Long Range is the code name of two fictional characters from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The first is Karl W. Fritz, who is the G.I. Joe Team's Thunderclap driver and debuted in 1989. He appeared in the comic book series and the DIC animated series.

The second fictional character to use the same code name was Alejandro Garcia the Joe's transportation expert. Debuting in 2005, this Long Range drives a Rolling Operations Command Center (R.O.C.C.).

Karl W. Fritz edit

Long Range
G.I. Joe character
 
First appearance1989
In-universe information
AffiliationG.I. Joe
SpecialtyThunderclap Driver
File nameKarl W. Fritz
Birth placeWarwick, Rhode Island
SN909-6656-BN23
RankE-7 (Sergeant First Class)
Primary MOSThunderclap driver
Secondary MOSArtillery

Fictional character biography edit

He is the G.I. Joe team's Thunderclap vehicle driver.[1] He made his debut in 1989. His real name is Karl W. Fritz, and his rank is that of Sergeant First Class E-7. Long Range was born in Warwick, Rhode Island. Long Range's primary military specialty is Thunderclap driver, and his secondary military specialty is artillery.

As a kid, he struggled with simple arithmetic, but was able to easily master complex trigonometric and calculus problems. He joined the Army's Artillery corps, where he used his trigonometric skills to achieve the highest percentage rate of on-target knock outs in the history of the corps and earn the nickname "The Knock Out Man".[2]

A Real American Hero Toy history edit

Long Range was first released as an action figure in 1989, packaged with the Thunderclap long-range targeting cannon.[3]

Comics - Original Continuity edit

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero - Marvel Comics edit

In the Marvel comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #92. He uses artillery fire from the 'Thunderclap' to help rescue fellow Joes and members of the Oktober Guard.[4]

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero - IDW edit

Later, in the same continuity, Long-Range works with Alpine, Torpedo and Muskrat to rescue peace activist and long-time Joe ally Dr. Adele Burkhart. They are pursued through the mountains of fictional country Olliestan by a murderous group of fanatics, enraged that Burkhart supports education for women. Long-Range works closely with Torpedo to draw off attention from the others supporting Adele but their efforts are not as successful as they hope.[5]

Animated series appearances edit

DIC Series edit

Long Range appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe animated series episode titled "Operation Dragonfire" Pt. 2 in a non-speaking cameo role.

Alejandro Garcia edit

Long Range
G.I. Joe character
 
Long Range, as he appeared on G.I. Joe: Sigma 6.
First appearance2005
Voiced byScottie Ray
In-universe information
AffiliationG.I. Joe
SpecialtyR.O.C.C. Driver
File nameAlejandro Garcia
Birth placeMonterrey, Mexico
SN452-86-WS45
RankE-5 (Sergeant)
Primary MOSTransportation Expert
Secondary MOSInfantry, Rifleman

Fictional character biography edit

He is described as studying various philosophical works like Aristotle, Zeno, and Diogenes. As the Joe's R.O.C.C. driver, he will not let anything stop him from completing his objective.[6]

A Real American Hero Toy history edit

The second Long Range was first released as an online exclusive released in 2005 as the driver of and bundled with the 'Rolling Operations Command Center.[7]

Comics edit

In the Devil's Due G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 comics, he first appeared in issue #1, and played a prominent role in issue #5.

Animated series appearances edit

Long Range appeared in the G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 animated series. Along with driving the R.O.C.C., he was also the team's sniper.

References edit

  1. ^ "Thunderclap vehicle information". Yojoe.com. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  2. ^ "Long Range filecard". Yojoe.com. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  3. ^ Santelmo, Vincent (1994). The Official 30th Anniversary Salute To G.I. Joe 1964-1994. Krause Publications. p. 125. ISBN 0-87341-301-6.
  4. ^ G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #92
  5. ^ G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #204-206 (July- September 2014)
  6. ^ "Long Range II filecard". Yojoe.com. Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  7. ^ "2005 Long Range". Yojoe.com. Retrieved 2012-09-17.

External links edit