G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985 TV Series) - Other G.I. Joe Series

Other G.I. Joe Series

In 1989, DIC Entertainment produced a second G.I. Joe series, starting with a 5-part mini-series titled Operation: Dragonfire. A regular series was broadcast in 1990.

As in the past, newer characters (with action figures on sale at the time) took the spotlight from older and more established ones. As a result, most of the Sunbow series cast were retired in favor of new ones. Some, like General Hawk, Duke, Scarlett and Snake-Eyes, were retained as they also had new figures out, and were joined by new creations like Captain Grid-Iron, Ambush, Pathfinder, Bullet Proof and Sky Patrol. Likewise, Cobra Commander and Destro were joined by Cesspool, Metal-Head, Gnawgahyde and a new assortment of (colorful) Viper troops.

In the first few episodes, which served as a link to the old cartoon continuity, some Sunbow-era characters like Serpentor and Sgt. Slaughter did appear, briefly. Serpentor was written out, while Slaughter was eventually retired after a 1990-91 WWF storyline in which his wrestling character "turned traitor" during the first Gulf War; he was thus disassociated from the entire Joe franchise.

This Joe series, however, was not long for syndication, as it only lasted 2 seasons and 44 episodes.

The next few years, various cartoon tie-ins to the G.I. Joe franchise were released but they had no bearing on the A Real American Hero mythology. Former Executive in Charge of Production Lee Gunther's new studio Gunther-Wahl Productions was contracted and created a new series titled G.I. Joe Extreme in 1996 featuring new characters and villains. As with the 1985 and 1990 series, this series was distributed by Claster Television. With the exception of a fleeting appearance by Cobra Commander, Hawk and Lady Jaye, the series jettisoned past Joe cartoon history and took on a new life of its own.