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

Saturday Showcase: Tomax and Xamot

Tomax and Xamot...or is it Xamot and Tomax?

    This episode of Saturday Showcase is brought to you by my childhood and my love of G.I. Joe.  When I was young, G.I. Joe was the cartoon I could not miss.  I always loved watching the adventures of my favorite "toys" going into battle.  One day, I was introduced to the twins that lead the Crimson Guard. The twins are Tomax and Xamot and they were my favorite COBRA baddies next to Zartan and his Dreadnoks.  I loved them so much, that when I first saw them on the screen I had to go to Toys'R'Us to get them so I could include them into my after school battles against the joes.

On the run

    Fast forward to a trip at my local drug store only to browse through the comics only to see Tomax and Xamot had made their first appearance in the comics.  I was so excited because I love the way the twins interact with others.  For example, when one gets punched the other feels it.  That, for some reason, always stuck with me through the years and allowed my battles as a child to be entertaining to say the least.  

    I must apologize, I have spent this entire post talking about my love of the twins without giving you any facts.  Tomax and Xamot were first introduced in 1985 for the Real American Hero series that promoted the G. I. Joe toy line.  They also made their appearance in Marvel Comics in 1985 with their first appearance being in issue # 37.  They have gone on to star in other comics from the Joe Universe as well as make appearances in the G.I. Joe app Battleground. (An app they should bring back by the way)

G.I. Joe #37 (July 1985)

VITALS

First appearance: 1985

Voiced by:  Corey Burton (Tomax) & Michael Bell (Xamot) - G.I. Joe

                    Stephen Stanton (both) - Renegades

Affiliation: Cobra

Specialty: Crimson Guard Commanders

File Name: Tomax Paoli & Xamot Paoli

Birth Place: Ajaccio, Corsica

Abilities: Infiltration, Espionage, Sabotage, Propaganda, & Corporate Law

Subgroups: Crimson Guard; Extensive Enterprises

Twins on the Hunt (Photo by Unknown)

    Well, I could go on and on about the Crimson Twins, but I feel I am biased and you should make your own decisions about how bad ass Xamot and Tomax were.

Until next time, get your READ on or in this case, watch some classic cartoons.  COBRA!!!!

What You Should Be Reading: G.I. Joe Vs the Six Million Dollar Man

    I just finished reading issue #4 of the G.I. Joe Vs the Six Million Dollar Man mini-series from IDW Publishing/Dynamite Entertainment.  I know the series ended in Mat and I am a little behind with my reading, but this series had me hooked from the beginning.  

    First of all, I remember watching the reruns of the Six Million Dollar Man as a kid.  I was also there, when the G.I. Joe cartoon first hit the airwaves.  So this series, to me, was like reliving part of my childhood. So kuddos to ythe writers for that.

    Secondly, this story was so well written, that it was relevant to today.  Countries at war, organizations trying to have the best weapon, and so forth.  I do not want to give too much away because I want you to read this for yourself.

    Basically, COBRA finds a way to control Col. Steve Austin aka the Six Million Dollar Man.  He turns out to be COBRA's most effective weapon and proves to be a challenge for the Joes.  Battles are fought, lost, and eventually won leaving COBRA to try to conquer the world another day.  

    This series has all the favorites of my youth, Snake-eyes, Storm Shadow, Roadblock, Recondo, Zartan, and even the Cobra BATs.  Ryan Ferrier did an outstanding job on writing this series.  The writing was done so well that I would love to see it as an animated film.  I would buy the Blue Ray in a heartbeat.  The artwork of SL Gallant was spot on.  This is a must read for any fans of the G.I. Joe organization as well as the Six Million Dollar franchise.  Do your self a favor and go to a local comic store and get the 4 issues today.   If you cannot find them, keep your eyes posted for the trade of this series when it hits shelves in early August of 2018.

Yo Joe!

Until next time, get your READ on!

Zack Hoffman, the voice of Zartan

Please feel free the interview I did with Zack Hoffman, the voice of Zartan.

http://somewhatnerdy.com/home/artist-spotlight-zack-hoffman/

Cobra Propaganda Poster Sale

Let's make this happen!

Your mission: visit http://oktopolis.com/ & use code: 1STLEGION at checkout to save $10.00 — If we get 50 pre-orders today every order will also get the GI JOE SCARLETT poster FREE. Yo Joe!

Firefly

Great art from my friend Spidemanfan2099

http://spidermanfan2099.deviantart.com/art/Firefly-315454009

Croc Master by mbirkhofer

I saw this on Deviantart and had to share with my fellow geeks.