Ninja Force
Encyclopedia
Ninja Force is a fictional sub-team from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
toyline, comic books and cartoon series.
, a group of ninjas affiliated with the Arashikage
clan form the Ninja Force as a part of the G.I. Joe Team
, in order to combat Cobra. Its inaugural members are Nunchuk, T'Jbang, and Dojo. For their first mission, Ninja Force goes to Beirut
, Lebanon
in order to help the arms dealer Destro
avoid bounty hunters sent by Cobra Commander. On this mission, Ninja Force clashes with a group of "corporate ninja" mercenaries known as the Night Creepers
, who become a recurring enemy. Ninja Force's roster is later expanded to include Snake-Eyes, Jinx
, and Scarlett
.
After leaving Beirut, Snake-Eyes (appointed as their new leader) and Ninja Force head to Trans-Carpathia, the home of Destro's ancestral Silent Castle. Before they arrive, Firefly disguises himself and summons the Red Ninjas, a group of renegade Arashikage clansmen, to the castle. Two Cobra Ninjas, Slice and Dice, would become recurring antagonists. Firefly convinces the Red Ninjas to accept him as their leader before they begin a battle with Ninja Force.
Firefly eventually reveals his true identity and defeats both the Red Ninjas and Ninja Force, with knockout gas and robotic Battle Android Troopers. He uses the Brainwave Scanner
to brainwash them into serving him and takes them to Cobra Island
, the former headquarters of Cobra Command. Firefly uses the ninjas to take over Cobra Island, but Snake-Eyes frees himself and Ninja Force from the brainwashing, and Ninja Force defeats Firefly, leaving the island.
. A former member of the Arashikage
clan founded by Storm Shadow, who is also his second cousin, and the only other person who knows the reasons behind his self imposed oath of silence. He has crafted his own personal sword, for he was Onihashi's pupil, designed for his secretive "Silent Backslash" technique inspired by the bats' flapping. T'Jbang is also skilled in piloting helicopters when he is not in deep meditation.
, his preferred weapon. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is a former student of the Blind Master in Denver. He felt he needed to improve and moved to San Francisco, where he caught Storm Shadow's attention, who trained him and supervised his acceptance into G.I. Joe's "Ninja Force". Nunchuk prefers to drive the "G.I. Joe Battle Wagon", and favors the fighting form known as "Samurai Smash".
Nunchuk later moved to training other Joe soldiers in various forms of hand-to-hand combat, and developed a grudge against the Cobra operative Firefly
, because he is angry that the man would use martial arts for evil purposes.
, he was the Soft Master's last disciple. Impressed by his skills and integrity, Storm Shadow recruited Dojo for the G.I. Joe's new sub-team, "Ninja Force". He is noted for using "patter" to distract his opponents, therefore he is often referred to as "the talkative one". His weapons of choice are Kusarigama
and the G.I. Joe vehicle "Brawler", and his fighting style is named "Lightning Strike".
. Banzai's primary military specialty is first-strike commando. His secondary military specialty is nunchaku instructor. Banzai trained for some time in the hostile mountains Tibet; training with a reclusive ninja master. He is noted for training while blind-folded. His technique is called "Banzai Bash"
, New York
. Bushido's primary military specialty is cold weather specialist. His secondary military specialty is strategist. He has trained in Iceland
, and continues to prefer to train in cold weather environments. He wears a helmet similar to the one his father wore and he had master the "Teisho Chop" technique. He considers fellow Ninja Force member Banzai his "blood brother".
. T'Gin-Zu's primary military specialty is Pile Driver vehicle operator. His secondary military specialty is ninja swords master. T'Gin-Zu has studied martial arts for more than two decades. He has learned some of the secrets of the Arishakage ninja clan, and has spent time as a student of Storm Shadow, who considers him his most talented pupil. T'Gin-Zu has a developed a deep desire to single-handedly capture Cobra's band of "Red Ninjas".
Dojo's spring-loaded right arm could be pushed forward, then released, causing it to spring down in a chopping motion.
Nunchuk's spring-loaded right arm could also be pushed forward, then released, causing it to spring down in a chopping motion. In 2002, a re-designed Nunchuk was packaged in a double-pack with Firefly. In 2003, Nunchuk had a double release in a double-pack with the Joe soldier Cross Hair, and as part of the "Battle in a Box" release with Dart and Tunnel Rat
.
T'Jbang was designed with a spring-action hip; if T'Jbang's right arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned right. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the right arm.
Additionally, Storm Shadow was released as a Ninja Force figure. If Storm Shadow's left arm was raised, the right arm would move back. The left arm could then be let go, causing the right arm to spring forward in a double punching motion.
Banzai was designed with a spring-action hip; if Banzai's right arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned right. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the right arm.
Bushido's spring-loaded right arm could be pushed forward, then released, causing it to spring down in a chopping motion.
T'Gin-Zu was designed from the same mold as Storm Shadow; if T'Gin-Zu's left arm was raised, the right arm would move back. The left arm could then be let go, causing the right arm to spring forward in a double punching motion. T'Gin-Zu was released with the vehicle "Pile Driver".
Additionally, Snake Eyes and Scarlett were released as Ninja Force figures. Snake Eyes's legs could be squeezed together, causing his arms to make an "uppercutting/chopping" motion. Scarlett's spring-loaded right leg could be pushed back, then released, causing it to spring forward in a kicking motion.
In 1993, a repaint of Slice was released, with the same weapons and "real ninja move". Additionally, a repaint of the Dice figure was released as Red Ninja, with the same "real ninja move" as Dice. The Red Ninja came packaged with the "Battle Ax" vehicle.
Two other figures released in 1993 as part of the Ninja Force line, were new versions of the Night Creeper and Zartan
. Again, all the Ninja Force figures were designed with a "real ninja move". The Night Creeper's spring-loaded arms could be raised up, then released, causing them to spring down in a chopping motion. Zartan's figure was a complete departure from his classic uniform, with a leather jacket and neon green pants. Instead of a cowl, he wears a short orange mohawk on his otherwise bald head. Zartan was designed with a spring-action hip; if Zartan's right arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned right. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the right arm.
G.I. Joe series, Dojo, Nunchuk and T'Jbang first appeared in issue #117, as part of the class being trained by Storm Shadow. The entire "Ninja Force" goes to Beirut to answer a call for help from Snake Eyes. They become involved in helping a Joe/Cobra force fight against the Night Creepers, with further assistance comes from the Joe "Sky Commandos". The Ninja Force is seen later in New York, undergoing intensive training.
Ninja Force makes a cameo appearance in the IDW continuity. The group is targeted by Cobra during the contest to determine who will be the next Cobra Commander. Dojo, Nunchuk, T'jbang, Banzai, and T'Gin-Zu are all killed while Bushido is seriously wounded.
cartoon series.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a military-themed line of action figures and toys in Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise. The toyline lasted from 1982 to 1994, producing well over 500 figures and 250 vehicles and playsets. The line reappeared in 1997 and has continued in one form or another to the...
toyline, comic books and cartoon series.
Fictional history
Led by Storm ShadowStorm Shadow (G.I. Joe)
Storm Shadow is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book series and television shows. The character is best known for his history with fellow ninja Snake Eyes...
, a group of ninjas affiliated with the Arashikage
Arashikage
Arashikage is a fictional ninja clan from the military-themed G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of comics, television shows, and action figures. The name is derived from the Japanese words for storm and shadow...
clan form the Ninja Force as a part of the G.I. Joe Team
G.I. Joe Team
G.I. Joe is the code name of an elite covert special forces unit operating under the control of the United States Military in the fictional G.I. Joe universe....
, in order to combat Cobra. Its inaugural members are Nunchuk, T'Jbang, and Dojo. For their first mission, Ninja Force goes to Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
in order to help the arms dealer Destro
Destro
Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV, usually referred to simply as Destro, is a fictional villain from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys from Hasbro. He is portrayed by Christopher Eccleston in the 2009 live-action film, G.I...
avoid bounty hunters sent by Cobra Commander. On this mission, Ninja Force clashes with a group of "corporate ninja" mercenaries known as the Night Creepers
Night Creepers
The Night Creepers are a syndicate of hi-tech ninjas/corporate mercenaries hired by Cobra as spies and assassins.-Profile:The Night Creepers are Swiss bankers who have been highly trained in martial arts, and equipped with cutting-edge technology. These "corporate ninja" mercenaries handles Cobra's...
, who become a recurring enemy. Ninja Force's roster is later expanded to include Snake-Eyes, Jinx
Jinx (G.I. Joe)
Jinx is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. She debuted in 1987, and her code name has also been the identity of several other incarnations of the same female ninja character: one of Snake-Eyes' apprentices in Sigma 6, Chuckles'...
, and Scarlett
Scarlett (G.I. Joe)
Scarlett is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character is one of the original members of the fictional team and toy line. She is a major character of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book series and the...
.
After leaving Beirut, Snake-Eyes (appointed as their new leader) and Ninja Force head to Trans-Carpathia, the home of Destro's ancestral Silent Castle. Before they arrive, Firefly disguises himself and summons the Red Ninjas, a group of renegade Arashikage clansmen, to the castle. Two Cobra Ninjas, Slice and Dice, would become recurring antagonists. Firefly convinces the Red Ninjas to accept him as their leader before they begin a battle with Ninja Force.
Firefly eventually reveals his true identity and defeats both the Red Ninjas and Ninja Force, with knockout gas and robotic Battle Android Troopers. He uses the Brainwave Scanner
Brainwave Scanner
The Brainwave Scanner is a fictional device found in Marvel's G.I. Joe comic series used by Cobra for interrogation and brainwashing. It was invented by Doctor Venom and later refined by Dr. Mindbender.-Marvel Comics:...
to brainwash them into serving him and takes them to 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...
, the former headquarters of Cobra Command. Firefly uses the ninjas to take over Cobra Island, but Snake-Eyes frees himself and Ninja Force from the brainwashing, and Ninja Force defeats Firefly, leaving the island.
T'Jbang
T'Jbang is the G.I. Joe Team's ninja swordsman. His real name is Sam LaQuale, and he was born in East Greenwhich, Rhode IslandRhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
. A former member of the Arashikage
Arashikage
Arashikage is a fictional ninja clan from the military-themed G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of comics, television shows, and action figures. The name is derived from the Japanese words for storm and shadow...
clan founded by Storm Shadow, who is also his second cousin, and the only other person who knows the reasons behind his self imposed oath of silence. He has crafted his own personal sword, for he was Onihashi's pupil, designed for his secretive "Silent Backslash" technique inspired by the bats' flapping. T'Jbang is also skilled in piloting helicopters when he is not in deep meditation.
Nunchuk
Nunchuk's real name is Ralph Baducci, and his code name is a variation on the word nunchakuNunchaku
is a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.-Etymology:The Japanese word nunchaku is the Kun'yomi reading of the Kanji term for a traditional Chinese two section staff....
, his preferred weapon. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is a former student of the Blind Master in Denver. He felt he needed to improve and moved to San Francisco, where he caught Storm Shadow's attention, who trained him and supervised his acceptance into G.I. Joe's "Ninja Force". Nunchuk prefers to drive the "G.I. Joe Battle Wagon", and favors the fighting form known as "Samurai Smash".
Nunchuk later moved to training other Joe soldiers in various forms of hand-to-hand combat, and developed a grudge against the Cobra operative Firefly
Firefly (G.I. Joe)
Firefly is a fictional character in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero universe. He is a mercenary who works for the Cobra Organization as a saboteur.-Profile:...
, because he is angry that the man would use martial arts for evil purposes.
Dojo
Dojo is the G.I. Joe Team's silent weapons ninja. His real name is Michael P. Russo. Born in San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
, he was the Soft Master's last disciple. Impressed by his skills and integrity, Storm Shadow recruited Dojo for the G.I. Joe's new sub-team, "Ninja Force". He is noted for using "patter" to distract his opponents, therefore he is often referred to as "the talkative one". His weapons of choice are Kusarigama
Kusarigama
The is a traditional Japanese weapon that consists of a kama on a metal chain with a heavy iron weight at the end. The kusarigama is said to have developed during the Muromachi period...
and the G.I. Joe vehicle "Brawler", and his fighting style is named "Lightning Strike".
Banzai
Banzai is the G.I. Joe Team's Rising Sun ninja. His real name is Robert J. Travalino, and he was born in Hartsdale, New YorkHartsdale, New York
Hartsdale is a hamlet and a census-designated place located in the town of Greenburgh, Westchester County, New York. The population was 5,293 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Hartsdale is located at ....
. Banzai's primary military specialty is first-strike commando. His secondary military specialty is nunchaku instructor. Banzai trained for some time in the hostile mountains Tibet; training with a reclusive ninja master. He is noted for training while blind-folded. His technique is called "Banzai Bash"
Bushido
Bushido is the G.I. Joe Team's snow ninja. His real name is Lloyd S. Goldfine, and he was born in Hollis, QueensHollis, Queens
Hollis is a neighborhood within the southeastern section of the New York City borough of Queens. A predominantly African American community, the boundaries are considered to be the Far Rockaway Branch of the Long Island Rail Road to the west, Hillside Avenue to the north, Francis Lewis Boulevard to...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Bushido's primary military specialty is cold weather specialist. His secondary military specialty is strategist. He has trained in Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
, and continues to prefer to train in cold weather environments. He wears a helmet similar to the one his father wore and he had master the "Teisho Chop" technique. He considers fellow Ninja Force member Banzai his "blood brother".
T'Gin-Zu
T'Gin-Zu is the G.I. Joe Team's "Pile Driver" operator. His real name is Joseph R. Rainone, and he was born in Somers, New YorkSomers, New York
Somers is a town located in northeastern Westchester County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 20,434...
. T'Gin-Zu's primary military specialty is Pile Driver vehicle operator. His secondary military specialty is ninja swords master. T'Gin-Zu has studied martial arts for more than two decades. He has learned some of the secrets of the Arishakage ninja clan, and has spent time as a student of Storm Shadow, who considers him his most talented pupil. T'Gin-Zu has a developed a deep desire to single-handedly capture Cobra's band of "Red Ninjas".
1992
Dojo, Nunchuk and T'Jbang were first released as action figures in 1992, as part of the Ninja Force line. Unlike most Joe figures, all the Ninja Force figures were designed with a "real ninja move".Dojo's spring-loaded right arm could be pushed forward, then released, causing it to spring down in a chopping motion.
Nunchuk's spring-loaded right arm could also be pushed forward, then released, causing it to spring down in a chopping motion. In 2002, a re-designed Nunchuk was packaged in a double-pack with Firefly. In 2003, Nunchuk had a double release in a double-pack with the Joe soldier Cross Hair, and as part of the "Battle in a Box" release with Dart and Tunnel Rat
Tunnel Rat (G.I. Joe)
Tunnel Rat is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline. He has appeared in all cartoon and comic incarnations of the series.-Profile:...
.
T'Jbang was designed with a spring-action hip; if T'Jbang's right arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned right. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the right arm.
Additionally, Storm Shadow was released as a Ninja Force figure. If Storm Shadow's left arm was raised, the right arm would move back. The left arm could then be let go, causing the right arm to spring forward in a double punching motion.
1993
Banzai, Bushido and T'Gin-Zu were first released as action figures in 1993, as part of the Ninja Force line. Again, all the Ninja Force figures were designed with a "real ninja move".Banzai was designed with a spring-action hip; if Banzai's right arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned right. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the right arm.
Bushido's spring-loaded right arm could be pushed forward, then released, causing it to spring down in a chopping motion.
T'Gin-Zu was designed from the same mold as Storm Shadow; if T'Gin-Zu's left arm was raised, the right arm would move back. The left arm could then be let go, causing the right arm to spring forward in a double punching motion. T'Gin-Zu was released with the vehicle "Pile Driver".
Additionally, Snake Eyes and Scarlett were released as Ninja Force figures. Snake Eyes's legs could be squeezed together, causing his arms to make an "uppercutting/chopping" motion. Scarlett's spring-loaded right leg could be pushed back, then released, causing it to spring forward in a kicking motion.
Shadow Ninja
In 1994, Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Nunchuk and Bushido were released as part of the "Shadow Ninja" line. All Shadow Ninja figures had inviso power; when exposed to water and light, the figure's color would change. In addition, all the Shadow Ninja figures were re-made from the original Ninja Force molds, and retained the "real ninja move" that they were designed with.Enemies
In 1992, Slice and Dice were released as Cobra ninjas, as part of the Ninja Force line. Like other Ninja Force figures, Slice and Dice came with a "real ninja move". Slice's spring-loaded right arm could be pushed back, then released, causing it to spring forward in a punching motion. Dice was designed with a spring-action hip; if Dice's left arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned left. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the left arm.In 1993, a repaint of Slice was released, with the same weapons and "real ninja move". Additionally, a repaint of the Dice figure was released as Red Ninja, with the same "real ninja move" as Dice. The Red Ninja came packaged with the "Battle Ax" vehicle.
Two other figures released in 1993 as part of the Ninja Force line, were new versions of the Night Creeper and 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...
. Again, all the Ninja Force figures were designed with a "real ninja move". The Night Creeper's spring-loaded arms could be raised up, then released, causing them to spring down in a chopping motion. Zartan's figure was a complete departure from his classic uniform, with a leather jacket and neon green pants. Instead of a cowl, he wears a short orange mohawk on his otherwise bald head. Zartan was designed with a spring-action hip; if Zartan's right arm was pushed back, his upper torso turned right. When the arm was let go, the torso sprang back forward, resulting in a punching motion with the right arm.
Vehicles
Three vehicles were released in 1993 as part of the Ninja Force line. The Ninja Lightning was a high-speed motorcycle, which featured rip-cord pull action, and spring-loaded surface-to-surface missiles. In addition, two "Ninja Raider" vehicles were released. The Ninja Raider Battle Ax had a spring-loaded "Cyclone Slash" blade mechanism, and came packaged with the Red Ninja figure. The Ninja Raider Pile Driver had a spinning "Ninja Knockout" hammer mechanism, and came packaged with the T'Gin-Zu figure.Comics
In the 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 series, Dojo, Nunchuk and T'Jbang first appeared in issue #117, as part of the class being trained by Storm Shadow. The entire "Ninja Force" goes to Beirut to answer a call for help from Snake Eyes. They become involved in helping a Joe/Cobra force fight against the Night Creepers, with further assistance comes from the Joe "Sky Commandos". The Ninja Force is seen later in New York, undergoing intensive training.
Ninja Force makes a cameo appearance in the IDW continuity. The group is targeted by Cobra during the contest to determine who will be the next Cobra Commander. Dojo, Nunchuk, T'jbang, Banzai, and T'Gin-Zu are all killed while Bushido is seriously wounded.
DiC
Dojo, Nunchuk and T'Jbang appeared in the DiC 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 series.
External links
- Character Guide at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
- Ninja Force on Joepedia, an external wiki