Ok, so with the new CC in the IDW universe, it got me to thinking who I must have on either side in the fight if I were to reboot/restart a Joe-verse.
As for me, I will list them here now, but I want to know who you think should be "must haves" on each side. I decided on 10 since 5 was a little too small a group and more than 10 starts to become cumbersome. ALSO, don't be afraid to draw from any universe you like, it doesn't have to be specifically one universe.
Here are my choices:
COBRA:
Cobra Commander (IDW version killed by Chuckles)
Destro (DDP version)
Baroness (ARAH toon, the voice just does it for me)
Zartan (Renegades, I just liked the more standard Biker thug type)
Firefly (Marvel Comic, this was a close one, I really like the Renegades take on the character)
Storm Shadow (Resolute, just because little was done to water down the character since there was little time to do so, and he killed Bazooka!!!)
Major Bludd (IDW, this is what I have envisioned Bludd to be like, a much more complex character than simply a merc, although Renegades was just so badass it was close)
Tomax/Xamot (Renegades. They found a way to change the characters that I didn't see coming)
Dr. Venom (Marvel Comic. The original mad scientist)
JOES:
Duke (ARAH. Still the top dog in my mind to this day. The epitome of a squad leader)
Scarlett (Marvel Comic. This was probably the best take on the character to date. The newer takes are pretty standard, but Marvel Scarlett was a combo of traditional women's role and modern woman)
Snake Eyes (Marvel Comic. Best version to date. Modern takes make him too "super" for my tastes)
Roadblock (I'm going to go out on a limb and say Retaliation!!! The Rock is going to make this character classic. Second place to ARAH)
Shipwreck (ARAH. Really is there any choice? A bad Jack Nicholson?? voice combined with a shady character/letch!!! Also a talking parrot!!! Perfect)
ACE (Marvel Comic. The great take on a traditional Fighter Pilot stereotype.)
Beach Head (ARAH. I don't know why I like this version, but I like the voice and the portrayal of someone who thinks he should be in charge but isn't and is just waiting for his turn).
Mainframe (Marvel comic. The best take on what a field specialist should be, a guy who gets the job done and people underestimate.)
Chuckles (IDW. Hands down the best take on the character period.)
Low Light (ARAH, only because he was the sort of dark, or as dark as an 80s cartoon guy could be).
So there you have it. For Cobra, I really like the IDW Serpentor, but I didn't see a need to add him before anyone else on the list. For GI JOE I felt there was no need to have HAWK as I feel the unit is something that would get passed around as needed to different departments/generals.