This is an alphabetical List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters whose code names start with the letters S-Z.

Salvo[link]

Salvo is the G.I. Joe Team's Anti-Armor Trooper. His real name is David K. Hasle, and he was born in Arlington, Virginia. Salvo was first released as an action figure in 1990,^[1] and again in 2005. Both versions have the t-shirt slogan 'The Right of Might'.

Salvo's primary military specialty is anti-armor trooper. He also specializes in repairing "TOW/Dragon" missiles. Salvo expresses a deep distrust of advanced electronic weaponry. He prefers to use mass quantities of conventional explosives to overwhelm enemy forces.^[2]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #114. There, he fights as part of a large scale operation against Cobra forces in the fictional country of Benzheen. Steeler, Dusty, Salvo, Rock'N'Roll and Hot Seat get into vehicular based combat against the missile expert Metal-Head ^[3] Cobra forces later assault the G.I. Joe headquarters in Utah; Salvo helps defend it.^[4]

Salvo appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series voiced by Brent Chapman.

Scarlett[link]

Scarlett is the G.I. Joe Team's counter intelligence officer. Her real name is Shana M. O'Hara, and she was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Although she is as adept with standard weapons as any of her comrades, her weapon of choice is the crossbow which fires various bolts with specialized functions. Her rank is Master Sergeant, and she serves from time to time as team leader. She is skilled in martial arts and acrobatics. Of note, her secondary military specialty remains classified in all of her file cards. She learned her martial arts skills from her father, who trained her and her three brothers as he was an instructor. She has several black belts in various forms of martial arts. She has long red hair, which she tends to put up into a pony tail. In some of her appearances, it is shown she may speak with a southern drawl or localized Georgian accent. She also graduated summa cum laude from a prestigious university, and passed her Bar Exams to practice law before moving into the military.

Scarlett is voiced by B.J. Ward in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon, Suzanne Errett-Balcom in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon, Veronica Taylor in G.I. Joe: Sigma 6, Grey DeLisle in G.I. Joe: Resolute, and Natalia Cigliuti in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Sci-Fi[link]

Sci-Fi is the G.I. Joe Team's laser trooper. His real name is Seymour P. Fine, and he was born in Geraldine, Montana. Sci-Fi's primary military specialty is infantry, and his secondary military specialty is electronics. Sci-Fi is known for being patient and taking his time, traits which aid him in aiming a laser over long distances for extended periods of time. Sci-Fi took a leave of absence to complete his master's degree in electrical engineering, returning with the skill set necessary to enact unparalleled enhancements to the security systems in G.I. Joe headquarters.

Sci-Fi is voiced by Jerry Houser in both the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon and the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon.

Scoop[link]

Scoop is the G.I. Joe Team's combat information specialist. His real name is Leonard Michaels, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. Scoop was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was first released as an action figure in 1989.^[5] In the cartoon series, his character was a Cobra spy; in the other continuities he is simply a journalist/soldier.

Scoop's primary military specialty is journalist, and his secondary military specialty is microwave transmission specialist. He has an advanced degree in journalism, as well as a masters degree in electrical engineering. Scoop could have worked for a network news team, but instead opted for service on the G.I. Joe Team so he could be on the spot when news was being made.

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in G.I. Joe Special Missions #23. He is one of a team sent to Sierra Gordo. Conflict arises because Scoop, while a trained soldier, barely meets G.I. Joe standards. It is shown how he interacts badly with his teammates Muskrat, Leatherneck, Hit and Run, Tunnel Rat and Stalker. Scoop defeats an Iron Grenadier in hand to hand combat, smashing the man in the head with the treasured video footage. This also saves the life of Tunnel Rat, who had been wounded. All the Joes then escape. Scoop earns the respect of the other Joe soldiers.^[6] He later returns to Sierra Gordo to help rescue Joes and the Oktober Guard.^[7] Scoop eventually returns to the reformed G.I. Joe team.^[8]

Scoop appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series, voiced by Michael Benyaer. Scoop was recruited by Sgt. Slaughter for his "Maruders" sub-team. Scoop was suspected of being a Cobra spy. In the episode "Operation: Dragonfire", Scoop confesses that he is in fact a Cobra spy. He is placed under arrest by Low-Light. Stalker frees Scoop when convinced he's no longer working for Cobra, after discovering Cobra lied about the Joes destroying his family home. Scoop then spies on Cobra for the Joes.

Scoop appears as a non-playable character in the G.I. Joe arcade game.^[9]

Sgt. Hacker[link]

Sgt. Hacker is the G.I. Joe Team's information retrieval specialist. His real name is Jesse E. Jordan, and he was first released as an action figure in 2003.^[10] He is a computer specialist from Fort Leonard Wood.

Sgt. Slaughter[link]

Sgt. Slaughter is the G.I. Joe Team's drill instructor, who is based on the professional wrestler of the same name. He was born in Parris Island, South Carolina and spent time dressing down trainees in Camp Lejeune. His real name is top secret. According to the G.I. Joe storyline, since just about every member of the G.I. Joe team is qualified to be a drill instructor, it takes a special brand of heavy duty honcho to keep them squared away.

The real-life Sgt. Slaughter voiced his G.I. Joe counterpart in both the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon and the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon.

Shipwreck[link]

Shipwreck is the G.I. Joe Team's sailor. His real name is Hector X. Delgado, and he was born in Chula Vista, California. He is a sailor in the US Navy who worked as a Gunner's Mate. He grew up near the San Diego Navy Yards and owns a parrot named Polly. He enlisted in the Navy at 16, after getting permission from his parents. He participated in patrolling and engaged in action in the Mekong Delta and served on carrier operations in the Middle East before joining the G.I. Joe Team.

In the Sunbow cartoon, Shipwreck is voiced by Neil Ross, while Polly's vocal effects were provided by Frank Welker. In G.I. Joe: Renegades, Shipwreck was voiced by Carlos Alazraqui.

Shockwave[link]

Shockwave is the G.I. Joe Team's S.W.A.T. specialist. His real name is Jason A. Fara, and he was born in Dearborn, Michigan. Shockwave's primary military specialty is Special Weapons and Tactics, and his secondary military specialty is choir. Shockwave was the youngest member of the Detroit Police Department S.W.A.T. Team, and had earned two citations for bravery before joining the G.I. Joe Team. Shockwave is his S.W.A.T. Team's door kicker – the first one inside, and the first to find out how bad the situation really is. As a member of a choir, he is also a tenor.

Shockwave is voiced by Gary Chalk in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon.

Short-Fuze[link]

Short-Fuze is the G.I. Joe Team's original mortar soldier. His real name is Eric W. Friestadt, and he was born in Chicago, Illinois. Short-Fuze comes from a military family (his father and grandfather were both career Top Sergeants). He enjoys abstract mathematics and can plot artillery azimuths and triangulations in his head. Short-Fuze is logical and sensitive. Has also has a noticeable temper, hence his code-name.

Short-Fuze is voiced by Frank Welker in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon.

Sideswipe[link]

Sideswipe is the code name of Andrew Frankel. He is the G.I. Joe Team's medical specialist, and was released as an action figure in 2002.^[11]

Sidetrack[link]

Sidetrack was originally the code name of Sean C. McLaughlin. He was the G.I. Joe Team's wilderness survival specialist, and was released as an action figure in 2000.^[10] Sidetrack was then used as the code name of John Boyce in 2002. He is a ranger for the G.I. Joe Team, and a former professional wrestler.^[10]

Skidmark[link]

Skidmark is the G.I. Joe Team's Desert Fox driver. His real name is Cyril Colombani, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. Skidmark was born in Los Angeles, California, and was first released as an action figure in 1988, packaged with the "Desert Fox" 6WD jeep.^[12]

Skidmark's primary military specialty is fast attack vehicle driver, and his secondary military specialty is infantry. As a kid, he was polite, well groomed, and successful in his studies. However, when he received his first driver's lesson, he subsequently shattered all-known records for accumulating speeding violations. He is the G.I. Joe Team's fastest and most reliable recon driver.

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #72. He joins the team at the same time as Wildcard and Windmill. A Cobra agent, the Star Viper, sneaks onto the Joe's Utah base by holding onto the underside of Skidmark's Desert Fox vehicle.^[13] Skidmark and the new Joes pursue the Viper in the next issue.^[14]

Skidmark returns in the Devil's Due G.I. Joe series in issue #24. He is one of the many Joes called back to duty for the second Cobra civil war, this one also taking place on Cobra Island. In issue #25, Skidmark is called forward by General Hawk to help him arrest Overlord, a command-level officer in Serpentor's army. At the same time, a last-ditch effort by the enemy has released an EMP field over the island. All electronics are neutralized and multiple aircraft plunge from the sky. A helicopter lands nearby and explodes, killing Skidmark.^[15]

Skidmark is featured in the 1989 'Golden' G.I. Joe coloring book.^[16] He is also is discussed on page 150 of the e-book Diary of an American Boy: A Poet, Athlete, Stud, and a Liar by Charles Pratt.^[17][18]

Skydive[link]

Skydive is the G.I. Joe Team's Sky Patrol leader. His real name is Lynton N. Felix, and he was born in Pensacola, Florida. Skydive was first released as an action figure in 1990, as part of the "Sky Patrol" line.^[1] Before he was recruited by G.I. Joe, he spent ten years as a non-commissioned officer teaching Ranger School at Fort Benning. He also specializes in personnel administration.^[19]

Skydive is voiced by Dale Wilson in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon.

Skymate[link]

Skymate is the G.I. Joe Team's glider trooper. His real name is Daniel T. Toner, and he was born in Queenstown, Australia. Skymate was first released as an action figure in 1991, as part of the Air Commandos line.^[20]

Skymate flies the "Air Commando" glider. He grew up in a remote station near the Haast's Bluff Aboriginal Reserve. He receives exotic weapons training in the 'Special Air Services', which only complimented his already extensive knowledge of the subject. He is considered very quiet. His preferred weapon is a bow and arrow.^[21]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he is mentioned by name in issue #118, but not seen. He and the other Air Commandos are flying backup for a mission Chuckles is running for Destro against Cobra Commander and the 'Night Creepers'.^[22] In the Devil's Due G.I. Joe series, Skymate is one of many Joes sent to Europe to assist in worldwide outbreaks of Cobra terrorist activity.^[23]

Skymate appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series.

Skystriker[link]

Skystriker is a member of the special G.I. Joe group Tiger Force, and serves as the jet fighter pilot tasked with operating the "Tiger Rat" assault plane. His real name is Alexander P. Russo, and he was first released as an action figure in 1988. Skystriker was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up around planes on a military base. He is noted for destroying more than fifteen Cobra planes during attacks on Cobra Island.^[24]

Slip Stream[link]

Slip Stream is the G.I. Joe Team's Conquest X-30 pilot. His real name is Gregory B. Boyajian, and his rank is that of 1st Lieutenant, USAF O-2. Slip Stream was born in Provo, Utah. His primary military specialty is fighter pilot, and his secondary military specialty is computer technology. Slip Stream was an expert video game player and computer hacker until he discovered flying. As a teenager he joined the Jr. Civil Air Patrol, and then got his Air Force commission through the R.O.T.C., finishing at the top of his class in flight school. He speaks Armenian, Greek, and French.

Slip Stream is voiced by Dan Gilvezan in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon.

Snake Eyes[link]

Snake Eyes is the G.I. Joe Team's commando. He is a ninja infantryman, and the owner of the wolf named Timber whom he saved from a bear trap. Much of his history and information, including his real name, place of birth, as well as almost everything else about him, have remained classified throughout all depictions of his origin. All that is known for certain about his military standing is his rank/grade (originally U.S. Army Sergeant/E-5 and eventually reaching Master Sergeant/E-8), he has undergone Drill Sergeant training, and is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Delta Operator. He is also the team's resident hand to hand combat instructor.

Snake Eyes was originally billed by Hasbro Toys in 1982 as a commando, but by 1984, in the pages of Marvel Comics, it became clear that he was also a full-fledged ninja master. In every version of his story, Snake Eyes is quiet in his movements and is a swift and deadly master of multiple martial arts. He is an expert in the use of the ninjatō and spike-knuckled trench knives (which he collects). He usually carries them in pairs but often uses only one. He is equally qualified with and willing to use standard weapons like firearms and explosives. Making him even more dangerous is that he rarely relies on one set of weapons to the exclusion of others. In keeping with his quiet personality, Snake Eyes usually wears what could perhaps best be described as a black "military ninja" bodysuit, along with a balaclava and visor to cover his face, which was disfigured in a helicopter explosion. Since then, Snake Eyes has had extensive plastic surgery to repair the damage to his face. He still has a few scars left, but his vocal cords cannot be repaired.

As in the comics, Snake Eyes never spoke in any media appearances. Timber's vocal effects were provided by Frank Welker in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon.

Sneak Peek[link]

Sneak Peek is the G.I. Joe Team's advanced recon specialist. His real name is Owen King, and his rank is that of sergeant E-5. Sneak Peek was born in Bangor, Maine, where Stephen King is a longtime resident, and this is an apparent reference to Stephen King's son, Owen King. He was first released as an action figure in 1987.^[25] The figure was repainted and released as part of the Night Force line in 1988, packaged with Lt. Falcon.^[26]

Sneak Peek's primary military specialty is infantry, and his secondary military specialty is radio-telecommunications. Sneak Peek is known for a mission while in a Ranger recon battalion, in which he was never recalled due to an error; he continued observing enemy activity, taking notes and sketching maps for two weeks, until someone remembered he was still out there and signaled for him to return. Sneak Peek is Ranger qualified and proficient with all NATO night vision devices.

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #73. He is part of a recon team that works its way through Cobra Island during the Cobra civil war.^[27] Later, he is shot and killed during the battle of Benzheen. He dies saving a little girl from danger from an Alley Viper. The same issue reveals details of his friendship with fellow Joe Dusty.^[28]

In the Devil's Due G.I. Joe series, another agent takes his code name, and goes undercover with the Dreadnoks.^{[volume & issue needed]}

Sneak Peek is a supporting character in the novel The Sultan's Secret by Peter Lerangis.^[29] He also has a role in Invisibility Island.^[30]

Snow Job[link]

Snow Job is the G.I. Joe Team's original arctic trooper. His real name is Harlan W. Moore, and he was born in West Rutland, Vermont. Snow Job was a major Olympic Biathlon contender who enlisted for the special training and support privileges that the army gives to Olympic champions. It's been suggested that he got his nickname more from being a con artist than from his primary military specialty on the arctic ski patrol. He is competent with a rifle and his secondary specialty is as a rifle instructor.

Snow Job is voiced by Rob Paulsen in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon, and by Nolan North in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Snow Storm[link]

Snow Storm is the G.I. Joe Team's high-tech snow trooper. His real name is Guillermo "Willie" Suarez, and his rank is that of Staff Sergeant E-6. Snow Storm was born in Havana, Cuba, and was first released as an action figure in 1993, as part of the Battle Corps line.^[31]

His primary military specialty is arctic warfare. His secondary military specialty is cold weather survival instructor.^[32]

Space Shot[link]

Space Shot is the G.I. Joe Team's combat freighter pilot. His real name is George A. Roberts, and he was born in Everett, Massachusetts. Space Shot was first released as an action figure in 1994, as part of the Star Brigade line.^[33]

His file card establishes that he flew cargo between planets in Earth's solar system, and for fun he would fly blindfolded through the rings of Saturn. This earned him the attention of Duke, who recruited him and found it was not easy teaching him military discipline. He has defended four space stations from Cobra attack, and makes Cobra 'Blackstar' pilots look like trainees.^[34]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #145.^[35] His comics continuity does not match the file card, as he is simply one of many Joes with basic, "real-world" astronaut experience.^[36] Space Shot joins up with the Joe subteam, the Star Brigade, which includes the members Payload, Sci-Fi and Roadblock.^[37] They take the space shuttle USS Defiant to deal with an asteroid threatening all of Earth. With the assistance of the latest version of Oktober Guard, the Joes fight androids in the asteroid's interior. They learn the androids are Soviet worker drones and an insane architect had pointed the asteroid at Earth.^[38] The Defiant and the Guard's craft are damaged, so the Joes cannibalize their craft to repair the other, and everyone makes it off safely in the other ship. The asteroid is safely destroyed, along with the remains of the Defiant.^[39]

Sparks[link]

Sparks is the G.I. Joe Team's communication expert. His real name is Alex Verdi, and he was first released as an action figure in 2007.^[10] Sparks is the son of a former U.S. ambassador, and was born in Carcare, Italy. He spent his formative years in Europe, becoming fluent in 13 languages, as well as learning the finer points of diplomacy. After graduating from Harvard, he planned to become an interpreter for the military, but instead serves as a liaison to the Pentagon for the G.I. Joe Team. Sparks is an essential cog in G.I. Joe operations, thanklessly filing mountains of paperwork and records, according to the stringent protocols of military bureaucracy. His military specialties include telecommunications, cryptologic operations, and electronic warfare.^[40]

Spearhead[link]

Spearhead is the G.I. Joe Team's point man. His real name is Peter R. Millman, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. Spearhead was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and was first released as an action figure in 1988, with his pet bobcat Max.^[41] The figure was repainted and released as part of the Night Force line in 1989, packaged with Muskrat.^[26]

Spearhead's primary military specialty is infantry, and his secondary military specialty is finance. He was once the youngest and most successful insurance salesman in the Pacific North-West; everybody liked him and trusted him, and bought more insurance from him than they could afford. However, he joined the Army, feeling that somebody had to do it. Thanks to Spearhead's charisma, and with his bobcat Max as a source of inspiration, soldiers are willing to follow him when he takes the lead.^[42]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in G.I. Joe Special Missions #21.^[43] He works with Airtight, Charbroil and other Joes in an attempt to stop Dreadnoks activity in the sewers of New York. They fail to stop Cobra's plan to create a telemarketing scam center, and their new ally, a homeless veteran, dies while believing he saved the Joes' lives.^[44]

Spearhead returns for active duty when the Joe team is reformed in the Devil's Due series. A note Mainframe leaves for himself indicates Spearhead needs a new communications device.^[45] Spearhead is also one of the many Joes to go against Serpentor in the second Cobra civil war.^[46]

Specialist Trakker[link]

Specialist Trakker is the M.A.S.K. character Matt Trakker. He was released in 2008 as an advanced vehicle specialist for the G.I. Joe Team.^[10] In the G.I. Joe universe, M.A.S.K.'s enemies in V.E.N.O.M. were a splinter faction of Cobra Command according to Specialist Trakker's file card.

Spirit[link]

Spirit is the G.I. Joe Team's tracker. His real name is Charlie Iron-Knife, and he was born to a poor Native American family in the Taos Pueblo Reservation in Taos, New Mexico. He has a companion pet Bald Eagle named Freedom.

In the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon, Spirit is voiced by Gregg Berger while Freedom's vocal effects are provided by Frank Welker. He is also voiced by Maurice LaMarche in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon and by Darren Dunstan in G.I. Joe: Sigma 6.

Stalker[link]

Stalker is the G.I. Joe Team's original ranger. His real name is Lonzo A. Wilkinson, and he was born in Detroit, Michigan.

Stalker is voiced by Arthur Burghardt in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon, Lee Jeffrey in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon, Charlie Adler in G.I. Joe: Resolute, and Andrew Kishino in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Starduster[link]

Starduster is the G.I. Joe Team's Jet Pack Trooper. His real name is Edward J. Skylar, and he was born in Burlingame, California. Starduster was first released as an action figure in 1987, as a mail-in exclusive from Action Stars cereal, and later as a mail-in offer from Hasbro Direct. In 2008, he was renamed Skyduster and released with the Toys R Us exclusive Air Command Set, which also included Capt. Ace and Wild Bill.^[47]

Starduster's primary military specialty is Infantry Transportable Air Recon, and his secondary military specialty is Helicopter Assault. He was a trapeze artist before he enlisted in the Airborne Rangers. Starduster was recruited into the G.I. Joe team by Duke.^[48]

In 1985, a television commercial for Action Stars cereal depicted a boy making his way to a bowl of cereal led by the character Duke. After eating the cereal, the boy flies into the air following Starduster. This was the only time that the action-figure Starduster appeared in animated form, as he was never part of the cartoon television series.^[49]

Starduster was featured in three out-of-continuity mini-comics packaged in Action Stars cereal.^[50] Starduster also appeared in the comic tie-in to the Commandos Heroicas, which were released in both toy and comic book character form as part of the 2009 G.I. Joe convention. Starduster became commander of this Argentine branch of the G.I. Joe team.

Static Line[link]

Static Line is the G.I. Joe Team's Sky Patrol demolitions expert. His real name is Wallace J. Badducci, and he was born in Chicago, Illinois. Static Line was first released as an action figure in 1990, as part of the "Sky Patrol" line.^[1]

His primary military specialty is demolitions expert. He is also a trained aircraft mechanic.^[51] Static Line is noted for his eye for detail and for not destroying explosive devices, but rendering them inert.^[52]

Steam-Roller[link]

Steam-Roller is the G.I. Joe Team's Mobile Command Center operator. His real name is Averill B. Whitcomb, and his rank is that of sergeant E-5. Steam-Roller was born in Duluth, Minnesota, and was first released as an action figure in 1987, packaged with the Mobile Command Center.^[41][53]

Steam-Roller's primary military specialty is heavy equipment operator, and his secondary military specialty is armor. He worked on heavy cranes on the Great Lakes' docks, earth movers in the strip mines of Appalachia, and graders on the blacktop highways of several states. He was operating an M-15A2, 50 ton transporter when he was assigned to the G.I. Joe Team. Steam-Roller is a qualified expert with all NATO small-arms and explosives.^[54]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #99.^[55] He also makes an appearance in the following issue. He battles Python Patrol members in the Utah desert. The MCC is damaged by a plane which is itself shot down. Steam-Roller sees the pilot bail out and ventures after him, promising aloud to deliver the adversary a beating.^[56]

Steeler[link]

Steeler is the G.I. Joe Team's original tank commander. His real name is Ralph W. Pulaski, and he was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Steeler was a Tank Commander for the "M.O.B.A.T." (Multi-Ordnance Battle Assault Tank) tank. Steeler comes from a blue collar middle-class background. He put himself through college on an ROTC scholarship and worked as a heavy equipment operator. He went through Armor School as Fort Knox. He is young and reckless, and often clashes with authority (including superior officers). He often challenges his teammates to physical endurance tasks, as he respects people more this way.

Steeler is voiced by Chris Latta in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon and by Eddie Mata in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Stretcher[link]

Stretcher is the G.I. Joe Team's Medical Specialist. His real name is Thomas J. Larivee, and he was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Stretcher was first released as an action figure in 1990.^[1]

Before the G.I. Joe team, he served as a front-line medic in a NATO military unit. Though Stretcher is a qualified medical specialist, his primary purpose is removing wounded soldiers from the battlefield. As such, he is noted for his strength.^[57]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #105.^[58] He is one of a team of Joes sent to Sierra Gordo to rescue fellow soldiers from Iron Grenadiers.^[59] Stretcher is one of the many Joes to take part in a confrontation against Cobra forces in Benzheen. Stretcher is one of many staffing an isolated military outpost. He confirms the death of Sneak Peek, who had died saving a child.^[28] Stretcher also appears in issue #125.

Stretcher returns to the Joe team in the Devil's Due produced comic book series. He is one of the many soldiers to intervene in the second Cobra civil war, which again takes place on Cobra Island.^[46]

Stretcher appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series, voiced by Alvin Sanders.^[60]

Sub-Zero[link]

Sub-Zero is the G.I. Joe Team's winter operations specialist. His real name is Mark Habershaw, and he was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Sub-Zero spent time as an instruction at the Army Northern Warfare Training Center in Fort Greely. He was also a consult to the Cold Regions Test center at the same base. He also trained military forces in Europe for cold weather combat. He is noted for hating cold weather.^[61]

Sub-Zero was first released as an action figure in 1990.^[1] In 1993 he is part of the mail-order Arctic Commandos subset. This is part of the main-in campaign known as 'Terrifying Lasers Of Destruction'.^[62] Sub-Zero is included with Stalker, Dee-Jay and a Cobra Snow-Serpent. The fiction of this sub-set is that Sub-Zero's team must stop a Cobra weapon placed atop Mount Everest.^[63]

Sub-Zero first appeared in G.I. Joe: America's Elite #32, providing security at a prison during the World War III event.^[64]

Sub-Zero appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series, voiced by Don Brown.^[65]

Super Trooper[link]

Super Trooper is the code name of Paul Latimer. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, and was first released as a mail-in figure in 1988. His primary military specialty is infantry, and his secondary military specialty is public relations.^[66]

Sure Fire[link]

Sure Fire is a military policeman for the G.I. Joe Team. His real name is David S. Lane, and he was first released as an action figure in 2001.^[10] He once worked with the FBI before joining G.I. Joe.

Switch Gears[link]

Switch Gears is a tank driver for the G.I. Joe Team, and was released as an action figure in 2003. His real name is Jerome T. Jivoin, and he was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Switch Gears is said to have a high tolerance for pain, and described as very strong and never giving up. He also likes to show up at fortified Cobra positions disguised as a Cobra courier with fake retreat orders, and prefers his bare hands to weapons.

Taurus[link]

Taurus is a member of the G.I. Joe Team as one of Sgt. Slaughter's Renegades. His real name is Varujan Ayvazyan, and his rank is equivalent to that of sergeant E-5. Taurus was born in Istanbul, Turkey and was first released as an action figure in 1987, as part of a three-pack with Mercer and Red Dog.^[67]

Taurus's primary military specialty is demolitions. He was a circus acrobat in Europe, doing occasional undercover work for INTERPOL. When the G.I. Joe top brass witnessed him breaking two-by-fours on his own face as part of his circus act, they recruited him for the Sgt. Slaughter's Renegades sub team on the spot. Taurus is fluent in a dozen languages, and has been cross-trained in explosives and mountaineering. The Renegades have a freedom of operation unmatched by the other Joes: they are not carried on the existing rosters of any existing military unit, there is no computer access to their dossiers, and they are paid through a special fund earmarked for "Pentagon Pest Control". This team has no official status, and its movements and activities are virtually unrestricted. However, this means that they get no credit when they succeed, and that the government can deny the Renegades' existence if they are caught.^[68]

Taurus is seen in issue #32 of G.I. Joe: America's Elite (Feb 2007).^[69] He is fighting Cobra soldiers in his home city of Istanbul. Assisting him are the Joe soldiers Heavy Duty and Bombstrike.^[70]

Taurus appeared in the animated film G.I. Joe: The Movie voiced by Earl Boen, as a member of Sgt. Slaughter's Renegades. He operates as an assistant drill sergeant.^[71][72]

T'Gin-Zu[link]

T'Gin-Zu is the G.I. Joe Team's "Pile Driver" operator. His real name is Joseph R. Rainone. His primary military specialty is Pile Driver vehicle operator. His secondary military specialty is ninja swords master. His birthplace is Somers, New York. T'Gin-Zu has studied martial arts for more than two decades. He has learned some of the secrets of the Arashikage ninja clan, and has spent time as a student of Storm Shadow, who considers him his most talented pupil. T'Gin-Zu has a developed a deep desire to single-handedly capture Cobra's band of 'Red Ninjas'.^[73]

T'Jbang[link]

T'Jbang is the code name of Sam LaQuale. He was born in East Greenwhich, Rhode Island. He is a former member of the Arashikage clan founded by Storm Shadow, a ninja who is also his second cousin. He has crafted his own personal sword, designed for his secretive 'Silent Backslash' technique. T'Jbang is also skilled in piloting helicopters.^[74]

Thunder[link]

Thunder is the G.I. Joe Team's self-propelled gun artilleryman. His real name is Matthew Harris Breckinridge, and he was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Thunder was originally the driver for the "Slugger", a self-propelled gun, and his primary military specialty is artillery. His secondary military specialty is bandsman (drummer). Thunder has a fondness for loud noises; he grew up next to a foundry, and has a passion for heavy metal music, peanut brittle, and even cars with bad mufflers.

Thunder is voiced by Neil Ross in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon.

Tiger Claw[link]

Tiger Claw is the code name of Chad M. Johnson. He was first released as an action figure in 2005, as the ninja apprentice of Snake Eyes.^[10]

Tiger Claw appeared in the direct-to-video CGI animated movie G.I. Joe: Ninja Battles, voiced by Brian Drummond.

Tollbooth[link]

Tollbooth is the G.I. Joe Team's bridge layer driver. His real name is Chuck X. (for nothing) Goren, and his rank is that of SP-5 (Sergeant). Tollbooth was born in Boise, Idaho, and was first released as an action figure in 1984, packaged exclusively with the Bridgelayer (Toss N Cross) as a Sears Exclusive. Tollbooth and the Bridgelayer (Toss N Cross) were later released as part of the fourth series in 1985.^[75][76]

Tollbooth's primary military specialty is combat engineer, and his secondary military specialty is demolitions. As a child, Tollbooth had a love for construction sets, which he made bigger and more complex until he outgrew them all. As an adult he started building in earnest, and got his Masters in engineering from MIT. When he needed a bigger challenge, he joined the Army to sign up for the G.I. Joe Team.^[77]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #51 (September 1986). He is manning the "Chaplain's Assistant Motor Pool" machinery, the figurative and literal cover for the Pit, the headquarters of the G.I. Joe team. He later appeared in issues #62, 76, and 77.^[78]

In issue #76, Tollbooth is part of a Joe infiltration team attacking Cobra Island defenses through the swamps. While driving the Joe vehicle the "Slugger", he is encouraged to go faster and thus ignores cleared-path signs. He sinks the Slugger into deep quicksand and is rescued by fellow Joes. The Bridge-Layer vehicle is used to make a path over the quicksand.^[79]

Tollbooth appeared in the G.I. Joe animated series voiced by Michael Bell. His first appearance in the first season episode "Three Cubes to Darkness."^[80] His appearance is slightly different from his figure as he is shown with a green hardhat in the series.

Topside[link]

Topside is the G.I. Joe Team's Navy assault specialist. His real name is John Blanchet, and his rank is that of First Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy. Topside was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was first released as an action figure in 1990.^[1]

He grew up on a farm with his father; their pigs won many awards at the county fairs. Topside became known as the Fort Wayne 'Hog Master'. At age twenty, wanting a more exciting career, he joined the navy. Serving as a deckhand, he overheard tales of bragging from a G.I. Joe special ops team on their way to a mission. He challenged the entire team; this led to him being noticed and recruited. A quote on his file card indicates Topside takes physical punishment with ease.

Topside appeared in the Devil's Due G.I. Joe series. In terms of the comics, he had worked with the Joe team a short time before they disbanded in 1994. He returns after they reform in 2001, to help the Joes in the second Cobra civil war. Topside is part of the team to invade Cobra Island.^[46] He is also a featured character in part 1 of the "Fun Publishing" official "G.I. Joe Vs. Cobra" comic book released for the G.I. Joe conventions.^[81]

Topside appeared in three episodes of the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series: "An Officer and a Viperman" and "Ghost of Alcatraz" Part I and Part II.

Torpedo[link]

Torpedo is the G.I. Joe Team's original SEAL. His real name is Edward W. Leialoha, and he was born in Aiea, Hawaii. Torpedo was originally a scuba instructor. His secondary military specialty is demolitions. He attained black belts in three martial arts by age 19 (Wu-Shu, Kenpo, and Go-Ju-Ryu). He is proficient with the Filipino butterfly knife (Bali-Song). He is a qualified expert in most NATO small arms, NATO and Warsaw Pact explosive devices. He spends his off-duty hours perfecting his fighting skills and marksmanship. He is a strict vegetarian. He is regarded by his teammates as a highly competent professional, but is said to have the personality of a cold fish.

Torpedo is voiced by Michael Yama in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon and by Phil Hayes in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon.

Tracker[link]

Tracker was first released as an action figure in 1991.^[82] His real name is Christopher R. Groen, and he was born in Helena, Arkansas. Tracker is a Navy SEAL with a specialty in underwater arms development. In terms of tracking, escaping and evading, Tracker has outperformed the best the Joe team has to offer.^[83]

Tracker appeared in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon series.

Tripwire[link]

Tripwire is the G.I. Joe Team's Explosive Ordnance Disposal member. His real name is Tormod S. Skoog, and he was born in Hibbing, Minnesota. Because his father was a career naval officer Tripwire went to high school in Yokosuka, Japan. However, he dropped out of that facility. He spends two years in a zen monastery, pondering the meaning of life. However, he was evicted for multiple accidents due to his clumsiness. He joined the army at age nineteen. Claims to have received spiritual awakening on the grenade range.

Tripwire is voiced by Rob Paulsen in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon and by Andrew Kishino in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Tunnel Rat[link]

Tunnel Rat is the G.I. Joe Team's Explosive Ordnance Disposal member. His real name is Nicky Lee, and he is a Trinidadian Chinese who lived in Brooklyn, New York prior to joining the US Army, where he had Ranger training.

Tunnel Rat is voiced by Laurie Faso in G.I. Joe: The Movie, Michael Sinterniklaas in G.I. Joe: Sigma 6, Eric Bauza in G.I. Joe: Resolute, and Matthew Yang King in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Updraft[link]

Updraft is the G.I. Joe Team's Retaliator pilot. His real name is Matthew W. Smithers, and he was born in Bismark, North Dakota. Updraft was first released as an action figure in 1990, packaged with the "Retaliator" hi-tech attack copter.^[1]

Updraft was the team leader in the "World Helicopter Championships", leading the US team to victory twice. He joins the Flight Warrant Office School at Fort Rucker and became a special instructor. From there, he was selected for G.I. Joe duty. He personally improves much of the "Retaliator" helicopter, a vehicle he later flies into battle.^[84]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #130. He assists the Joe team in defending their headquarters from a Cobra attack.^[85]

He is also part of a mission in the Devil's Due G.I. Joe series, helping the Joe team battle Serpentor and his forces in the second Cobra civil war. As with the first one, this war takes place on Cobra Island.^[46]

Wet Down[link]

Wet Down is the code name of Daniel R. Alexander. He is a Navy Seal for the G.I. Joe Team, and was first released as an action figure in 2001.^[10]

Wet Suit[link]

Wet Suit is the G.I. Joe Team's original SEAL. His real name is Brian M. Forrest, and he was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Wet Suit knew from an early age he wanted to join the Navy, and enlisted upon his graduation from high school. He eventually applied for SEAL training, was accepted and completed arguable the military's toughest training program. Like any other SEAL, Wet Suit gained a reputation for being tough and mean, though many instructors considered him the toughest and meanest. What many overlooked was Wet-Suit's sharp mind which was easy to miss underneath his tough and abrasive personality. He was also trained in underwater demolitions. Seeking even greater challenges, Wet Suit signed on to the G.I. Joe team.

Wet Suit is voiced by Jack Angel in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon, and by Robert O. Smith in the DiC G.I. Joe cartoon.

Whiteout[link]

Whiteout is an arctic trooper for the G.I. Joe Team. His real name is Leonard J. Lee III, and he was first released as an action figure in 2000.^[10]

Wide Scope[link]

Wide Scope is a Special Weapons and Tactical Specialist for the G.I. Joe Team His real name is Larry M. Kranseler, and he was first released as an action figure in 2003.^[10] Wide Scope also has a pet dog that he has bonded with.

Wild Bill[link]

Wild Bill is one of the G.I. Joe Team's helicopter pilots. His real name is William S. Hardy, and he was born in Brady, Texas. Wild Bill served as a combat infantryman and participated in LRRP operations during the Vietnam War. He reenlisted for Flight Warrant Officer School and has remained in service since. When he first joined the G.I. Joe Team, he was the pilot of the "Dragonfly" helicopter. He is a qualified expert in the M1911A auto pistol (but prefers single action .45 long colt revolvers) and the XM-16 attack rifle. Wild Bill is the original helicopter pilot for the G.I. Joe team, and is also an expert tracker and can function on the ground as well as any trained infantry scout.

Wild Bill is voiced by Frank Welker in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon, Steven Blum in G.I. Joe: Resolute, and Charlie Schlatter in G.I. Joe: Renegades.

Wildcard[link]

Wildcard is the G.I. Joe Team's Mean Dog vehicle Driver. His real name is Eric U. Scott, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. Wildcard was born in Northhampton, Massachusetts, and was first released as an action figure in 1988, packaged with the "Mean Dog" 6WD heavy assault vehicle.^[12]

Wildcard's primary military specialty is armored vehicle operator, and his secondary military specialty is chaplain's assistant. Wildcard possesses an unnatural talent for breaking things, from sturdy steel machines to simple tools, delicate toys, immovable objects of cast iron, and 8-piece dinner settings. When driving the Mean Dog, the vehicle becomes an extension of himself – a raging engine of destruction, pulverizing all in its path.^[86]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #72 (June 1988). He joins the team with Skidmark and Windmill. The trio's actual entry to the current Joe base, with the Mean Dog and the vehicle Desert Fox, is marred by the discovery that a Cobra agent had snuck in with them.^[87]

He appears in issue #89, on a trip to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds to test the Mean Dog. Assisted by Repeater and Hardball, he routes Cobra forces chasing other Joes. The Mean Dog is badly damaged during the event, partly by enemy forces and partly by Wildcard's innocent maneuvers. At the end of the battle, Wildcard personally tugs the fleeing Zanzibar out of his Pogo vehicle.^[88]

Windchill[link]

Windchill is the G.I. Joe Team's Arctic Blast vehicle Driver. His real name is Jim Steel, and his rank is that of Staff Sergeant E-6. Windchill was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Windchill was first released as an action figure in 1989, packaged with the "Arctic Blast" tundra assault sled.^[89] The figure was repainted and released as part of the Battle Corps line in 1994. His 1994 release has him packaged with the "Blockbuster" arctic vehicle; furthermore he is named Jim McDonald in that release.^[90]

Windchill's primary military specialty is Arctic Blast driver, and his secondary military specialty is cold weather survival instructor. He was an avid skimobiler and hunter, and figured the biathlon would be the ultimate sport for him. He might have qualified for a spot on the American Olympic team if Blizzard hadn't met him at the National Elimination Tournament and given him the idea of getting paid to drive fast, heavily armed snow vehicles.

Windmill[link]

Windmill is the G.I. Joe Team's Skystorm X-Wing Chopper pilot. His real name is Edward J. Roth, and his rank is that of Captain, USAF O-3. Windmill was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and was first released as an action figure in 1988, packaged with the Skystorm X-Wing Chopper.^[12]

Windmill's primary military specialty is stopped-rotor aircraft operator, and his secondary military specialty is attack helicopter pilot. He was a flight instructor at the Army Flight Warrant Officers School at Fort Rucker, later flying experimental helicopter prototypes at that facility for the Army Aviation Department Test Activity.^[91]

In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #72 (June 1988). He drives onto the current Joe base in the "Desert Fox", accompanied by Skidmark and Wildcard; the latter driving the "Mean Dog". The occasion is marred by the discovery of a hostile that had snuck in by hanging to the underside of the Fox.^[13]

Wreckage[link]

Wreckage is a Demolitions Specialist for the G.I. Joe Team. His real name is Dillon L. Moreno, and he was first released as an action figure in 2003, as part of the Tiger Force line.^[10]

Zap[link]

Zap is the G.I. Joe Team's original bazooka soldier. His real name is Rafael J. Melendez, and he was born in New York City. Zap is the team specialist in armor-piercing and anti-tank weapons but also functions as demolitions man. Zap is considered the fun loving type, but he's cool under fire. Zap is also a somewhat capable helicopter pilot. A running joke is that he is always being reminded it is like riding a bicycle. Zap then reminds people he used to fall off his bike all the time.

Zap is voiced by Buster Jones in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon.

See also[link]

• List of Cobra characters
• List of G.I. Joe Extreme characters
• List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters
• List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters (A–C)
• List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters (D–G)
• List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters (H–L)
• List of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero characters (M–R)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Character Guide at JMM's G.I. Joe Comics Home Page
• G.I. Joe Team on Joepedia, an external wiki

Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France in 2012
Background information
Birth name	Justin Drew Bieber[1]
Born	(1994-03-01) March 1, 1994 (age 18)[2] London, Ontario, Canada
Origin	Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Genres	Pop, R&B, teen pop[3][4][5]
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, musician, actor
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano, percussion,[6] trumpet[7]
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Island, RBMG
Associated acts	Usher, Ludacris
Website	justinbiebermusic.com

Justin Drew Bieber ( /ˈbiːbər/ BEE-bər, born March 1, 1994)^[2] is a Canadian Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, musician, and actor.^[3][5] Bieber was discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun,^[8] who came across Bieber's videos on YouTube and later became his manager. Braun arranged for him to meet with Usher in Atlanta, Georgia, and Bieber was soon signed to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture between Braun and Usher,^[9] and then to a recording contract with Island Records offered by L.A. Reid.^[6][10] Bieber's debut single, "One Time", was released in 2009 and peaked in the top twenty in Canada and charted in the top thirty in several international markets. His debut album, the seven-track EP My World, followed in November 2009, and was soon certified platinum in the United States. He became the first artist to have seven songs from a debut album chart on the Billboard Hot 100.^[11]

Bieber's first full-length studio album, My World 2.0, was released in March 2010. It debuted at number one or within the top ten in several countries and was certified platinum in the United States. It was preceded by the worldwide top-ten single, "Baby". The music video of "Baby" is currently ranked as the most viewed and most discussed YouTube video.^[12] Bieber followed up the release of his debut album with his first headlining tour, the My World Tour, the remix albums My Worlds Acoustic and Never Say Never – The Remixes, and the 3D biopic-concert film Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, that nearly matched the record for the biggest opening weekend gross for a concert-film. Bieber released his second studio album, Under the Mistletoe, in November 2011, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Bieber has received numerous awards, including Artist of the Year at the 2010 American Music Awards, and has been nominated for such awards as Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 53rd Grammy Awards. In 2012, Bieber was named Forbes 3rd most powerful celebrity in the world, earning $55 million. As of May 2012, Bieber has sold 15 million albums.^[13]

Early life[link]

Bieber was born on March 1, 1994, in London, Ontario in St Joseph's Hospital,^[14][15] and was raised in Stratford, Ontario.^[16] Bieber's mother, Patricia Lynn "Pattie" Mallette, was 18 years old when she became pregnant. Mallette, originally from Stratford, raised her son with the help of her parents, Bruce and Diane.^[17] Mallette worked a series of low-paying office jobs, raising Bieber as a single mother in low-income housing. Bieber has maintained contact with his father, Jeremy Jack Bieber, who married another woman and had two children.^[18][19][20] Bieber's great-grandfather was from Germany.^[21] Bieber's mother's ancestry is French Canadian.^[22] Bieber attended a French immersion elementary school in Stratford called Jeanne Sauvé Catholic School.^[17]

During his childhood, Bieber was interested in hockey, soccer, and chess; he often kept his musical aspirations to himself.^[18] As he grew up, Bieber taught himself to play the piano, drums, guitar, and trumpet.^[16][23] In early 2007, when he was twelve, Bieber sang Ne-Yo's "So Sick" for a local singing competition in Stratford and was placed second.^[6][23] Mallette posted a video of the performance on YouTube for their family and friends to see. She continued to upload videos of Bieber singing covers of various R&B songs, and Bieber's popularity on the site grew.^[10] Chris Hicks, Bieber's A&R at Island/Def Jam, explained the young artist's huge online following to HitQuarters by saying:

"He was doing something different. He was an attractive white kid singing very soulful R&B hits. That set him apart immediately from anyone in his range because no one was covering or singing these kind of records. But equally important was that you believed in these songs – it was real. And you wanted to hear more."^[24]

Career[link]

[edit] 2008–09: Discovery and My World

While searching for videos of a different singer, Scooter Braun, a former marketing executive of So So Def, clicked on one of Bieber's 2007 videos by accident.^[18] Impressed, Braun tracked down the theater Bieber was performing in, located Bieber's school, and finally contacted Mallette. Mallette was reluctant because of Braun's Jewish religion; she remembered praying, "God, I gave him to you. You could send me a Christian man, a Christian label! ... you don’t want this Jewish kid to be Justin’s man, do you?"^[18] However, after praying with her church elders and receiving their encouragement, she permitted Braun to fly Bieber, then 13,^[10] to Atlanta, Georgia, to record demo tapes.^[18] A week after arriving, Bieber sang for R&B singer/songwriter Usher.^[25] Bieber was soon signed to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture between Braun and Usher.^[9] Justin Timberlake was also reportedly in the running to sign Bieber, but lost the bidding war to Usher.^[9][26] Usher then sought assistance in finding a label home for the artist from then manager Chris Hicks, who helped engineer an audition with his contact Antonio L.A. Reid of Island Def Jam Music Group.^[24] Reid signed Bieber to Island Records in October 2008 (resulting in a joint venture between RBMG and Island Records) and appointed Hicks as executive Vice-President of Def Jam where he would be able manage Bieber's career at the label.^{[6][9][10][24]} At that point, Bieber and his mother moved to Atlanta temporarily, also the home of Usher and Braun, to record and get counseling from Braun.^[9] Braun became Bieber's manager.^[10]

Bieber in September 2009 at the Nintendo World Store

Bieber's first single, "One Time", was released to radio while Bieber was still recording his debut album.^[27] The song reached number 12 on the Canadian Hot 100 during its first week of release in July 2009,^[10] and later peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. During fall 2009 it had success in international markets.^[28] The song was certified Platinum in Canada and the US and Gold in Australia and New Zealand.^[29][30][31] Bieber's first release, an extended play entitled My World, was released on November 17, 2009. The album's second single, "One Less Lonely Girl", and two promo singles, "Love Me", and "Favorite Girl", were released exclusively on the iTunes store and charted within the top forty of the Billboard Hot 100.^[28] "One Less Lonely Girl" was later also released to radio and peaked within the top fifteen in Canada and the US, being certified Gold in the latter.^[28] My World was eventually certified Platinum in the US and Double Platinum in both Canada and the UK.^[31][32][33] To promote the album, Bieber performed on several live shows such as mtvU's VMA 09 Tour, European program The Dome, YTV's The Next Star, The Today Show,^[34][35] The Wendy Williams Show, Lopez Tonight, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, It's On with Alexa Chung, Good Morning America, Chelsea Lately, and BET's 106 & Park with Rihanna. Bieber also guest starred in an episode of True Jackson, VP in late 2009.^[36]

Bieber performed Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" for U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at the White House for Christmas in Washington, which was broadcast on December 20, 2009, on U.S. television broadcaster TNT.^[37] Bieber was also one of the performers at Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest on December 31, 2009.^[38] Bieber was a presenter at the 52nd Grammy Awards on January 31, 2010. He was invited to be a vocalist for the remake of We Are The World (a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie) for its 25th anniversary to benefit Haiti after the earthquake. Bieber sings the opening line, which was sung by Lionel Richie in the original version.^[39] On March 12, 2010, a version of K'naan's "Wavin' Flag" recorded by a collective of Canadian musicians known as Young Artists for Haiti was released. Bieber is featured in the song, performing the closing lines.

[edit] 2010–11: My World 2.0 and Never Say Never film

"Baby", the lead single from his debut album, My World 2.0, which features Ludacris, was released in January 2010 and became his biggest hit thus far, charting at number five in the U.S. and reaching the top ten in seven other countries.^[28] Two promo singles "Never Let You Go", and "U Smile" were top thirty hits on the U.S. Hot 100, and top twenty hits in Canada.^[28] According to review aggregator Metacritic, the album has received "generally favorable reviews".^[40] It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, making Bieber the youngest solo male act to top the chart since Stevie Wonder in 1963.^[41] My World 2.0 also debuted at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart, Irish Albums Chart, Australian Albums Chart, and the New Zealand Albums Chart^[28] and reached the top ten of fifteen other countries.^[42][43] To promote the album, Bieber appeared on several live programs including The View, the 2010 Kids Choice Awards, Nightline, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Dome and 106 and Park.^[44] Bieber collaborated with Sean Kingston on his single "Eenie Meenie" which also appeared on Bieber's debut album. The song reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and Australia, and the top-twenty of most other markets.

Bieber performing at the Conseco Fieldhouse, in August 2010

On April 10, 2010, Bieber was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live.^[45] On July 4, 2010, Bieber performed at the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City.^[46] The second single from My World 2.0, "Somebody to Love", was released in April 2010, and a remix was released featuring Bieber's mentor Usher. The single reached number ten in Canada, number fifteen in the United States, and the top twenty in multiple international countries.

On June 23, 2010, Bieber went on his first official headlining tour, the My World Tour, starting in Hartford, Connecticut, to promote My World and My World 2.0.^[47] In July 2010, it was reported that Bieber was the most searched for celebrity on the Internet.^[48] That same month his music video, "Baby", surpassed Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" to become the most viewed, and most disliked YouTube video ever.^[49] In September 2010, it was reported that Bieber accounted for three percent of all traffic on Twitter, according to an employee of the social-networking site.^[50]

Bieber began recording his second album in July 2010 in New York City.^[51] At this point, because of puberty, his voice was deeper than it was when he recorded his first album. In April 2010, the singer discussing his vocals remarked, "It cracks. Like every teenage boy, I'm dealing with it and I have the best vocal coach in the world. [...] Some of the notes I hit on "Baby" I can't hit anymore. We have to lower the key when I sing live."^[52]

Bieber performing in Jakarta during his My World Tour.

Bieber guest-starred in the season premiere of the CBS crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which aired on September 23, 2010. He played a "troubled teen who is faced with a difficult decision regarding his only brother", who is also a serial bomber. Bieber was also in a subsequent episode which aired on February 17, 2011, in which his character is killed.^[53] Bieber performed a medley of "U Smile", "Baby", and "Somebody to Love" and briefly played the drums at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2010.^[54] Bieber announced in October 2010 that he would release an acoustic album, called My Worlds Acoustic.^[55] It was released on Black Friday in the United States and featured acoustic versions of songs from his previous albums, and accompanied the release of a completely new song titled "Pray".^[56]

A 3-D part-biopic, part-concert film starring Bieber entitled Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, was released on February 11, 2011, directed by Step Up 3D director Jon Chu. It topped the box office with an estimated gross of $12.4 million on its opening day from 3,105 theaters.^[57] It grossed $30.3 million for the weekend and was narrowly beaten by the romantic comedy Just Go With It, which grossed $31 million.^[58] Never Say Never is said to have exceeded industry expectations, nearly matching the $31.1 million grossed by Miley Cyrus's 2008 3-D concert film, Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert, which holds the record for the top debut for a music-documentary.^[59][60] Never Say Never grossed a total of $98,441,954 worldwide.^[61] The film is accompanied by his second remix album, Never Say Never – The Remixes, released February 14, 2011, and features remixes of songs from his debut album, with guest appearances from Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, and Kanye West, among others.^[62]

[edit] 2011–present: Under The Mistletoe and Believe

On February 27, 2011, Bieber attended the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party with American actress and singer Selena Gomez,^[63] confirming several months of media speculation about a romantic relationship between the pair.^{[64][65][66][67][68][69]}

In June 2011, Bieber was ranked number 2 on the Forbes list of Best-Paid Celebrities under 30. He is the youngest star and 1 of 7 musicians on the list raking in with $53 million earned in a 12 month period.^[70] On November 1, 2011, Bieber released Under the Mistletoe, his second studio album.^[71] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 210,000 copies in its first week of release.^[72]

In late 2011, Bieber began recording his third studio album, entitled Believe. Kanye West and Drake are confirmed to be featured on the album.^[73] On February 22, 2012, Bieber announced via Twitter that the first single off Believe will be released in March 2012.^[74] The following week, Bieber appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to announce that the first single will be called "Boyfriend" and was released on March 26, 2012.^[75] The song was co-written by Mike Posner.^[76] The second single, Die In Your Arms, was released on May 29th, 2012. ^[77]

Image[link]

Justin Bieber has a higher score on the Klout online "influence" scale than Barack Obama or The Dalai Lama.^[78] According to Jan Hoffman of The New York Times, part of Bieber's appeal stems from his YouTube channel. Long before he released his EP, My World, in mid-November, the YouTube videos attracted millions of views.^[18] Braun recognized the appeal. Prior to flying him to Atlanta, Braun wanted to "build him up more on YouTube first" and had Bieber record more home videos for the channel. "I said: 'Justin, sing like there’s no one in the room. But let's not use expensive cameras.' We'll give it to kids, let them do the work, so that they feel like it's theirs", recalled Braun.^[18] Bieber continues to upload videos to the same channel and has opened a Twitter account, from which he interacts with fans regularly;^[10] his account was reported in November 2010 to have over 6 million followers.^[79] Since then he has been consistently gaining followers at an average of 24,000 per day.^[80] The accounts also serve marketing purposes; for example, Bieber's music video for "One Time" only began selling quickly after it was uploaded to YouTube.^[81]

Bieber performing "Favorite Girl" in Zurich, Switzerland April 2011.

Usher comments that while he and Bieber were both signed at the same age, "I had the chance to ramp up my success, where this has happened to Bieber abruptly." As a result, Usher, Braun, Bieber's bodyguard Kenny, and other adults surrounding Bieber constantly coach him on handling fame and his public image.^[18] After signing Bieber, Usher appointed one of his former assistants, Ryan Good, to be Bieber's road manager and stylist. Good, once nicknamed Bieber's "swagger coach", created a "streetwise look" for the singer which consisted of baseball caps, hoodies, dog chains and flashy sneakers. Amy Kaufman of The Los Angeles Times comments, "Though a product of a middle-class suburban upbringing in Stratford, Ontario, Bieber's manner of dress and speech ("Wassup man, how you doin'?" or "It's like, you know, whateva' ") suggest he's mimicking his favorite rappers."^[82]

Bieber is often featured in teen magazines such as Tiger Beat,^[18] and has been labeled as a "teen heartthrob".^[83] Bieber has released a collection of nail varnishes to raise awareness for charity.^[84] Wax statues of Bieber are on display at Madame Tussauds wax museums in New York, Amsterdam and London.^[85] His change of hairstyle in 2010, and the consequent alterations to Bieber products, led to it being called 'the most expensive musical haircut of all time;^[86] one company spent $100,000 to fix its dolls for the 2011 Christmas season.^[87]

Bieber has been criticized for looking and sounding younger than his age, his teen-pop music, image, and frequent media attention.^[88] He has been a frequent target of Internet bloggers and message board posters, notably by users of Internet message board 4chan and users of YouTube.^[89] Nick Collins of The Daily Telegraph speculated that "Bieber's character also appears to strike a particularly sour note with his Internet critics, with many remarks commenting on his youthful appearance, his teen-pop songs, his image as a heart-throb to young teenage girls and his manner of speech".^[90]

Personal views and life[link]

Bieber is a Christian,^[91] and said he has a relationship with Jesus, talks to him and that "he's the reason I'm here".^[92]

Bieber's comments in a February 2011 profile in Rolling Stone sparked controversy.^[93] Asked about abstinence, Bieber responded, "I don't think you should have sex with anyone unless you love them." He said he does not "believe in abortion" and that it is "like killing a baby".^[94] He described sexual orientation as "everyone's own decision."^[95] Bieber has contributed to the It Gets Better Project,^[96] which aims to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.^[97]

Bieber has said he is not interested in obtaining United States citizenship and has criticized America's health care system. Praising Canada as being "the best country in the world", he cited its health care system as a model example.^[94]

In May 2012, Bieber purchased a 10,000 square-foot mansion on 1.3 acres of land, located in the community of Calabasas, California, a suburb of Los Angeles.^[98]

Twitter[link]

As of April 2012^[update], Bieber's Twitter account (@justinbieber) is the second most popular celebrity account behind that of Lady Gaga.^[99] By mid-April 2012, he had over 20 million followers.^[100][101] His follower acquisition is one new follower every other second.^[102][103] His popularity on Twitter at one point accounted for three percent of all Twitter related traffic, with a Twitter employee commenting that "racks of servers are dedicated" to Bieber.^{[103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112]} This resulted in over 180 million page views for the service each month.^[105] Bieber was frequently a trending topic on Twitter when the feature first launched^[105] because his fans frequently discussed him on the network. ^[113] and was named the top trending star on Twitter in 2010;^[114] Klout gave his account a score of 100.^[115][116]

The size of Bieber's and Gaga's follower bases are cited as a reason why marketers should pay attention to Twitter:^[117] with an ability to reach millions of people with a single tweet.^[117] 8.3% of tweets mentioning "bieber" were semi-automated and probably Twitter related spam.^[118] Research done about Twitter and the 2011 Egyptian revolution includes Bieber as he made tweets about the topic at a time when he had roughly 8 million followers. His multiple tweets resulted in 32,000 responses each, which made Bieber's Twitter account one of the single largest nodes for discussion about the uprising one of the largest on Twitter.^[119][120]