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The Dreadnoks are a biker gang who act as Villain s in the G.I. Joe saga, which have been represented in several types of media, including toylines (produced by Hasbro ), comic books series (published by Marvel Comics and more recently Devil's Due Publishing ), and television cartoons (produced by Sunbow). All Dreadnoks are uncouth and violent, and usually engage their enemies with unconventional and creative (many times crude) weaponry. Most, if not all, have shown a particular taste for chocolate covered donuts and grape soda. The Dreadnoks also make a habit of Torturing captured enemies, usually in bizarre ways such as exposure to pain inducing Laughing Gas or tossing victims into pools of man eating Piranha s. Their headquarters is a compound hidden somewhere in the Florida Everglades. Much of the characters' popularity is due to their File Card s, included with the action figures, and their portrayal in the comic book series, both of which were written by Larry Hama . As a definite product of the 80s, the Dreadnoks are a satirical parody of Redneck s, Hells Angels , Punks , and Junkies . HISTORY The leader of the Dreadnoks is a man named Zartan . Believed to have had European military academy training, he was hired as an espionage agent for the evil terrorist group (and main antagonist of the saga's series) called COBRA . He is a master of disguise through masks, make-up, holograms and hypnosis, as well as ventriloquism and linguistics (20 languages and dialects). Another special trait only he is known to have is the ability to change the color of his skin to blend in with his background through genetic manipulation experiments. As a side effect to the gene splicing, he is allergic to sunlight, which throws off his Camouflage ability. As well, he is a highly skilled martial artist, and is a master of the bow. There were originally three Dreadnoks under Zartan's lead, destructive bikers that spent their days terrorizing people and destroying property, they were hired with the promise of easy money. They are known as Buzzer (Richard Blinken-Smythe, a.k.a. Dick Blinken), a former left-wing Cambridge sociologist; '''Torch''' (Tom Winken), an inarticulate Borstal reform school kid turned Merchant Marine; and the meanest of them all, '''Ripper''' (Harry Nod), a Tasmanian criminal with a record that goes back to his youth. Later the ranks grew with the addition of Monkeywrench and Thrasher. Monkeywrench (Bill Winkie) had spent his recent years building explosive devices for terrorist groups in Rhy, North Wales, and Thrasher was a spoiled middle class kid with destructive tendencies, who built and piloted the Dreadnoks Thunder Machine. Zartan's sister, Zarana , and brother, Zandar also joined. Like her brother, Zarana is a skilled impersonator while Zandar is a master of stealth and camouflage. Near the end of the first series of G.I. Joe toys and comic books, the pirate Zanzibar (Morgan Teach), the enforcer Road Pig (Donald DeLuca), and a poacher known only as Gnawgahyde were also added. The Dreadnoks were equipped with many unique vehicles, most of which were built from scavenged parts. This included the Thunder Machine , the Swampfire, and the Air Skiff. COMICS Marvel Comics Early on, the Dreadnoks operate out of a a fully functional gas station, though it is not clear whether they actually serve the public. The gas they do have, is definitively stolen. In issue #51, the Dreadnoks work together to spring Zartan out of Joe HQ. They are pursued by Joe forces but a combination of recklessness and disguise skills allow them to escape. They play a vital part in the Cobra Civil War. After Destro seizes power, they serve (led by Zarana) for a time as the enforcers of the Cobra-controlled town of Broca Beach. They, or mostly Road Pig, capture two G.I.Joe operatives, Rock'N'Roll and Clutch for brainwashing, which fails to work out as they hope. Devil's Due The Dreadnoks have resurfaced in the second series of G.I. Joe comic books published by Devil's Due. The gang now operates throughout many states, with many, many more members. During the years after G.I. Joe was disbanded and Cobra defeated, the Dreadnoks began to grow. Zartan and his gang spread to over 50 cities in the United States. The main body, which is under the command of Zartan, is the Florida chapter, nicknamed the Florida Noks. Zanya, Zartan's daughter, is second in command. Early on, they come under attack by the G.I.Joe forces and several rookie Dreadnoks are killed. THE ZARTAN FAMILY
THE DREADNOKS
TRIVIA
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