Torch (G.I. Joe)

Last updated
Torch
G.I. Joe character
Torch1122.jpg
Torch as seen in the Sunbow/Marvel G.I. Joe cartoon.
First appearanceIssue #25 (July 1984)
Voiced by Frank Welker (Sunbow/Marvel)
Ted Lewis (Sigma 6)
Matthew Yang King (Renegades)
In-universe information
Affiliation Dreadnoks
File nameTom Winken
Birth place Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Torch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is affiliated with Cobra as one of the Dreadnoks and debuted in 1984. He is often seen working closely with Buzzer and Ripper.

Contents

Profile

His real name is Tom Winken. Torch was born in Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

Torch was sent to live in Borstal reform school at age fourteen, but he escaped and joined the Merchant Marine, where he went to sea and learned how to use the cutting torch. He later joined the Melbourne Maulers motorcycle club. Torch is illiterate, unintelligent, and enjoys violence and mayhem especially when using his oxy-acetylene torch to alter stolen cars and for safe-cracking. He is also known to scavenge in swamps for enjoyment and to make money. [1]

Toys

Torch was first released as an action figure in 1984. [2]

Comics

Marvel Comics

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in #25 [3] The Dreadnoks' love for destruction causes an early warning for the staff at McGuire Air Force Base, after they spotted a Dragonfly landing there. Their vandalism sets off an explosion; the soldiers and G.I. Joe manage to set up a defense that drives off the Cobra troops. The Dreadnoks flee the attention of both sides. [4]

Torch and Ripper get in trouble, after disobeying orders and losing Buzzer to a trio of Joes they had haphazardly attacked. [5] Torch is seen in a running battle of Dreadnoks versus Joes in issue #51. This is after the others rescue Zartan from Joe HQ. Torch is a passenger on the outside of the Thunder Machine. [6] He then participates in an attempt to kill Serpentor. [7] He makes a cameo during an essential Cobra power struggle. [8]

Devil's Due

Torch has made several cameos in the Devil's Due original G.I. Joe series. He participates when the Joes assault the Dreadnoks Florida Everglades headquarters. [9] He assists when the Dreadnoks are involved in the purchase of a nuclear weapon. [10] He is part of a grouping of Dreadnoks and Cobra officers who get into a running gun-fight with an out of control Battle Android Trooper. He almost gets his side killed when, misunderstanding Doctor Mindbender, he calls to nearby Joes, advising them to aim for the head. This would have resulted in a gigantic explosion. [11]

In the alternate continuity of 'G.I.Joe Vs. The Transformers' Torch and his allies are upgraded with Cybertronian technology. In a dystopian future, an older Torch works for a crippled Duke, one of the few Joes left. They are past of a resistance against the murderous Decepticons. Seeing a chance to negate his terrible 'present', Torch violates orders and leads a time-lost Joe-Cobra team in their mission. [12]

G.I. Joe 2019

In this alternate universe, Torch is part of a collective of survivors in Indianapolis, a city Cobra had slaughtered as part of a plan to take over most of the world. The Dreadnoks, as the group is known, value being able to contribute as their first and only priority. This does not save them when a second group of Cobra robot troopers slaughter most of the Dreadnoks. [13]

G.I. Joe Vs. Transformers 2

Twenty years in the future, Torch is a trusted soldier under Duke, who leads the human resistance against a Transformers army. All of the Dreadnoks, except Ripper and Buzzer, have perished. Torch decides to go against orders to help time travelers, who have a faint chance of ensuring this horrible time never existed. [14]

Animated series

Sunbow

Torch first appeared in the G.I. Joe animated series in "The Revenge of Cobra" mini-series. [15] He is voiced by Frank Welker. [16]

In the episode "Lights! Camera! Cobra!", when the Dreadnoks are in a Hollywood area to steal a Cobra Firebat, Torch follows Shipwreck and Cover Girl, finding them fighting others in a pool hall. He calls the police, but is arrested. Later, the Joes send a message of them torturing and interrogating Torch (actually Recondo in disguise) to Cobra, prompting Cobra Commander to go rescue Torch, while the other Dreadnoks break the real Torch out of jail. [17]

G.I. Joe: The Movie

Torch also appeared briefly in the 1987 animated film G.I. Joe: The Movie . [18]

Sigma 6

Torch appears in G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 . He is seen as a member of the Dreadnoks.

Renegades

Torch first appeared in the G.I. Joe: Renegades episode "Dreadnoks Rising." This version is an African-American. He is seen as a member of the Dreadnoks.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serpentor</span> Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Serpentor is a fictional character and a recurring antagonist from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books, and animated series. Introduced in 1986, the character rules as Emperor over Cobra where most versions are depicted as a composite clone of history's greatest leaders. Serpentor serves as the primary antagonist of the second season of the original animated series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zartan</span> Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Zartan is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books, and animated series. He is one of the main villains in the franchise as the leader of the Dreadnoks, and a mercenary who often worked directly for Cobra Commander. His character was voiced by Zack Hoffman in the 1985 TV series, and he was portrayed by Arnold Vosloo in the live-action film, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and its 2013 sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

Hawk (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Hawk is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero media franchise. He is one of the original members of the G.I. Joe Team, and debuted in 1982 as a Missile Commander, but was later promoted to full commander of the team. Hawk is portrayed by Dennis Quaid in the 2009 live-action film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

<i>G.I. Joe: Sigma 6</i> Line of toy action figures; animated series

G.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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zarana</span> Character in G.I. Joe

Zarana is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. She is affiliated with Cobra as a member of the Dreadnoks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zandar</span> Character in G.I. Joe

Zandar is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is affiliated with Cobra as a member of the Dreadnoks. He is portrayed by Matt Gerald in the 2013 film G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

<i>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero</i> (1983 TV series) 1983-1986 American animated TV series

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a half-hour American animated television series created by Ron Friedman. Based on the toyline from Hasbro, the cartoon ran in syndication from 1983 to 1986. 95 episodes were produced.

Sgt. Slaughter (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Sgt. Slaughter is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline series. G.I. Joe used the persona of the American professional wrestler Robert Rudolph Remus, known in-character as Sgt. Slaughter, as a model for their character. Four versions of his action figure were released in the 1980s. Sgt. Slaughter's G.I. Joe version makes no reference to its professional wrestling inspiration, although the character does use wrestling moves. Remus also did the voice for the animated character, and appeared in person for introductions to the episodes that were originally G.I. Joe: The Movie. He was also the spokesman for the G.I. Joe toys from 1989 to early 1990, introducing the new vehicles and figures in commercials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Mindbender</span> Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Dr. Mindbender, or simply Dr. Bender, is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is a scientist who works for the terrorist organization Cobra; like other characters in the fictional universe, his characterization has fluctuated from that of comical villain to dangerous fascist depending on the release. He is often allied with Cobra Commander and Destro. In his first live-action film appearance in 2009, he was played by American actor Kevin J. O'Connor.

<i>G.I. Joe: The Movie</i> 1987 animated film by Don Jurwich

G.I. Joe: The Movie is a 1987 American direct-to-video animated military science fiction film produced as a sequel to the 1985 animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, based on the original Hasbro toyline. It was produced by Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions and was animated in Japan by Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

Spirit (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character in G.I. Joe

Spirit, is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original tracker and debuted in 1984.

B.A.T. (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Fictional character

The Battle Android Trooper (B.A.T.) is a fictional robot from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. Created by the evil Cobra Organization, the B.A.Ts provide disposable brute strength to the Cobra army.

Rock n Roll (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character in G.I. Joe

Rock 'n Roll is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original machine gunner and debuted in 1982.

Bazooka (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Bazooka is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's missile specialist and debuted in 1985.

Alpine (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Alpine is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's mountain trooper and debuted in 1985.

Blowtorch (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character in G.I. Joe

Blowtorch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original Flamethrower and debuted in 1984.

Footloose (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character in G.I. Joe

Footloose is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's infantry trooper, and debuted in 1985.

Cross-Country is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's H.A.V.O.C. driver and debuted in 1986.

Thrasher (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) G.I. Joe character

Thrasher is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is affiliated with Cobra as the Dreadnoks' Thunder Machine driver and debuted in 1986.

References

  1. ↑ Hama, Larry (1987). Howard Mackie (ed.). G.I. Joe Order Of Battle. Marvel Entertainment Group. p. 113. ISBN   0-87135-288-5.
  2. ↑ Santelmo, Vincent (1994). The Official 30th Anniversary Salute To G.I. Joe 1964-1994. Krause Publications. p. 105. ISBN   0-87341-301-6.
  3. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #25 (July 1984)
  4. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #30 (December 1984)
  5. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #35 (1985)
  6. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #51
  7. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #52
  8. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #64 (October 1987)
  9. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vol. 2 #2 (2001)
  10. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vol. 2 #6 (2002)
  11. ↑ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vol. 2 #12-13 (December 2002)
  12. ↑ link. Amazon.com. 2005. ISBN   1932796320.
  13. ↑ G.I.Joe #5 (2019)
  14. ↑ G.I.Joe Vs. Transformers 2 #2-4 (2004)
  15. ↑ Thomas Wheeler (February 2010). "Retrospective Review: A History of Dreadnok Ripper". G.I. Joe Collectors Club Magazine: 11.
  16. ↑ "Roll Call". G.I. Joe Roll Call. Joe Headquarters. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  17. ↑ "Lights! Camera! Cobra!". G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
  18. ↑ G.I. Joe: The Movie (Motion picture). De Laurentiis Entertainment Group. April 20, 1987.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.