Baron Ironblood

Baron Ironblood is a fictional character from Action Force, the British equivalent to the G. I. Joe Franchise. He appeared in the "Battle Action Force" comic books and annuals of the 1980s and was cast as an action figure by toy-makers Palitoy and distributed around Europe.

Character

Baron Ironblood is the leader of the Red Shadows, sworn enemies of Action Force. According to "Battle Action Force" his real name and birth place are unknown (though a detailed comic book back-story, which featured in an early "Battle Action Force" annual, places him of possible Swiss descent). [ [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/Baron%20File%2001.html The File on the Baron (Part 1)] and [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/Baron%20File%2002.html The File on the Baron (Part 2)] each courtesy of [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/ Blood for the Baron!] ]

In addition Ironblood's "datafile" (as it appeared in "Battle Action Force") states that his "primary military speciality" is "organisational military strategy" and that his "secondary military speciality" is that he is a "born leader".

"Information very uncertain. First heard of as mastermind behind several South American Revolutions. Twisted criminal brain dreams of world dominance. Noted for hypnotic control over men, his madness leads to wild fury in defeat, often taken out on his own troops."

and that

"The Baron uses harsh methods to train his Red Shadows who obey him to the death"

He is also described as "World Enemy No.1" and a:

"Genius of Evil. Ironblood's sworn intent is to destroy all organised government in Europe."

Graphic representation

Both as an action figure and comic book character (first drawn by artist Jim Watson in a strip written by Gerry Day) Baron Ironblood appears dressed in all white suit (jacket and trousers) with a red 'V' design on the torso, together with a Skull and crossbones decoration, the insignia of the Red Shadows. He also wears long black boots, reminiscent of German military uniforms of World War II. Various editions of the figure were produced with either black or white gloves.

In addition he wears a Ned Kelly-style iron helmet, with a small slot opening for vision. As an action figure this helmet is removable, revealing a Caucasian male with white hair and a dark goatee beard. This representation is also clear in his early appearances in the "Battle Action Force" comics and in the action figure. [ [http://museums.leics.gov.uk/collections-on-line/GetObjectAction.do?objectKey=270011 Baron Ironblood figure] at Leicestershire City Council Museum's toy collection]

He also comes armed with an Uzi submachine gun.

Transition to Cobra Commander

In later editions of the "Battle Action Force" series, [ [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/World%20Enemy%20No.%201.html World Enemy No. 1] storyline courtesy of [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com Blood for the Baron!] ] Ironblood betrays the Red Shadows, leaking information about their bases and intentions to the UN. As the Shadows are wiped out, Ironblood goes into hiding and constructs a new identity for himself, undergoing a mithridatization process and becoming Cobra Commander before creating Cobra as a new enemy force. [ [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/Conversion%2001.html Cobra Conversion Part 1] , [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/Conversion%2002.html Cobra Conversion Part 2] and [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/Conversion%2003.html Cobra Conversion Part 3] detailed description of the transition to Cobra from "Battle Action Force Annual", courtesy of [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com Blood for the Baron!] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/ "Blood for the Baron!"] An "Action Force" fansite