You're comparing the original comic run versus a kids cartoon or 2 hour movie. The level at which the comic was written and explored the characters can never be matched by a 22 minute/13-52 episode show, or a 2 hour movie.
Actually, I don't think the comparison is unfair. In the comic run (also for kids btw), SE/SS origin was basically outlined in issues 26/27. I’m not talking about the entire saga, I’m merely talking about the basic framework of the character. In the comic the SS/SE friendship was a huge part of SS’s character development and led to him being a more complex character. The cartoon, as did the movie, leaves out the friendship, which is a major part of what made the whole SS/SE dynamic interesting.
Also, some fans need to stop with the "ARAH IS THE BE ALL" attitude. It is the same thing that was going on in the TF fandom for the past decade or so. This is new and different.
Actually I said as much on page one of this thread when I said people need to drop preconceptions of characters.
Don't like it, fine, but stop saying it isn't as good as the original run when they are apples and oranges.
Actually, they’re not apples and oranges. They’re both GI Joe, with the supposedly same characters. Again, as I posted on the first page, it’s a tough balancing act. Where do you draw the line between making a character new and yet still not deviating so much that he is not even the same character anymore. I agree an open mind is necessary, but in a reboot comparisons are inevitable. Even if only on a subconscious level.
Bottom line is, all I was saying is that SS loses some of his complexity and intrigue by not having that close friendship with SE or inner conflict, and thus some of the emotional interest in the SS vs. SE plot is lost. And my point was that it almost seems as though Hasbro has made a conscious decision to make the SS/SE dynamic a simplistic black and white good vs. evil relationship. It's a bit disapointing is all.