G.I. Joe Series 2 S1

This set is a must have for any G.I. Joe fan. I know there are a lot of people who did not like this series, but I feel that it does have quite a few good qualities. There are quite a few characters that came from this series that have gone to be fan favorites like the battle armor Cobra Commander, Python Patrol, Slaughters Mauraders, and many more. The series has more Sgt. Slaughter which also is an added bonus to the show. The series starts out with the 5 part miniseries titled Operation Dragonfire which I feel is some of the best episodes of the series made. I know that the quality of the animation and stories are not as good as the Sunbow series and this series did try to sell the toys more to you but it is still fun to watch. I hope that the second season is released so I can then have all of the classic 80's G.I. Joe cartoons on dvd. I think if you are a true G.I. joe fan you will be happy with this set. I really appreciate Shout Factory realeasing this set on to dvd.

For starters, yes, this series is by far the inferior to the Sunbow series and should not be anyone's FIRST introduction into the battle between GI Joe and Cobra. Still, this stuff is great for completists and I thank Shout! Factory for allowing us to complete the series. Sgt. Slaughter, General Hawk, and Cobra Commander make their triumphant returns (including their voice actors) as do Destro, Baroness, and Zarana (along with Serpentor [sans the pathetic utterances of "This I Command!"] for the duration of "Operation Dragonfire"). This leaves plenty of room for a new batch of heroes and enemies to love (sometimes pronounced "loathe.")

However, DIC's taking over of the "GI Joe" project following the animated movie presented the downfall of two separate mainstays in 80s animation: one animated adventure, the other the animation company:

-GI Joe, a "REAL AMERICAN" Hero was repronounced to "INTERNATIONAL hero" in the title tracks to "Operation: Dragonfire." (PC idiocy at its most obnoxious and in-your-face). Furthermore, Cobra is reduced to a "ruthless" enemy (and, later, what I swear sounds like "worthless terrorist organization"). Anyone whose remotely familiar with the GI Joe story arc knows that they mean "COBRA" (even Destro's Iron Grenadiers and the now-absent Zartan's Dreadnoks worked beneath the banner of Cobra).

-DIC Enterprises was responsible for such gems as "Inspector Gadget," "M.A.S.K.", "Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors," and "C.O.P.S" throughout the 80s, thereby establishing themselves as a respectable animation studio. With "GI Joe" Series 2, DIC enterprises began what lots of fans of both the Joes and DIC animation seem to think is the company's long downfall.

I digress. Messing with the theme song's lyrics over the duration of the iconic "Operation Dragonfire" mini-series is the least of this series' concerns. "Operation: Dragonfire" is, after all, the last time that a lot of the orginal Joes (Low Light, Stalker, Lady J, Sprit, Mutt, etc) saw a lot of screen time before making way for a batch of new recruits and casting the originals into oblivion or into the role of extras (Lady J and Low Light at least survive into the series post "...Dragonfire" and Duke is seen in background, nonspeaking roles all of the time until the "Mind Mangler" episode puts him in direct focus once more) Furthermore, the idea of the distinct factions of Vipers with distinct duties instead of the nameless, faceless Cobra troops of Sunbow-fame were a interesting additions and, while I missed Snake-Eyes, Dusty, and Zartan and the Dreadnoks, the retread of GI Joe welcomed retreaded troops.

Don't let my review turn you away. "GI Joe" is "GI Joe" in any form, this stuff is great for completists who are already familiar with the ORIGINAL GI Joe, and I applaud DIC enterprises for its attempt to pick up where Sunbow would have otherwise regrettably left off. Anyway, (I have to say it...) "Now you know, and knowing is half the battle..." (if you don't get the reference, don't get the DVD). Got to get tough!

I found the picture quality to be just fine, no problems with the picture what-so-ever. It would've been nice if some extra's were included, as was done with the Sunbow GI Joe DVD sets. The storylines are aimed at a younger audience than the Sunbow shows. The colors are so "90's"; I can't help but smile when I see yellow and pink on militaristic vehichles. I'm looking forward to Season 2 of this series, as it seems to have a better combination of "new" Joes and established Joes such as Snake-Eyes and Duke.

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