Talk:Cobra Commander

DIC Info

Whoever keeps adding the DIC stuff about the coil and Cobra Commander feigning loyalty to Serpentor please stop. The Coil are not in Operation Dragonfire, the Commanders troops are called the python patrol. There is no reference whatsoever to the coil.

Order of origins

Reworked the article to put the comic origin (which is widely considered by fans of GI Joe to be the definative origin for the character) first, instead of the cartoon origin....

I hadn't visited this Wikipedia page in over a month, but the rewrite of the article you introduced was awkwardly arranged and a confusing mess.

First, it's a bad idea to split the comics apart into two sections merely to promote your preferred history to lead with. By simple virtue of the fact that the 1980s cartoon was nationally syndicated, the animated version is easily more popularly recognized than the comic version, which optimistically had a monthly circulation of 300,000 copies. (Personally, I think the Marvel history borders on self-parody by making Cobra Commander a mundanely employed and stereotypically evil "used car salesman" and piling Vietnam tragedy on his family. And he has a son named "Billy", of all things soapishly quaint...) The cartoon story was kept independent of the comic, so there's no need to "reconcile" them. Hasbro had ultimate control of the entire franchise, so we can't say that either version is more "definitive" than the other given that both were fully authorized.

The comic version of Cobra Commander was conceived by Larry Hama, who Hasbro paid to help create 90-95% of the '80s GI Joe canon for them. Furthermore, Hama's version of Cobra Commander's backstory has endured since it was originally conceived and is still used in the GI Joe comics being published to this date (Also, the fact that the comic canon has endured long since the last episode of the original 80s GI Joe cartoon aired in and of itself is a clear sign that the comic canon trumps the cartoon canon). Hence it trumps the Cartoon canon and deserves to be be listed first. Baker_Baker

The release of the original comic series (Marvel, 1982) coincided almost exactly with airing of the earliest G.I. Joe cartoon (also developed by Marvel), which would have already been far into production at that point, both produced at Hasbro's behest. The fact that (non-Marvel) G.I. Joe comic books are still published to this day with elements conforming to history in prior incarnations is not evidence of any "trumping" but stems more plainly from the fact that comic books are considerably less expensive (and quicker) to produce than a full-blown animated series, therefore they can be made to endure longer in the market. (After the original cartoon went off the air, the Marvel comic continued into the 1990s although circulation had declined to 100,000 copies a month.)

In Marvel Comics letter columns, Larry Hama stated that he had no part in the Sunbow cartoons and had not even watched any episodes nor seen the movie, and to his own thinking, the G.I.Joe universe was effectively separated from the rest of Marvel reality, ignoring all occassional crossover appearances at the hands of other writers. [eg., G.I.Joe vs. Transformers mini-series; meanwhile, given that Spider-Man had appeared in issue 3 of Transformers, a hypothetical meeting between other Marvel superheroes and the Joes could therefore be imagined.]

However, the property is owned by Hasbro, not by Larry Hama (despite his work-contracted contributions), so canonical interpretation made from such personal remarks by Hama is questionable -- in fact, he was required to include [quoting him from the letters page] "a bunch of goofy" toy-du-jeur characters in the comics which he did not approve of, which fairly contradicts your simultaneous appeal to Hama and the comic history when even Hama doesn't consider parts of the comic as canon.

Instead (and it should come as no surprise) it seems that Hasbro operates by a flexible business model, with their decisions relenting to whatever they think will best market toys of the day rather than their having any intense interest in particulars of long-term series continuity. For example, the current Sigma 6 cartoon is done well enough as a stand-alone entity but bears little resemblance to previous material apart from some familiar character names, so your observation about current market practices (in the comic alone) really doesn't float.

Since someone has subsequently grouped the C.C. Transformers cameo into the animation section, I have no complaints with the present ordering of the article but (as explained above) would disagree with your reasoning regarding G.I. Joe canon, which has never been rigorously maintained by Hasbro.

172.161.30.79 13:37, 8 January 2007 (UTC)

The comic origin is the OFFICIAL origin of Cobra Commander and is reflected on the filecards that were included with the action figures. The cartoon origin may be more known but it is not the character's true origin. Basically it's like putting the Joker's origin from the original Batman film first because it's more well known. 24.178.211.155 03:07, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

Nazis and Red Shadows

• Deleted the Nazi references - despite the Red Shadows wearing Nazi uniforms, and associating with a Neo-Nazi group after Itronblood left, neither they or Ironblood they had no actual connection to the Nazis.

Cobraaaa!

Hi - I've been struggling with an overall description of Cobra over at - http://en.wiki.x.io/wiki/Cobra_Organization

And now find a much much better and more detailed version under this heading of Cobra Commander! Could anyone help by porting over some of the info onto the overall description?

Cobra Commander's face

When recently visiting my parents I happened to look through some old G.I.Joe comics and noticed something odd. When Cobra Commander recounts how he survived the murder attempt by Fred VII (issue #99 I think) in the flashback he is shown to have the face and hair like the Fred series. Everywhere else he has been portrayed with the "aged hippy" -look. Does anyone have any further insight into this? Given that it was a flashback into Cobra Commander's own memories one might write that off as a sign of his insanity.

It is my understanding that Cobra Commander having a "Fred" face was explained away as a mistake by the artist in the G.I. Joe letter column in the comics. I however find it very interesting that the artist would have "accidentally" of drew Cobra Commander's face to look like that of his elite guard whom he had surgically altered to all look the same.

It's also my understanding the the hippy look was just another disguise and that the mustache and hair were false. I personally like to think that the ponytail itself was at least real as when Cobra Commander unmasks yet again in a late issue he is seen with the ponytail but no mustache. Sadly I think this too was explained away as a mistake. 24.178.211.155 03:15, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

Baron Ironblood

Many years ago, when I was a kid, I collected the Battle Action Force comic in England. I also had a collection of toys based on the comic, including Baron Ironblood.

Maybe this could be added to the list of toys available? Also, underneath his iron mask (which was actually cheap flexible plastic :)) Baron Ironblood was a grey-haired man with a black goatee. --Stu-Rat 18:44, 31 May 2006 (UTC)

Vintage Cobra Commander figures

I edited this section because the previous version implied the mail-in 'hooded' version of Cobra Commander was offered on card at mass retail, and that version never was. Also looked up info on the figures at www.YoJoe.com and cited their dates for the releases since they are most accurate IMO. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 65.77.69.174 (talk) 19:48, 6 March 2007 (UTC).

Figures: 25th Anniversary

The 25th Anniversary section of Action figures could use some rewriting, tho I'm not sure what to say in it. Its confusing, since the section says it's the third remake of a line that started in 1964. It should be made clear this is the third relaunch of the 'three and three quarter inch Real American Hero' subline that first appeared in 1982. Dating it to 1964 could be misinterpreted as the third relaunch of the overall G.I.Joe brand, which has had more than three 'relaunches'/'reinventions'.

I see what you mean. I changed the text by deleting most of that. 24.178.211.155 03:22, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Sigma6cc.JPG

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BetacommandBot (talk) 11:52, 21 January 2008 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Ccdic.jpg

Image:Ccdic.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images lacking such an explanation can be deleted one week after being tagged, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot (talk) 21:06, 13 February 2008 (UTC)

bafoon

I'd like to suggest a different picture. The one currently in use shows an all "bad-A" Cobra Commander. But this does not portray his true persona. He is a bafoon and perhaps a picture from the "Real American Hero" tv series would better portray his true character.

While I certainly agree the picture can (and should be) more cooler and dynamic, I'd disagree on him being a 'bufoon'. The guy is scary-pants in all his incarnations. Lots42 (talk) 23:32, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

I agree that the lead picture should be changed. The man is an inept, bumbling moron and the current picture makes him appear far too badass and capable. --96.52.132.224 (talk) 07:43, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

WikiProject Comics B-Class Assesment required

This article needs the B-Class checklist filled in to remain a B-Class article for the Comics WikiProject. If the checklist is not filled in by 7th August this article will be re-assessed as C-Class. The checklist should be filled out referencing the guidance given at Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team/Assessment/B-Class criteria. For further details please contact the Comics WikiProject. Comics-awb (talk) 16:09, 31 July 2008 (UTC)

2008 Presidential Campaign

Attack of the Show had a running series of skits this year where Cobra Commander was a presidential candidate, they are all up on Youtube, and include a Yes We Shall music video. --68.81.70.65 (talk) 13:17, 19 November 2008 (UTC)

Resolute And Thus Spoilers

I could have sworn the safe room -itself- was gone. Lots42 (talk) 04:21, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

Unsourced Material

Article has been tagged for needing sources since 2009. Please feel free to reincorporate the below material into the article with proper referencing. Thanks. Doniago (talk) 16:54, 16 August 2011 (UTC)

Toys

===Modern=== In 2002, Hasbro reinvented G.I. Joe for the new millennium, and Cobra Commander was among the first to be redesigned. Once again sporting the iconic hood, the Commander was initially meant to wear a long flowing trenchcoat. After the more radical elements were removed (before production), the Commander emerges as one of the least extreme make-overs of the line. A second Commander figure was released for Spy Troops, featuring a more military look than the Commander has ever had before, and utilizing the Commander's signature Battle Helmet. This figure went on to be repainted multiple times in 2004's Valor vs. Venom line, including one version with an interchangeable helmet and hood. A 12" Cobra Commander was released to coincide with the Spy Troops line, and it is based on the same design as its smaller counterpart. Sigma 6 In a new 8" scale, Sigma 6 figures were heavily stylized with help by the Japanese animation company Gonzo. The Cobra Commander was released in the "Commando" collection in 2006. Wearing body armor and a cape, the Commander still donned his iconic hood with a battle helmet on top of it. As an action figure, Cobra Commander had a spinning wheel built into his chest, which registered battle damage if hit. A repaint of this figure, without the battle-damage feature and new weapons, was released in black and silver (now a standard for Commander repaints). A second, more radical repaint followed in 2007, with the Commander's armor painted silver, and an air chariot (a device previously utilized by the Commander's rival, Serpentor) included as an accessory. The Commander was also released in the 2.5" line, initially as part of the "B.A.T. Attack" figure 4-pack. A second version was included with the H.I.S.S. Tank. 25th Anniversary 2007 was the 25th Anniversary of the original launch of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. To celebrate, Hasbro created three boxed sets of brand new figures, featuring modern sculpt and updated and increased articulation (including the replacement of G.I. Joe's trademark O-Ring construction). Cobra Commander was included in the inaugural Cobra set, along with Destro, Baroness, Storm Shadow, and a Cobra Trooper. The figure was rereleased on a single card, and repainted in black and gold for the "Cobra Legions" 5-pack, and in comic accurate colors for a Comic 2-Pack. Mirroring the vintage line, Cobra Commander was released with a hooded head sculpt in the first wave of single carded figures. A second Cobra Commander sculpt, based on the 1987 Battle Armor figure, was released in early 2008. The Battle Helmet version from 2007 was repainted in cartoon accurate colors for a second single card release, and the "Cobra Senior Officers" 3-Pack. The hooded version was repainted for the 'Crimson Guard" 3-Pack.

Marvel Comics characters, Dreamwave Productions characters categories

Can we have a neutral third party to make the call on whether Cobra Commander and other should have these categories rather than getting into a revision war? Mathewignash (talk) 15:22, 2 February 2014 (UTC)

As I've stated elsewhere, just because certain characters appeared in a Marvel comic book, does not mean that they belong in Category:Marvel Comics characters. And besides, all G.I. Joe characters are already included as a subcategory of Category:Comics characters, so including them in another subcategory is indeed redundant. Yes, there should be a discussion, but per WP:BRD, your changes should be reverted until there is a consensus, and you should have waited for the results of this discussion, before edit warring to make a point. This is part of a larger issue, so I invite anyone interested to joining the discussion here, as to whether these characters can be considered "Marvel" characters or not. Fortdj33 (talk) 16:06, 2 February 2014 (UTC)

External links modified

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Real name non-existent, or unknown?

There have been many edits to these characters where the indicated name was removed and replaced with, "CLASSIFIED". If the character's real name is not known, it should be blank. If it is indeed classified in the canon, then that source should be included. Ifnord (talk) 16:26, 10 January 2018 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion

The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion:

• Cobra Commander 1983 ARAH.jpg

Participate in the deletion discussion at the nomination page. —Community Tech bot (talk) 23:23, 15 May 2023 (UTC)

Cobra Commander acted as chief of security of Paramount Global website

Cobra Commander will appeared as a cameo in the upcoming future animated film, where he acted as chief of security of Paramount Global website.

Cobra Commander: "Hey! Do you have permit pop-up? That's unauthorized clickbait! You're coming with us, kid!" 2001:48F8:300B:3DB:9460:2052:3963:8A97 (talk) 07:21, 17 August 2023 (UTC)

Image of Cobra Commander's real face

Joepedia appears to have an image of Cobra Commander unmasked, showing his real face. Apparently in the original comic, it was supposed to be a disguise with a fake moustache, but as I understand it has since been taken as being Cobra Commander's actual face. Here is a link to the picture at Joepedia: https://gijoe.fandom.com/wiki/Cobra_Commander_(RAH)?file=Ccdestromarvel.png

Should this image be included in Wikipedia as well? JIP | Talk 22:52, 9 December 2023 (UTC)

I'm not really seeing any information about the image, most particularly regarding its copyright status? DonIago (talk) 14:47, 11 December 2023 (UTC)

I don't see any either. The image is completely devoid of any information except for the user who uploaded it. I don't have an account on Joepedia and I have never tried to edit it myself. I just came across this image. Maybe there are some kind of guidelines about image uploading? I can try to search for them at some point. JIP | Talk 08:15, 12 December 2023 (UTC)

Good hunting; I think without more information about the image we can't really use it here. The copyright question is the biggest concern, but we would also need to know more about when/where the image appeared. "Cobra Commander as shown in the comics once" isn't really a great caption. DonIago (talk) 13:58, 12 December 2023 (UTC)