Dreadnoks
Encyclopedia
The Dreadnoks are a fictional biker gang
who act as villain
s in the G.I. Joe
saga, which have been represented in several types of media, including toylines (produced by Hasbro
), comic books series (published by Marvel
, Devil's Due Publishing
, and IDW
), and television cartoons (produced by Sunbow and DIC).
All Dreadnoks are uncouth and violent, and usually engage their enemies with unconventional and creative (many times crude) weaponry. Most, if not all, have shown a particular taste for chocolate covered donuts and grape soda. The Dreadnoks also make a habit of torturing
captured enemies, usually in bizarre ways such as exposure to pain-inducing laughing gas
or tossing victims into pools of man-eating piranha
s. Their headquarters is a compound hidden somewhere in the Florida Everglades. Zartan and the Dreadnoks have been known to use holographic technology and other means to disguise themselves.
. Believed to have had European military academy training, he was hired as an espionage agent for the evil terrorist group (and main antagonist of the saga's series) called Cobra. He is a master of disguise through masks, make-up, holograms and hypnosis, as well as ventriloquism and linguistics (20 languages and dialects). Another special trait only he is known to have is the ability to change the color of his skin to blend in with his background through genetic manipulation experiments. As a side effect to the gene splicing, he is allergic to sunlight, which throws off his camouflage
ability. As well, he is a highly skilled martial artist, and is a master of the bow.
There were originally three Dreadnoks under Zartan's lead, destructive bikers that spent their days terrorizing people and destroying property, they were hired with the promise of easy money. They are known as:
Later the ranks grew with the addition of Monkeywrench
and Thrasher
. Monkeywrench (Bill Winkie
) had spent his recent years building explosive devices for terrorist groups in Rhyl, North Wales, and Thrasher was a spoiled middle class kid with destructive tendencies, who built and piloted the Dreadnoks Thunder Machine. Zartan's sister, Zarana
, and brother, Zandar
also joined. Like her brother, Zarana is a skilled impersonator while Zandar is a master of stealth and camouflage. Near the end of the first series of G.I. Joe toys and comic books, the pirate Zanzibar
(Morgan Teach), the enforcer Road Pig
(Donald DeLuca), and a poacher known only as Gnawgahyde
were also added. The Dreadnoks were equipped with many vehicles, most of which were built from scavenged parts. This included the Thunder Machine
, the Swampfire, and the "Stun".
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #25 (July 1984). Early on, the Dreadnoks operate out of a fully functional gas station, though it is not clear whether they actually serve the public. The gas they have is definitively stolen.
In issue #51, the Dreadnoks work together to spring Zartan
out of Joe HQ. They are pursued by Joe forces but a combination of recklessness and disguise skills allow them to escape.
In the next issue, the Dreadnoks are used in an attempt to have Serpentor
killed. Disguised as various Joe members, they make an attack but are foiled by other Cobra agents.
They are featured in issue #60. They battle Hawk
, Fast Draw, Lt. Falcon
, Chuckles
and the human/canine team Law and Order
. Zanzibar plays a prominent role in the fight. The Dreadnoks help destroy a missile that was aimed at Cobra Island
.
Three Dreadnoks, Monkeywrench, Thrasher and Zarana, use the threat of violence against nearby civilians to escape with a G.I. Joe team. Eventually, the Dreadnoks, Joes and civilians all work together to escape to safety.
They play a vital part in the Cobra civil war that takes place on Cobra Island. They serve as personal escorts for the current Cobra Commander
. Later, they are sent to guard the west side of the defenses, facing the seemingly impenetrable swamps. The Joes make it through and capture most of the Dreadnoks.
After Destro seizes power, they serve (led by Zarana) for a time as the enforcers of the Cobra-controlled town of Broca Beach. They capture two G.I. Joe operatives, Rock 'n Roll
and Clutch
for brainwashing.
comic book line, starting with issue 5. There, Buzzer and Ripper pursue a wounded Snake-Eyes.
Early on, they come under attack by G.I. Joe, and several rookie Dreadnoks are killed. The Kansas City Dreadnok chapter is 'given over' to the G.I. Joes as part of a distraction plan by Serpentor
.
Later, the Dreadnoks, despite Zandar's traitorous actions, end up fighting on the Cobra side in the Cobra/Coil/G.I. Joe conflict. They were being sent in to assist in rescuing Cobra Commander. The Dreadnoks are called off an issue later after Zartan finds an assailant he has stabbed is actually Zandar.
In the Devil's Due run of comics, several Dreadnoks have also appeared in minor and most-often nameless roles.
They are featured as a fake band in the episode "Cold Slither".
cartoon. In the five-part episode "Operation Dragonfire," Gnawgahyde has joined up with the Dreadnoks. Also, Zarana is shown leading the Dreadnoks with no mentionings on what happened to Zartan. In later episodes, Road Pig joins the Dreadnoks.
episode "Dreadnoks Rising". They appear as a small scale but highly dangerous biker gang. The Dreadnoks featured are Zartan, Buzzer, Road Pig, Monkeywrench, Ripper and Torch. They terrorized a local Kansas town and even got their local sheriff on the ropes. When G.I. Joe arrived, they helped the citizens stand up to the Dreadnoks and defeated them (though the Dreadnoks en masse had proven to be enough to bring down Snake-Eyes when cornered). When Flint and Lady Jaye arrived in the town to apprehend the team, they ended up getting the apprehended Dreadnoks.
Outlaw motorcycle club
An outlaw motorcycle club is a type of motorcycle club that is part of a subculture with roots in the post-World War II USA, centered on cruiser motorcycles, particularly Harley-Davidsons and choppers, and a set of ideals celebrating freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture, and loyalty to the...
who act as villain
Villain
A villain is an "evil" character in a story, whether a historical narrative or, especially, a work of fiction. The villain usually is the antagonist, the character who tends to have a negative effect on other characters...
s in the G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
saga, which have been represented in several types of media, including toylines (produced by Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
), comic books series (published by Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, Devil's Due Publishing
Devil's Due Publishing
Devil's Due Publishing is an independent comic book publishers in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, DDP is best known for its wide selection of genres, including licensed and original creator-owned properties that populate its monthly comic book series and graphic novels.Though...
, and IDW
IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
), and television cartoons (produced by Sunbow and DIC).
All Dreadnoks are uncouth and violent, and usually engage their enemies with unconventional and creative (many times crude) weaponry. Most, if not all, have shown a particular taste for chocolate covered donuts and grape soda. The Dreadnoks also make a habit of torturing
Torture
Torture is the act of inflicting severe pain as a means of punishment, revenge, forcing information or a confession, or simply as an act of cruelty. Throughout history, torture has often been used as a method of political re-education, interrogation, punishment, and coercion...
captured enemies, usually in bizarre ways such as exposure to pain-inducing laughing gas
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or sweet air, is a chemical compound with the formula . It is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic...
or tossing victims into pools of man-eating piranha
Piranha
A piranha or piraña is a member of family Characidae in order Characiformes, an omnivorous freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers. In Venezuela, they are called caribes...
s. Their headquarters is a compound hidden somewhere in the Florida Everglades. Zartan and the Dreadnoks have been known to use holographic technology and other means to disguise themselves.
History
The leader of the Dreadnoks until the end of the World War 3 story arc is a man named ZartanZartan
Zartan is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, by Hasbro. He is a mercenary who often worked directly for Cobra Commander, and is one of the main villains in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic and animated series. His character was voiced by Zack Hoffman in the 1985 TV...
. Believed to have had European military academy training, he was hired as an espionage agent for the evil terrorist group (and main antagonist of the saga's series) called Cobra. He is a master of disguise through masks, make-up, holograms and hypnosis, as well as ventriloquism and linguistics (20 languages and dialects). Another special trait only he is known to have is the ability to change the color of his skin to blend in with his background through genetic manipulation experiments. As a side effect to the gene splicing, he is allergic to sunlight, which throws off his camouflage
Camouflage
Camouflage is a method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal, military vehicle, or other object to remain unnoticed, by blending with its environment. Examples include a leopard's spotted coat, the battledress of a modern soldier and a leaf-mimic butterfly...
ability. As well, he is a highly skilled martial artist, and is a master of the bow.
There were originally three Dreadnoks under Zartan's lead, destructive bikers that spent their days terrorizing people and destroying property, they were hired with the promise of easy money. They are known as:
- Buzzer (Richard BlinkenWynken, Blynken, and Nod"Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" is a popular poem for children written by American writer and poet Eugene Field and published on March 9, 1889. The original title was Dutch Lullaby....
-Smythe, a.k.a. Dick BlinkenWynken, Blynken, and Nod"Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" is a popular poem for children written by American writer and poet Eugene Field and published on March 9, 1889. The original title was Dutch Lullaby....
) - A former left-wing CambridgeUniversity of CambridgeThe University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
sociologist - Torch (Tom WinkenWynken, Blynken, and Nod"Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" is a popular poem for children written by American writer and poet Eugene Field and published on March 9, 1889. The original title was Dutch Lullaby....
) - An inarticulate BorstalBorstalA borstal was a type of youth prison in the United Kingdom, run by the Prison Service and intended to reform seriously delinquent young people. The word is sometimes used loosely to apply to other kinds of youth institution or reformatory, such as Approved Schools and Detention Centres. The court...
reform school kid turned Merchant Marine - Ripper (Harry NodWynken, Blynken, and Nod"Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" is a popular poem for children written by American writer and poet Eugene Field and published on March 9, 1889. The original title was Dutch Lullaby....
) - A Tasmanian criminal with a record that goes back to his youth. He is the meanest of the three
Later the ranks grew with the addition of Monkeywrench
Monkeywrench (G.I. Joe)
Monkeywrench is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1986.-Profile:His real name is Bill Winkie...
and Thrasher
Thrasher (G.I. Joe)
Thrasher is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' Thunder Machine driver and debuted in 1986.-Profile:...
. Monkeywrench (Bill Winkie
Wee Willie Winkie
"Wee Willie Winkie" is a Scottish nursery rhyme, whose titular figure has become popular the world over as a personification of sleep. The poem, written by William Miller and titled "Willie Winkie", was first published in Whistle-binkie: Stories for the Fireside in 1841...
) had spent his recent years building explosive devices for terrorist groups in Rhyl, North Wales, and Thrasher was a spoiled middle class kid with destructive tendencies, who built and piloted the Dreadnoks Thunder Machine. Zartan's sister, Zarana
Zarana
Zarana is the sister of Zartan and Zandar in the fiction setting of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. She has short naturally auburn hair that has been dyed pink and is usually depicted with a tattered hot pink T-shirt and blue pants. Zarana is a master of disguise who can fool even the best...
, and brother, Zandar
Zandar
Zandar is an adversary in the cartoon, toy and comic book line of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero fictional universe.-Profile:Zandar is the brother of Zartan and Zarana. He is a member of the Dreadnoks, mercenaries who worked for Cobra and enemies of G.I. Joe. While he possesses skill in...
also joined. Like her brother, Zarana is a skilled impersonator while Zandar is a master of stealth and camouflage. Near the end of the first series of G.I. Joe toys and comic books, the pirate Zanzibar
Zanzibar (G.I. Joe)
Zanzibar is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' pirate and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
(Morgan Teach), the enforcer Road Pig
Road Pig
Road Pig is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1988.-Profile:His real name is Donald DeLuca...
(Donald DeLuca), and a poacher known only as Gnawgahyde
Gnawgahyde
Gnawgahyde is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' poacher and debuted in 1989.-Profile:...
were also added. The Dreadnoks were equipped with many vehicles, most of which were built from scavenged parts. This included the Thunder Machine
Thunder Machine
The Thunder Machine is a fictional, four wheeled, armored, weaponized vehicle used by the Dreadnoks, a biker gang/mercenary group in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic books and cartoon series. The Dreadnoks work for Cobra, the primary enemy for G.I. Joe.-Toy:As a toy, it was available for...
, the Swampfire, and the "Stun".
Marvel Comics
The Dreadnoks first appeared in Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #25 (July 1984). Early on, the Dreadnoks operate out of a fully functional gas station, though it is not clear whether they actually serve the public. The gas they have is definitively stolen.
In issue #51, the Dreadnoks work together to spring Zartan
Zartan
Zartan is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, by Hasbro. He is a mercenary who often worked directly for Cobra Commander, and is one of the main villains in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic and animated series. His character was voiced by Zack Hoffman in the 1985 TV...
out of Joe HQ. They are pursued by Joe forces but a combination of recklessness and disguise skills allow them to escape.
In the next issue, the Dreadnoks are used in an attempt to have Serpentor
Serpentor
Serpentor is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character was introduced in 1986 as a toy with an air chariot and included in the animated series that same year.-Toys:...
killed. Disguised as various Joe members, they make an attack but are foiled by other Cobra agents.
They are featured in issue #60. They battle Hawk
Hawk (G.I. Joe)
Hawk is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys. He appears in the animated series, comic books, toyline, and movie.-Profile:...
, Fast Draw, Lt. Falcon
Lt. Falcon
Lt. Falcon is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is a green beret with the G.I. Joe Team and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
, Chuckles
Chuckles (G.I. Joe)
Chuckles is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's undercover specialist and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
and the human/canine team Law and Order
Law & Order (G.I. Joe)
Law & Order are characters from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. They are the G.I. Joe team's M.P. and K-9 and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
. Zanzibar plays a prominent role in the fight. The Dreadnoks help destroy a missile that was aimed at Cobra Island
Cobra Island
Cobra Island is a fictional country located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the main base of operations for the fictional Cobra Organization featured in the G.I. Joe toyline from the 1980s. It is featured in the G.I. Joe cartoon and the comic book series created by Marvel Comics and Devil's Due...
.
Three Dreadnoks, Monkeywrench, Thrasher and Zarana, use the threat of violence against nearby civilians to escape with a G.I. Joe team. Eventually, the Dreadnoks, Joes and civilians all work together to escape to safety.
They play a vital part in the Cobra civil war that takes place on Cobra Island. They serve as personal escorts for the current Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise. He appears in the toyline, animated series , comic books, video games, and movie as the usual principal antagonist. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra, and archnemesis of the Joes...
. Later, they are sent to guard the west side of the defenses, facing the seemingly impenetrable swamps. The Joes make it through and capture most of the Dreadnoks.
After Destro seizes power, they serve (led by Zarana) for a time as the enforcers of the Cobra-controlled town of Broca Beach. They capture two G.I. Joe operatives, Rock 'n Roll
Rock 'n Roll (G.I. Joe)
Rock 'n Roll is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is the G.I. Joe team's original machine gunner and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
and Clutch
Clutch (G.I. Joe)
Clutch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is one of the G.I. Joe Team's motor vehicle drivers and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
for brainwashing.
Action Force
The Dreadnoks are featured in the Action ForceAction Force
Action Force was a 1980s range of European action figures initially based on Action Man, and later used to introduce G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toys to European markets...
comic book line, starting with issue 5. There, Buzzer and Ripper pursue a wounded Snake-Eyes.
Devil's Due
The Dreadnoks resurface in the second series of G.I. Joe comic books published by Devil's Due. During the years after G.I. Joe was disbanded and Cobra defeated, Zartan began to expand the Dreadnoks, spreading his gang to over fifty cities in the United States. The main body, which is under the command of Zartan, is the Florida chapter, nicknamed the Florida Noks. It was also around this time his daughter Zanya found him. Zartan eventually was overcome by a problem with his genetic experimentation, which left him unable to go out into sunlight. This caused him to lead the Dreadnoks through Zanya, who became his new second-in-command (much to the annoyance of Zarana, who left to lead the Chicago chapter).Early on, they come under attack by G.I. Joe, and several rookie Dreadnoks are killed. The Kansas City Dreadnok chapter is 'given over' to the G.I. Joes as part of a distraction plan by Serpentor
Serpentor
Serpentor is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character was introduced in 1986 as a toy with an air chariot and included in the animated series that same year.-Toys:...
.
Later, the Dreadnoks, despite Zandar's traitorous actions, end up fighting on the Cobra side in the Cobra/Coil/G.I. Joe conflict. They were being sent in to assist in rescuing Cobra Commander. The Dreadnoks are called off an issue later after Zartan finds an assailant he has stabbed is actually Zandar.
The Zartan family
- ZartanZartanZartan is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, by Hasbro. He is a mercenary who often worked directly for Cobra Commander, and is one of the main villains in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic and animated series. His character was voiced by Zack Hoffman in the 1985 TV...
: Master of Disguise and former leader of the Dreadnoks. - ZaranaZaranaZarana is the sister of Zartan and Zandar in the fiction setting of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. She has short naturally auburn hair that has been dyed pink and is usually depicted with a tattered hot pink T-shirt and blue pants. Zarana is a master of disguise who can fool even the best...
: Zartan's sister, currently head of the Chicago chapter of the Dreadnoks. A disguise artist in her own right, she becomes her character by thinking like them. She was expected to take over the Dreadnoks, but was replaced by Zanya. She was most recently in disguise as a member of the Phoenix Guard under the codename Friday. - ZandarZandarZandar is an adversary in the cartoon, toy and comic book line of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero fictional universe.-Profile:Zandar is the brother of Zartan and Zarana. He is a member of the Dreadnoks, mercenaries who worked for Cobra and enemies of G.I. Joe. While he possesses skill in...
: Zartan's brother, he is highly skilled at not being seen and stealth. He fought against his brother in the Second Cobra Civil War as a member of Serpentor's Coil. - Zanya: The daughter of Zartan, and niece of Zandar and Zarana. Current heir apparent to Zartan.
The Dreadnoks
This list only details Dreadnoks that have played a sizable part in the comics, cartoons, and/or the toyline:- Burn Out: Dreadnok mechanic, recruited by Zartan. Burn Out is also skilled in disguise and impersonation.
- BuzzerBuzzer (G.I. Joe)Buzzer is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1985.-Profile:...
: One of the first three Dreadnoks. Arrogant and intelligent, he is usually the leader by default when none of Zartan's family is around. He uses a chainsaw as a weapon and is identifiable by his blonde pony tail. Originally a left wing BritishUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
college professor who intended to study biker gangs, only to wind up becoming a member. - Chop Shop: A swamp guard. He bragged he would take the Joes only to be ambushed and knocked out by Snake-Eyes.
- CopperheadCopperhead (G.I. Joe)Copperhead is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is Cobra's Water Moccasin pilot and debuted in 1984.-Profile:...
: An agent for Cobra and pilot of several of the watercrafts. In the 2008 Python Patrol Copperhead file card, it was mentioned that Copperhead was in fact employed by both Cobra and Zartan. - Crusher: An ex-wrestler turned animal poacher. Upon meeting the Dreadnoks, was able to easily outgrapple all of them but Road Pig. Is suggested to have either killed or driven off fellow Dreadnok poacher Gnawgahyde.
- Death Metal: Qualified on gun turrets. Wears a death's head mask.
- Demolishor: A Canadian aboriginal native with limited fighting skills but an almost superhuman threshold of pain.
- The Dreadheads (Billy-Bob, Cletus, Joe-Bob, Otis, Roscoe and Vance): Six identical cousins (two sets of three brothers) from a wealthy arms-manufacturing family who have a grudge against G.I. Joe member Beach Head. Led by Otis, they tend to clash with the Dreadnoks and are essentially only interested in using the Dreadnoks resources to get to Beachhead. The exception is the self-destructive Vance, the only Dreadhead the Dreadnoks have actually taken a liking to.
- GnawgahydeGnawgahydeGnawgahyde is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' poacher and debuted in 1989.-Profile:...
: The Dreadnok poacher. He is known for bathing in animal fat and trying to think like his prey. He wields a long range hunting rifle. Has disappeared after an overnight hunting trip with Crusher. - Heartwrencher: A female Dreadnok who carries a large wrench.
- Machete: A character that replaces Ripper in the G.I. Joe: Sigma 6G.I. Joe: Sigma 6G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 is a line of military-themed action figures and toys produced by Hasbro, re-imagining the characters of the 1980s toyline, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.The Sigma 6 toy line served several purposes for Hasbro...
series. Only appears in the mentioned series. He carries a shotgun and drives the Dreadnok Cycle with Buzzer as his gunner. - MonkeywrenchMonkeywrench (G.I. Joe)Monkeywrench is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1986.-Profile:His real name is Bill Winkie...
: A Dreadnok who loves explosions, going so far as to include fireworks and roman candles into his bombs for effect. He uses grenades and bombs, as well as a harpoon gun. In the "Arise, Serpentor, Arise!" mini-series, he is shown to be highly arachnophobicArachnophobiaArachnophobia or arachnephobia is a specific phobia, the fear of spiders and other arachnids such as scorpions. It is a manifestation of zoophobia, among the most common of all phobias. The reactions of arachnophobics often seem irrational to others...
. In G.I. Joe: America's Elite #31, Monkeywrench is noted as having been a prisoner at "The Coffin" penitentiary in Greenland, and was terminated during a Cobra raid that occurred in #30. - RipperRipper (G.I. Joe)Ripper is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1985.-Profile:...
: A founding member of the Dreadnoks, he is known for carrying an assault rifleAssault rifleAn assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies...
with a large blade serving as a bayonetBayonetA bayonet is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar weapon, effectively turning the gun into a spear...
, Ripper is angry, violent and anti-social. He is secretly independently wealthy and a shrewd businessman. - Road PigRoad PigRoad Pig is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1988.-Profile:His real name is Donald DeLuca...
: Suffering from a split personality, Donald DeLuca is as himself a well spoken and intelligent person. As Road Pig, he is violent and very dangerous. Very strong (although he is stronger as Road Pig), he is an enforcer with an attraction to Zarana. His weapons of choice are a cinder block attached to a metal pipe which he uses as an improvised hammer and a wrist-mounted mini crossbow. He is identifiable by his massive size and white hair styled in a crew cut. - Rugrat: A diminutive Dreadnok who wears a large hat and sunglasses.
- Storm Rider: A new Dreadnok introduced in the Pursuit of Cobra toyline. Rides a motorcycle called the Doom Cycle.
- ThrasherThrasher (G.I. Joe)Thrasher is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' Thunder Machine driver and debuted in 1986.-Profile:...
: A spoiled brat whose parents never disciplined him, he joined the Dreadnoks. He built and drives the Thunder Machine. A little unpredictable and hard to control, but he can always be trusted in a fight. He is identifiable by a green streak in his hair. In the comics, he declares he enjoys strangling animals. - TorchTorch (G.I. Joe)Torch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1985. He is often seen working closely with Ripper and Buzzer....
: A former Merchant Marine, Torch is one of the founders of the Dreadnoks. He is an expert in oxy-acetylene cutting torches and uses a modified one as a weapon. - ZanzibarZanzibar (G.I. Joe)Zanzibar is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' pirate and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
: The Dreadnok piratePiracyPiracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea. The term can include acts committed on land, in the air, or in other major bodies of water or on a shore. It does not normally include crimes committed against persons traveling on the same vessel as the perpetrator...
, Zanzibar is low even by Dreadnok standards. He is a smuggler, thief, pickpocket and boat pilot. He pilots the Dreadnok Air Skiff, which included a spear, gun, and hammer as weapons. Even the other Dreadnoks dislike him, nevertheless, he's incredibly gifted for hand to hand fight.
In the Devil's Due run of comics, several Dreadnoks have also appeared in minor and most-often nameless roles.
Sunbow
The Dreadnoks appear in 80's G.I. Joe. The Dreadnoks that appear are Zartan, Buzzer, Ripper, and Torch. In the six-part episode "Arise Serpentor," Zartan's sibling Zarana and Zandar arrive to aid Zartan. When it came to an initiation battle, Monkeywrench and Thrasher joined the Dreadnoks.They are featured as a fake band in the episode "Cold Slither".
DiC
The Dreadnoks appear in the 1989 G.I. JoeG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1989 TV series)
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a half-hour American animated television series based on the successful toyline from Hasbro and the comic book series from Marvel Comics. The series was produced by DIC Entertainment and ran from 1989 to 1991....
cartoon. In the five-part episode "Operation Dragonfire," Gnawgahyde has joined up with the Dreadnoks. Also, Zarana is shown leading the Dreadnoks with no mentionings on what happened to Zartan. In later episodes, Road Pig joins the Dreadnoks.
Renegades
The Dreadnoks appear in the G.I. Joe: RenegadesG.I. Joe: Renegades
G.I. Joe: Renegades is an American animated television series based on the G.I. Joe toy franchise. The series premiered on November 26, 2010 on The Hub. The series aired on Teletoon in Canada....
episode "Dreadnoks Rising". They appear as a small scale but highly dangerous biker gang. The Dreadnoks featured are Zartan, Buzzer, Road Pig, Monkeywrench, Ripper and Torch. They terrorized a local Kansas town and even got their local sheriff on the ropes. When G.I. Joe arrived, they helped the citizens stand up to the Dreadnoks and defeated them (though the Dreadnoks en masse had proven to be enough to bring down Snake-Eyes when cornered). When Flint and Lady Jaye arrived in the town to apprehend the team, they ended up getting the apprehended Dreadnoks.
External links
- Dreadnoks at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
- Dreadnoks character guide at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page