GI Joe was originally not going to have a villain. The first set was slated to not include Cobra and it was only at a meeting with Marvel writers that Cobra was conceived. What would GI Joe be without the crazy and colorful villains of Cobra? Just a bunch of guys doing maneuvers. Cobra adds a focus for GI Joe and without them, it just wouldn't be the same. Check out the top Cobra characters from the GI Joe universe.

1. Destro

Although Destro isn't seen as the leader of Cobra, he is always there, pulling strings and manipulating others. While Cobra Commander has always had a more direct and dramatic approach, Destro is the one putting the seeds into Cobra Commanders mind that puts him into motion. Of everyone in the Cobra organization to fear, Destro is the one to watch out for. He will be plotting your demise long before he actually needs a reason to. It also helps that he has the coolest metal mask around.More »

2. Storm Shadow

Storm Shadow is Cobra's resident ninja master. He is the dark counterpart to Snake Eyes, a fellow ninja from the Arashikage clan, who resides with the GI Joe team. Storm Shadow is deadly, swift, and resilient and serves as Cobra Commanders bodyguard. Storm Shadow is one of the coolest characters and is a fan favorite.

3. Baroness

Baroness is Cobra's chief intelligence officer and is always close by Cobra Commander's side. She is a vixen clad in black leather and her beauty belies her cunning and ferocity. Baroness is one that you do not want to cross, because if you do, it will be your last.More »

4. Cobra Commander

The face and voice of Cobra, Cobra Commander took the fortune he made scamming others and turned it into a high tech terrorist organization. He is truly a megalomaniac bent on taking over the world and he does it in some of the most unusual manners possible. He is vile, evil, lacking morals, and cold-hearted. He will not stop until GI Joe is defeated and the world is in his hands.More »

5. Zartan

Zartan is a master of disguises, perhaps being so good he has disguised his true self from everyone, even himself. He is a killer and a manipulator, seeking fortune and glory in the ranks of Cobra.

6. Firefly

Demolitions expert and saboteur, Firefly gets paid whether he succeeds or fails, and he rarely fails. His identity is unknown to even Cobra Commander, but when things need to go boom, Firefly is the first on the phone.

7. Dreadnoks

The Dreadnoks are loud, obnoxious, and wield unusual items of destruction. Flame throwers, chainsaws, and large knives, all aboard roaring motorcycles. The Dreadnoks are a biker gang of mercenaries with the allure of high profits and the promise of carnage. What better place than Cobra to make their dreams come true.

8. Major Bludd

A mercenary to the core, Major Bludd has joined and left Cobra multiple times. When things get to hot, boring, or the money just isn't right, Major Bludd is off to the next target. He is an accomplished fighter has been a thorn in GI Joe's time more than once.

9. Serpentor

The combination of many killers DNA from around the globe was used to create Serpentor. In the cartoon he took over Cobra, but in the comic, he was a general and leader of the troops. Either way, Serpentor is a fierce enemy that Joe has had face time and again.