Cobra Commander Is a GI Joe Icon, But He Doesn't Have the Origin Story to Match

Few comic book characters embody the quintessential villain better than G.I. Joe's Cobra Commander, but his backstory doesn't exactly live up to his character's capacity for evil. With his over-the-top personality, quickness to blame underlings for his failures, undying hatred of G.I. Joe, and willingness to throw anyone under the bus to gain an advantage, Cobra Commander deserves a stronger origin.

As one of the most notorious villains in superhero comic books and G.I. Joe’s most iconic antagonist, it’s easy to assume that Cobra Commander — like other classic villains and evildoers — was inherently evil. To be sure, Cobra Commander is deliciously wicked and deviant, and his "bad to the bone" nature only adds to his legendary lore.

However, while much of Cobra Commander’s past remains shrouded in mystery, what is known suggests that he didn’t start out as a villain. In fact, Cobra Commander’s origins were not so different from those of most other mild-mannered Americans.

Cobra Commander's Rise Spawned From Unfortunate Events Rather Than Sheer Wickedness

The G.I. Joe Antagonist's Original Origin Story, Explained

As told in IDW Publishing's 2010 tribute, G.I. Joe: Cobra Commander Tribute, before he became a global menace to peace and security, Cobra Commander was an ordinary small business owner struggling to make ends meet. His difficulties were compounded when his brother was tragically killed in a car accident. The subsequent investigation revealed that Cobra Commander's intoxicated brother was responsible for the crash, which also resulted in the deaths of all but one passenger in the other vehicle. In a twist of fate, the sole survivor of that accident would later become the G.I. Joe hero, Snake Eyes.

The death of Cobra Commander's brother had a profound and lasting impact on him. In a twisted turn of logic, he became convinced that his brother's death was the fault of the victims, rather than his brother's own actions. This misguided belief fueled an all-consuming obsession with revenge against Snake Eyes. As Cobra Commander's fixation intensified, it began to unravel his life. His business crumbled, and his marriage ended. But his obsession didn't stop there. It soon expanded to encompass a broader target: American society. This resentment ultimately spawned a radical idea: overthrowing the American government.

Early on, many people dismissed Cobra Commander as an oddball, and his hostility towards the state as rantings best left unacknowledged and ignored. However, he gradually attracted the attention of fringe groups, anti-establishment figures, and other disaffected individuals. Before long, he had amassed a following, which he, with the help of his early supporter and fellow ideologue Dr. Mindbender, organized into the Cobra organization. With this loyal force at his command, Cobra Commander was finally able to translate his rhetoric into action, targeting all those he deemed his enemies.

The Problem With Cobra Commander's Backstory Is That It Doesn't Fully Explain The Scope Of His Villainy

Fans Cite His "Overly Ordinary Origin" As An Issue

While no one can deny Cobra Commander's villainy – as the head of a global terrorist organization engaged in nearly every form of criminal activity imaginable – his origin story feels disappointingly flat. At his induction into the "Evildoers Hall of Fame," the "salesman gone bad" narrative is unlikely to captivate any audience. Compared to other iconic villains, both within and outside the G.I. Joe universe, Cobra Commander's lack of a compelling and emotionally resonant backstory diminishes his menace, villainy, and depravity.

Unlike Cobra Commander, Serpentor's origin story suits his role as Cobra's leader. Born inherently evil, he lacked vulnerabilities like family or friends that might temper his malevolence. His sole objective was domination – first of Cobra, then the world. Embodying evil incarnate from his inception, his merciless personality reflects this singular focus. In contrast, Cobra Commander, as Serpentor often observed, is more of an egotistical schemer than a genuinely evil leader. While Cobra Commander may need to manipulate others into action, Serpentor's unwavering resolve drives others to take deliberate, calculated steps towards achieving his goals.

G.I. Joe's New Continuity Revamps Cobra Commander's Origin, Giving The Franchise A Second Chance At Getting It Right

A Scarier, More Ambitious Commander

Fans hoping for a Cobra Commander origin story more in line with his established persona will likely enjoy the G.I. Joe reboot within Skybound Entertainment's Energon Universe; those interested should check out Joshua Williamson, Andrea Milana, and Annalisa Leoni's Cobra Commander limited series. In a more traditional "origin of evil" story, the series explores the early life of Cobra Commander; injured during a riot he instigated, he is healed in the remote Himalayan village of Cobra-La. In gratitude for saving his life, he sets out to lead the village toward world domination.

Despite the shortcomings of his origin story as the source of his high-level villainy, Cobra Commander has more than made up for it since assuming his role. Once he established Cobra and secured the unwavering loyalty of its members, he had no hesitation in fully embracing his true self. While he may occasionally display the whiny and pushy traits of a salesman, he remains the leader of one of the most dangerous organizations in the world, one that exists to fulfill his every whim. Regardless of his backstory, G.I. Joe lore considers Cobra Commander one of the most dangerous men alive.

G.I. Joe

Created by

Donald Levine

First Film

G.I. Joe: The Movie

Latest Film

Snake Eyes

First TV Show

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

Latest TV Show

G.I. Joe Renegades

First Episode Air Date

September 12, 1983

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G.I. Joe

Created by

Donald Levine

First Film

G.I. Joe: The Movie

G.I. Joe is a long-running franchise centered around a line of action figures produced by Hasbro, which has expanded into a wide array of media including comic books, animated series, and films. The franchise is known for its depiction of an elite military unit, G.I. Joe, fighting against the terrorist organization Cobra. Over the decades, G.I. Joe has become a significant cultural icon, particularly in the United States, with its slogan "A Real American Hero."

Latest Film

Snake Eyes

First Episode Air Date

September 12, 1983

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