How Cobra Recruits and Radicalizes Soldiers

[@Onyx_Primal646]

I listen to a lot of YT vids while working. This is easily one of the best that I've listened to in a long time. Great job!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Wow, thank you!

[@Onyx_Primal646]

@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal of course! 😊

[@joeblaster8770]

I love how this lore makes Cobra so tempting.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Haha. Yes, Would you like to sell some ARBCO products?

[@ModernBarbarian187]

@@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal This is great and fits well with my fanfiction, and you're encouraging me to get back to it. Fantastic video.

[@roelofduplessis5726]

Great video.... Keep it up bud!

[@ScottnotBob]

@@DestroIsMySpiritAnimalI would! It strikes me that most of the ‘villains’ were just peeps who didn’t fit the Conservative mold!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mattmcewan7080]

Excellent work! I especially liked Snake Eyes portrayed as a source of dread for Cobra troops.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks. Yeah, he would be terrifying

[@edparadis4371]

@@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal not only that Snake eyes first worked with the cobra commander on stuff but however did not want to kill some bystander and the judge that tried the cobra commander guily etc, so he made the cobra commander pay for it. Hince why the man in black is always blamed. Also the cobra commander knows about Tommy as well. It keeps Snake Eyes tied up appently and its a great scapegoat. EVen GI JOE ahas used Snake Eyes as a Scapegoat as well . If you want to be even more critical. GI JOE is not what it all is as well as certain shoulders are favored over other and 3/4 of them hate being outdone by one certain solider ((the man in black))or a group of certain soliders (the arkanage clan including SCarlette Beachhead Comic book shipwreak law and order (comic) and Stalker (comic))) Plus Duke and Flint are two of the biggest douchbags ever. ((Yeah yeah Flint is now Pro Snake eyes but that is because he was saved by Snake eyes)) And Also even without blamming GI JOe or Snake Eyes etc Cobra has brougfh up some valid points with millitary retirments penisons and other stuff as well and previous veterns not getting what is entitled to them at all either. Also The Cobra Commander is a smart recourful person and has dabbled and played iwth the market and came out on top legally as well. He also has so many sister companies and hidden in as silent parnter etc that even if Cobra got cut off Cobra still has rescourses, Also to note Cobra has half the goverment on his side as well including some members of the brass as well. Not your typcial group by far.

[@Imanifesto]

When does he say that? I must’ve missed it

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

@@Imanifesto in the cobra island segment. Chapter two. Snake eyes kills Paulo s best friend. I even edited in a nice clip from gi joe resolute

[@robertupton7280]

You should write fan fiction, it’s bound to be canonized.

[@ETBowser]

This is more compelling than any GI Joe movie to date. Incredible work.

[@andyappleton3353]

I imagine one of the benefits of becoming a Cobra soldier is that the job requirements aren't gonna be very tough. And the back round check isn't gonna disqualify you for a criminal record. It might actually improve your odds of getting the job. And you can just go into service of your Commander and leave your entire life behind..sort of like The French Foreign Legion. Now that I'm thinking about it, I might sign up.

[@jessiemartinez3056]

Just saw the old cartoon episode by dic where 3 joes try out to be cobra vipers ..ambush , topside and repeater... super funny..

[@andyappleton3353]

@@jessiemartinez3056 Do you watch the GI JOE 24/7 channel here on the tube? It's awesome

[@JudeDugas-m6n]

Wait. Leave life behind. How would one sign up? (Asking for a friend)

[@dsanchez9703]

😅

[@chrisleitzel2659]

We know they have a medical plan that includes dental. Although, considering that may involve Scalpel and Dr. Mindbender, that may not be a great benefit. But the money is good.

[@Imanifesto]

Larry Hama would approve! Great work Destro..

[@RandyAgard]

You have a billion dollar idea on a video. Hollywood wouldn't touch this because it's actually realllllly good. Some of the best fan fiction, origin stories and lore ever. You have a fan base, intellectual property and back story along with childhood culture. Well done. Salute you

[@christianbrix4311]

Who wrote this!? Did you write it? It's incredible! Awesome concept, so well written, and such creative ideas. The last one felt extra relevant because it's more modern than we're used to. I reckon this could be its own spin-off of the main comic. Each of these 5 characters would fill a whole issue; maybe even two or three. I would really like to see this happen. If you're asking for which characters to do next, I'd love to see Frag Viper, Strato Viper, Star Viper, Hydro Viper, Night Viper, Alley Viper, AVAC... there's enough to choose from! Maybe even some of the named army-builders, like Scarface and the Saw Viper from Trucial Abysmia. I know they're existing characters, but they're both dead and nobody's gonna expand on their background. Definitely one of your best videos yet, so let's make this a regular thing!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks! I did. Appreciate that. I would love to make more

[@RandyAgard]

​@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal amazing video. I was captured immediately. Read a fan fic where a recruit had to accompany some cobras to meet with some bikers (Noks). But Chuckles, Flint and a few others were investigating. My thoughts are you can maybe throw in the Noks, maybe Iron Grenediers, or Headman. Wellll done sir!!!

[@toothpastehombre]

These were great! Super creative and unique. Cobra lore is rich with potential - takes me back to the wonder-years full of daydreaming, imagination and worldbuilding- thanks!

[@jessiemartinez3056]

Just watch the dic episode about this topic .way better n funny

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks! great comment!

[@boaaa82]

Dude that was so badass keep them coming I like how detail you got into things and made it more into reality than a cartoon

[@PunishedvenomPatrick-s6f]

Honestly, cobra seems like a decent group to join TBH.

[@christophernoble-ws7kl]

Sooo good! I think you should totally continue these. I'm hooked. Well done.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks! Yeah, more are coming

[@raywallacefan7786]

You have a talent for well-researched historical fan fiction. All of these scenarios seem very believable. I'd like to see more.

[@rebelife922]

Definitely he should do more of these , I’ve been reading the Tales from the Cobra Wars novel and it’s REALLY good! Videos like this definitely continue the fun! Keep it up 👍🏽

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks! I would like to do more

[@orbitaskew]

Great vid. Buzz Dixon's Most Dangerous Man in the World was such a good set up for the Cobra ideology

[@citizen_grub4171]

Shame Buzz Dixon's Most Dangerous Man in the World is such a garbled mess.

[@orbitaskew]

@@citizen_grub4171 It may not be fleshed out as you like, but the concept is amazing.

[@mr.victorwicked8534]

This is one of the best videos you've produced. Really gets the feel of the story.

[@leonardduarte559]

This lore, research and narration is all just awesome man! Keep up the good work 💯

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@whipless9668]

This was really good. You got deep into the psyche of these individuals making it realistically possible for them to fall under Cobra's tempting offers. I would love to see more vids like this!

[@rebelife922]

💯💯💯

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Yeah, I would love to explore how Cobra gets its money

[@CobraAsset]

I love playing as if COBRA was real and especially looking at scenarios from COBRA’s perspective.

[@Roninfigures]

Very interesting dissertation on how cults and political ideologies recruit people nicely done

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@OptimusWombat]

Isn't Jim Parsons the guy who plays Sheldon Cooper 😂

[@MarcoMasseria]

Wait a second- I'm @3:00 and Cobra is sounding pretty great! Destro is recruiting us?! ... Sweet!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Yeah it does, doesn't it?

[@johna4371]

Dude, this was some thoughtful, insightful material...do more!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@ModernBarbarian187]

Well done, and this has only been discussed a few times in the comic book, and it's a rich topic worth exploring. How does someone become a Viper? I loved the issue where you read about this while Grunt joins the GI Joe team, and you watch the parallel paths. How many angry, disaffected people are willing to join a cause so they have a purpose and feel like they belong. Scary.

[@landrecce]

This is incredibly well done!

[@Chris23513]

This was really good... Wish hasbro knew what to do with GI Joe and made a live action series, one episode could incorporate something like this.

[@benrhodes4418]

Easily my favorite video you've ever made. Really, really well done.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Wow, thanks!

[@ScottnotBob]

Awesome breakdown of how it’s done. Sounds a bit too familiar though no…?🤣🤣🤣 U.F.O.s. Are controlling us TOO man! (Chong voice) I REALLY dig this Cobra Snipers though… They obviously came out after I had to start paying bills, but MAN are they sweet! 🤔 New printer… Awesome 💀 sculpt… 🤣 I will have to wait on that character. You already inspired me to create another you introduced to me. Almost have all his stuff to put him together. Stay tuned! (Please stop introducing me to REALLY killer characters from the comics I was never aware of…🤣🤣🤣)✌️🤘🇨🇦

[@auntrayjones39]

Excellent work in the earlier Joe comics Cobra gets started somewhat like this. I greatly appreciate the details and realism you added. Would love to see future Joe films with this type of tone.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@chrisleitzel2659]

This was very interesting and you should continue this series. Looking at the state of the world today, it's not hard to imagine a man like Cobra Commander being able to build his army.

[@Blitz0065]

Damn. This was VERY well written and edited. Pretty scary how realistic this gets.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@presley36477]

Omfg! This was AWESOME! Love it! Think about this same thing but for individuals? Again, this was so freakin cool!

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

My husband served in the SANDF South African National defense force and a little bit after his service he started employment with a private security company that had contracts in Sierra leone,Congo and Senegal. My husband started a private security company in the USA and he trains other security contractors to survive in the worse conditions.

[@Imanifesto]

@@MayumiC-chan9377 aka colonial mercenary

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

@ to a certain degree the head of his company was Zulu like himself

[@ModernBarbarian187]

@@MayumiC-chan9377 Ignore people like that. If you study the history of Africa and private military contractors, you find they were the ones who brought stability to most conflicts with professionalism.

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

What’s interesting, I like this because i see my husband come from Private to Master Sergeant and now owner to an ever growing private security company usings the image of the 3 headed dog as their images with a Zulu shield spear and knobkerrie. his men and women who are all ex-military respect my husband and i know our son looks up to him. I love my husband he is a warrior among warriors.

[@Imanifesto]

@@MayumiC-chan9377 A colonized Africans. @ least the symbolism in the coat of arms isn’t being depicted/represented solely by foreign / imperialist perpetrators

[@joshua2814]

You convinced me. Where can I sign up? Seriously, this was well done. I like that you don’t pigeonhole them all as political, or violent, or greedy, but multiple reasons.

[@darkangel076]

Great job. You could start one of those storyteller channels, you have the voice for it.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@Hohrd]

I enjoyed this tremendously cheers Destro! Great work!

[@magnuslauglo5356]

Brilliant work on this - very plausible and all rooted in actual GIJoe lore and the real world.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

I appreciate that!

[@magnuslauglo5356]

@@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal I've always wanted a GIJoe comic (based in the Hamaverse) that focuses on the Cobra rank and file. Maybe meet a platoon of blueshirts who have just shown up to Cobra basic training. And then follow them as they progress from rookies to combat-seasoned troops (inevitably with lots of attrition). Eventually the best of them go on to be Vipers and some of them again go on to join the more specialized units. Perhaps one of them would defect to the Joes and turn out to be Mercer. We'd meet the Siegies along the way of course, and various Joes could show up periodically as antagonists on the other side of firefights. We could even revisit some of the battles of the past - imagine seeing scenes from Frusenland, the Cobra Island Civil War, or the war in Benzheen from the POV of the Cobras?

[@jameswark1234]

This is brilliant stuff. On the flip side of this you could do a vid going into detail about how some Joes are recruited. Men and women from various military backgrounds who may have lost loved ones to this mad uprising so they have personal stakes. How does the U.S Government respond to this terrifying organisation that seems to be engulfing countries day by day.

[@warlocktoyadventures8433]

Brilliantly written and read! I don’t know about Cobra, but you can sign me up for more of these vignettes!

[@silverstar7711]

This is awesome! Thank you for making this.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

You are welcome. I enjoyed making it

[@legitimatehumanbeing8746]

That was actually really good. I'm like "hang on, is this the same guy?"

[@rodneylove8027]

Dude, you have a talent that you can capitalize on. I am a harsh critic, not easily impressed by most fanfiction. You should pitch ideas for a novelization. Please keep it up.

[@citizen_grub4171]

This is seriously excellent storytelling. Loved it.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@bobbywold2311]

Very entertaining video!! I would joined Cobra side. You get benefits, nice tropical island vacation on, no hassle loans from Extensive Enterprises, looking for a place to raise a family in I hear Springfield's a nice little town.

[@G7M9W]

Well thought-out as always, Animal!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@JoshDincola]

Bro! I love all your vids and this one is a very dope switch up!! I'm diggin the shit outta this!!

[@KendrickKnives]

Fantastic! I can't wait for other vids in this vein.

[@CLS8764]

I loved this. Easily best video I've watched this week.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@DaveFrostdusk]

Badass but also very chilling at the same time. You know that without a shadow of a doubt there are a lot of Cobra troopers who can relate to the words DENY, DEFEND, DEPOSE.

[@trenthoward6800]

Now this is the type of content the Joe fandom needs to make more of!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@justinc8724]

I am a relatively new fan of GI Joe having just started collecting and getting into the lore at the start of 2024. Between the Joe's and Cobra I always preferred the Joe's, but after listening to this video I'm starting to swing more towards Cobra. You really know how to sell it haha

[@CharlesSimmons36]

Awesome video. Super interesting

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@SkunkLifeMedia]

Bro, going through a rewatch on Tubi and i literally just watched the Cobra TV episode of GIJoe earlier today and its crazy how aspects of that ish reaonate with today

[@OfSoulAndSin]

I heard they have great health insurance

[@mrroper7973]

This story telling is brilliant! ❤ it! Good job Keep going!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thank you! Will do!

[@wessmith6367]

Those were all good. Like some realistic context to my Joe stories. That was a good final twist on the last story. Surprised they didn’t try to kidnap the governor of Michigan.

[@andyappleton3353]

I wouldn't mind a video explaining the manufacturing process and development of Cobra weapons systems including B.A.T.S. Like, they must have top quality engineers designing their equipment. How do they recruit brilliant minds like those needed...and where are the factories building everything?

[@stevenjohansen3827]

There you've made a mistake B.A.T.S. aren't built or designed by the best of the best with the top of the line stuff. They are cheap designed by a madman Dr Mindbender, and made by who ever happens to think that they are the best of the best(most likely Techno Vipers). Factories would be small yet capable warehouse like basements under Terrordomes(mainly to reinforce the Domes supply), or in seemingly abandoned factories in now forgotten corners of industrial ghost towns with secret subways to get in and out unseen.

[@andyappleton3353]

@@stevenjohansen3827 You make some good points...but I don't know how you can call the B.A.T.S. program "cheap." These units have the ability to function on multiple terrains independently, recognize various targets, decipher hostile from friendly, and engage hostiles with appropriate and varying weapons systems. They're essentially like drones...or Terminators that function on their own. I'll give that many of the parts would be mass-produced and inexpensive, but the chips required to operate their software would be very difficult to produce. I allow that Dr. Mindbender is a brilliant man with a unique skill-set for engineering, but still...governments around the world have to go through lengths to acquire the materials required for chip manufacturing.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Yes, good point. I think Mindbender was the one who created them. He's really insane, it could be good to explore all the things he creates

[@stevenjohansen3827]

@@andyappleton3353 It says it on their profile. They are cheap and easy to replaced, can not tell friend foe or animal apart, have trouble adapting to changes in field conditions, and tend to explode when hot from behind.

[@christophermcnulty8786]

Awesome job on this. Sounds plausible.

[@juniorcecrle5072]

Awesome concept. Loved it.

[@Jason-ro7of]

Nice video. Great idea!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks, I had a lot of fun with it!

[@iwandimidik3835]

Great work. Really interesting take.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thank you!

[@Mïnd_8endîng]

This was friggin awesome! Fucken loved every second!

[@chiefsideshow]

Nice video, keep going!

[@LandofMert76]

Now I wanna play this as an RPG!

[@vhaukmoor8712]

Exsssssellent work!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thankssss!

[@ScottnotBob]

After all your breakdowns and raving about the comics… I broke man! I now own the new compendium that came out with first 50 issues… MAN! The Baroness is COLD!!!✌️🤘🇨🇦

[@manofaction1807]

Yeah, pretty Spot On. Cobra book of the RPG couldn't have explained it any better!

[@jeffallen9883]

This is an excellent video and if flushed out, Cobra would be a very scary organization with their infiltration in society. I wish the movies were like that, however I think the GI Joe universe would work better as a streaming series, if only for the detail involved.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks for the great comment, I agree, a streaming series would be the best way to do it

[@dzsquad1965]

Yes sir brother can u make more of them stores about the charter's? They are perfect for when I'm driving to my stomach problem doctor and other doctors

[@robertlong5221]

Ive long speculated on the backstory of Cobra. This is pretty good.

[@FantasyFactoryX]

Well done, this is very good

[@user-jt4zh3tp1v]

Who is the crimson guard head ? This is awesome work

[@f.a.p.8169]

I remember as a kid when GI Joe stopped sales of the toys in 1994. The last we saw of Cobra's exploits, was in Space. I'd be curious to know what happened? Did all of Cobra's exploits in the 1980s, the weaponized Toxic Sludge from Cesspool, and going into space cause their downfall? Were there lawsuits, charges of Terrorism, War Crimes, Money Laundering, and bankruptcy? How did Cobra make a comeback, in the late 90s? Early 2000s? I've always wondered. There is a period of Cobra History that is missing Between 1994 and 2003 (Spy Troops Line). I'm sure there is a story in that.

[@kevinyoung9557]

Nicely done.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@raylantz5144]

I was a soldier. Grew up with GI JOE, and still collect. My ex wife lost her shit when i got the COBRA symbol tattooed on my chest. I loved this video. I knew guys like "Wayne". Sign me up!

[@Matt-md5yt]

glad youtube recommended this to me.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@sorenandersen6832]

Definitely unique, and answers an itch I had as a kid but never bothered to think too deeply about - where do all these Cobras legions come from? A few baddies and terrorists, sure, but an army? And here is not just one answer, but five! Bad ass. Another question I had as a kid was why were the Joes focused only on Cobra, and why the Joes? Why not use Delta Force or SEALs? I feel like this video can stretch to answer those questions, but it would be a great topic for another video. Another deep dive would be why the Joes originally have only one commissioned officer in Hawk, and as the years go by, only three - Hawk, Keel Haul, and Falcon? That jump from Falcon to Hawk and Keel Haul is lieutenant to general/admiral. Maybe it's in the name - galvanized iron to general issue to general enlisted/solider. Anyhow, what's the story behind the Joes heavy focus on soldiers and specialists with a handful of NCOs (Duke, Flint, Beach head, Sgt. Slaughter, and my Joes end at1988, so that's it), and no mid-level officers?

[@joshuachristian5443]

That was really good...my only complaint is... that its over.

[@Ludditeheretic]

Very well done. A deep dive into the recruiting practices of various factions alone could provide a large amount of content. Some you've probably already though of but I'll suggest: The Arashikage, insights into being born into a cult. The Dreadnoks, 1 percenter life and the cheapening of life in general, Iron Grenadiers, loyalty to greed. Slaughters Marauders, starting from scratch all over again. Really enjoy your content.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

I'd love to explore the arashikage

[@marcusmaxon4033]

This was chilling.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks! That was what I was going for

[@Cirex9000]

I think what makes Cobra work so well is, despite the bright costumes and dedication to the snake motiff, is just how rooted in real world problems and real people. It takes itself seriously, despite all the ninjas, robots, and genetic freaks Mindbender has cooking in his lab.

[@wallaroo1295]

*WOW GREAT VIDEO!*

[@SigmaSal9]

Well done sir.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@StanleyTeriaca]

How do Zartan recrutes Dreadlocks?

[@GregoryWeatherspoon]

Bro this is gold.

[@Mïnd_8endîng]

Cobra just needs call me, if not i’d happily apply myself!;) hahahahahahh;)

[@R.L.Sutton]

Great video.

[@jereljacocks4634]

These were awesome! More of these please! Maybe how cobra troopers became different types of vipers? I would love one about Strato or Hydro Vipers!!

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks! Yes, I love all the genetically modified troopers

[@chrisbritt4266]

That was a great video

[@Thor13332]

Great stuff.

[@rongee7337]

THIS WAS DOPE! BRO I LOVE THIS KIND OF SHIT

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@dennislogan6781]

How about the recruiting for the Dreadnoughts? It was illustrated twice I think.

[@teslasuperdestinations]

THIS is excellent!

[@mavenportraits2488]

This is the start of what a real Gi Joe movie should be. This is someone who understands what GI Joe is all about, unlike the hollywood execs who probably never even opened a comic book.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@theprofitdirector3946]

This was fantasic.

[@buzzbomb6650]

Great vid.

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@fragminion5684]

One thing I've always kind of enjoyed was just how TERRORIST-ish OG Cobra used to be back in the day. I mean just look at the Cobra Trooper. He carried a Sniper Rifle. Had Garrote Wire and a mini grenade launcher. That and the OG Hiss Tank was small enough to fit in a Semi Truck Trailer.

[@thesmilyguyguy9799]

Good Story Cool Lore Good Job

[@joecam5130]

Absolutely Brilliant

[@DestroIsMySpiritAnimal]

Thanks!

[@michaelkimel8290]

how and where can I sign up. hahaha 😂