Saturday Showcase: Raptor

Raptor with Dr. Mindbender

    Today's Showcase features one of my favorite characters from COBRA organization.  His name is Raptor.  He was a "tracker" for COBRA and did come in handy from time to time, but that is not why I liked him.  I liked him because he was a kick ass action figure.  I mean, his suit was a giant falcon and he came with a falcon as well, so you put all that together and you have a must have toy.

Raptor, the kick-ass action figure

    Raptor's introduction to COBRA was by stealing minks off of one of COBRA's many farms, but rather than have him killed, Destro thought he could be of some use to the organization.  He was a very successful tracker, so Cobra Commander agreed to his involvement with COBRA. However, this is a role that would not last forever.

the Future of COBRA?

    You see, Fred VII (Crimson Corps), did not agree with the Commander wanting to leave COBRA to raise his son, Billy.  In fact, as the Commander was walking away, Fred VII shot and killed him (ARAH #61).  What does Raptor do?  He helps with the cover up.  You see, FredVII, knew that anyone could pose as the Commander as long they had his armor.  With that said, they buried Cobra Commander and Fred VII put on the armor and took his place.

Cobra Commander is ALIVE!

    Raptor ended up telling Dr. Mindbender about what happened to the original Commander.  Mindbender saw an opportunity to clone the Commander so they could dethrone Serpentor.  Well, when they went to get the body, they discovered that the Commander was alive and well.  This betrayal would eventually lead to his death.

Raptor, Big Boa, and Croc Master are ambushed by the Joes

    Although his career in the comics did not last long, his adventures as a toy lasted a lifetime.  In fact, I still have my Raptor action figure to this day.  Sure, he has seen better days, but he is complete and still has tight joints.  This concludes my showcase on Raptor.  I hope you enjoyed this post.  

Until next time, get your Read on.

First Appearance:

G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #59

MARVEL

May 1987