Python Patrol
The Python Patrol is an elite unit within the fictional Cobra Organization. They have special uniforms that masks their presence to electronic detection systems. They were first introduced in 1989 and in 2003 new figures were released as part of Python Patrol.
Action Figures
Python Patrol was first released in 1989 and consisted of six repainted Cobra figures in a green, yellow, light gray, dark gray, black, and red color scheme.[1]
- Python Copperhead - Copperhead is the only named individual in the group, and is originally considered their de facto team leader.
- Python Officers
- Python Vipers
- Python Tele-Vipers
- Python Crimson Guard
- Python Troopers
A set of three vehicles were also released in a red and black cross hatched color scheme, mimicking the scales of a python:
- A.S.P.
- Conquest -- G.I. Joe jet fighters either captured or acquired through trades with rogue nations. Ironically, all of the original Python Patrol were infantry units, not pilots.
- STUN
Two international figures were released in Brazil called Gathilo and Relampago, as well as a vehicle, the Nija-Hidro Helicoptero.
With the revival of G.I. Joe in early 2001, a Toys R Us exclusive set was released. This time however the color scheme was based on the 1989 vehicle color scheme rather than green and yellow or light and dark gray camouflages.
- Major Bludd
- Laser Vipers
- H.E.A.T. Vipers
- Lampreys
- S.A.W. Vipers
- Rock Vipers
In 2004, a two pack featuring a Viper and a Tele-Viper was also released as part of the Valor Vs. Venom line in Python Patrol uniforms but the packaging and the file cards makes no reference of these figures being in the Python Patrol.
As part of the 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe line starting in 2007, a number of Python Patrol characters made their debut in the new figure style. This included Python Copperhead, who came with a vehicle called the Sting Raider, which was based on the original Copperhead's original vehicle, the Water Moccasin; a Python Viper, who was sold as the pilot of a reissued Python Conquest plane as a Target exclusive, and the Python Officer and Python Crimson Guard, who were sold as individually-carded figures.
In 2011, The Official G.I. Joe Collectors' Club held its annual International Collectors' Convention, and the exclusive figure set at that Convention featured Python Patrol vs. Mission Brazil, a special group of G.I. Joe Team members who had originally been released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive in 1986. The set included Steel Cobra, a non-Python Patrol character based on a Brazilian Cobra figure; two Python Tele-Vipers, and six Python Troopers, these two troopers being the only ones from the original Python Patrol that had yet to be produced in the modern figure style.
The Convention also offered modern-style figures of Gathilo and Relampago, who were Python Patrol versions of Rip Cord and Airborne, as well as a Tele-Viper Officer, a new character who was offered as the annual "Parachute Drop" figure, a regular event at the Convention.
Comics
Python Patrol was introduced in issue #88 of the original Marvel Comics run.[2] They appeared in issues #99 and #100. A Python Patrol squad tries to recon the new desert Joe base with the secondary mission of activating the brainwashing of two Joes, Clutch and Rock 'N Roll. The intent is to cause them to create chaos and destruction inside their headquarters, the The Pit. The activation signal is sent but the two Joes were with young civilians. A rampage would harm the adolescents; as such the Joes' inherent morals broke through the brainwashing, destroying it. During the battle, the Patrol members severely damage the Mobile Command Center. One Python pilot is captured off-screen by Steam Roller. Another adversary, a Tele-Viper, is also captured. The rest escape.[3]
Python Patrol aircraft are featured in Special Missions #28. They go up against G.I.Joe pilots which include Ace and Ghostrider. The Cobra members lose the conflict.[4]
Cartoon
DiC
The same year Python Patrol was released, Hasbro contracted DiC to produce a new G.I. Joe cartoon. Operation: Dragonfire mini-series came after a two year hiatus of no new cartoons. It followed the Sunbow continuity. Unhappy with Serpentor's leadership, the Baroness and Gnawghyde kidnap Cobra Commander who is still a snake as result of being exposed to mutating spores in Cobra-La as seen in G.I. Joe: The Movie. After capturing him they use the Dragon Fire mask to return him to human form. He uses the masks to create Python Patrol. Afterwards, they helped Cobra Commander regain control of Cobra from Serpentor.