Pythona
Context
This is the baddie Pythona as she appears in the feature-length cartoon GI Joe: the movie, in 1987. It’s not a great animated film by any stretch, and came direct-to-video even though GI Joe was still hugely popular among children.
But IMHO the Cobra-La characters are interesting enough to warrant a write up. And then there’s nostalgia.
Background
- Real Name: Pythona.
- Marital Status: Presumably single.
- Known Relatives: None mentioned in the film.
- Group Affiliation: Warrior elite of the Cobra-La Nation.
- Base Of Operations: Massive cavern beneath the Himalayas.
- Height: 5’9” Weight: 125 lbs.
- Eyes: 2, purple with snake-like slits. Hair: bald with dark green pony tail.
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Powers and Abilities
Pythona is a highly trained and experienced warrior and covert operative. She was able to engage and defeat multiple combat trained soldiers in both the Cobra and G.I. Joe forces with little difficulty.
She mostly employs speed and stealth. Pythona also makes use of a wide assortment of bizarre techno-organic weapons and gadgets to engage living opponents and/or counter security defenses of a facility.
Pythona has razor sharp claws that extend from each fingertip. These claws can either be used to administer deadly poisonous agents against beings, or extremely corrosive substances to penetrate thick walls and doors.
She has snake-like eyes which may or may not provide extra sensory capabilities.
The Glory of Cobra-La
Although this society dates back before mankind rose to becoming the dominant species of Earth, Cobra-La has proven to possess far more advanced technology.
Nearly every electronic, jet propulsion and even space faring technology that modern human civilization possesses Cobra-La has an organic technological equivalent. And it is either on par with or greatly surpasses those found in current industrialized human societies.
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They also seem to possess the ability to extend life if we are to go by what Golobulus has implied (and also what it says on his G.I. Joe action figure file card ).
Pythona, being a member of the elite ruling/warrior caste has free access to almost any piece of technology, weapon, and/or vehicle in the Cobra-La arsenal she might need to carry out her missions.
Video
A full sequence (in low resolution but heh, 1987 direct-to-video…) showing Pythona’s biotech and capabilities.
Description
It is obvious to anyone who set their eyes upon Pythona that there is something different and unusual about her. With her claws, strange eyes, pale skin and bizarre attire, there is definitely something animalistic and at the same time alluring about her.
As an emissary for the kingdom of Cobra-La, this bizarre attraction she brings out from others enables her to get their undivided attention. Should they choose not to listen to the message she brings from her master, Golobulus, her lightning quick reflexes, fighting skills and poison-tipped claws will make them regret ever doing so.
Personality
Pythona is a member of the ruling elite of the Cobra-La Nation. As such she often displays a regal, almost haughty demeanor.
She is an extremely intelligent and a highly capable warrior and covert operative. Her specialty is being a formidable femme fatale assassin.
DC Universe History
Although G.I. Joe has made appearances in other franchises such as the Transformers (which had members appear alongside Spider-Man), Cobra-La and G.I. Joe work better in their own self contained universe.
Cobra-La, however, can fit into the realm of other super hero books since they do seem to have an almost supernatural appeal to them.
Also a secret society of what appears to be a serpent-like race hiding in the Himalayas could fit nicely in any storyline where a super hero or group of supers find themselves battling an enemy straight out of a Lovecraftian themed novel.
Quotes
[After fighting her way through the Terror Drome and making it into Serpentor‘s heavily guarded throne room, Pythona at lasts confronts Serpentor]
Serpentor: “None may challenge Serpentor ! This, I command !”
Pythona [pulls back her hood] “That… won’t be necessary.”
Serpentor [astonished]: “I have seen you…” [images of Pythona, Nemesis Enforcer and Golobulus flash on the screen] “I have seen you before… in a dream…”
Pythona [approaches]: “In a memory, great Serpentor. When you were created my face was etched into your soul. I am Pythona.”
(Pointing at the fleeing Cobra Commander) “Nemesis Enforcer, fetch Cobra Commander.”
[Cobra troops being rounded up and taken into custody by Cobra-La forces]
Ripper: “Where are you taking the others ?”
Pythona: “You will know soon enough, Dreadnock Ripper.”
Zandar [surprised]: “You know us ?”
Pythona: “We know everything.”
Zartan: “We don’t know who you are, where you came from, or even what side you’re on. Why should we risk our necks on your behalf ?”
Pythona: “Does *this* answer your question ?” [produces a huge ruby from under her robe]
Zartan: “A gem of that size answers *all* my questions.”
Serpentor: “No, put him in with the Joe prisoners, so they can see the fate which awaits them.”
Pythona: “I like that. It’s poetic in its simplicity.”
(Poised to slash Jinx with her venomous claws) “Prepare for eternity !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Pythona
| Dex: 08 | Str: 05 | Bod: 06 | Motivation: Upholding the Cobra-La Nation |
| Int: 07 | Wil: 08 | Min: 07 | Occupation: Warrior elite |
| Inf: 08 | Aur: 07 | Spi: 07 | Resources {or Wealth}: N/A (see below) |
| Init: 027 | HP: ?? |
Powers:
Acid: 10, Claws: 08, Jumping: 03, Poison Touch: 12, Running: 06
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Acid and Poison Touch are delivered through her claws.
- Jumping has the Catfall bonus.
Skills:
Acrobatics (Athletics, climbing, dodging): 08, Animal Handling (Cobra-La creatures): 07, Charisma: 07, Martial Artist: 08, Military Science: 07, Thief: 08, Weaponry (Melee, missile, exotic weapons): 08
Advantages:
Intensive Training, Iron Nerves, Leadership, Lightning Reflexes, possibly Near-Immortal.
Connections:
Golobulus (High), Nemesis Enforcer (High), Serpentor (High), Cobra-La Nation (High).
Drawbacks:
Creepy Appearance.
Equipment:
- Techno-organic/bio-armor costume [BODY 07, Skin Armour: 06].
- Squid-like submersible vehicle that was large enough to carry Pythona and Nemesis Enforcer, and possibly others [DEX 04 STR 08 BODY 08, Extra limbs (x4): 05, Sealed systems: 18, Swimming: 07].
- The following ’weapons’ :
- squid like creature which is thrown at targets’?? head and then constricts its tentacles (x4)(STR 05 BODY 04).
- a small green object that, when squeezed, emits some sort of knockout gas (x2)(BODY 04, Poison Touch: 08).
- a creature the appears to be an actual starfish that is thrown like a shuriken (x08) [BODY 03, EV: 03, Dart Bonus].
- a creature that looks to be four snakes joined in a cross shape at their center, which is immune or highly resistant to electricity and is capable of chewing through metals (DEX 06 STR 07 BODY 05, Claws (Bite): 08, Lightning Immunity: 08).
- a clamshell that generated thin strips that wrapped around opponents(BODY 04, Snare: 09).
- Pythona attacked several Joes in Recon Sleds with trilobite looking creatures that exploded, wrecking the Joe vehicles (x12) [BODY 01, Bomb: 07 (Area of effect 1 AP)].
Source of Character: G.I. Joe: The Movie 1987 animated film from the animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, based on the original Hasbro toyline. It was produced by Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions and was animated in Japan by Toei Animation. Pythona was voiced by Jennifer Darling.
Helper(s): IMDB .