1989 Characters, Page 2

Click-to-Reveal Profiles for HEAT Viper, Gnawgahyde, Backblast,
Downtown, Frag-Viper, Night-Viper, and Annihilator

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

+ HEAT Viper

H.E.A.T. VIPER - stands for High Explosive Anti-Tank.	Char. #171, 27th Cobra troop type
Animation Notes: HEAT Vipers were animated only for commercials.
Versions: 1. 1989 2. 1993 (Battle Corps) 3. 2003 (Python Patrol) Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0207: Cobra Bazooka Man head: HEAT Viper (89, 03) 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: light grey backpack (new, with exhaust pipes); light grey bazooka (new, with top handle); six light grey bazooka shells (new, with tab holes); light grey sight cable (new, attaches to bazooka and helmet); black hose (medium standard) The new generation of Cobra anti-tank specialists are equipped with the latest in hyper-kinetic, high-speed, wire-guided, armor-piercing technology. The harness supported launch tube has active heat vents and an infra-red suppressor to cut down detection hazards. The sighting system is fiber-optically linked to the operator's helmet which contains range-finders, trajectory computers, and image intensifiers. This allows the H.E.A.T. Viper to fire his weapon from behind cover under adverse visibility conditions. "You gotta hand it to these guys. It takes a lot of nerve to squeeze off a hand-held rocket at 60 tons of rolling G.I. Joe armor and sit still while holding the tracker sights on target to guide in the projectile. If he misses with the firsts hot, there isn't a G.I. Joe worth his salt who'll let that poor fool try for seconds! A proverbial world of hurt is gonna hit that Cobra like a ton of bricks!" Toy Notes: Item #6534. The prototype shown in the 1989 insert catalog had black accessories and trim. Re-releases: A slightly different version was released in Brazil as Estilhaco. Version 2: 1993 Battle Corps Wave 1 carded assortment, #5 Fig. #0353: High-Explosive Anti-Tank MOS 1: Anti-Tank Trooper MOS 2: Earthquake Driver head: HEAT Viper (93) arms: HEAT Viper (93) torso: HEAT Viper (93) waist: HEAT Viper (93) legs: HEAT Viper (93) Accessories: bright green laser pistol (88 Iron Grenadier's); bright green submachine gun (89 Annihilator's); bright green sniper rifle (90 Rock-Viper's PSG-1); black spring missile launcher (shared with Night Creeper Leader, long with wrist brace and bright green trigger); two bright green missiles (common for 93 Cobras); bright green figure stand This new generation of Cobra anti-tank specialists are equipped with the latest in hyper-kinetic, high-speed, armor-piercing technology. When they spot a G.I. Joe vehicle (especially a nice Battle Wagon, Patriot, or Mudbuster) they sit perfectly still, lining up the tracker sights on target to guide their projectile. Then they try to squeeze off one of their hand-held rockets knowing they've only got one shot because if they miss, there isn't a G.I. Joe worth his salt who'll let that poor fool try for seconds! Toy Notes: Item #6866. This and other figures from the first wave of Battle Corps were available in most stores by Thanksgiving 1992. Version 3: 2003 Python Patrol carded set Fig. #0720: High Explosive Anti-Tank Trooper head: HEAT Viper (89, 03) 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); dark green bazooka (89 HEAT Viper's); six silver bazooka shells (89 HEAT Viper's); black sight cable (89 HEAT Viper's); black hose (medium standard) These COBRA anti-tank specialists are equipped with the latest in hyper-kinetic, high-speed, wire-guided, armor-piercing technology. The harness-supported launch tube has active heat vents and an infrared wuppressor to cut down detection hazards. The sighting system is fiber-optically linked to the operator's helmet, which contains range-finders, trajectory computers, and image intensifiers. This allows the COBRA H.E.A.T. VIPER troops to fire their weapons from behind cover under adverse visibility conditions. It takes a lot of nerve to squeeze off a hand-held rocket at a 60 ton G.I. JOE vehicle coming at you, because they know that if they miss, any G.I. JOE guy worth his salt won't let them get a second try. "We don't just fire at anything; we fire at everything!" Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive set with Maj. Bludd (03), Lamprey (03), Laser Viper (03), Rock Viper (03), and SAW Viper (03). Item #53400.

+ Gnawgahyde

GNAWGAHYDE - from Naugahyde, a brand of artificial leather made form vinyl polymer coated plastic, named for Naugatuck, Connecticut.	Char. #172, 11th Dreadnok individual
DiC Cartoon Notes: Spoke 106 lines in 9 episodes. 14th most frequent speaker. First appeared and spoke in OD 1. Total appearances: 12. Wore his 1989 outfit with a leopard-print brim on his hat and was portrayed as Australian. Alternately cast as comic relief himself or as a straight man to Metal-Head's antics. The warthog did not appear in the cartoon.
Prioritized Appearance List: Cold Shoulder, United We Stand, Operation Dragonfire parts 1-4, Granny Dearest, The Nozone Conspiracy, and The Mind Mangler. Silent: Victory at Volcania I-II and Pigskin Commandos. Gnawgahyde is included in the opening sequence of season 1.
Comic Notes: Gnawgahyde did not appear in the comic.
Versions: 1. 1989     Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0208: Dreadnok Poacher head: Gnawgahyde (89), Gen. Mayhem (05) arms: Gnawgahyde (89), Zangief (93), Dreadnok Crusher (04) torso: Gnawgahyde (89), Zangief (93), Dreadnok Crusher (04) waist: Gnawgahyde (89), Dreadnok Crusher (04) legs: Gnawgahyde (89), Dreadnok Crusher (04) Accessories: tan safari hat (new); black backpack (new, thin quiver); black sniper rifle (new, PSG-1) with bipod; silver machete (new, with wrist clip); silver knife (new, serrated); light brown warthog (new, with white mane) GNAWGAHYDE could have single-handedly decimated the herds of all the endangered species of Africa, if his fellow poachers hadn't railroaded him off the continent for cheating at cards, being generally obnoxious, and smelling bad. He was subsisting on his earnings as a freelance fur stealer when he was recruited by the Dreadnoks at an all-night donut and grape soda shoppe. "He takes his hunting and tracking very seriously! Gnawgahyde won't bathe for a month before he goes out into the bush so the animals will not smell the soap on his body. He greases himself with rancid hog-fat and eats what he can trap and shoot in the wild. Gnawgahyde does this so that the chemical additives of processed foods won't alter his body chemistry and scare off the game with too human a scent. It's a good thing he's basically anti-social!" Toy Notes: Item #6535.

+ Backblast

BACKBLAST - force and material ejected from the back of a rocket launcher upon firing.	Char. #173, 110th Joe Team member
Edward J. Menninger (American with German or Dutch 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). Big Brawler, 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.
Grades: E-5: 1989-2005	SNs: 000-6648-YO11; 900L-66-2311; 900-66-EJ11
DiC Cartoon Notes: Made a brief, silent appearance in Operation Dragonfire part 5. Wore his 1989 outfit and carried a grey launcher. Backblast is included in the opening sequence of OD.
Comic Notes: Backblast appeared in 3 issues between 1989 and 1991: #92, 100, and 115.
Versions: 1. 1989 2. 1993 (Battle Corps) 3. 2004 (Neutralizer) 4. 2005 (Winter Operations)   Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0209: Anti-Aircraft Soldier MOS 1: Air Defense Artillery [14M] MOS 2: Signal Corps [25] head: Backblast (89, 93) arms: Backblast (89) torso: Backblast (89, 93) waist: Backblast (89, 93) legs: Backblast (89, 93) Accessories: yellow bandolier (new, elliptical); green missile launcher (new, three tubes) with detachable handle; three red missiles (new, tapered with fins at front); light grey knife (new, serrated with jagged handle); black monocular (new, ridged with strap) BACKBLAST grew up in a house next to one of the busiest airports in the world. His bedroom was directly under the landing path of incoming jets. At night, the landing lights from descending jumbo-jets would shine through his window and the vibrations would shake the pocket-change off his dresser. When asked his job preferences upon his enlistment, he answered, "Where can I go to shoot airplanes out of the sky?" "You get your best shot at a ground attack aircraft when it's coming straight at you. Unfortunately, it usually fires everything it has in your direction. It's the job of the air-defense specialist to standing the open with his launcher aimed at the incoming aircraft and wait for the lock-on signal before he can fire. I'm glad it is his job and not mine!" Toy Notes: Item #6543. The prototype shown in the 1989 insert catalog had no bandolier, a different font on his shirt, and green missiles. Re-releases: A slightly different version was released in Brazil as Leontor. Version 2: 1993 Battle Corps Wave 2 carded assortment, #22 Fig. #0379: Anti-Aircraft Trooper MOS 1: Air Defense Artillery [14M] MOS 2: Signal Corps [25] head: Backblast (89, 93) arms: Topside (90), Backblast (93) torso: Backblast (89, 93) waist: Backblast (89, 93) legs: Backblast (89, 93) Accessories: black submachine gun (91 Cloudburst's MP5); black plasma rifle (91 Flint's); black spring missile launcher (shared with Keel-Haul, with wrist guard, long scope, and black trigger); two black missiles (shared with Keel-Haul; segmented tip with no fins); black knife (93 Beach-Head's); black figure stand BACKBLAST grew up to one of the busiest airports in the world. Airplane lights would keep him awake at night and the descending jumbo-jets would shake the house with the force of an earthquake. When asked his job preference upon enlistment, he answered, "Where can I go to shoot airplanes out of the sky?" He went through basic training at Fort Benning and became the top obstacle course/endurance runner in his class. His athletic ability led him to compete in marathons across the globe. Today, if the Joes need a 60-mile recon patrol squad leader, or someone for an extended jungle combat tour, Backblast is their main man! Motto: "Whether it be a covert mission or a full-scale attack, there's no one tougher than G.I. Joe!" Variations: The Army emblem on Backblast's chest could be small or large. Toy Notes: Item #6543. The prototype shown in the 1989 insert catalog had no bandolier, a different font on his shirt, and green missiles. Re-releases: Also bagged without accessories at a 1997 convention. Version 3: 2004 Valor vs. Venom Wave 3 carded Neutralizer vehicle Fig. #0858: Anti-Aircraft Specialist MOS 1: Air Defense Artillery [14M] MOS 2: Signal Corps [25] head: Backblast (04) arms: Backblast (04) torso: Backblast (04) waist: Backblast (04) legs: Backblast (04) Accessories: grey helmet (new, soft plastic with raised orange goggles) BACKBLAST is thoroughly familiar with the mechanics, tracking systems, and warhead capabilities of all known shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. He is also capable of solving complex trigonometric problems in his head. He has been known to knock flies out of the air with spitballs. If an enemy ground attack plane is moving away from you, there's no need to do anything about it. If it's coming toward you, you need to neutralize the threat before it neutralizes you. It takes a special kind of soldier to stand his ground and wait for the lock-on tone from his anti-aircraft missile while a COBRA attack plane has got him in its sights for a strafing run. Either on the ground or in the NEUTRALIZER vehicle, BACKBLAST is just that special soldier for the job. "If they don't want me to shoot 'em down, they shouldn't try to drop bombs on me." Toy Notes: Item #60185. Version 4: 2005 Winter Operations carded set Fig. #1063: Anti-Aircraft Specialist MOS 1: Air Defense Artillery [14M] MOS 2: Signal Corps [25] head: Avalanche (87), Backblast (05) arms: Avalanche (87), Backblast (05), Skull Squad Trooper (06) torso: Avalanche (87), Backblast (05), Skull Squad Trooper (06) waist: Avalanche (87), Backblast (05), Skull Squad Trooper (06) legs: Avalanche (87), Backblast (05), Skull Squad Trooper (06) Accessories: two black ice shoes (88 Blizzard's); black backpack (92 Gung-Ho); black pistol (88 Shockwave's); black machine gun (92 Shockwave's M-33); black carbine/shotgun (02 Ripper's M4 with shotgun barrel) BACKBLAST is thoroughly familiar with the mechanics, tracking systems, and warhead capabilities of all known shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. He is also capable of solving complex trigonometric problems in his head, enabling him to calculate lead trajectories by sight. During briefing sessions he has been known to knock flies out of the air with spitballs. If an enemy ground attack plane is moving away from you, there's no need to do anything about it. If it's coming toward you, you need to neutralize the threat before it neutralizes you. It takes a special kind of soldier to stand his ground and wait for the lock-on tone from his anti-aircraft missile while a COBRA attack plane has got him in its sights for a strafing run. Either on the ground or in a G.I. JOE vehicle, BACKBLAST is just that special soldier for the job. "If they don't want me to shoot 'em down, they shouldn't try to drop bombs on me." Toy Notes: Carded in a Toys 'R Us-exclusive set with Frostbite (05/II), Mirage (05), Short Fuze (05/II), Snake Eyes (05/V), and Sgt. Stalker (05/II). Item #07253.

+ Downtown

DOWNTOWN - area of a basketball court far from the basket, from which a shot is made.	Char. #174, 111th Joe Team member
Thomas P. Riley (American with Irish surname) of Cleveland, OH. Cleveland (pop. 438,042) is on Lake Erie at the intersection of I-80, I-90, and I-71. The closest Joe hometowns are Parma to the south (Agent Faces), New Manchester, WV (Sidetrack), and Pittsburgh, PA (Depth Charge and Steeler).
Grades: E-4: 1989	SNs: 131-7804-RT76
DiC Cartoon Notes: Made a brief, silent appearance in Operation Dragonfire part 5. Wore a heavily simplified version of his 1989 outfit. Downtown is not included in any DiC opening sequences.
Comic Notes: Downtown did not appear in the comic.
Versions: 1. 1989     Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0210: Mortar Man MOS 1: Infantry [11B] MOS 2: Special Operations head: Downtown (89), Short-Fuze (04), Infantry Division (05/I, 05/II, 05/III, 05/IV, 05/V, 05/VI), Starduster (07) arms: Downtown (89), Short-Fuze (04) torso: Downtown (89), Short-Fuze (04), Starduster (07) waist: Downtown (89), Short-Fuze (04), Starduster (07) legs: Downtown (89), Short-Fuze (04), Sgt. Flash (07), Grand Slam (07), Starduster (07) Accessories: orange helmet (new, soft plastic); black backpack (new, with six shell mounts); black revolver (new, oversized); black mortar (new, three pieces with sight); six black mortar shells (new, with grooves and fins near back) A highly mobile, rapid strike force like G.I. Joe can't depend upon slow, ponderous artillery to keep up with them. They need to bring their own fire-support with them in the form of a high-powered mortar, but a mortar man in the field can only carry a limited number of shells, so he had better be able to make every shot count! DOWNTOWN can judge range and trajectory just by eyesight. If he knows where the target is, he can hit it! "If Downtown sets up his mortar in the parking lot of a ballpark, and had a spotter sitting in the bleachers, he could put a round on the second base bag within two attempts! Downtown picked up his name playing high school basketball. He didn't have the height for slam-dunks, but he had a reputation for never missing a foul-shot!" Toy Notes: Item #6544.

+ Frag-Viper

FRAG-VIPER - from frag, orig. to kill using a fragmentation grenade.	Char. #175, 28th Cobra troop type
2006 identity: David T. Releehw of the United States Note: Named for Joe collector Terry Wheeler (Saxon English surname).
DiC Cartoon Notes: Made a brief, silent appearance in Operation Dragonfire part 1. Wore their 1989 outfits. Frag-Vipers are not included in any DiC opening sequences.
Versions: 1. 1989 2. 2006 (Flaming MOTH)   Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0212: Cobra Grenade Thrower head: Frag-Viper (89, 06) arms: Frag-Viper (89, 06) torso: Frag-Viper (89, 06) waist: Frag-Viper (89, 06) legs: Frag-Viper (89, 06) Accessories: black xistera (new, basket-glove with tube peg); black backpack (new, with several pegs); black submachine gun; three black grenades (new, textured); black feeder tube; black hose (short standard) An integral part of the Cobra Viper fire-team, the FRAG-VIPER can toss high-explosive fragmentation grenades with all the range and accuracy of an M-79 or M-203 R.P.G.L. [Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher], but without the noise from the muzzle blast. The secret lies in the manual hurling basket, based on the cesta used in the Basque sport of Jai Alai. The Frag-Viper cesta is equipped with automatic feed and variable time-fuser with a cable link to the helmet's automatic range-finder. "A G.I. Joe armed with a M-203 40mm grenade launcher can manage a firing rate of five rounds-per-minute and as soon as he pops the first round, everybody and his uncle knows where he is. A Frag-Viper, with a fifty round magazine and automatic feeder, can deliver fifteen rounds-per-minute and you'll never have any idea where they're coming from!" Toy Notes: Item #6546. The prototype shown in the 1989 insert catalog has numerous paint differences. Re-releases: A recolored version was released in Brazil as Letal. Version 2: 2006 Operation Flaming MOTH two-pack assortment, #1 Fig. #1139: Cobra Grenadier, Operation Flaming M.O.T.H. MOS 1: Grenade Thrower MOS 2: Demolitions head: Frag-Viper (89, 06) arms: Frag-Viper (89, 06) torso: Frag-Viper (89, 06) waist: Frag-Viper (89, 06) legs: Frag-Viper (89, 06) Accessories: black xistera (89 Frag-Viper's); black backpack (90 Range-Viper's); black explosives pack (91 Big Ben's) with strap; black grenade launcher (90 Range-Viper's) with chamber; black machine gun (03 Torpedo's); two black grenades (91 Big Ben's); black hose (long standard) The FRAG-VIPER is an integral part of the COBRA VIPER fire-team. They are trained to toss high-explosive fragmentation grenades with all the range and accuracy of an M-79 or M-203 R.P.G.L. (Rocket Propeled Grenade Launcher), but without the noise from the muzzle blast. The secret lies in the manual hurling basket, based on the cesta used in the Basque sport of Jai Alai. The FRAG-VIPER cesta is equipped with automatic feed and variable time-fuser with a cable link to the helmet's automatic range-finder. Their insect-like goggles contain electro-optical image-intensifiers that provide both infrared and night vision capabilities to locate targets wherever they may hide. Originally hailng from an area known for its abundant forest reserves, this disaffected youth ironically grew to hate nature. His yearning to unleash an explosive arsenal on the environment made him perfect fodder for the COBRA army. Eventually, as a FRAG-VIPER, he racked up COBRA's highest field score ever—though not acount of the most enemies eliminated, but of the least amount of friendly forces neutralized as well as foliage left standing. He has been assigned to a NIGHT-VIPER squad leader for Operation: Flaming M.O.T.H., a satellite recovery mission in the treacherous jungles of South America. The FRAG-VIPER's high-explosive ordnance should prove to be especially effective in clearing jungle undergrowth and flushing out any camouflaged G.I. JOE troops. He will need to clear an area for extraction using any and all weapons at his disposal. "Every piece of shrapnel counts!" Toy Notes: Boxed in a Collector's Club-exclusive Jungle Theater two-pack with Night-Viper (06).

+ Night-Viper

NIGHT-VIPER - the dark part of each 24-hour period.	Char. #176, 29th Cobra troop type
2007 identity: Spencer L. Davis (American-born with Saxon English surname) of the United States
DiC Cartoon Notes: Never spoke (although Low-Light spoke several lines while disguised as a Night-Viper). Appeared in Operation Dragonfire parts 1-5 as the default Cobra troopers, usually with their visors up. Night-Vipers are included in the opening sequence of OD.
Versions: 1. 1989 2. 2006 (Flaming MOTH) 3. 2008 (DTC Wave 4) Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0213: Cobra Night Fighter head: Night-Viper (89, 06) arms: Night-Viper (89, 06), Iron Grenadier (05) torso: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (92), Iron Grenadier (05) waist: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (92), Iron Grenadier (05) legs: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (92), Iron Grenadier (05) Accessories: dark green visor (new) wth detachable scope; black backpack (new, with antenna); black rifle (new, with night scope, sling, and two peg holes) A NIGHT-VIPER's helmet is a miracle of electronic-miniaturization. Aside from its wide-angle, third-generation, image-intensifier, directional sound amplifier and laser range-finder, the helmet boasts a passive infrared detector that can spot the body heat of a squirrel at 100 yards. The Night-Viper's helmet, combat suit and weapons are mostly made of synthetic composites that reduce the wearer's own infrared signature and defy most ground radars. "Night-Vipers are always in traning and never see daylight. They live in windowless barracks with no interior lights. They spend most of their time trying to sneak up on each other. All you have to do to knock one out is to shine a flashlight in his face and burn out his sensors. The problem is, you have to find him first." Toy Notes: Item #6547. Re-releases: A slightly different version was released in India. Version 2: 2006 Operation Flaming MOTH two-pack assortment, #1 Fig. #1140: COBRA Night Fighter MOS 1: Squad Leader MOS 2: Night Spotter head: Night-Viper (89, 06) arms: Night-Viper (89, 06), Iron Grenadier (05) torso: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (92), Iron Grenadier (05) waist: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (92), Iron Grenadier (05) legs: Night-Viper (89, 06), Heli-Viper (92), Iron Grenadier (05) Accessories: black visor (89 Night-Viper's, with blue lens); black backpack (89 Night-Viper's); dark grey rifle (89 Night-Viper's) The NIGHT-VIPER helmet is a miracle of electronic-miniaturization. Aside from its Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD), it includes a wide-angle, third-generation, image-intensifier, directional sound amplifier, laser range-finder, and boasts a passive infrared detector that can spot the body heat of a lizard at 100 yards. The NIGHT-VIPER combat suit, helmet, and weapons are mostly made of synthetic composites that reduce the wearer's own infrared signature and defy most ground radars. He can use either electronically assisted ranged weapons or vicious CQB (close quarter battle) techniques to accomplish any mission. Al these components give hm a "see first...eliminate first" advntage in any night fighting scenario. In his youth, this future COBRA found comfort in perpetual darkness, hating sunglight and those who would revel in it. His criminal exploits in the dark hours of night lead [sic] him to join COBRA and gradually rise within its ranks. He gained the attention of COBRA high command after leading many successful raids on G.I. JOE outposts. It was COBRA COMMANDER who personally chose this NIGHT-VIPER squad leader for Operation: Flaming M.O.T.H. and teamed him with a FRAG-VIPER for the satellite recovery mission. Combining their specialized skills and equipment, the jungle duo must creep into the deepest, darkest jungles of South America to locate the first of four components from the sabotaged US military satellite. They must find this crucial piece wherever it may be hidden in the nearly impenetrable labyrinth of trees and vines before any G.I. JOE troops can intervene. quot;Say goodnight, G.I. JOE!" Toy Notes: Boxed in a Collector's Club-exclusive Jungle Theater two-pack with Frag-Viper (06). Version 3: 2008 Direct-to-Consumer Wave 4 carded assortment Fig. #1395: Cobra Infantry Cobra Night Viper head: Kamakura (04/II, 05), Tiger Claw (05), Cobra Night Viper (08) arms: Kamakura (04/II, 05), Tiger Claw (05), Cobra Night Viper (08) torso: Halo Jumper (03), Sgt. Airborne (03, 04), Cobra Night Viper (08) waist: Halo Jumper (03), Sgt. Airborne (03, 04), Cobra Night Viper (08) upper legs: Halo Jumper (03), Sgt. Airborne (03, 04), Copperhead (07, 09), Cobra Night Viper (08) lower legs: Kamakura (04/II, 05), Tiger Claw (05), Cobra Night Viper (08) Accessories: black helmet (new, with hinged night scope); black webbing (new, with leg straps); two black submachine guns (new, Uzi with brown butt stock); black machine gun (new, MOD EEP KEDR-B); clear figure stand COBRA NIGHT VIPER troops wear specialized gear for nighttime operations. Their helmets have a wide-angle image intensifier, directional sound amplifier and passive infrared detector, enabling them to easily locate the enemy via sight and sound with diabolical accuracy. Their combat suits are constructed of a customized synthetic composite that reduces their own infrared signature and renders them invisible to most conventional ground radar systems. Trained and billeted in perpetually dark environments, they constantly hone their skills by trying to sneak up on one another undetected. Shining a light in their faces tends to stun them momentarily and max their sensors, but that works only when you can find them before they find you. "The night is our ally, the darkness is our weapon." Toy Notes: Sold exclusively through the G.I. Joe Collector's Club. Originally intended for release in 2006.

+ Annihilator

ANNIHILATOR - that which destroys completely.	Char. #177, 5th Iron Grenadier troop type
DiC Cartoon Notes: Never spoke. Total appearances: 3 (Operation Dragonfire parts 3-5). Annihilators are not included in any opening sequences. Their submachine guns were the default Cobra weapon for Operation Dragonfire and a few early first-season episodes.
Versions: 1. 1989 (Iron Grenadiers)     Version 1: 1989 regular carded assortment Fig. #0214: Destro's Elite Trooper head: Annihilator (89) arms: Annihilator (89) torso: Annihilator (89) waist: Annihilator (89) legs: Annihilator (89) Accessories: light grey backpack (new, helicopter pack) with detachable propeller, black control arm, and black machine gun; black submachine gun (new, with large scope) ANNIHILATORS are DESTRO's personal bodyguards and elite airborne assault troops. They can be deployed by sea, air, and land "take-off" with their mini-turbine Heli-packs on their backs and descend upon their target like armored locusts. Annihilators are recruited from the ranks of the Iron Grenadiers. As part oft heir indoctrination into the Annihilator Corps, theymust serve an apprenticeship as hard-sell telephone solicitors, procuring sales for Destro's M.A.R.S. [Military Armaments Research System] armaments corporation. Not only does this help to increase Destro's coffers, but it also reinforces their tenacity and ruthlessness! "Annihilators don't get any medals, they get shares of stock in M.A.R.S. and active participation in Destro's profit sharing plan! These guys are the ultimate specialists in hostile takeovers!" Variations: Early copies carried a Cobra logo on the packaging. Toy Notes: Item #6548. Re-releases: A slightly different version was released in Brazil.

Continue to 1989 Characters, Page 3 (Darklon, Windchill, Dogfight, Track Viper, Hot Seat, Wild Boar, Long Range, and Aero-Viper)

Go back to 1989 Characters, Page 1 (Recoil, Scoop, Countdown, Alley Viper, TARGAT, and Dee-Jay)

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