Fictional character
Metal-Head is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is a member of the Iron Grenadiers, and first appeared in the 1990 edition of the toyline. Metal-Head made his debut in Marvel Comics' G.I. Joe series in issue #114, published in July 1991. He is not to be mistaken for another character with a similar name Metalhead from G.I. Joe Extreme.
Toys
Metal-Head was first released as an action figure in 1990.[3] A new version of Metal-Head was released in 1994 as part of the Battle Corps line and again in 2005 as part of a Convention Exclusive.
In October 2023, Metal-Head received a new release with 28 accessories as part of the G.I. Joe Classified Series, from Hasbro.[4]
Comics
Marvel Comics
In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, Metal-Head first appeared in issue #114.[5] He enlisted in Destro's Iron Grenadier army as an anti-tank specialist. He was a double agent for Destro when he first started working for Cobra, spying on Cobra Commander. At the Battle of Benzheen, Metal-Head personally faced off against a group of G.I. Joe armored vehicles on foot, equipped with his cutting-edge missile system. This was the first time the Joes saw Metal-Head. It was revealed that Benzheen's Emir had struck a deal with Cobra, ending hostilities, before the battle could be won. Soon after, Metal-Head alerted Destro in Scotland to Cobra's impending attack on Castle Destro. He was proven correct by Cobra Commander, who launched an attack that resulted in the castle being destroyed. Metal-Head was not observed assisting Cobra or Destro for years after the battle.[6]
Devil's Due
In the Devil's Due produced series, Cobra was re-formed in 2001. Later, Metal-Head was seen on Cobra Island working alongside Cobra troops led by Destro, fighting the forces of a revived Serpentor. He is wounded in battle but survives.[7]
Animated series
DiC
Metal-Head had many appearances in the second G.I. Joe animated series produced by DiC Entertainment, voiced by Garry Chalk.[8] Here, he is a childish madman who liked to blast everything and everyone usually screaming "BANG!" while firing weapons (although this makes him a lot more faithful to his filecard). He very much served as a comic relief and a source of frustration for Cobra Commander (thereby not making him as formidable as he might seem and easier for G.I. Joe to take on). In the first season, he was frequently partnered with the Dreadnok, Gnawgahyde and appearing in numerous episodes.
His main weakness appears to be his grandmother, who is clearly disappointed with his lot in life. She appeared in two episodes ("Granny Dearest" and "Metal Head's Reunion").
In "Granny Dearest", in Chicago while Captain Grid-Iron and Pathfinder inside the Battle Bunker arguing that they are lost, Metal-Head's efforts to steal "G.I. Joe's new levitation turbine" are interrupted by a visit from his Granny which led to failure of the mission. While Grid-Iron explaining to Freefall and Pathfinder why they need to transport the "G.I. Joe's new levitation turbine" by train and after a visit to Cobra's base in Lake Michigan, Metal-Head leads another attack on a train being used to test the device with Granny's help, he hijacks the train and brings the turbine to Cobra, where it is installed to power a new Floating Fortress. However, Metal-Head has admitted to his cohorts that he has been lying to his grandmother through letters that GI Joe is an oppressive organization and he is Cobra Commander. Freefall infiltrates the Fortress and uses his knowledge of Metal-Head's fibs to his Granny to maintain cover. He is soon joined by Pathfinder as the Fortress attacks Chicago. Joe forces are unable to dent the Fortress from outside, but when Metal-Head's Granny learns the truth and that Cobra Commander is trying to take control of Chicago (and realizes that "honorable men" like him do not put their feet on the furniture) so she defects by helping Freefall and Pathfinder overload the Fortress's engines while Grid-Iron with others Joes are fighting the Cobra troops and pushing back their attacks. She later admits to Pathfinder that her grandson is a good boy, but fell in with Cobra out of an "I want to rule the world" phase in his life.
In the second season he had numerous appearances but in the DiC final episode, "Metal-Head's Reunion", it was revealed that he and Captain Grid-Iron both attended the same school and both have interest in Susan Winters, who is the high school sweetheart of Grid-Iron, although Metal-Head wants to impress her but at the same time steal the secret formula for Cobra Commander and Destro to use it against the Joes.
Video games
Metal-Head appeared as a boss in the 1991 G.I. Joe video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System,[9] and in the 1992 G.I. Joe arcade game.[10]
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