G.I. Joe: Special Mission Unit

The concept here was to "Nolan-ize" G.I. Joe (i.e. grounded in reality with real-world special operations units/tech). After being hugely disappointed with the goofy "GI Joe: Rise of Cobra" movie and being inspired by the potential "GI Joe: Retaliation" offers (as well as the exceptionally well done "GI Joe: Resolute" cartoon movie), I thought it would be cool to do a version of G.I. Joe that got rid of laser guns and far-fetched characters in favor of some that are more realistic. Also, since this unit is composed of Joes with U.S. Special Operations Forces backgrounds, the ladies are in support, non-operator roles (it's not a sexist jab at the female characters, just trying to make it reflect the real-world structure of special operations units).

Character lineup (top to bottom, L to R):

Cobra: Zartan (in Arab business garb, but I'll leave it to interpretation as to whether this Zartan is of Middle Eastern descent or just in disguise), Cobra Commander (with a protective mask that has more of a "cobra head" design), Destro (decided to go with a tougher look that was fitting of an illegal arms dealer/organized crime boss, and ditched the chest jewel), Baroness (a former Russian intel officer/"honey pot" spy).

Joes: Snake Eyes (background: CIA Special Operations Group), Duke (background: Captain, U.S. Army Special Forces/Green Beret), Scarlet (background: Counterintelligence Case Officer, Defense Intelligence Agency), Shipwreck (background: Senior Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy SEAL), Beachhead (background: Gunny Sergeant, U.S. Marine Force Recon), Lady Jaye (background: Warrant Officer, U.S. Marine Human Intelligence Exploitation Team), Cover Girl (background: Captain, U.S. Army liaison to Pentagon/National Military Joint Intelligence Center).