My initial inspiration was the corner art of the Marvel G.I. Joe Comic. While often surmised to be Grunt, I always thought of it as "me" as a member of the Joe team. But I wanted him to have more modern armor/gear than simple fatigues and web gear from the '80s. In addition, I took inspiration from both the Steel Brigade and Create-a-Cobra troopers where the child was encouraged to imagine themselves as part of the teams with some cool gear, helmet and equipment. My thoughts that this could represent JoeCustoms in a more holistic method than having a named mascot.

Using the current excellent DG molds with simple paint apps, and the above inspirations, I wanted to create some simple parts swap customs, using very simple paint to reflect the roots of much of our community back in the '80s where we swapped heads, opened up torsos with the back screw and used sharpies or simple paint on the OG13 figures (I used a modeling paint pen). I tried to create a Joe and a Cobra that could be "any one of us" in the Joe or Cobra ranks under the hood or mask. I also used Marauder weapons to indicate where our community has come in terms of access to after market items. The Cobra was a last minute addition, but I thought it complemented the idea. He is more LBC than ever.