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Crimson Guard
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Crimson Guard
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Crimson Guard
G.I. Joe character
First appearance1985
Voiced byVarious
In-universe information
AffiliationCobra
SpecialtyElite Tooper
File nameVarious
Birth placeVarious
SNVarious
RankE-4
Primary MOSUndercover Espionage
Secondary MOSAccounting
SubgroupsCrimson Guard
SeriesAll depictions

The Crimson Guard is an elite organization within the fictional G.I. Joe universe. They are members of Cobra Command, the nemesis of the G.I. Joe team. They are often referred to by a phonetic spelling of their organization's initials, as "Siegies", in the comics. Tomax and Xamot are the commanders of the Crimson Guard.

Toys

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The first Crimson Guard figure was released in 1985.[1] The figure wore a red dress uniform with silver decorations and a red helmet with black mask that covered his entire face. The accessories included a rifle with bayonet and red backpack. In 1989, the figure was repainted yellow and gray as part of the special Python Patrol sub group. In 1991, an armored version of the Crimson Guard, known as the Crimson Guard Immortals was introduced,[2] wielding tube rocket launchers and a squad automatic weapon. In 1993, near the end of the original 33⁄4 inch G.I. Joe line, lightly armored Crimson Guard Commanders were released.

After the relaunch of the G.I. Joe line in 2001, other incarnations of the Crimson Guard were produced. The first was part of Hasbro's Direct to Consumer line, which featured a slightly redesigned look. Another is a new subset, featuring repaints of the 2005 Crimson Guard Force figures, redone in black and gold, with melee weapons, and named the Crimson Shadow Guard.

Another notable toy incarnation of the Crimson Guard is the 2004 Operation Crimson Sabotage K.B. Toys Exclusive. The set consisted of three Crimson Guard figures, and included two vehicles; a crimson H.I.S.S. tank (High Speed Sentry), and a crimson A.S.P. (Assault Systems Pod) mobile flak emplacement. Hasbro also released the Crimson Guard for the 25th anniversary toyline. This figure included a G3w/ bayonet, a revolver, a built in holster, and a specially designed backpack.

Comic books

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In the Marvel and Devil's Due comic series, the Crimson Guard are the most elite soldiers of Cobra's Viper legions, under the direct command of Tomax and Xamot, but completely loyal to Cobra Commander, serving as his personal guard. Building the Crimson Guard network was believed to be the first thing Cobra Commander did after founding Cobra. Crimson Guardsmen are not wasted on the battlefield like the more common Vipers and Cobra Troopers. Rather, "Siegie" agents operate undercover all over the country, in the political arenas and business world. All Crimson Guardsmen must hold a degree in either law, medicine, or accountancy, and be in top physical condition. They strive to present a facade of exemplary normalcy and civic responsibility, and are provided with fully supported cover identities, and even pre-fabricated "families". However, these agents are accumulating financial and political influence for Cobra through every means possible, supporting each other in creating schemes of blackmail, fraud and espionage.[3]

Each member is rigorously trained and inducted in a secret ceremony in the lowest levels of Cobra's headquarters. To be a Crimson Guard is to swear absolute loyalty to Cobra and Cobra Commander. Many members also become part of a "series", undergoing plastic surgery and behavior modification to look and act like one another within a series. This allows one series member to completely replace another should the need arise without arousing suspicion. The most commonly depicted is the "Fred" Series.

Marvel Comics

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A Fred is assigned early on to spy on Fort Wadsworth, the suspected home of the G.I. Joe. He tends to miss important intelligence by coincidence. [volume & issue needed] This Fred is killed during an attempt by Destro to kill Snake Eyes in his mountain cabin. The Fred who replaces him turns out to be Wade Collins, a soldier who served with Stalker, Snake Eyes, and Storm Shadow in Vietnam and believes that he was abandoned by the U.S. Army during the war and by his country afterwards, leading him to join Cobra in a fit of bitterness. Collins eventually decides to leave Cobra and, with help from G.I. Joe, relocates with his family. Collins's son, Kamakura, eventually joins G.I. Joe.

Fred VII is one of the noted Guard members. He is an owner of an auto repair shop and a developer of advanced cybernetic and bionic devices. This Fred would gain infamy when, from 1987 to the early 1990s, he would pretend to be Cobra Commander,[4] donning the silver "battle armor" that the action figures introduced in the late 1980s. Fred VII's coup is destroyed when the real Cobra Commander made his return.[5]

Another Guardsman, Cobra scientist Professor Appel, is featured in multiple G.I. Joe comic books. He is revealed when Joe forces attack his suburban home.[6] He later comes up with part of the plan that creates Cobra Island.[7] Appel's daughter, Candy, also influences the plot at the same time as she is the romantic interest of Ripcord. At one point, Appel even saves Ripcord from certain death on account of his daughter.[8]

Later, again on Cobra Island, Crimson Guardsmen (with Cobra Trooper backup) are deployed into three sniper teams. They planned to assassinate Serpentor when he arrived with personnel picked up from the town of Springfield. This plan is deduced and the sniper teams are foiled when Serpentor literally hangs onto Cobra Commander, then whips the crowd up into a frenzy of good cheer. They are ordered off their shots for fear of starting a riot.[9]

The Guard end up on the battlefield during the first Cobra civil war.[10]

Action Force

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Action Force is a series of comics with the Joe characters based out of London. In issue #11, two Crimson Guards, one male and one female, attempt to destroy the Eiffel Tower but are stopped by a Joe team.[11] In the next issue, ten more Guards are captured in a raid on a Cobra base/fast food restaurant.[12] A Guardsman makes a cameo as the co-pilot for Copperhead.[13]

Later, a CG undercover is revealed as working as a school teacher. His uniform is uncovered due to an unlocked door and a curious student named Gary. The CG takes the entire class hostage and shoots dead another teacher. While Footloose does have the man under the sniper rifle crosshairs it is Gary who talks the man into surrendering.[14]

Devil's Due comics

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Not all "Sieges" remain loyal. An older member, Fletcher, is murdered before he can talk to the United Nations.[15]

A Crimson Guardsman named Agent X-99 is listed as a Cobra operative in the Threat List printed in G.I. Joe: America's Elite #25. Agent X-99 was first seen in the Sunbow episode "The Germ".

The flashback series 'Declassified' showcased an early participant in the CG program.[16]

A Crimson Guardsman named Colonel Calvin is featured in an early storyline in America's Elite. He was assigned to a research station in the Amazon, well before the Crimson Twins joined Cobra. Surrounded only by BATs, cut off from support for unknown reasons, he went mad. He decides to make Cobra Commander pay for abandoning him and rigs an ICBM to attack his current location. Somehow Calvin found out about Cobra Commander disguising himself as a member of the US President's cabinet. Duke tracks down Calvin and is held captive by him. Duke breaks free and kills Calvin, but not before finding out about Cobra Commander.[17]

Another Guardsman is featured in later stories. This particular Guardsman rises through the ranks to the elite Shadow Guard. He is picked from them to become part of The Plague, an elite squad created from Cobra ranks to become an answer to G.I. Joe, and given the codename Infrared. Like the Shadow Guard, the Plague is answerable directly to Cobra Commander. All the Plague members receive biographies in issue 30 of America's Elite. The Joes suspect this Guardsman of being a movie actor.[18]

Animated series

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Sunbow

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These soldiers, which are featured in the cartoon G.I. Joe, are the elite of Cobra. As with all soldiers in the first season they fight on land, sea, and air acting almost as officers as well as serving as Cobra Commander's bodyguards. On at least one occasion, Cobra Commander refers to his "Red Guard". In the first-season episodes after the "Pyramid of Darkness" mini-series, Crimson Guard members also act as deep-cover or sleeper agents, conducting operations in civilian guises that would require either too many operatives or too long an operation time for Zartan to be a feasible agent. In the second season, they seemed to serve more as bodyguards than anything else.

The Crimson Guard is led by the mirror twins characters Tomax and Xamot, who handle all of Cobra's business affairs. They are in direct command of the Crimson Guard; however, Tomax and Xamot are loyal to Cobra Commander, in turn, putting the Crimson Guard at Cobra Commander's disposal. During the second season, Tomax and Xamot became loyal to Serpentor, which in turn placed the Crimson Guard out of Cobra Commander's disposal and into Serpentor's disposal.

Different voice actors have voiced members of the Crimson Guard: Michael Bell, Corey Burton, Chris Latta, and Lee Weaver. The Crimson Guard X-99 from "The Germ" was voiced by Neil Ross.

DiC

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In the Dragon Fire mini-series of the 1989 G.I. Joe cartoon, their new leader was Destro and some were part of a group of Cobra soldiers who became Python Patrol Crimson Guards and under the newly-restored Cobra Commander overthrew Serpentor. Additionally, an undercover Crimson Guardsman infiltrates G.I. Joe as a reporter and is offered a position on the team as war correspondent Scoop. He later learns Cobra lied to him and joins G.I. Joe for real. His Cobra handler, another Crimson Guard, switches divisions and becomes an Alley Viper.

In "The Greatest Evil" two-parter, a Crimson Guard Immortal's sister is hospitalized after overdosing on the drug Spark, created by the Headman. This Crimson Guard Immortal (voiced by Don Brown) teams meets Duke whose brother Falcon is also an addict. The two agree to join forces to stop the Headman. Despite his love for his sister, the Crimson Guard Immortal gets caught up in Cobra's scheme to use the alliance to rob the Headman of his profits. His sister and Falcon team up to replace the money with worthless paper and then donate the real money to drug rehab programs.

Renegades

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In the G.I. Joe: Renegades episode "Brothers of Light," the Crimson Guard are homaged as the elite guards for Tomax and Xamot's cult. A brainwashed Duke, Scarlett, and Roadblock were shown as Crimson Guards until Tunnel Rat and Snake Eyes freed them from the mind-control.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Crimson Guard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Crimson Guard is an elite unit of highly trained soldiers serving as and undercover operatives for the fictional terrorist organization in the franchise. Recruited exclusively from college graduates in fields like law or who are in peak physical condition, Crimson Guard members undergo rigorous at Cobra headquarters to ensure uniformity in appearance and behavior, enabling them to act as interchangeable body doubles for Cobra's top commanders. Their signature red hooded uniforms, armor, and weapons—such as the AK48A rifle and —facilitate both frontline assaults and seamless infiltration into civilian environments for and demolition missions. First introduced in 1985 as part of Hasbro's fourth series of 3¾-inch action figures, the Crimson Guard quickly became a staple of the line, with variants released through 1989, including the Python Crimson Guard. The characters have since appeared prominently in issues starting from G.I. Joe #29, where they were unveiled in a ceremonial infiltration plot, as well as in the animated Sunbow and DiC series and later adaptations, solidifying their role as Cobra's most versatile and deceptive enforcers.

Fictional background

Overview

The Crimson Guard is an elite cadre of shock troops and personal bodyguards serving within the franchise, debuting in 1985 as part of Hasbro's A Real American Hero toy line. Designed for undercover and , they represent a highly selective evolution of Cobra's standard troopers, emphasizing infiltration into civilian society. Their introduction extended to media tie-ins, including the series where they first appeared in issue #29. Commanded by the Crimson Twins, —mirror-image brothers with expertise in , , and —the Crimson Guard operates with ruthless efficiency in both combat and covert roles. A key operational strength lies in their uniform red armor, which conceals a unique trait: many members, especially the "Fred" series, undergo cosmetic surgery to replicate the facial features of Fred Broca, Cobra Commander's trusted barber, allowing seamless substitution and deep disguise during missions. Prospective members must be college graduates in top physical condition, typically holding degrees in fields like or , and they receive fabricated civilian identities complete with simulated families to embed in target societies. Specialized subgroups enhance their versatility, including the fanatical Crimson Guard Immortals—advanced marksmen and martial artists sworn to absolute obedience—who function as elite bodyguards, and the Crimson Shadow Guard, a stealth-focused variant equipped for nocturnal operations.

Role and organization

The Crimson Guard operates as an elite cadre within Command, directly commanded by the identical twin brothers , who hold the positions of Crimson Guard Commanders and oversee all strategic decisions for the unit. This hierarchical structure includes specialized ranks, such as Crimson Vipers as initiates, leaders identified by silver coats, commanders with gold accents, and elite operatives like the Crimson Guard Immortals assigned to high-risk missions that demand fanatical obedience and proficiency in advanced weaponry. Immortals, like standard Guards, must possess college degrees in fields such as or , ensuring they can execute complex operations beyond mere combat. Unlike Cobra's conventional troops, the Crimson Guard's primary roles center on undercover , targeted assassinations, and gathering, prioritizing infiltration over direct frontline engagements. Members undergo an intensive training regimen that integrates elite military skills— including marksmanship, tactics, and —with professional expertise in areas like to enable financial manipulation and economic disruption within enemy organizations. This dual focus equips them to penetrate high-level institutions, from corporations to government agencies, while maintaining operational secrecy. The unit's deployment strategy emphasizes long-term deep cover, with Guards dispersed globally in civilian professions and lifestyles to avoid detection until summoned for action. Activation and coordination occur through the twins' direct oversight and standard communication protocols, ensuring unified response without compromising individual covers. Standard equipment comprises distinctive red uniforms for during assembly, along with assault rifles adapted for configurations in covert operations, enabling precise and silent engagements.

Notable members and subgroups

The Crimson Guard's ranks include several notable individuals who exemplified the unit's emphasis on infiltration, loyalty, and specialized expertise within Cobra's hierarchy. Fred Broca, the original template for the "Fred" series of identical Crimson Guardsmen, was a former U.S. subjected to to create interchangeable agents capable of deep-cover operations; he was killed by after his civilian identity as a [Staten Island](/page/Staten Island) resident was compromised during a raid. This series, patterned after Broca's likeness, allowed Crimson Guards to seamlessly replace one another in roles, maintaining operational security even under scrutiny. Fred VII, a standout from the Fred series, rose to prominence by impersonating after the real Commander's presumed death, effectively usurping leadership during a period of internal strife; his tenure ended with his death in a 1989 confrontation amid the civil war on Cobra Island. Known for his skills and ruthless ambition, Fred VII coordinated key operations, including alliances with Dr. Mindbender, before his downfall exposed vulnerabilities in the Crimson Guard's loyalty structure. Professor Appel represented a scientific variant within the Crimson Guard, leveraging his expertise in for Cobra's technological advancements, such as the geo-engineering project that formed Cobra Island from oil platforms in the . Operating under deep cover as a suburban family man in —unbeknownst to his daughter , who later became Ripcord's girlfriend—Appel coordinated demolitions and infiltrations until his death during a G.I. Joe assault on his home. His work highlighted the Guard's dual role in both and covert innovation, often blending civilian professions with Cobra directives. Specialized subgroups enhanced the Crimson Guard's versatility in Cobra operations. The Immortals, introduced in 1991, were an elite armored contingent redesigned as fanatical zealots sworn to absolute obedience, featuring variants like gunners in uniforms with silver chest plates, drivers in gray suits adapted from crews, and commanders with accents; they served as personal bodyguards and conducted high-risk assaults, embodying unwavering devotion during power struggles within . The Shadow Guard operated as a clandestine black-suited ninja-commando unit, known only to senior Crimson Guard members, functioning as damage-control teams for stealth eliminations and perimeter security in high-stakes scenarios across various campaigns. Under the brief oversight of twins , these members and subgroups underscored the Crimson Guard's critical yet volatile role in 's command structure.

Toys and figures

Original Real American Hero line

The Crimson Guard debuted in 1985 as part of Wave 4 in Hasbro's : A Real American Hero (RAH) toy line, portraying elite selected from graduates for their exceptional and indoctrination at headquarters. The figure's design emphasizes this elite status through a distinctive red uniform, complete with a featuring a black face mask and silver visor, a red dress for gear storage, and a black AK48A rifle equipped with a for combat versatility. Production utilized Hasbro's original body molds with an innovative ball-jointed neck for improved poseability, and the toy was manufactured exclusively for U.S. and select international markets before discontinuation in 1987. In 1986, reissued the figure with subtle repaints, including variations in red shading (lighter or darker tones) and minor backpack molding differences, while the head sculpt directly represented the "Fred" civilian disguise identity central to the character's undercover role. These variants maintained the core accessories and file card details, which highlighted the trooper's primary specialty in deep-cover missions and secondary expertise in demolitions. The file card, bearing a "" classification, underscored the rigorous educational requirements, noting that Crimson Guards must possess advanced degrees to infiltrate high-level positions. A variant, the Python Crimson Guard Immortal, was released in 1989 as part of the Python Patrol subgroup, featuring a tan uniform with brown and black accents, reusing the 1985 body mold, and including new accessories such as a spring-loaded missile launcher and snake staff. This release extended the Crimson Guard's presence in the RAH line with a desert-themed aesthetic for specialized operations. Due to its iconic red design and representation of Cobra's most loyal operatives, the 1985-1986 Crimson Guard figures enjoy high collectibility among enthusiasts, with mint-condition complete examples typically valued between $20 and $50 in 2025 market sales. Variants like the darker red repaint or hollow backpack versions command slight premiums for rarity, though the standard release remains widely sought for its historical significance in the RAH line.

2000s variants and sets

In the 2000s, expanded the Crimson Guard toy line through various repaints, multi-figure sets, and anniversary editions, emphasizing army-building potential and ties to the character's role while incorporating modern articulation and accessories. These releases were part of the : A Real American Hero continuity, often exclusive to specific retailers to target dedicated collectors. The 2004 Operation: Crimson Sabotage set, a exclusive, featured three Crimson Guard variants (versions 3, 4, and 5) with removable helmets, a H.I.S.S. for troop transport, and a Crimson ASP armored personnel carrier with gun emplacement for tactical support. The figures' updated sculpts allowed for , enhancing play versatility in infiltration scenarios. Building on this, the 2005 Toys "R" Us exclusive Crimson Shadow Guard set introduced a black-suited (version 8) in a six-figure pack, equipped with stealth weapons like crossbows and swords for nocturnal operations. This repaint shifted the elite troopers' aesthetic toward covert missions, including black helmets and backpacks for a shadowy identity. The 2007 25th Anniversary comic pack released a repainted Crimson Guard (version 9) with comic-inspired details, such as scarred facial elements drawn from depictions, paired with the Scarred Cobra Officer and packaged on a comic card back. Available through major retailers, it celebrated the line's comic legacy with improved joint articulation over earlier molds. In 2008, Toys "R" Us exclusives included Crimson Guard packs, such as a three-figure set with a Senior Ranking Officer variant (version 12) alongside standard troopers and a red-hooded , focusing on command structure within units. These sets prioritized elite officer hierarchies with specialized accessories like pistols and backpacks. The late-2000s Hall of Heroes wave culminated in the 2009 fan-voted Crimson Guard release (version 15), a red-figured update with enhanced articulation, a Fred VII-inspired head sculpt, and classic weaponry, sold via channels on Hasbro's website. This edition refined the 1985 design for modern play while honoring collector input. These variants gained traction through retailer exclusives and sales, such as Hasbro's online DTC series, which made army-builders more accessible to fans. Post-2010, values for 2000s Crimson Guard sets rose among collectors, driven by for the Real American Hero era and limited production runs.

Classified Series and modern releases

The Crimson Guard made its debut in the Classified Series in 2022, reimagined in a 6-inch scale with 18 points of articulation for enhanced poseability compared to earlier toy lines. This figure features premium sculpting by , including detailed red armor, a distinctive , layered textures on the body, and raised elements on the torso, evoking the elite operatives' original 1985 design while incorporating modern detailing. It includes seven character-inspired accessories: a , , , , , and two alternate hands, allowing for dynamic display and play options. Pre-orders opened on April 26, 2022, marking it as a key release in the series' expansion of trooper assortments. A Walmart exclusive Retro variant followed in October 2022, featuring the same figure on classic file card packaging to homage the original RAH releases. In 2025, announced a female Crimson Guard variant as part of the Retro Cardback wave, set for a fall release to appeal to contemporary collectors seeking diverse representations of classic characters. Revealed at (NYCC) 2025, this 6-inch figure modernizes the Crimson Guard aesthetic with updated sculpting, including refined armor plating and helmet details while maintaining the iconic red color scheme and elite guard motif. It comes with ten accessories, such as a , , scabbard, knife, two alternate hands, a figure stand, and additional weapon elements, emphasizing versatility in posing and customization. Pre-orders launched on November 4, 2025, via Pulse and select retailers, with an MSRP of $27.99. Other releases in the 2020s include homages to the 2021 Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins movie through the Classified Series' initial wave of film-inspired figures, which incorporated subtle nods to Crimson Guard-style elite aesthetics in accessory design and armor motifs. Reviews from , including detailed unboxings on platforms like , praised the line's overall advancements in articulation, noting the Crimson Guard's 18 points enable fluid, realistic poses that surpass prior toy generations. These modern Crimson Guard figures have seen strong collectibility, with the release experiencing high demand that led to quick sell-outs at major retailers. As of November 2025, secondary market values for the 2022 figure range 20-30% above its original MSRP of $24.99, often listing around $30-32 on sites like due to among army builders. The 2025 female variant similarly generated immediate buzz, with preorders selling out within hours of launch, underscoring ongoing enthusiast interest in expanded Crimson Guard variants.

Comic book appearances

Marvel Comics

The Crimson Guard made their first appearance in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #29 (September 1984), where unveiled them as an elite unit of highly trained, college-educated infiltrators designed to embed in civilian society, business, and politics to advance Cobra's interests. These agents, exemplified by the inaugural member Fred Broca (alias Smith), were tasked with covert surveillance, including monitoring headquarters at The Pit beneath , New York, as seen when Broca observed Joe movements from his nearby home in issue #31 (January 1985). The Fred storyline, spanning issues #31–33 (January–March 1985) and later #42 (September 1985), introduced the "Fred series" of identical Guardsmen. In #31, Broca hosted and Firefly while relaying intelligence on Joe activities, but he was wounded in a confrontation with Airborne and Spirit in the High Sierras. In #32 (February 1985), Broca confronted the Soft Master at the cabin ruins, realized his revenge was futile, and died from his wounds. His death prompted to establish the "Fred series" protocol, surgically altering subsequent Guardsmen to match Broca's appearance—mirroring Commander's own face—for seamless replacement and disguise as body doubles or sleeper agents. Broca's replacement, Fred II (real name Wade Collins), was a veteran presumed dead after an ambush, who survived, was rescued and brainwashed by , and altered to resemble Broca. The Fred VII arc, beginning in issue #59 (April 1987) and extending through #155 (December 1994), featured another Crimson Guardsman from the series, Fred VII, who plotted to usurp Commander's role by donning advanced battle armor and a hood to impersonate him starting in #64 (September 1987). This deception fueled the 1989 Cobra Civil War (issues #73–76, July–October 1988), a pivotal conflict on Cobra Island where Fred VII's faction, allied with and the Dreadnoks, clashed with 's forces backed by Dr. Mindbender, Tomax, Xamot, and loyal Crimson Guardsmen, resulting in heavy casualties and Destro's Iron Grenadiers tipping the balance toward before his assassination by . In the UK-exclusive Action Force series by , the Crimson Guard assaulted the in as part of a terror campaign in issue #6 (April 1987), where two agents (one male, one female) attempted to destroy it with a but were thwarted by Action Force members Dusty, Airtight, , and Alpine. Another plot in issue #28 (September 1987) involved Crimson Guardsman Perkins, a disguised schoolteacher, taking his class and killing the headmaster after his uniform was discovered, leading to a siege resolved by Flint and the team. Post-1986, following Serpentor's creation in issue #50 (August 1986), the Crimson Guard evolved from primary sleeper agents to also serving as Serpentor's personal bodyguard unit, providing protection during his rise and the ensuing Civil War against Fred VII's impostor regime.

Devil's Due and IDW continuities

In the Devil's Due continuity spanning 2001 to 2008, the Crimson Guard faced internal challenges that highlighted themes of disloyalty and within Cobra's ranks. In G.I. Joe: Frontline #16 (November 2003), fractures among units emerged, including the Crimson Guard, as a former operative, Martin Fletcher, defected and sought to disclose Cobra's secrets to during a meeting at Parliament Security House in London. Fletcher, assassinated by a Night Creeper using a poison needle before he could reveal details, underscored the Guard's vulnerability to betrayal amid Cobra's instability. The continuity also explored rogue dynamics through characters like Agent X-99, a former Crimson Guard operative abandoned by and acting against the organization, reflecting ongoing infiltration risks within the unit. By 2007, in G.I. Joe: America's Elite #30, formed The Plague, an of 13 operatives drawn from top divisions including the Crimson Guard, as a counter to 's original team. This group, featuring members such as —a Crimson Guard specialist—ambushed Joes in during global assaults, marking a consolidation of loyal elites amid 's World War III campaign. Shifting to the IDW continuity from 2008 to 2022, the Crimson Guard evolved into more enigmatic, high-functioning operatives integrated into 's increasingly corporate structure, often serving as shadowy enforcers rather than uniformed . In the G.I. Joe: Cobra volumes, they appeared as mysterious guards protecting 's inner circle, emphasizing covert roles over overt military action. Appearances in series like Snake Eyes and Red Shadows during the 2010s portrayed them as versatile assets in 's shadowy operations, blending with the organization's business-like facade. This shift reduced emphasis on their identical facial uniformity, favoring individualized infiltrators suited to corporate . Key events highlighted betrayals during Cobra's 2013 civil war, where Crimson Guard elements fragmented amid factional infighting, with some officers defecting to rival leaders like . In G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #225, Crimson Guard Commanders orchestrated a deception against , faking an explosion to rescue allies and plotting an alliance with outcasts, exemplifying internal disloyalty. Undercover operations in urban settings featured prominently, as seen in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #206 (2014, part of the ongoing arc extending into later volumes), where a "new family" of Crimson Guards posed as civilians in a suburban home, concealing Revanche Robotics technology and enabling infiltration of American communities. By the 2020 volume of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, such ops intensified in city environments, with Guards conducting subtle surveillance and sabotage to support Cobra's economic dominance. This evolution built on the Marvel-era Fred storyline's infiltration legacy, adapting it to modern corporate threats. In the continuation (2022–present), Crimson Guards continue to appear in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issues such as #301–310 (2023–2025), maintaining their espionage roles in ongoing Cobra-Joe conflicts.

Animated series

Sunbow series

The Crimson Guard made their debut in the Sunbow during the five-part "The Pyramid of Darkness" in 1985, where they served as elite infiltrators under the command of the twins , assisting in a plot to hijack G.I. Joe's Space Station Delta and construct a massive solar weapon known as the Pyramid of Darkness. In this storyline, the Guards operated H.I.S.S. tanks during the initial assault on the shuttle and supported the twins' escape to hidden bases, showcasing their role in 's high-stakes operations. Subsequent appearances highlighted their versatility in Cobra's schemes, such as in the episode "The Gamesmaster" (1985), where Crimson Guards acted alongside in securing captured G.I. Joes at Zartan's swamp laboratory, emphasizing their utility in containment and support roles during unconventional threats like the 's holographic manipulations. Similarly, in "Cobra's Creatures" (1985), they participated in guard duty by freeing Professor Attila from Stonehall Prison as part of 's animal control plot led by Dr. Lucifer, delivering key lines in coordination with other forces. The Crimson Guard were characterized as fanatical elite troops, with —voiced by and Michael Bell, respectively—exhibiting a unique psychic link that caused them to feel each other's pain, a vulnerability frequently exploited by the G.I. Joes to disrupt operations through targeted attacks on one twin to incapacitate both. Generic Crimson Guard members were voiced by various actors, including Chris Collins and , contributing to their portrayal as disciplined, red-uniformed enforcers loyal to 's inner circle. Following the 1986 miniseries "Arise, , Arise!", the unit shifted allegiance to the newly created Emperor , defying Commander's orders during DNA-gathering missions and aligning with Dr. Mindbender's faction in the ensuing power struggle.

DiC and Renegades series

In the DiC , which aired from to 1991, the Crimson Guard appeared as elite operatives with expanded narrative depth, often highlighting personal stakes and tactical versatility. Regular Crimson Guards featured prominently in the opening five-part Operation: Dragonfire, where they supported 's worldwide campaign to harness the mysterious Dragonfire energy source for a superweapon. A key plot element involved undercover infiltration, as the character Scoop—initially presented as a intelligence operative—was revealed to be a Crimson Guard spying on the team, motivated by a fabricated belief that Joes had injured his family during a prior operation. This arc emphasized the Guards' role in and deception against threats like the rogue scientist Dr. Mindbender. The series further individualized the Crimson Guard in the season 2 two-parter "The Greatest Evil," introducing the Crimson Guard Immortal variant. As a high-ranking operative, the Immortal confronts a profound moral crisis when Cobra's alliances intersect with international drug cartels led by the villain Headman. His sister’s to narcotics, exacerbated by Cobra's indirect involvement, forces him to question his , culminating in a reluctant alliance with forces—including —to dismantle the drug network and rescue his sibling. Voiced by Don Brown, this portrayal marked a shift toward redemption themes, portraying the Guard not merely as faceless enforcers but as individuals capable of ethical conflict. In the 2010–2011 G.I. Joe: Renegades series, the Crimson Guard received a stylized homage in the episode "Brothers of Light," reimagined as brainwashed cult enforcers. Led by the telepathic twins , who pose as spiritual leaders of the "Brothers of Light" commune, the Guards serve as heavily armed, red-uniformed zealots guarding the cult's hidden facility and enforcing its mind-control doctrines. This depiction reinforced Cobra's motifs of psychological domination and faux-religious fervor, with the Guards' fanaticism stemming from hypnotic conditioning rather than voluntary elite service. Upon the cult's defeat, the brainwashed Guards are liberated, underscoring themes of coerced loyalty and post-indoctrination redemption; provided the voice for one of the Guard leaders in the episode. Across both the DiC and Renegades continuities, Crimson Guards evolved from their foundational elite guard archetype—briefly referenced in prior Sunbow depictions as Cobra's most trusted infiltrators—toward more varied, character-driven roles that prioritized internal moral tensions and tactical adaptability over uniform obedience.

References

  1. https://www.yojoe.com/action/85/crimsonguard.shtml
  2. http://www.myuselessknowledge.com/joe/siegies.html
  3. https://www.yojoe.com/action/85/tomax.shtml
  4. https://www.yojoe.com/action/91/cgimmortal.shtml
  5. https://www.yojoe.com/action/05/crimsonguard8.shtml
  6. https://gijoe.fandom.com/wiki/Crimson_Guard_(RAH)
  7. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe32.shtml
  8. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe43.shtml
  9. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe90.shtml
  10. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe76.shtml
  11. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe46.shtml
  12. https://www.yojoe.com/action/89/pythoncrimsonguard.shtml
  13. https://www.ebay.com/itm/127394635984
  14. https://www.yojoe.com/vehicles/04/operationcrimsonsabotage/
  15. https://generalsjoesreborn.com/reviews/2004/exclusives/kbocs.html
  16. https://joebattlelines.com/reviews/toys/valorvsvenom/crimsonshadowguard.htm
  17. https://www.yojoe.com/action/08/crimsonguard9.shtml
  18. https://www.actionfigure411.com/gijoe/25th-anniversary/comic-packs/crimson-guard-and-scarred-cobra-officer-3431.php
  19. https://mikescollection.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/crimson-guard-officer-v-1-2008/
  20. https://www.yojoe.com/action/09/crimsonguard15.shtml
  21. https://generalsjoesreborn.com/reviews/2009/anniversary/Hall_of_Heroes/crimsonguard.html
  22. https://www.ebay.com/itm/175571127034
  23. https://www.actionfigure411.com/gijoe/25th-anniversary/hall-of-heroes/crimson-guard-3418.php
  24. https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/product/variationdetails/203309
  25. https://generalsjoesreborn.com/2022/09/g-i-joe-classified-crimson-guard/
  26. https://www.collectorscantina.com/2022/05/02/new-g-i-joe-classified-figures-coming-next-spring/
  27. https://generalsjoesreborn.com/2022/10/g-i-joe-classified-walmart-retro-crimson-guard-and-snake-eyes/
  28. https://toyhabits.com/gi-joe-classified-series-retro-cardback-figures-fall-2025-preorders/
  29. https://toyhabits.com/gi-joe-classified-series-nycc-2025-official-images-preorder/
  30. https://www.hasbropulse.com/eu/en/product/g.i.-joe-classified-series-retro-cardback-crimson-guard/G22905X00.html
  31. https://news.hisstank.com/2025/11/04/g-i-joe-classified-retro-cardback-nov-2025-pre-orders-93155
  32. https://gijoe.miraheze.org/wiki/G.I._Joe_Classified_Series
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR28o2R54qU
  34. https://www.actionfigurebarbecue.com/2023/01/wrapping-up-2022-crimson-guard-from-gi.html
  35. https://www.ebay.com/itm/266567524174
  36. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe29.shtml
  37. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe31.shtml
  38. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/joe/joe74.shtml
  39. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/af/af6.shtml
  40. https://gijoe.fandom.com/wiki/Action_Force_%28weekly%29_28
  41. http://www.myuselessknowledge.com/joe/characters/serpy.html
  42. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/frontline/frontline16.shtml
  43. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/elite/elite30.shtml
  44. https://comicbookrealm.com/series/11904/189612/devils-due-publishing-gi-joe-americas-elite-issue-30
  45. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/idwarah/arah206.shtml
  46. https://www.yojoe.com/comics/idwarah/arah225.shtml
  47. https://gijoe.fandom.com/wiki/G.I._Joe:_A_Real_American_Hero_(Skybound)
  48. https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/gi-joe-a-real-american-hero-youtube-guide
  49. http://www.halfbattle.com/tpod1.html
  50. http://www.halfbattle.com/gamesmaster.html
  51. http://www.halfbattle.com/cobrascreatures.html
  52. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/GI-Joe/
  53. http://www.halfbattle.com/asa3.html
  54. http://www.halfbattle.com/crimsonguard.html
  55. http://www.halfbattle.com/greatestevil1.html
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1795903/characters/nm0724656
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