd Iron Grenadier troop type

1. 1988 (DEMON)

Version 1: 1988 Iron Grenadiers boxed DEMON vehicle
Fig. #0177: Iron Grenadier DEMON Driver
	head: Ferret (88), Black Dragon Trooper (03) arms: Ferret (88), Black Dragon Trooper (03) torso: Ferret (88), Black Dragon Trooper (03) waist: Ferret (88), Black Dragon Trooper (03) legs: Ferret (88)
	Accessories: none
	FERRETS are the backbone of DESTRO'S armored assault squadrons. Their battle vehicles, called D.E.M.O.N.'s, are expected to spearhead long range mechanized attacks to neutralize enemy strong points, as well as to capture and hold landing zones for airborne insertions. Since the design priorities for the D.E.M.O.N. key on speed, range, and offensive firepower, much was sacrificed in the area of crew protection, comfort, and safety. "Ferrets are chosen and trained based on their doggedly positive attitude. This is a vital attribute for them. When a squadron of D.E.M.O.N.'s attack in formation at full throttle, with all weapons systems firing, they are virtually unstoppable! Break-up the formation, slow the pace of the attack, or counterattack from behind, and infantrymen with hand-held rocket-launchers can turn the D.E.M.O.N.'s into burning hulks! Their motto should be, 'Don't look back!'"
Toy Notes: Item #6033. The prototype shown in the commercial had 1987 Cobra Commander's head.

Character Contributions

Fast Attack Vehicle Diver: operates desert patrol vehicles and other FAV and lightly armored equipment in combat and security operations. Maintains expertise in off-road control. Specializes in the Desert Fox six-wheeled combat truck.
Infantry: The infantryman supervises, leads, or serves as a member of an infantry activity that employs individual or crew served weapons in support of offensive and defensive combat operations.

Cobra Stellar Stiletto Pilot: leads space missions, pilots Cobra space vehicles, accomplishes on-orbit duties, operates Cobra payloads.

Stopped-Rotor Aircraft Pilot: operates and maintains the Joe Team's experimental jet-assisted Skystorm helicopter.
Attack Helicopter Pilot: operates and supervises the maintenance of rotary wing aircraft in combat, training, and other missions.

Iron Grenadier Pilot: operates and supervises the maintenance of Destro's fixed-wing aircraft in transport, surveillance combat, training, and other missions. Special expertise in Anti-Gravity Pod single-seat compact fighter craft.
Cobra Anti-Aircraft Trooper: supervises or serves as a member of man-portable air defense system missile units and air defense activity engaged in operations and intelligence functions.

Iron Grenadier DEMON Driver: operate and maintain Destro's tracked anti-personnel vehicles in combat operations in support of infantry units.

Continue to 1988 Characters, Page 5 (Wildcard, Ghostrider, Secto-Viper, Armadillo, and Skystriker)

Go back to 1988 Characters, Page 3 (Muskrat, Budo, Hardball, Hydro-Viper, Voltar, and Road Pig)

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