It’s been 35 years since action cartoon G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero began its regular on-air run in 1985.
For those who may be unfamiliar, G.I. Joe “is the codename for America’s daring, highly-trained special mission force. Its purpose: to defend human freedom against Cobra – a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world”.
One of its members always ready for battle was their poetic, heavy artillery specialist, Marvin Hinton a.k.a. Roadblock (voiced by actor Kene Holliday). His hulking frame definitely justified his Joe pseudonym.
Uniquely, when the towering Roadblock wasn’t serving Cobra operatives Gatling rounds and closed fists, he was dishing out gourmet meals to his team mates as G.I. Joe Headquarters’ resident cook.
Based on the Hasbro toy line from the 1940s, Roadblock was never a G.I. Joe with the kung-fu grip. His action figure hit store shelves in 1984. He first appeared in Marvel Comics’ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issue #22 in April of that year. His television debut followed that September in Part 2 (“The Vines of Evil”) of 5-part miniseries “The Revenge of Cobra”.
Roadblock immediately stood out from his fellow Joes as he was only the 3rd Black character on the roster. He was also the tallest, the most intimidating, and he almost always spoke in rhyme. This made him immediately popular with the viewing audience. The comic book faithful, on the other hand, screamed foul. On paper Roadblock never spoke in that manner.
In the live action film G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portrayed a not-rhyming Roadblock. Terry Crews, who basically played Roadblock in The Expendables, would have been a better choice. Movies and comics aside, Roadblock is best remembered from the iconic cartoon series. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
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