Barbecue (G.I. Joe)
Encyclopedia
Barbecue is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's fire fighter
and debuted in 1985.
, Massachusetts
.
Barbecue's primary military specialty is fireman, and his secondary military specialty is infantry
. Barbecue would have been the seventh Kelly in his family line in the Boston Fire department, if he hadn't joined the G.I. Joe Team. He does his job out of a sense of civic duty, not out of family loyalty. He also happens to like loud sirens, clanging bells, and breaking down doors with axes.
New versions of Barbecue were released in 2008 for the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary line, and in 2009 for the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra line.
G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #40 (October 1985), crawling out of a storage locker on the Joe's new battle platform. His appearance is unexpected and earns him a pistol pointed in his face from Shipwreck. He is part of a team of Joes assigned to erect the new transportable Air-Sea Base in the Gulf of Mexico. When Cobra attacks, seeking to trigger the geological fault-line there, Barbecue helps protect the platform, by chopping off burning pieces, and leaping onto attacking hydrofoils. In the next issue, all available Joes are assigned to take down the newly formed Cobra Island
. The island was created as a result of Cobra's efforts, and the Joes seek to drive Cobra off the island before they can claim sovereignty. Shipwreck and Barbecue take out a Cobra HISS tank by themselves. Legal maneuvering has Cobra Island recognized as a nation, and the Joes are forced to leave.
Barbecue later returns to the Gulf, as part of a team of Joes seeking to rescue Ripcord
and Snake-Eyes from Cobra Island. They take "Ripcord" back to the Pit, where they discover that this was really Zartan
in disguise. After Zartan infiltrates Joe headquarters, Barbecue is seen spraying down the halls with foam, in hopes that the Joes will spot his footprints. Soon after, Barbecue helps take part in the assault on Springfield.
Barbecue is present when Storm Shadow
infiltrates G.I. Joe HQ, in an effort to gain emotional support from Snake-Eyes. When the Cobra agent is left to leave in peace, Barbecue makes a sarcastic comment about a second agent being allowed to leave with knowledge of the Joe HQ location (Zarana being the first in the previous issue). Scarlett
, angered at the man's insensitivity, punches him in the face.
When murderous generals wish to push blame for a Cobra Island
raid on the Joe team, he is one of the few Joes to escape capture. He teams up with the rogue Joes (such as Bazooka
, Roadblock
and Grunt
), in a successful raid that rescues General Hawk
, and ultimately exposes the conspiracy.
When Cobra later invades the Pit, Airtight
and Barbecue fend off a squad of Laser Vipers. They retreat when the B.A.T.s are deployed, which break through the blast doors and prepare to invade the Pit.
comics, which maintain a different continuity. In the first issue, he mysteriously escapes being murdered at the hands of Storm Shadow
. He later returns to help raid a Cobra stronghold that is masquerading as a fast food franchise. He also assists when Lady Jaye
is threatened by a motion sensitive bomb. Airtight
and Barbecue successfully stop a run-away train full of radioactive materials from causing the death of many innocent people. At the end of the story, Airtight refers to his friend as "Italian".
. He appeared in 2 PSAs, which involved fire safety. He was voiced by Loren Lester
.
cartoon four times, but had no spoken lines.
episode "Fire Fight". Gabriel Kelly is a firefighter who worked for Green Ridge Fire Department, at the time when Cobra Industries was constructing a dam. He was against the Anti-Cobra protests at first, but ended up assisting Roadblock in blowing up a dam in order to put out a fire that Firefly started. Roadblock gave him the nickname "Barbecue" which he liked. When Firefly ambushed Barbecue and Roadblock in the helicopter, Barbecue fought Firefly, until Roadblock got him out of the helicopter. When offered to help out G.I. Joe, Barbecue stays in Green Ridge to help rebuild it.
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a military-themed line of action figures and toys in Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise. The toyline lasted from 1982 to 1994, producing well over 500 figures and 250 vehicles and playsets. The line reappeared in 1997 and has continued in one form or another to the...
toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's fire fighter
Firefighter
Firefighters are rescuers extensively trained primarily to put out hazardous fires that threaten civilian populations and property, to rescue people from car incidents, collapsed and burning buildings and other such situations...
and debuted in 1985.
Profile
His real name is Gabriel A. Kelly, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. Barbecue was born in BostonBoston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
.
Barbecue's primary military specialty is fireman, and his secondary military specialty is infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
. Barbecue would have been the seventh Kelly in his family line in the Boston Fire department, if he hadn't joined the G.I. Joe Team. He does his job out of a sense of civic duty, not out of family loyalty. He also happens to like loud sirens, clanging bells, and breaking down doors with axes.
Toys
Barbecue was first released as an action figure in 1985. The figure was repainted and released as part of the Slaughter's Marauders line in 1989. A new version of Barbecue was released as part of the "Eco-Warriors" line in 1992.New versions of Barbecue were released in 2008 for the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary line, and in 2009 for the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra line.
Marvel Comics
In the Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #40 (October 1985), crawling out of a storage locker on the Joe's new battle platform. His appearance is unexpected and earns him a pistol pointed in his face from Shipwreck. He is part of a team of Joes assigned to erect the new transportable Air-Sea Base in the Gulf of Mexico. When Cobra attacks, seeking to trigger the geological fault-line there, Barbecue helps protect the platform, by chopping off burning pieces, and leaping onto attacking hydrofoils. In the next issue, all available Joes are assigned to take down the newly formed Cobra Island
Cobra Island
Cobra Island is a fictional country located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the main base of operations for the fictional Cobra Organization featured in the G.I. Joe toyline from the 1980s. It is featured in the G.I. Joe cartoon and the comic book series created by Marvel Comics and Devil's Due...
. The island was created as a result of Cobra's efforts, and the Joes seek to drive Cobra off the island before they can claim sovereignty. Shipwreck and Barbecue take out a Cobra HISS tank by themselves. Legal maneuvering has Cobra Island recognized as a nation, and the Joes are forced to leave.
Barbecue later returns to the Gulf, as part of a team of Joes seeking to rescue Ripcord
Rip Cord (G.I. Joe)
Rip Cord, also called Ripcord, is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. The character is first featured in the series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and G.I. Joe: Sigma 6. He is the G.I...
and Snake-Eyes from Cobra Island. They take "Ripcord" back to the Pit, where they discover that this was really Zartan
Zartan
Zartan is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, by Hasbro. He is a mercenary who often worked directly for Cobra Commander, and is one of the main villains in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic and animated series. His character was voiced by Zack Hoffman in the 1985 TV...
in disguise. After Zartan infiltrates Joe headquarters, Barbecue is seen spraying down the halls with foam, in hopes that the Joes will spot his footprints. Soon after, Barbecue helps take part in the assault on Springfield.
Barbecue is present when Storm Shadow
Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)
Storm Shadow is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book series and television shows. The character is best known for his history with fellow ninja Snake Eyes...
infiltrates G.I. Joe HQ, in an effort to gain emotional support from Snake-Eyes. When the Cobra agent is left to leave in peace, Barbecue makes a sarcastic comment about a second agent being allowed to leave with knowledge of the Joe HQ location (Zarana being the first in the previous issue). Scarlett
Scarlett (G.I. Joe)
Scarlett is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character is one of the original members of the fictional team and toy line. She is a major character of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book series and the...
, angered at the man's insensitivity, punches him in the face.
When murderous generals wish to push blame for a Cobra Island
Cobra Island
Cobra Island is a fictional country located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the main base of operations for the fictional Cobra Organization featured in the G.I. Joe toyline from the 1980s. It is featured in the G.I. Joe cartoon and the comic book series created by Marvel Comics and Devil's Due...
raid on the Joe team, he is one of the few Joes to escape capture. He teams up with the rogue Joes (such as Bazooka
Bazooka (G.I. Joe)
Bazooka is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's missile specialist and debuted in 1985.-Profile:...
, Roadblock
Roadblock (G.I. Joe)
Roadblock is a character from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of toys, comics and cartoons. He is one of the most prominent African-Americans in the series. His primary function in G.I. Joe is as a heavy machine gunner and a secondary function as a cook.-Fictional character...
and Grunt
Grunt (G.I. Joe)
Grunt is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is an infantryman with the G.I. Joe Team and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
), in a successful raid that rescues General Hawk
Hawk (G.I. Joe)
Hawk is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys. He appears in the animated series, comic books, toyline, and movie.-Profile:...
, and ultimately exposes the conspiracy.
When Cobra later invades the Pit, Airtight
Airtight (G.I. Joe)
Airtight is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's hostile environment specialist and debuted in 1985.-Profile:...
and Barbecue fend off a squad of Laser Vipers. They retreat when the B.A.T.s are deployed, which break through the blast doors and prepare to invade the Pit.
Action Force
Barbecue also appears in the British Action ForceAction Force
Action Force was a 1980s range of European action figures initially based on Action Man, and later used to introduce G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toys to European markets...
comics, which maintain a different continuity. In the first issue, he mysteriously escapes being murdered at the hands of Storm Shadow
Storm Shadow (G.I. Joe)
Storm Shadow is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book series and television shows. The character is best known for his history with fellow ninja Snake Eyes...
. He later returns to help raid a Cobra stronghold that is masquerading as a fast food franchise. He also assists when Lady Jaye
Lady Jaye (G.I. Joe)
Lady Jaye is a fictional character in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. She was originally created as a character for the Sunbow cartoon series in 1984, and later produced as an action figure, and finally introduced into the comic book in 1985. Lady Jaye is...
is threatened by a motion sensitive bomb. Airtight
Airtight (G.I. Joe)
Airtight is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's hostile environment specialist and debuted in 1985.-Profile:...
and Barbecue successfully stop a run-away train full of radioactive materials from causing the death of many innocent people. At the end of the story, Airtight refers to his friend as "Italian".
IDW
Barbecue appears in the new continuity created by IDW. He and a team of Joes investigate a theater in the abandoned town of Springfield. A Cobra operative named Krake ambushes the team and kills every single member, including Barbecue. This kicks off the "contest" to find the next Cobra Commander by seeing who can kill the most Joes.Sunbow
He first appeared in the G.I. Joe first season episode "The Further Adventures of G.I. Joe". In the Sunbow series, he had speaking appearances in the episodes The Viper Is Coming, Worlds Without End I-II, Captives of Cobra I-II, The Greenhouse Effect, The Gods Below, The Invaders, Flint's Vacation, Skeletons in the Closet, and Cold Slither. The episode "Captives" reveals he comes from a family of firefighters. In the same two-parter, his father is one of many Joe relatives brainwashed and sent to fight the team. He speaks with a heavy New England accentNew England English
New England English refers to the dialects of English spoken in the New England area. These include the Eastern New England dialect , the Western New England dialect , and some Subdialects within these two regions...
. He appeared in 2 PSAs, which involved fire safety. He was voiced by Loren Lester
Loren Lester
Loren Lester is an American actor of stage, screen, and voice, best known for his portrayal of DC Comics superhero Robin and Nightwing in the numerous Batman animated series and features in the DC Animated Universe....
.
DiC
He appeared in the DiC G.I. JoeG.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1989 TV series)
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a half-hour American animated television series based on the successful toyline from Hasbro and the comic book series from Marvel Comics. The series was produced by DIC Entertainment and ran from 1989 to 1991....
cartoon four times, but had no spoken lines.
Renegades
Barbecue appears in the G.I. Joe: RenegadesG.I. Joe: Renegades
G.I. Joe: Renegades is an American animated television series based on the G.I. Joe toy franchise. The series premiered on November 26, 2010 on The Hub. The series aired on Teletoon in Canada....
episode "Fire Fight". Gabriel Kelly is a firefighter who worked for Green Ridge Fire Department, at the time when Cobra Industries was constructing a dam. He was against the Anti-Cobra protests at first, but ended up assisting Roadblock in blowing up a dam in order to put out a fire that Firefly started. Roadblock gave him the nickname "Barbecue" which he liked. When Firefly ambushed Barbecue and Roadblock in the helicopter, Barbecue fought Firefly, until Roadblock got him out of the helicopter. When offered to help out G.I. Joe, Barbecue stays in Green Ridge to help rebuild it.
External links
- Barbecue at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page