Baroness (G.I. Joe)
Encyclopedia
The Baroness is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
toyline by Hasbro
, originally appearing in the first issue of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
comic series by Marvel Comics
in June, 1982. The Baroness is a villain, usually associated with G.I. Joe's enemy, Cobra.
Baroness serves as Cobra's intelligence officer and lieutenant to Cobra Commander
. With long black hair, black-rimmed glasses, and a black leather outfit, Baroness is a dark, sensual femme fatale
whose beauty is matched only by her ruthlessness. In both comic and cartoon incarnations, as well as the 2009 live-action movie for the series, she has romantic relationships with Destro
.
Although the character was not part of the initial G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero release in 1982, she did appear in G.I. Joe #1, published by Marvel Comics
in June 1982 and was, in fact, the first character to crossover from the comics, into the animated series, and finally into the toy line. She made her debut as an action figure in the 1984 series, wearing a new uniform that was then carried back over to the comic and cartoon.
A second Baroness figure was released in 2004, for the Valor vs Venom line. Once again wearing a blue uniform, hearkening back to her comic origins, this Baroness was better-proportioned, and even more closely based on the Baroness' 1984 figure. The figure was repainted in black before the line ended.
Frustrated and angered, the Baroness spends years decrying the hypocrisy of the American government, becoming an active participant in militant revolutionary groups, eventually becoming a member of Cobra. In the time between these two events, she crosses paths with James McCullen XXIV, and the two share a romantic relationship (the extent of which has never been revealed).
As Cobra's second-in-command, the Baroness is on hand for many of Cobra's schemes, including the Commander's attempt to steal the G.I. Joe M.O.B.A.T. during a parade in New York City
, and an assault on NASA
's spy satellite rescue mission. The Baroness is also present when Cobra takes Snake Eyes prisoner, and Dr. Venom subjects him to the Brainwave Scanner
. This meeting is significant for the fact that in the years since her brother's death, Snake Eyes has been through so much trauma and disfigurement that he is completely unrecognizable to the Baroness. She remains unaware of her connection to Snake Eyes for a long time after this initial meeting.
When the Cobra Commander first contracts Destro, to salvage a mission in Alaska
, the Baroness is forced to reveal her past associations with the masked man. The Baroness is then ordered to Sierra Gordo to oversee the transfer of Doctor Venom's plague toxin, and set a red herring clue for G.I. Joe. Not interested in traipsing through the jungle herself, she trusts the Cobra courier, Scarface, to leave a false transmission embedded with a microdot
in Cobra's abandoned forest outpost.
Evading the G.I. Joe assault, the Baroness and Scarface escape in a plane, but the Baroness cannot pass up the opportunity to blow up the small island where Snake Eyes, Kwinn the Eskimo, and Dr. Venom are locked in battle. Just before the bombs hit, Snake Eyes pushes the other two into the island bunker. All three eventually survive, knowing it was her who dropped the bomb.
Confronting Destro about his connection to Scarface, the Baroness is forced to accept her beloved James' new identity as Destro, but also demands proof of his faith in her. In a gesture of love, Destro removes his mask, and the Baroness swoons, overcome by her feelings for Destro, and the situation it puts the both of them in.
Baroness and Cobra Commander discover that Dr. Venom has left out a vital part of the toxin and the microdot points the Joes to the Springfield HQ. This was according to Destro's plan; Scarface is working for him. Destro had not realized the Baroness was with the Commander (she is his personal pilot) and stages a successful diversionary mission.
Cobra Commander has another ally, Major Bludd
, look for a chance to kill Destro. This comes during a tank battle; Baroness sacrifices herself to save Destro. Bludd has a chance to free her but flees to leave her to an explosion.
Seemingly killed in the fight, the Baroness is, in fact, rescued after the battle, and brought to Bethesda Naval Hospital where she lays severely burned, and in a coma. When the G.I. Joe Grand Slam
takes Major Bludd into custody, the Baroness is moved to G.I. Joe headquarters in Staten Island
as well. Luring Cobra into attacking the base after they capture Scarface in Tripoli, Libya the Joes instigate a major skirmish at their own headquarters. During the battle of PIT I, Major Bludd kills General Flagg
, then frees himself. Taking the Baroness, he leaves Scarface for dead and escapes in a Cobra F.A.N.G.
When she awakens from her coma, Major Bludd takes the Baroness to The Bern Institute in Switzerland
. Under the alias "Baroness DeCobray," they hire Dr. Hundtkinder to perform reconstructive surgery on her face. Recovered from the surgery, the Baroness enters into a partnership with Major Bludd to blackmail Cobra Commander with the information they have about Destro's assassination. Meeting him in Lucca, Italy, they are double crossed when the Commander unleashes Storm Shadow
on them, and G.I. Joe agents Duke
and Roadblock
crash the party. Fleeing the scene, the Baroness, Major Bludd, and Storm Shadow manage to evade capture, but Cobra Commander is not so lucky.
Returning to Springfield, the Baroness tells Destro the truth about the Commander's attempted assassination, as Destro reveals a bug he's placed in Storm Shadow's sword, which will allow them to track the ninja. The Baroness recruits Firefly and Wild Weasel to locate the signal, and dispose of Storm Shadow. However, the ninja has already discovered the bug, and mailed it to another Cobra operative: the enigmatic Zartan
who lives in the Florida
Everglades
. With Firefly
and Wild Weasel
now prisoners, the Baroness and her allies are startled to find the Commander has returned, quickly rescued from G.I. Joe by Storm Shadow.
Placing Major Bludd in Springfield's underground dungeons, the Commander takes Baroness and Destro to meet Zartan in Florida. After a firefight with G.I. Joe, the Commander orders her back to Springfield, to prepare for his return. Immediately, however, she visits Major Bludd in prison, and frees him in exchange for his help in planning the assassination of Cobra Commander.
Recruiting Billy
, a young boy who works with the Anti-Cobra Underground (the same boy who helped Snake Eyes escape Springfield after his introduction to the Brainwave Scanner), the co-conspirators begin practicing for the heinous act. She even takes pity on Billy when Major Bludd snaps at him for screwing up at the rehearsal of the assassination attempt, showing her tender side and perhaps, motherly instincts. Another example of the Baroness' tender side is when she tells Doctor Mindbender
that she likes some of Major Bludd's poetry. When at last the rally is at hand, the Baroness is confronted by Destro, who abhors the idea of using a child as an assassin. But by then, Major Bludd is committed, and the Baroness finds her loyalties wavering. During the rally, Destro identifies Billy, and frantically rushes the stage. Stopping both the assassination, and Storm Shadow's retaliation, Destro reveals Billy's identity, as none other than the Cobra Commander's own son.
Billy is put on trial by the Commander and Destro, who is overcome with empathy for both father and son, and the Baroness fears that she and Major Bludd may be revealed as his partners. But Billy is much stronger than he seems, and resists even the Brainwave Scanner, successfully keeping their hands clean of the whole affair.
After the assassination attempt, the Commander begins working closer with Tomax, Xamot, and Professor Appel on the creation of Cobra Island
. The Baroness and Destro find themselves eager to get back in his good graces. Looking for a new weapon, they contact Dr. Mindbender, offering to help him test his experimental creeper vines, and more importantly, their android delivery system. Although the test is thwarted by Lady Jaye and a group of G.I. Joe recruits, Mindbender, and the B.A.T.s are brought to Cobra Island to meet the Commander.
When they arrive, the Island has been infiltrated by Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, while a G.I. Joe rescue team waits in the waters off the coast. While Mindbender attempts to prove his mettle, the Baroness leads a Cobra force to the beach, where she is confronted by an exhausted and badly injured Storm Shadow. Not wanting to take a chance that Billy told him about the assassination plot during their time away from Cobra, Baroness shoots him down, seemingly killing the ninja.
is created. Thought dead, Storm Shadow is also "resurrected" in Springfield and flees the G.I. Joe attack with the Dreadnoks
. Destro manages to successfully evacuate the entire town as Serpentor fights a holding action. Although the Baroness suggests they leave, and garner all the glory themselves, Destro chooses to extract Serpentor and his forces.
Upon reaching Cobra Island, Serpentor begins his usurping of the Commander's leadership, and the Baroness is quick to take up with him, seeing the reins of power being passed. When the Commander and Destro are buried alive under Pit II. The Baroness flies a Rattler over the rubble, and drops a wreath
to mourn the passing of her estranged lover.
For a time, the Baroness allies herself wholly to Serpentor, and is in charge of the Terrordrome
operation in Sierra Gordo when G.I. Joe agent Flint
is captured and brought into the base. When Mindbender subjects him to the Brainwave Scanner, and gets no facial reactions, he suspects that the Joe is wearing a mask. Pulling it off, the Baroness confirms the identity of the massively scarred face beneath: it is actually Snake Eyes in disguise. As G.I. Joe attacks the Terrordrome, Snake Eyes is removed, along with the Scanner, to Cobra's new Consulate Building in New York.
As he is subjected to the Scanner again, the Consulate is attacked by Scarlett
and Storm Shadow, eager to rescue their ally. Disguised as a late-night cleaning lady, Scarlett infiltrates the consulate while Snake Eyes' ninja brother breaks into the building by using the New York City sewer system. Using an X-ray
scanner, the Baroness confronts Scarlet, but she is surprised when Snake Eyes’ wolf, Timber, leaps out at her. While Storm Shadow rescues Snake Eyes upstairs, Scarlett overpowers the Baroness, strips her of her uniform and leaves her bound and gagged in a nearby closet. Fighting their way to the lobby, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow are then "captured" again by "the Baroness" and walked right out of the front door.
Later, the G.I. Joe team causes a massive disruption of the Consulate in a successful bid to place a wire tap on the building. Defeated, the Baroness is recalled to Cobra Island where a schism has occurred in the leadership of Cobra: Cobra Commander has returned. With the Baroness able to identify the Commander's real face, she is put in a transport chopper with him, and removes his helmet. Underneath is not the Commander, but one of the Crimson Guard
smen, Fred VII
. Claiming that the Commander retired to be with his son Billy (a lie, Fred actually shot and buried the Commander in Denver), the Baroness goes along with the false Commander, and usurps control of Cobra from an embarrassed and unpopular Serpentor.
Now in de facto command of Cobra, the Baroness is forced to take Fred VII on a mission into orbit to destroy a spy satellite threatening to undo Serpentor’s Terrodrome plot. When the Cobra Shuttle is attacked by the G.I. Joe Defiant
, Baroness is knocked out cold, leaving Fred VII to lead Cobra to a slim victory. Now cocky, and drunk with power, Fred drags the Baroness' image down with him, and he ham-handedly leads Cobra to defeat in Frusenland, where Battleforce 2000
discovers the truth about the Terrordromes, despite Baroness' best efforts to defeat them.
returns from a mission to infiltrate G.I. Joe's new base, Pit III, in Utah
. Looking for a clear victory to win support back from the troops, the ceremony turns into a battle of words that erupts in the Cobra Civil War. As the leader of the first offensive, the Baroness is taken prisoner by Serpentor, and strapped to the front of his HISS tank to deter anyone from firing on him.
Into this all-encompassing war, the G.I. Joe team arrives to bolster Serpentor's ranks, while Destro makes an appearance with his own faction: the Iron Grenadiers
. While G.I. Joe, Serpentor, and the "Commander" tear each other apart, Destro takes the airfield, and waits for his opportunity. Just as Fred’s army seems lost, Zartan fires an arrow and slays Serpentor from across the battlefield. With his leader fallen, Mindbender calls for a truce with the "Commander." United against Destro, the reunified Cobra is surprised to find that Destro wants only one thing: the Baroness.
Taking his prize, Destro retreats to his yacht. She reveals the true identity of the current Commander, and together they bear witness to G.I. Joe's unceremonious withdrawal from the Island. After helping the Joes clear their reputation in the wake of the Civil War, Destro and Baroness retire to Castle Destro in Scotland
, eager to leave the intrigue and danger behind them. Sadly, the "Commander" wants his enemies routed, and stages an assault on Destro's castle. Turning the situation to his advantage, Destro captures the "Commander", and effectively takes control of Cobra.
Expecting favored status in this new unified Cobra, the Baroness is displeased to discover she has been paired with Zarana
to run the Cobra Consulate in New York. The two even engage in a catfight
which ends up with Zarana pushing the Baroness out of the side door of a Cobra helicopter in mid-flight. The Baroness, however, manages to catch on to one of the helicopter's wheels just as it lands on top of the Cobra embassy.
Zarana has implanted false memories into G.I. Joe members Clutch
and Rock 'n Roll
in Broca Beach. Betraying Zarana, the Baroness leaks word that the Joes will be moved to a Cobra submarine off the New Jersey
shore
where they will "escape." At the same time, Snake Eyes and Scarlett have journeyed to Switzerland
to fix Snake Eyes' face. In another moment of fate, Snake Eyes meets with Dr. Hundtkinder, the same surgeon who treated the Baroness. Faxing her a photo of Snake Eyes before his disfigurement, the Baroness realizes that he is the man who shot her brother. Unwilling to let him slip through her fingers again, now that she knows the truth, the Baroness sabotages Zarana's van, allowing the Joes to capture the Dreadnoks, and rescue Clutch and Rock 'n Roll. Locked up in G.I. Joe Headquarters' sickbay, Zarana is listed in fair condition as, perhaps under the influence of painkillers,she tells the Joes about the Baroness' trip to Switzerland. But it is too late.
The Baroness combat assaults the Bern Institute in an out-of-control spree of violence. Trapping Scarlett and a recovering Snake Eyes, she shoots Scarlett in the head, and takes Snake Eyes back to New York. Holding him in the Consulate's basement, Baroness is ready to watch the Paine Brothers torture Snake Eyes to her pleasure, but Destro arrives to get answers concerning Zarana's capture. She informs the brothers to watch Snake Eyes, but she is forced to keep a straight face as Snake Eyes overpowers the Paine Brothers and escapes into the Consulate proper. Meanwhile, Stalker
, Storm Shadow, and former Crimson Guardsman Wade Collins have been listening to the proceedings on the G.I. Joe wire tap. Taking the opportunity to rush the Consulate, they manage to get halfway up the building before Snake Eyes detonates a huge amount of C-4
, setting the top of the building on fire, and threatening to topple the entire penthouse. The Baroness and a small force of Cobra Troops have barricaded themselves inside, and watch helplessly as Storm Shadow scales the side of the building and prepares to enter the penthouse.
Once inside, Storm Shadow calls for Snake Eyes, who reveals himself disguised as a Cobra trooper. The two of them decimate the entire Cobra army, just as the building gives way under the massive damage, caused by the explosions. The Baroness falls, only to be caught by Snake Eyes. Still filled with hate, she pulls her pistol on Snake Eyes when Destro returns in his helicopter and explains to her what he and his father saw that day back in Tet '68. Confused the Baroness is about to pull the trigger when another explosion rocks the building. Snake Eyes loses his grip and she plunges to her death only to be rescued this time by Storm Shadow, who tells her that he is not going to let her take the easy way out with all of her sins she has been carrying.
The ninjas help her onto Destro's chopper, and are rescued themselves by the Tomahawk
. Broken by the revelation of her misguided hatred, the Baroness plans to leave Cobra, and figure out where her life is headed which even leaves General Hawk
wondering if it is really possible that someone like the Baroness can really change. In a moment of absolute devotion, Destro removes his family mask, and tosses it aside. Together, James and Anastasia retire from Cobra.
After leaving the Iron Grenadiers to Darklon, the couple returns to Castle Destro and enjoys a period of quiet reflection. However, in their absence, Cobra undergoes a dramatic revolution as the original Cobra Commander returns, and buries most of Cobra's High Command in a freighter
under the volcano on Cobra Island. After a failed attempt to kill Storm Shadow, the Commander turns his sights on the last two traitors to his cause: James and Ana.
, Destro's spy in Cobra, the couple prepares to defend the Castle from a full assault. Destro and the Baroness manage to flee the Castle before it is destroyed, but while fleeing, the Baroness is hit and taken prisoner by the Cobra Commander. Subjected to the Brainwave Scanner, the Baroness is implanted with commands while the Commander wages an all-out Search and Destroy bounty on Destro. When the tables are turned, the Commander not only agrees to return the Baroness, but to give Destro the Silent Castle in Trans-Carpathia, in reparation for the Castle he destroyed.
In a double cross, the Baroness' hypnotic suggestions are activated by radio signal from a Cobra Hurricane. Before the Baroness can overpower Destro, they are attacked by Slice and Dice, who lead the Red Ninjas that dwell in the Castle's subcellars. As they fight for survival, the G.I. Joe team (called for protection by Destro) fights with an advance team of Cobra troops. The G.I. Joe Ninja Force arrives to defend Destro, while the Commander shows up to personally handle the matter, and the fighting escalates on all sides. Destro softens Baroness' hardened emotions by transforming his castle for her.
The two are pursued, captured and escape from Cobra again. This time, the forces against them include Dr. Biggles Jones and the seeming Joe traitor, Scarlett
. Destro and the Baroness ally themselves with G.I. Joe and are taken to an abandoned Cobra Island
, where they meet Zartan. After revealing Cobra's plans to revive Dr. Mindbender, Zartan returns to Trans-Carpathia with the couple, and takes back the Castle from a skeleton crew of Cobra troops.
Enjoying another short respite from Cobra, the trio is joined by Billy, returned from parts unknown. All too soon, however, the Cobra Commander arrives, and activates brain implants in both Destro and Zartan, bending them to his will. Although the Baroness and Billy utilize the Castle's secret passages to evade capture, they are thwarted by Destro himself. After being tortured for a time, Billy is ready to crack, and the Baroness does her best to keep him together. But Billy turns on his cellmate, ratting her out for trying to escape. When the two of them are brought up to the control room, Billy makes a mad dash to the console and launches an ICBM
, alerting G.I. Joe to the goings-on in Trans-Carpathia.
In return for deceiving him, the Commander not only kicks the Baroness in the face, but proceeds to capture Storm Shadow, and reconfigure all three of their minds with the Brainwave Scanner. As Snake Eyes arrives to rescue them all, the Baroness emerges as part of Cobra Renewed, and helps route Snake Eyes and the G.I. Joe extraction force. When the Commander is temporarily taken hostage, the Baroness steps up, and assumes control of Cobra, reestablishing her abilities as a field commander.
The series ends here, with the Baroness still a willing member of Cobra.
When Destro took ill, and his illegitimate son Alexander took over M.A.R.S. and the Destro identity, Baroness was forced to go along with him to keep James safe. Remaining stoically resistant to Alex' plan, the Baroness berates him with unfavorable comparisons to his father. Keeping the Commander in Scotland, along with Snake Eyes and Scarlett, the Baroness is forced to watch Mistress Armada Alexander's strategist, spill secrets to the enemy. When Alexander's plan inevitably fails, the Baroness rescue him and Armada, only to deliver them to a seething, but cured, James Destro for punishment.
Various criminal factions, interested in learning all they can about Cobra Commander
, capture the Baroness and Flint
. The two are tied together and tortured. Baroness breaks and uses her glasses to cut the bonds and the two work together to escape. Destro and his Iron Grenadiers
safely rescue her; as a parting 'gift', the Baroness kisses Flint right in front his love, Lady Jaye
The Baroness works with Zandar
as a plot to track down the Joe undercover officer, Chuckles
, they kill four Joe agents, "Greenshirts
" in the process.
When Cobra Commander is captured by Serpentor and his new faction, the Coil
, Destro is summoned to lead Cobra in a rescue mission. When the Commander returns to Cobra, Destro takes the opportunity to leave for good. In a shocking twist, however, the Baroness does not join him. After an elaborate scheme is derailed by Duke, Destro is arrested. The Commander leaves it to the Baroness to decide Destro's fate, and she votes to let him rot.
Put on trial by the U.N., Destro turns the tables and offers the guaranteed capture of Cobra Commander to assure his release. Taking his offer, the Joes are charged with transporting Destro by train, to lure Cobra into a trap. When both Cobra Commander and the Baroness arrive to free Destro, the Commander and Hawk throw down. Defeating his foe, the Commander shoots Hawk in the back, only to be shot by a traitorous Baroness.
The ruse is successful, and the Commander is in U.S. custody, leaving Destro and his pregnant wife in control of Cobra. This period is short-lived, however, and the Commander soon returns to reclaim Cobra once and for all. During the coup, the Baroness and Wraith (charged with her personal safety) are seemingly killed when the Commander detonates the Night Raven they are aboard.
, as a prisoner in the sub-basement of G.I. Joe's new headquarters, the Rock. Her existence is known to only a few, including General Joseph Colton, Duke, and Storm Shadow, who attempts to wrest information from her. But the Baroness is all-consumed by her desire for her baby, which she apparently carried to term, and has been separated from by the G.I. Joe team.
Storm Shadow passed the information about the Baroness' imprisonment to Snake Eyes, thinking he was about to sacrifice himself to save the G.I. Joe team on Destro's sub. The news then travels to Stalker and Scarlett, who take it upon themselves to confront Colton about the heinous act just as the Phoenix Guard attack the Rock. In the middle of the battle, the Baroness' cell is opened, and she makes her way to the roof, where she confronts and thoroughly thrashes Zarana (who was posing as Phoenix Guard member Friday) before escaping the Joe base.
The Baroness is the focal point of the follow-up story arc, "Sins of the Mother". Confronting Scalpel for his misdeeds, she tortures him with his own scalpel, and leaves him disfigured and near death. She then enlists the help of Major Bludd to enact revenge on G.I. Joe. Sending him to Saudi Arabia
to distract the Joes, the Baroness then tracks down and kills Wraith herself. Taking his armor, she strikes a bargain with Red Shadows' leader Wilder Vaughn for the location of Cobra Commander. After dealing with Flint
(who had been spying on the Shadows), the Baroness finally confronts Cobra Commander, only to be stopped by Destro himself.
The Joes arrive, including Flint, and are forced to lay down arms. Repeating her actions after the Yakuza
incident, Baroness kisses Flint, passing him something that enables him to free himself, and throwing the whole confrontation into upheaval. The situation is quelled, however, when Destro offers Cobra Commander control of M.A.R.S. in exchange for his infant son, Eugene.
When World War III
begins, Storm Shadow tracks Destro and the Baroness to Japan
where Destro agrees to help G.I. Joe fight Cobra Commander. Appalled that her husband would help "the enemy," Destro turns to her and tells her that it is only a matter of time before Cobra Commander betrays and comes after them. He is right as Cobra Commander has freed Dela Eden from prison and orders her to kill the steel-faced arms dealer and his wife. Storm Shadow then takes the couple to visit the G.I. Joe team in hiding where Destro informs Colonel Colton that he will need a piece of MARS technology to help G.I. Joe defeat it. In an uncomfortable moment, the Baroness turns to Scarlett and asks the red-head if her head still hurts.
After Barrel Roll and Recondo
, who have both managed to infiltrate Cobra and steal a stealth-cloaked Night Raven, the Baroness travels to England
where her husband helps re-engineer the Cobra technology that makes the Night Raven practically invincible. The Baroness then gathers her own army, code named--ATHENA FORCE
--and fights Alexander Destro's Iron Grenadiers in London where they all surrender when they see Destro at the head of his wife's army. After World War III ends, the Baroness lives in humility as she hugs her son and watches Destro on trial for his crimes against humanity.
n aristocrats. She joined a gang of small-time Communist
radicals, encouraging them towards violence. Faking her death and assuming control of the group under the new name the Baroness, she leads the Muller-Stromberg group in a series of highly destructive terrorist acts across Europe, taking out oil refineries, air bases and dams. While paying lip service to the group's ideology, she only uses them to prove her strategic abilities to Cobra and get hired. Once Cobra Commander contacts her, she wipes out her group and made her way to Cobra's jungle base.
. It follows the style and the content of the cartoon series, spotlighting a different member of Sigma 6 and Cobra in each issue. Baroness appears in issue 4 opposite G.I. Joe Scarlett. Baroness kidnaps a Prime Minister
after using members of the Dreadnoks to distract Scarlett. In the end, Scarlett finds her, and after a few taunts from Baroness, Scarlett beats Baroness and recovers the Prime Minister.
in this field. She is romantically involved with Destro, who often expresses frustration with her. On one occasion, Destro's disrespect for the Baroness led to her destroying his ancestral home in an act of vengeance. The Baroness tends to try to set both herself and Destro up as Cobra's leaders, and shows contempt for other members of Cobra, such as Cobra Commander, Tomax and Xamot
and the Dreadnoks. She is not directly involved in the plot to create Serpentor in Season Two, but is later seen loyal to him.
In the episode "Worlds Without End", the Joes encounter an alternate reality in which Cobra rules the United States
and G.I. Joe has been all but wiped out. In that reality, the Baroness is a double agent, Steeler
's lover, and the only surviving Joe. The episode ends with the Baroness engineering a civil war between Cobra Commander and Destro, allowing most of the Joe team, except Steeler, Clutch and Grunt, to return to their own reality.
She is voiced by actress Morgan Lofting with a European accent, which tends to waver between Germanic and Slavic in both series.
.
's G.I. Joe
cartoon, Baroness returns Cobra Commander to semi-human form, and mentions to him that Destro left her for Zarana.
animated movies G.I. Joe: Spy Troops
and G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom
, voiced by Teryl Rothery
.
, the Baroness is loyal to Cobra Commander. In a departure from her previous incarnations, her fingers appear to be composed of metal, suggesting they are cybernetic in nature. If so, how much of her hands and arms are robotic is unknown, since they are covered in long gloves with only the fingers exposed. She is also shown to have the ability to create holographic duplicates of herself to distract or confuse her opponents.
miniseries, the Baroness and Destro are part of a subplot in which they have taken a team of scientists hostage. Roadblock
, Gung-Ho
and Stalker
have to rescue them before Destro starts killing them. The Baroness was voiced by Grey DeLisle
.
, Baroness appears as Cobra Commander's second-in-command. She serves as the communications director for Cobra Industries. Like the comics and the other cartoons, Baroness is romantically involved with Destro.
In the episode "Homecoming Pt. 2", Baroness was sent to reclaim the console that the Joes stole from where a Cobra Christmas
party was being held which is now on a military train bound for Washington. Wearing a full helmet and using weapons made for her by Destro, Baroness infiltrates the military train and reclaims the console following a fight with Duke and Flint. Minutes later, Baroness is approached by Storm Shadow (who partially helped her on the military train) who would like to form an alliance with her and Cobra Industries.
In "Fire Fight," Baroness and Doctor Mindbender send Firefly to Green Ridge to burn it to the ground following their protest of a dam that was being built near their town.
In "Knockoffs", Baroness picked up a Chameleon Mold from a scientist that invented it and ended up mindwiping the scientist so that he wouldn't snitch to the cops. During the transport, Baroness and the Cobra soldiers with her were ambushed by the Joes until Flint and Lady Jaye (who were using Zartan to track the Joes) arrived. Zartan escaped with the Chameleon Mold and the Joes gave pursuit. When asked by Flint on why her men fired on him, Baroness claimed that she thought they were with the Joes. When Flint called in Wild Bill for help, Baroness went with Flint and Lady Jaye stating that Zartan stole something from him. After Zartan was defeated, Baroness reclaimed the Chameleon Mold. Due to a fail-safe feature that locks on to the DNA of the first user and the scientist who invented it having been mindwiped, Baroness ended up visiting Zartan in prison with a "get out of prison" offer that Zartan accepted.
In "Union of the Snake", Baroness and Doctor Mindbender worked on a mind-control plot involving the Black Adder phones and the siphoning of Tomax and Xamot's psychic abilities. During that time, it is revealed that Baroness' family has done things that made them enemies of the Oktober Guard (namely Red Star). The Joes were able to thwart their plans before Red Star could blow up the Cisarovna Chateau while Tomax and Xamot escaped upon temporarily mind-controlling Baroness and Doctor Mindbender.
In "Cousins", Baroness and some soldiers accompany Major Bludd in hunting the Joes in Mississippi
. Though the Joes repelled them, Major Bludd ended up emerging from the water following an alligator attack where his missing right arm ended up surprising Baroness. In "Going Underground," Baroness operated a remote-controlled burrowing excavator in order to make underground tunnels for Cobra Industries with Cobra Commander overseeing her work. After Snake Eyes cut the power to the burrowing excavator, Cobra Commander tells Baroness to give him a reason why he shouldn't dispose of her. Baroness tells Cobra Commander that she has Destro and Doctor Mindbender working on a back-up plan.
In "Revelations Pt. 2", Baroness leads a bunch of Bio-Vipers to attack the Joes in order to swipe Scarlett's locket when it turns out that her locket has part of a crystal that is needed in order to power the M.A.S.S. Device. Scarlett and Snake Eyes fight Baroness and Doctor Mindbender in the room where the M.A.S.S. device is. Overwhelming Bio-Vipers end up defeating Scarlett and Snake Eyes where a message that her father had said causes Baroness and Doctor Mindbender to force Scarlett into entering the code to the M.A.S.S. Device using Snake Eyes as bait. The M.A.S.S. Device is a success as Professor Patrick O'Hara emerges from the M.A.S.S. device. After Snake Eyes ends up destroying the M.A.S.S. Device, it's destruction causes a wormhole that sucks Baroness and Doctor Mindbender in. It is unknown what happened to them.
plays The Baroness in Stephen Sommers
' 2009 film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
In the film, The Baroness was originally Ana Lewis, Duke
's fiancée whom he left out of guilt for the presumed death of her brother Rex
. However, she is kidnapped by Rex who uses the perfected nanomites on her, becoming a member of Cobra as a result, and her hair color was changed from natural blonde to raven black. She marries Baron Daniel DeCobray, assuming the name of Baroness Anastascia DeCobray, so Cobra can make use of his research to weaponize the nanomite warheads she acquired. But after capturing Duke and bringing him to Cobra's Arctic base, Ana overcomes her programming and saves Duke, helping him bring Cobra Commander and Destro to justice. However, Ana is detained until the nanomites can be safely removed from her body and then she and Duke share a kiss.
.
In the video game G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
, she is the first boss, who is fought towards the end of the "Arctic Arsenal" act.
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 by Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
, originally appearing in the first issue of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (Marvel Comics)
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a comic book that was published by Marvel Comics from 1982 to 1994. Based on Hasbro, Inc.'s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys, the series has been credited for making G.I. Joe into a pop-culture phenomenon. G.I...
comic series by Marvel Comics
Marvel 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...
in June, 1982. The Baroness is a villain, usually associated with G.I. Joe's enemy, Cobra.
Baroness serves as Cobra's intelligence officer and lieutenant to Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise. He appears in the toyline, animated series , comic books, video games, and movie as the usual principal antagonist. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra, and archnemesis of the Joes...
. With long black hair, black-rimmed glasses, and a black leather outfit, Baroness is a dark, sensual femme fatale
Femme fatale
A femme fatale is a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art...
whose beauty is matched only by her ruthlessness. In both comic and cartoon incarnations, as well as the 2009 live-action movie for the series, she has romantic relationships with Destro
Destro
Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV, usually referred to simply as Destro, is a fictional villain from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys from Hasbro. He is portrayed by Christopher Eccleston in the 2009 live-action film, G.I...
.
Although the character was not part of the initial G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero release in 1982, she did appear in G.I. Joe #1, published by Marvel Comics
Marvel 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...
in June 1982 and was, in fact, the first character to crossover from the comics, into the animated series, and finally into the toy line. She made her debut as an action figure in the 1984 series, wearing a new uniform that was then carried back over to the comic and cartoon.
Vintage
The Baroness was introduced into the toyline in 1984, wearing her trademark black leather outfit. After the line was canceled in 1994 (a year short of the Baroness' second figure, designed for the Battle Corps Rangers series), Hasbro made several attempts to revive G.I. Joe through repaints. In 1997, the Baroness was repainted in blue for inclusion in the Cobra Command Team 3-pack. In 2000, The mold was repainted again, in black, with red accents, as the new character "Chameleon" (a Baroness doppelganger created to sidestep a trademark problem).Modern
In 2002, Hasbro relaunched the G.I. Joe line, and the Baroness was released in the third wave of figures, wearing a uniform heavily inspired by the original action figure.A second Baroness figure was released in 2004, for the Valor vs Venom line. Once again wearing a blue uniform, hearkening back to her comic origins, this Baroness was better-proportioned, and even more closely based on the Baroness' 1984 figure. The figure was repainted in black before the line ended.
25th anniversary
2007 is the Anniversary of the launch of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, the third major reinvention of the G.I. Joe brand since 1964. To celebrate, Hasbro created two boxed sets of brand new figures, featuring modern sculpt and updated and increased articulation (including the replacement of G.I. Joe's trademark O-Ring construction). The Baroness is included in the Cobra set, along with Cobra Commander, Destro, Storm Shadow, and a Cobra Trooper. Another version with a new head sculpt was released in 2008. This version of the Baroness was made to resemble her appearance in "The M.A.S.S. Device."Early history
Very little is known of the Baroness' past, except that she is the offspring of wealthy European aristocrats. The Baroness was on hand for the Tet Offensive in Southeast Asia, 1968. Visiting her brother Eugene, Anastasia is present when he discovers relief supplies have been sold to finance the offensive. Eugene is slain to cover this up, the Baroness blames an American soldier she sees standing over him with a smoking gun. She is escorted from the scene as Destro (James McCullen XXIII) and his son (James XXIV, the current Destro) enter. Destro discovers that Eugene wore a bulletproof vest, easily capable of stopping shots from Snake Eyes' .45 caliber handgun. He deduces the truth and clears Snake Eyes of the crime; too late for the Baroness to hear, and far too late for her to care.Frustrated and angered, the Baroness spends years decrying the hypocrisy of the American government, becoming an active participant in militant revolutionary groups, eventually becoming a member of Cobra. In the time between these two events, she crosses paths with James McCullen XXIV, and the two share a romantic relationship (the extent of which has never been revealed).
Marvel Comics
The Baroness first appeared in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 (June 1982). She is instrumental in Cobra's first major offensive against G.I. Joe: Operation: Lady Doomsday. Posing as a reporter, Baroness abducts Dr. Adele Burkhart and brings her back to Cobra’s island fortress. Despite disguising herself as the Doctor, the Joes rescue the correct one and destroy the fortress. Baroness and Cobra Commander escape.As Cobra's second-in-command, the Baroness is on hand for many of Cobra's schemes, including the Commander's attempt to steal the G.I. Joe M.O.B.A.T. during a parade in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, and an assault on NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
's spy satellite rescue mission. The Baroness is also present when Cobra takes Snake Eyes prisoner, and Dr. Venom subjects him to the Brainwave Scanner
Brainwave Scanner
The Brainwave Scanner is a fictional device found in Marvel's G.I. Joe comic series used by Cobra for interrogation and brainwashing. It was invented by Doctor Venom and later refined by Dr. Mindbender.-Marvel Comics:...
. This meeting is significant for the fact that in the years since her brother's death, Snake Eyes has been through so much trauma and disfigurement that he is completely unrecognizable to the Baroness. She remains unaware of her connection to Snake Eyes for a long time after this initial meeting.
When the Cobra Commander first contracts Destro, to salvage a mission in Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
, the Baroness is forced to reveal her past associations with the masked man. The Baroness is then ordered to Sierra Gordo to oversee the transfer of Doctor Venom's plague toxin, and set a red herring clue for G.I. Joe. Not interested in traipsing through the jungle herself, she trusts the Cobra courier, Scarface, to leave a false transmission embedded with a microdot
Microdot
A microdot is text or an image substantially reduced in size onto a 1mm disc to prevent detection by unintended recipients. Microdots are normally circular around one millimetre in diameter but can be made into different shapes and sizes and made from various materials such as polyester...
in Cobra's abandoned forest outpost.
Evading the G.I. Joe assault, the Baroness and Scarface escape in a plane, but the Baroness cannot pass up the opportunity to blow up the small island where Snake Eyes, Kwinn the Eskimo, and Dr. Venom are locked in battle. Just before the bombs hit, Snake Eyes pushes the other two into the island bunker. All three eventually survive, knowing it was her who dropped the bomb.
Confronting Destro about his connection to Scarface, the Baroness is forced to accept her beloved James' new identity as Destro, but also demands proof of his faith in her. In a gesture of love, Destro removes his mask, and the Baroness swoons, overcome by her feelings for Destro, and the situation it puts the both of them in.
Baroness and Cobra Commander discover that Dr. Venom has left out a vital part of the toxin and the microdot points the Joes to the Springfield HQ. This was according to Destro's plan; Scarface is working for him. Destro had not realized the Baroness was with the Commander (she is his personal pilot) and stages a successful diversionary mission.
Cobra Commander has another ally, Major Bludd
Major Bludd
Major Bludd , is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of the 1980s. Appearing in both the comic books and the cartoons, Major Bludd is one of the series villains, a mercenary working for the Cobra Organization.-Toy:Major Bludd first appeared in 1983, he has had 6...
, look for a chance to kill Destro. This comes during a tank battle; Baroness sacrifices herself to save Destro. Bludd has a chance to free her but flees to leave her to an explosion.
Seemingly killed in the fight, the Baroness is, in fact, rescued after the battle, and brought to Bethesda Naval Hospital where she lays severely burned, and in a coma. When the G.I. Joe Grand Slam
Grand Slam (G.I. Joe)
Grand Slam is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. Grand Slam is the G.I. Joe Team's original laser artillery soldier.-Profile:...
takes Major Bludd into custody, the Baroness is moved to G.I. Joe headquarters in Staten Island
Staten Island
Staten Island is a borough of New York City, New York, United States, located in the southwest part of the city. Staten Island is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull, and from the rest of New York by New York Bay...
as well. Luring Cobra into attacking the base after they capture Scarface in Tripoli, Libya the Joes instigate a major skirmish at their own headquarters. During the battle of PIT I, Major Bludd kills General Flagg
General Flagg
General Flagg is the code name as well as the rank and surname of two fictional characters from the toyline, cartoon and comic series, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero....
, then frees himself. Taking the Baroness, he leaves Scarface for dead and escapes in a Cobra F.A.N.G.
When she awakens from her coma, Major Bludd takes the Baroness to The Bern Institute in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
. Under the alias "Baroness DeCobray," they hire Dr. Hundtkinder to perform reconstructive surgery on her face. Recovered from the surgery, the Baroness enters into a partnership with Major Bludd to blackmail Cobra Commander with the information they have about Destro's assassination. Meeting him in Lucca, Italy, they are double crossed when the Commander unleashes 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...
on them, and G.I. Joe agents Duke
Duke (G.I. Joe)
Duke is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 lines of military-themed toys. The character is featured in both the animated series and comic books. Duke is portrayed by actor Channing Tatum in the 2009 live-action film, G.I. Joe: The Rise of...
and 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...
crash the party. Fleeing the scene, the Baroness, Major Bludd, and Storm Shadow manage to evade capture, but Cobra Commander is not so lucky.
Returning to Springfield, the Baroness tells Destro the truth about the Commander's attempted assassination, as Destro reveals a bug he's placed in Storm Shadow's sword, which will allow them to track the ninja. The Baroness recruits Firefly and Wild Weasel to locate the signal, and dispose of Storm Shadow. However, the ninja has already discovered the bug, and mailed it to another Cobra operative: the enigmatic 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...
who lives in the Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
Everglades
Everglades
The Everglades are subtropical wetlands in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, comprising the southern half of a large watershed. The system begins near Orlando with the Kissimmee River, which discharges into the vast but shallow Lake Okeechobee...
. With Firefly
Firefly (G.I. Joe)
Firefly is a fictional character in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero universe. He is a mercenary who works for the Cobra Organization as a saboteur.-Profile:...
and Wild Weasel
Wild Weasel (G.I. Joe)
Wild Weasel is a fictional character appearing in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series and comic-books. He is a member of Cobra and pilot of the Cobra Rattler...
now prisoners, the Baroness and her allies are startled to find the Commander has returned, quickly rescued from G.I. Joe by Storm Shadow.
Placing Major Bludd in Springfield's underground dungeons, the Commander takes Baroness and Destro to meet Zartan in Florida. After a firefight with G.I. Joe, the Commander orders her back to Springfield, to prepare for his return. Immediately, however, she visits Major Bludd in prison, and frees him in exchange for his help in planning the assassination of Cobra Commander.
Recruiting Billy
Billy Kessler
Billy Kessler is a fictional character in the comic book series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. He is the son of the main villain of the series, Cobra Commander, but fights against his father and the forces of Cobra Command, learning martial arts under the tutelage of Storm Shadow, who helps him...
, a young boy who works with the Anti-Cobra Underground (the same boy who helped Snake Eyes escape Springfield after his introduction to the Brainwave Scanner), the co-conspirators begin practicing for the heinous act. She even takes pity on Billy when Major Bludd snaps at him for screwing up at the rehearsal of the assassination attempt, showing her tender side and perhaps, motherly instincts. Another example of the Baroness' tender side is when she tells Doctor Mindbender
Doctor Mindbender
Dr. Mindbender is a fictional character from the 1980s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comics, and animated series. He is a scientist who works for the fictional terrorist organization Cobra.-Profile:...
that she likes some of Major Bludd's poetry. When at last the rally is at hand, the Baroness is confronted by Destro, who abhors the idea of using a child as an assassin. But by then, Major Bludd is committed, and the Baroness finds her loyalties wavering. During the rally, Destro identifies Billy, and frantically rushes the stage. Stopping both the assassination, and Storm Shadow's retaliation, Destro reveals Billy's identity, as none other than the Cobra Commander's own son.
Billy is put on trial by the Commander and Destro, who is overcome with empathy for both father and son, and the Baroness fears that she and Major Bludd may be revealed as his partners. But Billy is much stronger than he seems, and resists even the Brainwave Scanner, successfully keeping their hands clean of the whole affair.
After the assassination attempt, the Commander begins working closer with Tomax, Xamot, and Professor Appel on the creation of 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 Baroness and Destro find themselves eager to get back in his good graces. Looking for a new weapon, they contact Dr. Mindbender, offering to help him test his experimental creeper vines, and more importantly, their android delivery system. Although the test is thwarted by Lady Jaye and a group of G.I. Joe recruits, Mindbender, and the B.A.T.s are brought to Cobra Island to meet the Commander.
When they arrive, the Island has been infiltrated by Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, while a G.I. Joe rescue team waits in the waters off the coast. While Mindbender attempts to prove his mettle, the Baroness leads a Cobra force to the beach, where she is confronted by an exhausted and badly injured Storm Shadow. Not wanting to take a chance that Billy told him about the assassination plot during their time away from Cobra, Baroness shoots him down, seemingly killing the ninja.
Battle of Springfield
Not long after, G.I. Joe is given the location of the real Springfield and attacks. The Baroness assists Destro in evacuating the town. During the battle, Dr. Mindbender's latest experiment is conducted, and SerpentorSerpentor
Serpentor is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character was introduced in 1986 as a toy with an air chariot and included in the animated series that same year.-Toys:...
is created. Thought dead, Storm Shadow is also "resurrected" in Springfield and flees the G.I. Joe attack with the Dreadnoks
Dreadnoks
The Dreadnoks are a fictional biker gang who act as villains in the G.I. Joe saga, which have been represented in several types of media, including toylines , comic books series , and television cartoons .All Dreadnoks are uncouth and violent, and usually engage their enemies with...
. Destro manages to successfully evacuate the entire town as Serpentor fights a holding action. Although the Baroness suggests they leave, and garner all the glory themselves, Destro chooses to extract Serpentor and his forces.
Upon reaching Cobra Island, Serpentor begins his usurping of the Commander's leadership, and the Baroness is quick to take up with him, seeing the reins of power being passed. When the Commander and Destro are buried alive under Pit II. The Baroness flies a Rattler over the rubble, and drops a wreath
Wreath
A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. They are used typically as Christmas decorations to symbolize the coming of Christ, also known as the Advent season in Christianity. They are also used as festive headdresses...
to mourn the passing of her estranged lover.
For a time, the Baroness allies herself wholly to Serpentor, and is in charge of the Terrordrome
Terrordrome
The Cobra Terrordrome is a playset from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line.-Toys:The playset was first released in 1986, and is basically the prefabricated easily set up fortress/headquarters for Cobra. Each playset comes with a vehicle service and refueling bay, munitions depot, a...
operation in Sierra Gordo when G.I. Joe agent Flint
Flint (G.I. Joe)
Flint is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. He was originally created as a character for the Sunbow cartoon series in 1984, and later introduced into the comic book and produced as an action figure in 1985.-Profile:...
is captured and brought into the base. When Mindbender subjects him to the Brainwave Scanner, and gets no facial reactions, he suspects that the Joe is wearing a mask. Pulling it off, the Baroness confirms the identity of the massively scarred face beneath: it is actually Snake Eyes in disguise. As G.I. Joe attacks the Terrordrome, Snake Eyes is removed, along with the Scanner, to Cobra's new Consulate Building in New York.
As he is subjected to the Scanner again, the Consulate is attacked by 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...
and Storm Shadow, eager to rescue their ally. Disguised as a late-night cleaning lady, Scarlett infiltrates the consulate while Snake Eyes' ninja brother breaks into the building by using the New York City sewer system. Using an X-ray
X-ray
X-radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz and energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV. They are shorter in wavelength than UV rays and longer than gamma...
scanner, the Baroness confronts Scarlet, but she is surprised when Snake Eyes’ wolf, Timber, leaps out at her. While Storm Shadow rescues Snake Eyes upstairs, Scarlett overpowers the Baroness, strips her of her uniform and leaves her bound and gagged in a nearby closet. Fighting their way to the lobby, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow are then "captured" again by "the Baroness" and walked right out of the front door.
Later, the G.I. Joe team causes a massive disruption of the Consulate in a successful bid to place a wire tap on the building. Defeated, the Baroness is recalled to Cobra Island where a schism has occurred in the leadership of Cobra: Cobra Commander has returned. With the Baroness able to identify the Commander's real face, she is put in a transport chopper with him, and removes his helmet. Underneath is not the Commander, but one of the Crimson Guard
Crimson Guard
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, "Siegies". Tomax and Xamot are the commanders of the Crimson...
smen, Fred VII
Fred VII
Fred VII is a fictional character in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic book, a member of the Crimson Guard, the elite Cobra combat and covert operations/infiltration force...
. Claiming that the Commander retired to be with his son Billy (a lie, Fred actually shot and buried the Commander in Denver), the Baroness goes along with the false Commander, and usurps control of Cobra from an embarrassed and unpopular Serpentor.
Now in de facto command of Cobra, the Baroness is forced to take Fred VII on a mission into orbit to destroy a spy satellite threatening to undo Serpentor’s Terrodrome plot. When the Cobra Shuttle is attacked by the G.I. Joe Defiant
Defiant (G.I. Joe)
The Defiant is a fictional space shuttle complex vehicle and station from the G.I. Joe series, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, line of toys, comics and cartoons.-Toys:...
, Baroness is knocked out cold, leaving Fred VII to lead Cobra to a slim victory. Now cocky, and drunk with power, Fred drags the Baroness' image down with him, and he ham-handedly leads Cobra to defeat in Frusenland, where Battleforce 2000
Battleforce 2000
Battleforce 2000 is a fictional sub-team from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline and comic books. First released in late 1987 , they represent a hi-tech unit of the Joes using experimental weaponry under battlefield conditions.-Toys:The toy line was made up of 7 action figures, with the 6...
discovers the truth about the Terrordromes, despite Baroness' best efforts to defeat them.
Cobra Civil War
Returning to Cobra Island, the Baroness is in attendance as Serpentor's lackey, the Star-ViperViper (G.I. Joe)
A Viper is the code-name given to a large majority of the soldiers/troops in the Cobra Organization, which are found in the G.I. Joe A Real American Hero universe. For the most part the code name Viper is followed or preceded by their area of expertise....
returns from a mission to infiltrate G.I. Joe's new base, Pit III, in Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
. Looking for a clear victory to win support back from the troops, the ceremony turns into a battle of words that erupts in the Cobra Civil War. As the leader of the first offensive, the Baroness is taken prisoner by Serpentor, and strapped to the front of his HISS tank to deter anyone from firing on him.
Into this all-encompassing war, the G.I. Joe team arrives to bolster Serpentor's ranks, while Destro makes an appearance with his own faction: the Iron Grenadiers
Iron Grenadiers
The Iron Grenadiers are a faction from the military-themed line of action figures and toys known as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.-History:They are a private army owned and maintained by the arms dealer Destro. The Grenadiers are composed of Destro's castle guards, personal bodyguards, and...
. While G.I. Joe, Serpentor, and the "Commander" tear each other apart, Destro takes the airfield, and waits for his opportunity. Just as Fred’s army seems lost, Zartan fires an arrow and slays Serpentor from across the battlefield. With his leader fallen, Mindbender calls for a truce with the "Commander." United against Destro, the reunified Cobra is surprised to find that Destro wants only one thing: the Baroness.
Taking his prize, Destro retreats to his yacht. She reveals the true identity of the current Commander, and together they bear witness to G.I. Joe's unceremonious withdrawal from the Island. After helping the Joes clear their reputation in the wake of the Civil War, Destro and Baroness retire to Castle Destro in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, eager to leave the intrigue and danger behind them. Sadly, the "Commander" wants his enemies routed, and stages an assault on Destro's castle. Turning the situation to his advantage, Destro captures the "Commander", and effectively takes control of Cobra.
Expecting favored status in this new unified Cobra, the Baroness is displeased to discover she has been paired with Zarana
Zarana
Zarana is the sister of Zartan and Zandar in the fiction setting of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. She has short naturally auburn hair that has been dyed pink and is usually depicted with a tattered hot pink T-shirt and blue pants. Zarana is a master of disguise who can fool even the best...
to run the Cobra Consulate in New York. The two even engage in a catfight
Catfight
Catfight is a term for an altercation between two women, typically involving scratching, slapping, hair-pulling, and shirt-shredding as opposed to punching or wrestling . However, the term is not exclusively used to indicate a fight between women, and many formal definitions do not invoke gender...
which ends up with Zarana pushing the Baroness out of the side door of a Cobra helicopter in mid-flight. The Baroness, however, manages to catch on to one of the helicopter's wheels just as it lands on top of the Cobra embassy.
Zarana has implanted false memories into G.I. Joe members Clutch
Clutch (G.I. Joe)
Clutch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is one of the G.I. Joe Team's motor vehicle drivers and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
and Rock 'n Roll
Rock 'n Roll (G.I. Joe)
Rock 'n Roll is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is the G.I. Joe team's original machine gunner and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
in Broca Beach. Betraying Zarana, the Baroness leaks word that the Joes will be moved to a Cobra submarine off the New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
shore
Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a term used to refer to both the Atlantic coast of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the adjacent resort and residential communities. . The New Jersey State Department of Tourism considers the Shore Region, Greater Atlantic City, and the Southern Shore to be distinct, each having...
where they will "escape." At the same time, Snake Eyes and Scarlett have journeyed to Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
to fix Snake Eyes' face. In another moment of fate, Snake Eyes meets with Dr. Hundtkinder, the same surgeon who treated the Baroness. Faxing her a photo of Snake Eyes before his disfigurement, the Baroness realizes that he is the man who shot her brother. Unwilling to let him slip through her fingers again, now that she knows the truth, the Baroness sabotages Zarana's van, allowing the Joes to capture the Dreadnoks, and rescue Clutch and Rock 'n Roll. Locked up in G.I. Joe Headquarters' sickbay, Zarana is listed in fair condition as, perhaps under the influence of painkillers,she tells the Joes about the Baroness' trip to Switzerland. But it is too late.
The Baroness combat assaults the Bern Institute in an out-of-control spree of violence. Trapping Scarlett and a recovering Snake Eyes, she shoots Scarlett in the head, and takes Snake Eyes back to New York. Holding him in the Consulate's basement, Baroness is ready to watch the Paine Brothers torture Snake Eyes to her pleasure, but Destro arrives to get answers concerning Zarana's capture. She informs the brothers to watch Snake Eyes, but she is forced to keep a straight face as Snake Eyes overpowers the Paine Brothers and escapes into the Consulate proper. Meanwhile, Stalker
Stalker (G.I. Joe)
Stalker is the code name of Army Sergeant Lonzo R. Wilkinson, a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. He is one of very few characters from the first line of the toys to have a distinct appearance from the other action figures, as he is African-American. Stalker was a major...
, Storm Shadow, and former Crimson Guardsman Wade Collins have been listening to the proceedings on the G.I. Joe wire tap. Taking the opportunity to rush the Consulate, they manage to get halfway up the building before Snake Eyes detonates a huge amount of C-4
C-4 (explosive)
C4 or Composition C4 is a common variety of the plastic explosive known as Composition C.-Composition and manufacture:C4 is made up of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer and usually marker or odorizing taggant chemicals such as 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane to help detect the explosive and...
, setting the top of the building on fire, and threatening to topple the entire penthouse. The Baroness and a small force of Cobra Troops have barricaded themselves inside, and watch helplessly as Storm Shadow scales the side of the building and prepares to enter the penthouse.
Once inside, Storm Shadow calls for Snake Eyes, who reveals himself disguised as a Cobra trooper. The two of them decimate the entire Cobra army, just as the building gives way under the massive damage, caused by the explosions. The Baroness falls, only to be caught by Snake Eyes. Still filled with hate, she pulls her pistol on Snake Eyes when Destro returns in his helicopter and explains to her what he and his father saw that day back in Tet '68. Confused the Baroness is about to pull the trigger when another explosion rocks the building. Snake Eyes loses his grip and she plunges to her death only to be rescued this time by Storm Shadow, who tells her that he is not going to let her take the easy way out with all of her sins she has been carrying.
The ninjas help her onto Destro's chopper, and are rescued themselves by the Tomahawk
Tomahawk (G.I. Joe)
The G.I. Joe Tomahawk is a fictional all-weather, twin-engine, twin-rotor heavy lift/assault as well as troop carrier helicopter from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of toys, comics and animated series produced by Hasbro. It has a top speed of 175 mph when fully loaded. Its...
. Broken by the revelation of her misguided hatred, the Baroness plans to leave Cobra, and figure out where her life is headed which even leaves 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:...
wondering if it is really possible that someone like the Baroness can really change. In a moment of absolute devotion, Destro removes his family mask, and tosses it aside. Together, James and Anastasia retire from Cobra.
After leaving the Iron Grenadiers to Darklon, the couple returns to Castle Destro and enjoys a period of quiet reflection. However, in their absence, Cobra undergoes a dramatic revolution as the original Cobra Commander returns, and buries most of Cobra's High Command in a freighter
Cargo ship
A cargo ship or freighter is any sort of ship or vessel that carries cargo, goods, and materials from one port to another. Thousands of cargo carriers ply the world's seas and oceans each year; they handle the bulk of international trade...
under the volcano on Cobra Island. After a failed attempt to kill Storm Shadow, the Commander turns his sights on the last two traitors to his cause: James and Ana.
Return to Cobra
Tipped off to the scheme by Metal-HeadMetal-Head
Metal-Head is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series where he is a member of the Iron Grenadiers. He first appeared in the 1990 edition of the toyline. He is not to be mistaken for another character with a similar name Metalhead from G.I...
, Destro's spy in Cobra, the couple prepares to defend the Castle from a full assault. Destro and the Baroness manage to flee the Castle before it is destroyed, but while fleeing, the Baroness is hit and taken prisoner by the Cobra Commander. Subjected to the Brainwave Scanner, the Baroness is implanted with commands while the Commander wages an all-out Search and Destroy bounty on Destro. When the tables are turned, the Commander not only agrees to return the Baroness, but to give Destro the Silent Castle in Trans-Carpathia, in reparation for the Castle he destroyed.
In a double cross, the Baroness' hypnotic suggestions are activated by radio signal from a Cobra Hurricane. Before the Baroness can overpower Destro, they are attacked by Slice and Dice, who lead the Red Ninjas that dwell in the Castle's subcellars. As they fight for survival, the G.I. Joe team (called for protection by Destro) fights with an advance team of Cobra troops. The G.I. Joe Ninja Force arrives to defend Destro, while the Commander shows up to personally handle the matter, and the fighting escalates on all sides. Destro softens Baroness' hardened emotions by transforming his castle for her.
The two are pursued, captured and escape from Cobra again. This time, the forces against them include Dr. Biggles Jones and the seeming Joe traitor, 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...
. Destro and the Baroness ally themselves with G.I. Joe and are taken to an abandoned 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...
, where they meet Zartan. After revealing Cobra's plans to revive Dr. Mindbender, Zartan returns to Trans-Carpathia with the couple, and takes back the Castle from a skeleton crew of Cobra troops.
Enjoying another short respite from Cobra, the trio is joined by Billy, returned from parts unknown. All too soon, however, the Cobra Commander arrives, and activates brain implants in both Destro and Zartan, bending them to his will. Although the Baroness and Billy utilize the Castle's secret passages to evade capture, they are thwarted by Destro himself. After being tortured for a time, Billy is ready to crack, and the Baroness does her best to keep him together. But Billy turns on his cellmate, ratting her out for trying to escape. When the two of them are brought up to the control room, Billy makes a mad dash to the console and launches an ICBM
Intercontinental ballistic missile
An intercontinental ballistic missile is a ballistic missile with a long range typically designed for nuclear weapons delivery...
, alerting G.I. Joe to the goings-on in Trans-Carpathia.
In return for deceiving him, the Commander not only kicks the Baroness in the face, but proceeds to capture Storm Shadow, and reconfigure all three of their minds with the Brainwave Scanner. As Snake Eyes arrives to rescue them all, the Baroness emerges as part of Cobra Renewed, and helps route Snake Eyes and the G.I. Joe extraction force. When the Commander is temporarily taken hostage, the Baroness steps up, and assumes control of Cobra, reestablishing her abilities as a field commander.
The series ends here, with the Baroness still a willing member of Cobra.
Devil's Due
In "The Mission That Never Was", it is revealed that the core G.I. Joe members were sent on one final mission, which resulted in Cobra's Brainwave Scanner being corrupted by a virus that spread through the entirety of their mainframe. Crippled and defeated, Cobra then fell to a "unified military attack" (this attack is never detailed in a story, but hinted at in various "Battle Files" entries). A side effect of this confluence of events was the incapacitation of the Brainwave Scanner. Without repeated "self-medication" via the Scanner, the Baroness was freed from her artificial loyalty to Cobra. The two returned to Trans-Carpathia and retired from the intrigue and danger of Cobra, but continued to rebuild M.A.R.S. establishing an outpost in Scotland.When Destro took ill, and his illegitimate son Alexander took over M.A.R.S. and the Destro identity, Baroness was forced to go along with him to keep James safe. Remaining stoically resistant to Alex' plan, the Baroness berates him with unfavorable comparisons to his father. Keeping the Commander in Scotland, along with Snake Eyes and Scarlett, the Baroness is forced to watch Mistress Armada Alexander's strategist, spill secrets to the enemy. When Alexander's plan inevitably fails, the Baroness rescue him and Armada, only to deliver them to a seething, but cured, James Destro for punishment.
Various criminal factions, interested in learning all they can about Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise. He appears in the toyline, animated series , comic books, video games, and movie as the usual principal antagonist. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra, and archnemesis of the Joes...
, capture the Baroness and Flint
Flint (G.I. Joe)
Flint is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. He was originally created as a character for the Sunbow cartoon series in 1984, and later introduced into the comic book and produced as an action figure in 1985.-Profile:...
. The two are tied together and tortured. Baroness breaks and uses her glasses to cut the bonds and the two work together to escape. Destro and his Iron Grenadiers
Iron Grenadiers
The Iron Grenadiers are a faction from the military-themed line of action figures and toys known as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.-History:They are a private army owned and maintained by the arms dealer Destro. The Grenadiers are composed of Destro's castle guards, personal bodyguards, and...
safely rescue her; as a parting 'gift', the Baroness kisses Flint right in front his love, 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...
The Baroness works with Zandar
Zandar
Zandar is an adversary in the cartoon, toy and comic book line of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero fictional universe.-Profile:Zandar is the brother of Zartan and Zarana. He is a member of the Dreadnoks, mercenaries who worked for Cobra and enemies of G.I. Joe. While he possesses skill in...
as a plot to track down the Joe undercover officer, Chuckles
Chuckles (G.I. Joe)
Chuckles 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 undercover specialist and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
, they kill four Joe agents, "Greenshirts
Greenshirts (G.I. Joe)
Greenshirts is a term applied to the generic-looking soldiers from the cartoon G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. The Greenshirts are the equivalent of "extras" in that they are in the story to serve merely as background characters and have little to no speaking parts. Due to the unique look of each...
" in the process.
When Cobra Commander is captured by Serpentor and his new faction, the Coil
The Coil
The Coil is an offshoot of the terrorist faction Cobra, formed either by Cobra Commander or Serpentor, in the fictional G.I. Joe universe.-Origins:...
, Destro is summoned to lead Cobra in a rescue mission. When the Commander returns to Cobra, Destro takes the opportunity to leave for good. In a shocking twist, however, the Baroness does not join him. After an elaborate scheme is derailed by Duke, Destro is arrested. The Commander leaves it to the Baroness to decide Destro's fate, and she votes to let him rot.
Put on trial by the U.N., Destro turns the tables and offers the guaranteed capture of Cobra Commander to assure his release. Taking his offer, the Joes are charged with transporting Destro by train, to lure Cobra into a trap. When both Cobra Commander and the Baroness arrive to free Destro, the Commander and Hawk throw down. Defeating his foe, the Commander shoots Hawk in the back, only to be shot by a traitorous Baroness.
The ruse is successful, and the Commander is in U.S. custody, leaving Destro and his pregnant wife in control of Cobra. This period is short-lived, however, and the Commander soon returns to reclaim Cobra once and for all. During the coup, the Baroness and Wraith (charged with her personal safety) are seemingly killed when the Commander detonates the Night Raven they are aboard.
America's Elite
The Baroness resurfaces, a year after the defeat of the Red ShadowsRed Shadows
The Red Shadows are the fictional fighting force opposed to Action Force and depicted in the UK Battle Action Force comic books. They were also portrayed in action figures by Palitoy as a European version of the G.I. Joe range. Later US G.I. Joe storylines have revived the Red Shadows as an...
, as a prisoner in the sub-basement of G.I. Joe's new headquarters, the Rock. Her existence is known to only a few, including General Joseph Colton, Duke, and Storm Shadow, who attempts to wrest information from her. But the Baroness is all-consumed by her desire for her baby, which she apparently carried to term, and has been separated from by the G.I. Joe team.
Storm Shadow passed the information about the Baroness' imprisonment to Snake Eyes, thinking he was about to sacrifice himself to save the G.I. Joe team on Destro's sub. The news then travels to Stalker and Scarlett, who take it upon themselves to confront Colton about the heinous act just as the Phoenix Guard attack the Rock. In the middle of the battle, the Baroness' cell is opened, and she makes her way to the roof, where she confronts and thoroughly thrashes Zarana (who was posing as Phoenix Guard member Friday) before escaping the Joe base.
The Baroness is the focal point of the follow-up story arc, "Sins of the Mother". Confronting Scalpel for his misdeeds, she tortures him with his own scalpel, and leaves him disfigured and near death. She then enlists the help of Major Bludd to enact revenge on G.I. Joe. Sending him to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
to distract the Joes, the Baroness then tracks down and kills Wraith herself. Taking his armor, she strikes a bargain with Red Shadows' leader Wilder Vaughn for the location of Cobra Commander. After dealing with Flint
Flint (G.I. Joe)
Flint is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. He was originally created as a character for the Sunbow cartoon series in 1984, and later introduced into the comic book and produced as an action figure in 1985.-Profile:...
(who had been spying on the Shadows), the Baroness finally confronts Cobra Commander, only to be stopped by Destro himself.
The Joes arrive, including Flint, and are forced to lay down arms. Repeating her actions after the Yakuza
Yakuza
, also known as , are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan , literally "violence group", while the yakuza call themselves "ninkyō dantai" , "chivalrous organizations". The yakuza are notoriously...
incident, Baroness kisses Flint, passing him something that enables him to free himself, and throwing the whole confrontation into upheaval. The situation is quelled, however, when Destro offers Cobra Commander control of M.A.R.S. in exchange for his infant son, Eugene.
When World War III
World War III (G.I. Joe)
World War III is the title of a 12-issue comic book story that took place in issues #25-36 of the comic G.I. Joe: America's Elite, published by Devil's Due Publishing. The plot concerns Cobra Command's final attempt to take over the world. It was generally well-received by critics...
begins, Storm Shadow tracks Destro and the Baroness to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
where Destro agrees to help G.I. Joe fight Cobra Commander. Appalled that her husband would help "the enemy," Destro turns to her and tells her that it is only a matter of time before Cobra Commander betrays and comes after them. He is right as Cobra Commander has freed Dela Eden from prison and orders her to kill the steel-faced arms dealer and his wife. Storm Shadow then takes the couple to visit the G.I. Joe team in hiding where Destro informs Colonel Colton that he will need a piece of MARS technology to help G.I. Joe defeat it. In an uncomfortable moment, the Baroness turns to Scarlett and asks the red-head if her head still hurts.
After Barrel Roll and Recondo
Recondo (G.I. Joe)
Recondo 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 original jungle trooper, and debuted in 1984.-Profile:...
, who have both managed to infiltrate Cobra and steal a stealth-cloaked Night Raven, the Baroness travels to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
where her husband helps re-engineer the Cobra technology that makes the Night Raven practically invincible. The Baroness then gathers her own army, code named--ATHENA FORCE
Athena Force
Athena Force is a series of adventure novels about graduates of the Athena Academy, an elite school for girls with special talents, as they combat kidnappers, terrorists, and the forces of evil...
--and fights Alexander Destro's Iron Grenadiers in London where they all surrender when they see Destro at the head of his wife's army. After World War III ends, the Baroness lives in humility as she hugs her son and watches Destro on trial for his crimes against humanity.
Battle Action Force (IPC)
In IPC's Battle Action Force comic, Baroness was originally Anna von Stromberg, daughter of AustriaAustria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n aristocrats. She joined a gang of small-time Communist
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
radicals, encouraging them towards violence. Faking her death and assuming control of the group under the new name the Baroness, she leads the Muller-Stromberg group in a series of highly destructive terrorist acts across Europe, taking out oil refineries, air bases and dams. While paying lip service to the group's ideology, she only uses them to prove her strategic abilities to Cobra and get hired. Once Cobra Commander contacts her, she wipes out her group and made her way to Cobra's jungle base.
Action Force (Marvel UK)
The larger part of Marvel UK's run of Action Force were simple reprints of the American G.I. Joe comic. Most issues, however, feature an original Action Force story, usually a 5-page installment of a larger storyline. The Baroness' role in these issues was minimal, at best.Sigma 6
Devil's Due created a mini-series based on G.I. Joe: Sigma 6G.I. Joe: Sigma 6
G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 is a line of military-themed action figures and toys produced by Hasbro, re-imagining the characters of the 1980s toyline, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.The Sigma 6 toy line served several purposes for Hasbro...
. It follows the style and the content of the cartoon series, spotlighting a different member of Sigma 6 and Cobra in each issue. Baroness appears in issue 4 opposite G.I. Joe Scarlett. Baroness kidnaps a Prime Minister
Prime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
after using members of the Dreadnoks to distract Scarlett. In the end, Scarlett finds her, and after a few taunts from Baroness, Scarlett beats Baroness and recovers the Prime Minister.
Sunbow
The Baroness made her first animated appearance in the G.I. Joe mini-series, The MASS Device. Her animated incarnation was a master of disguise, even pretending to be a camera man in a film crew. She has since been replaced by ZaranaZarana
Zarana is the sister of Zartan and Zandar in the fiction setting of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. She has short naturally auburn hair that has been dyed pink and is usually depicted with a tattered hot pink T-shirt and blue pants. Zarana is a master of disguise who can fool even the best...
in this field. She is romantically involved with Destro, who often expresses frustration with her. On one occasion, Destro's disrespect for the Baroness led to her destroying his ancestral home in an act of vengeance. The Baroness tends to try to set both herself and Destro up as Cobra's leaders, and shows contempt for other members of Cobra, such as Cobra Commander, Tomax and Xamot
Tomax and Xamot
Tomax and Xamot, also called the Crimson Twins or Crimson Guard Commanders, are the code names of identical mirror twin brothers in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero universe...
and the Dreadnoks. She is not directly involved in the plot to create Serpentor in Season Two, but is later seen loyal to him.
In the episode "Worlds Without End", the Joes encounter an alternate reality in which Cobra rules the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and G.I. Joe has been all but wiped out. In that reality, the Baroness is a double agent, Steeler
Steeler (G.I. Joe)
Steeler is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is the G.I. Joe team's original tank commander and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
's lover, and the only surviving Joe. The episode ends with the Baroness engineering a civil war between Cobra Commander and Destro, allowing most of the Joe team, except Steeler, Clutch and Grunt, to return to their own reality.
She is voiced by actress Morgan Lofting with a European accent, which tends to waver between Germanic and Slavic in both series.
G.I. Joe: The Movie
Baroness also appeared briefly in the 1987 animated film G.I. Joe: The MovieG.I. Joe: The Movie
G.I. Joe: The Movie is a 1987 animated film spun off from the animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, based on the original Hasbro toyline. It was produced by Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions and was animated in Japan by Toei Animation.Created at the height of the G.I. Joe craze in...
.
DiC
In DiCDIC
- Science :* Differential interference contrast microscopy, an illumination technique in optical microscopy* Diisopropylcarbodiimide, a reagent in organic chemistry* Digital Integrating Computer, a digital implementation of a Differential Analyzer...
's G.I. Joe
G.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, Baroness returns Cobra Commander to semi-human form, and mentions to him that Destro left her for Zarana.
Spy Troops and Valor vs. Venom
The Baroness appeared in the direct-to-video CGIComputer-generated imagery
Computer-generated imagery is the application of the field of computer graphics or, more specifically, 3D computer graphics to special effects in art, video games, films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation generally, and printed media...
animated movies G.I. Joe: Spy Troops
G.I. Joe: Spy Troops
G.I. Joe: Spy Troops is a 2003 direct-to-video CGI animated movie produced by Reel FX Creative Studios. Spy Troops is the first G.I. Joe movie to be released by Reel FX....
and G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom
G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom
G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom is a direct-to-video CGI animated movie and sequel to G.I. Joe: Spy Troops. It was released in 2004 by Reel FX Creative Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Like Spy Troops, the film was written around the theme of the toys released that year. In this case, it...
, voiced by Teryl Rothery
Teryl Rothery
Teryl Rothery is a Canadian actress. She is best known for her role as Dr. Janet Fraiser on Stargate SG-1.-Life and career:Rothery was born in Vancouver, British Columbia...
.
Sigma 6
In the series G.I. Joe: Sigma 6G.I. Joe: Sigma 6
G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 is a line of military-themed action figures and toys produced by Hasbro, re-imagining the characters of the 1980s toyline, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.The Sigma 6 toy line served several purposes for Hasbro...
, the Baroness is loyal to Cobra Commander. In a departure from her previous incarnations, her fingers appear to be composed of metal, suggesting they are cybernetic in nature. If so, how much of her hands and arms are robotic is unknown, since they are covered in long gloves with only the fingers exposed. She is also shown to have the ability to create holographic duplicates of herself to distract or confuse her opponents.
Resolute
In the G.I. Joe: ResoluteG.I. Joe: Resolute
G.I. Joe: Resolute is an animated television series based on the G.I. Joe franchise. It was written by Warren Ellis, directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, and produced by Sam Register. The series debuted on the web at Adult Swim Video April 18, 2009, with a Content Rating of TV-14-V, and premiered in its...
miniseries, the Baroness and Destro are part of a subplot in which they have taken a team of scientists hostage. 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...
, Gung-Ho
Gung-Ho (G.I. Joe)
Gung-Ho 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 original Marine and debuted in 1983.-Profile:...
and Stalker
Stalker (G.I. Joe)
Stalker is the code name of Army Sergeant Lonzo R. Wilkinson, a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. He is one of very few characters from the first line of the toys to have a distinct appearance from the other action figures, as he is African-American. Stalker was a major...
have to rescue them before Destro starts killing them. The Baroness was voiced by Grey DeLisle
Grey DeLisle
Grey DeLisle is an American voice actress, singer-songwriter, and comedienne. To date, she has released four solo albums and has featured on the tribute album Anchored in Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash and film soundtrack of Loggerheads...
.
Renegades
In 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....
, Baroness appears as Cobra Commander's second-in-command. She serves as the communications director for Cobra Industries. Like the comics and the other cartoons, Baroness is romantically involved with Destro.
In the episode "Homecoming Pt. 2", Baroness was sent to reclaim the console that the Joes stole from where a Cobra Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
party was being held which is now on a military train bound for Washington. Wearing a full helmet and using weapons made for her by Destro, Baroness infiltrates the military train and reclaims the console following a fight with Duke and Flint. Minutes later, Baroness is approached by Storm Shadow (who partially helped her on the military train) who would like to form an alliance with her and Cobra Industries.
In "Fire Fight," Baroness and Doctor Mindbender send Firefly to Green Ridge to burn it to the ground following their protest of a dam that was being built near their town.
In "Knockoffs", Baroness picked up a Chameleon Mold from a scientist that invented it and ended up mindwiping the scientist so that he wouldn't snitch to the cops. During the transport, Baroness and the Cobra soldiers with her were ambushed by the Joes until Flint and Lady Jaye (who were using Zartan to track the Joes) arrived. Zartan escaped with the Chameleon Mold and the Joes gave pursuit. When asked by Flint on why her men fired on him, Baroness claimed that she thought they were with the Joes. When Flint called in Wild Bill for help, Baroness went with Flint and Lady Jaye stating that Zartan stole something from him. After Zartan was defeated, Baroness reclaimed the Chameleon Mold. Due to a fail-safe feature that locks on to the DNA of the first user and the scientist who invented it having been mindwiped, Baroness ended up visiting Zartan in prison with a "get out of prison" offer that Zartan accepted.
In "Union of the Snake", Baroness and Doctor Mindbender worked on a mind-control plot involving the Black Adder phones and the siphoning of Tomax and Xamot's psychic abilities. During that time, it is revealed that Baroness' family has done things that made them enemies of the Oktober Guard (namely Red Star). The Joes were able to thwart their plans before Red Star could blow up the Cisarovna Chateau while Tomax and Xamot escaped upon temporarily mind-controlling Baroness and Doctor Mindbender.
In "Cousins", Baroness and some soldiers accompany Major Bludd in hunting the Joes in Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
. Though the Joes repelled them, Major Bludd ended up emerging from the water following an alligator attack where his missing right arm ended up surprising Baroness. In "Going Underground," Baroness operated a remote-controlled burrowing excavator in order to make underground tunnels for Cobra Industries with Cobra Commander overseeing her work. After Snake Eyes cut the power to the burrowing excavator, Cobra Commander tells Baroness to give him a reason why he shouldn't dispose of her. Baroness tells Cobra Commander that she has Destro and Doctor Mindbender working on a back-up plan.
In "Revelations Pt. 2", Baroness leads a bunch of Bio-Vipers to attack the Joes in order to swipe Scarlett's locket when it turns out that her locket has part of a crystal that is needed in order to power the M.A.S.S. Device. Scarlett and Snake Eyes fight Baroness and Doctor Mindbender in the room where the M.A.S.S. device is. Overwhelming Bio-Vipers end up defeating Scarlett and Snake Eyes where a message that her father had said causes Baroness and Doctor Mindbender to force Scarlett into entering the code to the M.A.S.S. Device using Snake Eyes as bait. The M.A.S.S. Device is a success as Professor Patrick O'Hara emerges from the M.A.S.S. device. After Snake Eyes ends up destroying the M.A.S.S. Device, it's destruction causes a wormhole that sucks Baroness and Doctor Mindbender in. It is unknown what happened to them.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Sienna MillerSienna Miller
Sienna Rose Diana Miller is a British-American actress, model, and fashion designer, best known for her roles in Layer Cake, Alfie, Factory Girl, The Edge of Love and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2007, the London Film Criticsnamed her British Actress of the Year for Interview...
plays The Baroness in Stephen Sommers
Stephen Sommers
Stephen Sommers is an American screenwriter and film director, best known for The Mummy and its sequel, The Mummy Returns. He also directed Disney's live action version of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, the action/horror film Van Helsing, and the 2009 film G.I...
' 2009 film G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
In the film, The Baroness was originally Ana Lewis, Duke
Duke (G.I. Joe)
Duke is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 lines of military-themed toys. The character is featured in both the animated series and comic books. Duke is portrayed by actor Channing Tatum in the 2009 live-action film, G.I. Joe: The Rise of...
's fiancée whom he left out of guilt for the presumed death of her brother Rex
Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise. He appears in the toyline, animated series , comic books, video games, and movie as the usual principal antagonist. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra, and archnemesis of the Joes...
. However, she is kidnapped by Rex who uses the perfected nanomites on her, becoming a member of Cobra as a result, and her hair color was changed from natural blonde to raven black. She marries Baron Daniel DeCobray, assuming the name of Baroness Anastascia DeCobray, so Cobra can make use of his research to weaponize the nanomite warheads she acquired. But after capturing Duke and bringing him to Cobra's Arctic base, Ana overcomes her programming and saves Duke, helping him bring Cobra Commander and Destro to justice. However, Ana is detained until the nanomites can be safely removed from her body and then she and Duke share a kiss.
Video games
The Baroness is one of the featured villains in the 1985 G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero computer game. She is also featured as a boss in the 1992 G.I. Joe arcade gameG.I. Joe (arcade game)
The G.I. Joe video game was produced by renowned game developer Konami and released in 1992. It was only released in arcade machine form, and is not known to have ever been ported into any form of console.-Synopsis:...
.
In the video game G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (video game)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is the title of a video game adaption of the film of the same name. The game takes place after the film. The 360 and PS3 versions are based on the same code, while the DS is an entirely different game unto itself, and the Wii, PS2, and PSP version are also based on...
, she is the first boss, who is fought towards the end of the "Arctic Arsenal" act.
External links
- Baroness at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
- Baroness at The Inner Sanctum fansite
- Baroness Fansite