GI Joe: Spy Troops

History

When Hasbro launched G.I. Joe vs. Cobra in 2002, an updated revival of the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline that was sold between 1982 and 1994, they commissioned Reel FX Creative Studios to produce a series of CGI-animated commercials to promote the new line of figures. They would follow this up with an hour-long direct-to-video movie titled Spy Troops to promote the 2003 series of figures released under the sub-line of the same name. Spy Troops was written by Larry Hama, who wrote the original filecards and the Marvel comic series. A sequel was released in 2004 titled G.I. Joe: Valor vs. Venom, based on that year's sub-line.

Plot

The plot revolves around G.I. Joe, America’s daring, highly trained special missions force. The Joes have just perfected a new technology: Mind Interface Remote Control (MIRC), which allows soldiers to flawlessly command vehicles from a safe distance. The title refers to the fact that the two opposing forces, the G.I. Joe Team and Cobra, make use of spies to achieve their objectives. Cobra sends Zartan, to infiltrate G.I. Joe headquarters posing as Shipwreck, and steal the MIRC technology. The Joes send Shipwreck and Snake Eyes to the enemy's camp, after learning about what happened. The Joes then organize an assault on Cobra Mountain and successfully regain the technology, destroying Cobra's base and chopper in the process.

Release

Spy Troops: The Movie was released on DVD in September 2003, with the 12" Ninja Showdown two-pack. It had a suggested retail price of $19.95. Later, it was also available alone, with a suggested retail price of $4.95. Cartoon Network premiered Spy Troops: The Movie on September 27, 2003 at 10:00 p.m.