Roadblock (G.I. Joe)
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Roadblock is a character from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of toys, comics and cartoon. 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.
Roadblock's real name is Marvin F. Hinton and was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. Before he enlisted in the U.S. Army, Roadblock wanted to be a gourmet chef and towards that, was working as a bouncer in order to earn enough money to attend Escoffier School in France. An army recruiter managed to convince him that he can learn to be a chef in the Army. After enlisting, Roadblock found Army food appalling and transferred to infantry where he excelled at using heavy weapons. Roadblock is one of the biggest and strongest members of G.I. Joe. He can carry a fully-loaded M2 Browning machine gun which can weigh up to 134 lbs. Despite working in infantry, he still maintains his passion for making good food and indulges in it while engaging in his secondary duty.
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[edit] Action Figures
Introduced in 1984, Roadblock is one of the most popular characters in G.I. Joe. There have been fifteen versions or variations of the 3.75" Roadblock action figures to date. Additionally, GI Joe issued a 12" Roadblock action figure for the 1992 Hall of Fame series that brought back the 12" GI Joe action figures. After that, GI Joe issued two other versions of the 12" Roadblock. Roadblock's head is bald and the face has a mustache. Some versions have a small goatee on the chin. An action figure called Double Blast used one of the Roadblock molds causing fear in fans that Hasbro lost the rights to Roadblock's name. Interestingly enough, Hasbro released a figure named Roadblock with Double Blast's information and real name the filecard. All other version of Roadblock have been remakes of the original.
[edit] Cartoons
Roadblock is the most prominent African-American character in the animated series. He frequently talks in rhymes and has a talent for cooking. Roadblock is one of most good natured of the Joes, both in and out of combat situations and is a very capable leader when the situation calls for it. He appeared in various episodes of the Sunbow-produced animated series (voiced by Kene Holliday). He appears in the DIC series but only in the second season (see Episode 25 The Eliminator where he has a starring role).
In G.I. Joe: Spy Troops, it is revealed that the G.I. Joe character, Heavy Duty is a cousin of Roadblock and apparently shares the same passion for cooking. However, Heavy Duty does not possess Roadblock's talent in the kitchen.[1]
[edit] Comics
Roadblock first appeared in G.I. Joe #22 of the Marvel Comics series. He is the second most prominent black character, next only to fellow G.I. Joe member, Stalker. Unlike the cartoon version, the comic book Roadblock does not spout rhymes. However, he is jingoistic and is annoyed at u.s. people who do not patronize u.s. products. He frequently says variations on "Flush 'em out with a burst of fifty 'cal", meaning force enemies out into the open with concentrated fire from his 50-caliber machinegun.
In issue #69, Roadblock threatens a man who is trying to desecrate an American flag; the man is holding a lighter near the flag, with the intent to burn it. After short exhanging of thoughts about the importance of the flag and people stealing computers from the american embassy ("No one dies because of a computer."), the man backs down.
In issues #77 and #78 he and other Joes battle American agents who are trying to frame and arrest evry single G.I.Joe member. Roadblock is originally captured along with Hawk and ally General Hollingsworth. He violently escapes from captivity in order to organize the resistance movement.
In issue #145, Roadblock was chosen to go into space with the Star Brigade, a small team of Joe members.
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