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1989 Characters, Page 3

Click-to-Reveal Profiles for Darklon, Windchill, Dogfight, Track Viper, Hot Seat, Wild Boar, Long Range, and Aero-Viper

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

+ Darklon

DARKLON - original personal name

Char. #178, 2nd Iron Grenadier individual

Comic and Animation Notes: Darklon appeared in 8 issues between 1989 and 1994: #88, 101-103, 105, 145, and Special Missions #25 and 28. In the comic, he was both an arms dealer and the head of a small nation called Darklonia. Darklon died in #145 during a missile attack launched by Destro. He was animated only for commercials.

1. 1989 (Evader)

Version 1: 1989 Iron Grenadiers boxed Evader vehicle
Fig. #0227: Evader Driver
	head: Darklon (89) arms: Darklon (89) torso: Darklon (89) waist: Darklon (89) legs: Darklon (89)
	Accessories: black underslung minigun (new)
	DARKLON is a distant cousin of the Destro clan and the last of a long line of privateers, mercenaries, and investment bankers. From his cast-iron castle in the Alps, he dispatched his private armies to do battle for the highest bidder until Destro called upon him to lead his legions in his bid to take over Cobra. "Completely unhindered by ideology or ethics, Darklon is motivated purely by greed. His telephone solicitors have been known to drum up business for his mercenary army by offering 'reasonable hourly rates' and cash rebates!"
Toy Notes: Item #6271.

WINDCHILL - the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin in cold weather.

Char. #179, 112th Joe Team member

1989 identity: Jim Steel (American with English surname) of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Cedar Rapids, in eastern Iowa, is the state's second largest city (pop. 124,417). Also from Iowa are Hit & Run of Sioux City, Sgt. Hacker of Emmetsburg, Crazylegs of Fort Dodge, and Maverick of Ida Grove.

1994 identity: Jim McDonald (Scottish-born with Scottish surname) of Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Loch Lomond is a ribbon lake in central Scotland, made famous for the folk song that carries its name. Other characters from Scotland are Rowdy Roddy Piper of Glasgow and Destro of Callander. Also from the UK are Big Ben of Burford, Buzzer of Cambridge, Slice of Jonestown, Monkeywrench of Rhyl, and the Flak-Viper Shane Nostaw.

Grades: E-6: 1989

SNs: 312-60-0386

Comic and Animation Notes: Windchill did not appear in the comic. He was animated only for a commercial featuring the Arctic Blast, with black camo spots instead of grey.

1. 1989 (Arctic Blast)

2. 1994 (Blockbuster)

Version 1: 1989 boxed Arctic Blast vehicle
Fig. #0228: Arctic Blast Driver	MOS 1: Arctic Blast Driver MOS 2: Cold Weather Survival Instructor
	head: Windchill (89, 94) arms: Windchill (89, 94), Steel Brigade Commander (05) torso: Windchill (89, 94), Maj. Storm (90, 03), Steel Brigade Commander (05) waist: Windchill (89, 94), Steel Brigade Commander (05) legs: Windchill (89, 94), Steel Brigade Commander (05)
	Accessories: black assault rifle (new, with long scope); two black skis (new, with mounted blasters)
	WINDCHILL was an avid skimobiler and hunter until he discovered the Biathlon [an Olympic event that combines cross-country skiing and target shooting]. It seemed like the ultimate sport for him, and he might have qualified for a spot on the American team if he had not talked with BLIZZARD at the National Elimination Tournament. Somehow, the idea of getting paid to drive fast, heavily armed snow vehicles was more appealing than winning medals! "Driving any sort of high-speed vehicle on snow and ice takes a lot more than maintaining the controls. The driver must be able to quickly spot immovable objects buried underneath loose powder, thin ice, or the way the wind can fill a crevasse with soft snow. Windchill can 'read' Nature's elements like a book, and that gives him the edge he needs to win in a winter battle!"
Toy Notes: Item #6254.

Version 2: 1994 Battle Corps boxed Blockbuster vehicle
Fig. #0490: Blockbuster Driver	MOS 1: Blockbuster Driver MOS 2: Cold Weather Survival Instructor
	head: Windchill (89, 94) arms: Windchill (89, 94), Steel Brigade Commander (05) torso: Windchill (89, 94), Maj. Storm (90, 03), Steel Brigade Commander (05) waist: Windchill (89, 94), Steel Brigade Commander (05) legs: Windchill (89, 94), Steel Brigade Commander (05)
	Accessories: black assault rifle (89 Windchill's)
	WINDCHILL was an avid skimobiler and hunter, and he might have qualified for a spot on the American tem if he hadn't decided that fighting for right against Cobra was mor important than winning Olympic medals. He enlisted with the Joes and used his uncanny ability to "read" nature's elements to win countless Arctic victories. There's a lot more to driving on snow and ice than just maintaining the controls. Drivers must be able to quickly spot dangerous obstacles buried beneath loose powder, and they must know when ice becomes to thin to support a heavily-armed vehicle such as the massive BLOCKBUSTER. "To be as cool as I am in a firefight, you have to have ice water in your veins."
Toy Notes: Item #6147.

DOGFIGHT - a fight between armed aircraft.

Char. #180, 113th Joe Team member

James King (American with Saxon English surname) of Providence, RI.
At the mouth of the Providence River, the city is the capital and largest city (pop. 175,255) in RI. Ace, Bullhorn, Dee-Jay, Ice Cream Soldier, Skystriker, and Major Storm also come from Providence. Hasbro's headquarters is in the suburb of Pawtucket; thus 17 Joes come from this state.

Grades: Air Force O-2: 1989

SNs: 882-0041-RT87

Comic and Animation Notes: Dogfight appeared in 3 issues between 1989 and 1991: #111, 113, and Special Missions #28. Also, Slip-Stream is misidentified as Dogfight multiple times in issue #115. Although the Mudfighter made an appearance in Operation Dragonfire and was featured in a commercial, its pilot was never animated.

1. 1989 (Mudfighter)

Version 1: 1989 boxed Mudfighter vehicle
Fig. #0229: Mudfighter Pilot	MOS 1: Mudfighter Pilot [11F3] MOS 2: Electronics Technician
	head: Dogfight (89) arms: Dogfight (89), Steeler (07) torso: Dogfight (89), Steeler (07) waist: Dogfight (89), Steeler (07) legs: Dogfight (89), Steeler (07)
	Accessories: black pistol (new, with scope)
	DOGFIGHT was permanently eight-sixed from every carnival and county fair in Alabama for winning too many stuffed bears. The combination of his uncanny depth perception, precise hand/eye coordination, and powerful throwing arm enabled him to knock down all the wooden bottles with just one pitch, every time. Now, he uses those same skills to destroy Cobra H.I.S.S. II tanks and Maggots! "The Cobras hear the Mudfighter first. That big bladed unducted fan makes a racket like a giant mutant lawn mower. Chances are good that Dogfight will be diving out of the sun with his thumb dancing a fandango on his bomb release trigger with all the Mudfighter's guns blazing. By that time, it's far too late for evasive action or return fire!"
Toy Notes: Item #6255.

TRACK VIPER - refers to continuous-track vehicles so equipped to distribute weight evenly.

Char. #181, 30th Cobra troop type

Animation Notes: A Track Viper was animated only for a commercial featuring the HISS II.

1. 1989 (HISS II)

Version 1: 1989 boxed HISS II vehicle
Fig. #0230: HISS II Driver
	head: Track Viper (89), Nitro-Viper (93) arms: Track Viper (89), Nitro-Viper (93) torso: Track Viper (89), Nitro-Viper (93) waist: Track Viper (89), Nitro-Viper (93) legs: Track Viper (89), Nitro-Viper (93)
	Accessories: black laser pistol (new)
	The H.I.S.S. II is the modernized version of Cobra's main battle tank. It features an enhanced troop carrying capability and a laser range-finder integrated with a computerized fire-control system. Protected by layers of composite and reactive armor, the TRACK VIPER can single-handedly drive the vehicle, lock onto targets, and operate the weapons system all within a climate controlled cockpit that affords excellent 360-degree visibility through a bullet-proof acrylic windshield. "Members of the VIPER corps and other Cobra troopers like to joke that the Track Vipers are recruited from Cobra personnel who are too clumsy or too slow to survive in the infantry. Although they tend to be large and muscular, Track Vipers are the perfect size for driving the H.I.S.S. II! They have to be that big, 'cause no one else is going to retread the track after it has been hit by a mortar round!"
Toy Notes: Item #6246.

HOT SEAT - a position of difficulty from which one must make important decisions.

Char. #182, 114th Joe Team member

Michael A. Provost (American with French surname) of Pawtucket, RI.
Pawtucket (pop. 73,742), on I-95, is the home of Hasbro and is known as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. It is a suburb north of Providence, which is home to Ace, Bullhorn, Dee-Jay, Dogfight, Ice Cream Soldier, Skystriker, and Maj. Storm.

Grades: E-7: 1989

SNs: 442-56-DI96

Comic and Animation Notes: Hot Seat appeared in 5 issues between 1990 and 1991: #105, 110-112, and 114. His outline can just be glimpsed in a commercial featuring the Raider.

1. 1989 (Raider)

Version 1: 1989 boxed Raider vehicle
Fig. #0231: Raider Driver	MOS 1: Raider Driver MOS 2: Drill Instructor
	head: Hot Seat (89) arms: Hot Seat (89) torso: Hot Seat (89) waist: Hot Seat (89) legs: Hot Seat (89)
	Accessories: black helmet (new, with eyepiece and mic)
	HOT SEAT could have been a heavyweight contender. He had a left jab like a jack hammer, reflexes like liquid crystal, and the tactical mind of a 5-star general. He just wasn't too crazy about the job security or the probability of permanent brain stem damage. When asked for preferences on his enlistment, he replied, "Anything fast and furious!" "The Raider is a fast, heavily-armed, all-terrain, armored fighting vehicle that is perfect for modern, behind-the-lines confrontations! But a fighting machine, no matter how sophisticated, is only as effective as its operator. Hot Seat consciously works at attaining a sense of 'oneness' with his vehicle. He strives to make it respond to his will, in order to accomplish those feats which others consider to be impossible."
Toy Notes: Item #6240.

WILD BOAR - large, fierce, hairy European wild pig that is often hunted.

Char. #183, 6th Iron Grenadier troop type

Animation Notes: A Wild Boar's outline can just be glimpsed in a commercial featuring the Razorback.

1. 1989 (Razorback)

Version 1: 1989 Iron Grenadiers boxed Razorback vehicle
Fig. #0232: Razorback Driver
	head: Wild Boar (89) arms: Wild Boar (89) torso: Wild Boar (89) waist: Wild Boar (89) legs: Wild Boar (89)
	Accessories: black helmet (new, with hose peg); black hose (medium standard)
	The Razorback is the principle front-line assault vehicle for the Iron Grenadiers. Its impressive firepower capabilities can totally destroy an enemy vehicle within minutes! Only the "cr�me de la cr�me" of the Iron Grenadiers can be admitted into the Razorback driver program. All recruits must endure a torturous training schedule that stresses discipline, discipline, and more discipline! Those who survive receive the respect of being a Razorback driver and many shares of stock in Destro's lucrative profit-sharing plan! "Iron Grenadier forces—though numerically inferior to Cobra—are better trained, better equipped, and enjoy the benefits of better qualified leadership. The Wild Boars are formidable opponents on the battlefield because they embody the most fearsome of attributes—the will to succeed!"
Toy Notes: Item #6242.

LONG RANGE - covering a long distance or time.

Char. #184, 115th Joe Team member

Karl W. Fritz (German surname) of Warwick, RI.
Warwick is on the south side of the Providence metro area and is the state's second largest city (pop. 85,808). Providence itself is home to Ace, Bullhorn, Dee-Jay, Dogfight, Ice Cream Soldier, Skystriker, and Maj. Storm.

Grades: E-7: 1989

SNs: 909-6655-BN23

Note: The Long Range figure released in 2005 is considered a different character.

DiC Cartoon Notes: Made a brief, silent appearance in Operation Dragonfire part 2. Wore his 1989 outfit. Long Range is not included in any DiC opening sequences.

Comic Notes: Long Range appeared in 3 issues between 1989 and 1991: #92, 99, and 110.

1. 1989 (Thunderclap)

Version 1: 1989 boxed Thunderclap vehicle
Fig. #0233: Thunderclap Driver	MOS 1: Thunderclap Driver MOS 2: Artillery
	head: Long Range (89) arms: Long Range (89), Maj. Bludd (06) torso: Long Range (89), Maj. Bludd (06) waist: Long Range (89), Maj. Bludd (06) legs: Long Range (89), Maj. Bludd (06)
	Accessories: light grey helmet (new, with eyepiece and lights on sides); black pistol (new, with thick scope)
	LONG RANGE was a kid who never grasped simple arithmetic. He did, however, master complex trigonometric and calculus problems with ease. When he was old enough, Long Range joined the Army, in particular, the Artillery corps. It was here that he utilized his trigonomic capabilities to plot the trajectory of artillery shells aimed at long-distance targets! In no time, he amassed the highest percentage rate of on-target knock outs the corps had ever seen. That is why he is commonly referred to as 'The Knock Out Man"! "Long Range can drop a round on a dinner plate at a range of 15 miles, in one attempt, given a topological map and up-to-the-minute wind and barometric pressure readings. In layman's terms, that means he can fire a round from the outfield of Giants Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands and it will land directly on second base in Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York! Incredible!"
Toy Notes: Item #6231.

AERO-VIPER - prefix for air and aircraft.

Char. #185, 31st Cobra troop type

DiC Cartoon Notes: Made a brief, silent appearance in Operation: Dragonfire part 4.

1. 1989 (Condor Z25)

Version 1: 1989 boxed Condor Z25 vehicle
Fig. #0234: Condor Z25 Pilot
	head: Aero-Viper (89), Billy-Bob (04), Cletus (04), Joe-Bob (04), Otis (04), Roscoe (04), Vance (04) arms: Aero-Viper (89) torso: Aero-Viper (89) waist: Aero-Viper (89) legs: Aero-Viper (89)
	Accessories: gold helmet (new, insectoid)
	The Condor is Cobra's entry in the advanced technology aircraft scene. Using its forward swept, aerolastic wings, and computer driven servo-actuators, the Condor can perform a turning radius roughly half that of an F-16, and can generate enough g-forcepressure that would blackout most pilots. Of course, most Cobra pilots aren't ordinary pilots. "AERO-VIPERS aren't surgically altered to withstand g-forces like the STRATO-VIPERS and STAR-VIPERS. They lift weights and learn to take the pain. Aero-Vipers want to feel the stress on their bodies as they wrench their Condors through seemingly impossible maneuvers. So intense is their daily schedule, that they frequently report of recurrent dreams involving flying without the benefit of an aircraft!"
Toy Notes: Item #6222.

Character Contributions

Evader Driver: operates and maintains the Evader bio-form attack sled as his personal vehicle when leading his forces to assist Iron Grenadier operations.

Arctic Blast Driver: operates and supervises the maintenance of the Joe Team's high-speed rugged-terrain polar assault vehicles in combat and training operations.
Blockbuster Driver: operates and supervises the maintenance of the Joe Team's six-wheeled pom pom cannon tanks in combat and training operations.
Cold Weather Survival Instructor: trains and leads personnel in survival skills for arctic and snowy environments, including mental preparation, navigation, first aid, improvised weapons and ropework, finding or creating shelter, weatherproofing, locating drinkable water, and identifying and preparing food.

Mudfighter Pilot: pilots propeller-driven bomber aircraft and commands crews to accomplish combat, training, and other missions.
Electronics Technician: oversees and performs direct and general support level maintenance of all Air Force standard electronics equipment, systems, and associated devices.

Track Viper

HISS II Driver: operates Cobra's High Speed Sentry transport models. Deploys personnel and tank in combat operations and training exercises.

Raider Driver: operates and maintains the Joe Team's heavily armed modular battle tanks in combat and training exercises. Has special knowledge of tank-launched and tank-mounted weapons.
Drill Instructor: trains and commands platoons, dispenses punitive Incentive Training, and pressures trainees to attend to details. Also teaches academic knowledge to recruits.

Razorback Driver: operates and maintains the Iron Grenadiers' all-terrain anti-armor/anti-personnel fast attack vehicles in combat and training operations.

Thunderclap Driver: directs the operation and maintenance of the tractor-driven, 280mmm motorized heavy gun. Has special knowledge of laser and infrared target acquisition equipment, enemy radar jamming, and tank-launched weapons.
Artillery: The cannon fire direction specialist leads, supervises, or serves as a member of a fire direction element or operates section of a field artillery cannon unit.

Condor Z25 Pilot: pilots fighter aircraft and commands crews to accomplish combat, training, and other missions.

Continue to 1990 Characters, Page 1 (Capt. Grid-Iron, Night-Creeper, Topside, Rock-Viper, and Sub-Zero)

Go back to 1989 Characters, Page 2 (HEAT Viper, Gnawgahyde, Backblast, Downtown, Frag-Viper, Night-Viper, and Annihilator)

Return to the INDEX.