Stalker is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books, and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original ranger and debuted in 1982. He is sometimes called "Sgt. Stalker" on toys. He was the first African-American character in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
Profile His real name is Lonzo R. Wilkinson, and his rank is that of Sergeant Major. His original rank was that of sergeant E-5. Stalker was born in Detroit. He was the first Ranger selected to the G.I. Joe team. His primary military specialty is infantry and his secondary military specialties are interpreter and medic. Stalker was the leader of a large urban street gang in Detroit before enlisting in the Army. He graduated top of his class in basic combat training and advanced infantry training. Stalker also received special training at the U.S. Army Language School in Monterey, Intelligence School at Ft. Holabird and Ranger School at Ft. Benning. He is fluent in Spanish, French, Arabic, and Swahili. He served in the same L.R.R.P. as Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. Stalker is also a qualified jump instructor and a qualified expert in all NATO and Warsaw Pact small arms. He is a qualified expert with the M-14, M-16, M1911A1 Auto Pistol, M-3A1 grease gun, and the M-32 "Pulverizer" sub-machine gun. His fluency in foreign languages coupled with his experience in commanding other people made him a valuable asset, and after joining the G.I. Joe Team, he often served as leader in their many missions. He is one of very few characters from the first line of the toys to have a distinct appearance from the other action figures, as he is African-American. Stalker was a major character in the G.I. Joe comic book series published by Marvel Comics, and has also been featured in the series from Devil's Due Publishing. In the animated series, however, he received very little screen time after the first mini-series, and is absent from the later series, G.I. Joe: Sigma 6.
A Real American Hero Toy history As of 2011, there have been 19 figures released of Stalker. In 2002, Stalker was renamed Sgt. Stalker. He was also released once as Lonzo R. Wilkinson, from before he was a member of G.I. Joe.
Vintage/Modern Stalker was one of the original figures released carded in the first series in 1982. Like all of the original sixteen figures, Stalker was released with "straight arms", and his head only could turn left and right. The 1989 release of Stalker came with a white kayak. The 1991 release was part of the "Talking Battle Commanders" group, and featured several phrases that were spoken when one of the buttons on his backpack were pressed. A new version of Stalker was released in 1994 as part of the Battle Corps line. In 2004, he was released as part of the Toys R Us exclusive "Desert Patrol Squad" set, which also included the figures Ambush, Dusty, Gung Ho, Snake Eyes and Tunnel Rat.
25th Anniversary In 2007, Sgt. Stalker was released as part of the 25th anniversary. His new design was based on his original 1982 figure. This mold was reused for his 2008 release, which was packaged with the DVD Battles Pack, set 1 of 5. The mold was again used for his 2008 release with a green JUMP jet pack as part of the Target exclusive Ultimate Battle Pack.
Comics
Marvel Comics Stalker first appeared in the Marvel Comics series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 (June 1982). Prior to joining G.I. Joe, he served on the same LRRP team as Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow during their tour in the Vietnam War Their experiences, including a firefight meant to rescue an injured Snake Eyes, made them the best of friends. After their tour, only Stalker stayed in the military, while Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow went on a long sabbatical training in the art of the ninja. Years later, Stalker, along with Hawk, would be responsible for selecting the members that would comprise the original Joe team. Stalker serves as field commander and second-in-command of the G.I. Joe team until Duke is brought in to replace him. Along with eight of the original Joes, Stalker was promoted one rank. Stalker's friendship with Snake Eyes affects circumstances during a mission in Sierra Gordo. Stalker leads a rescue of Snake Eyes. He again has a flashback to the time Snake Eyes was rescued from under Viet Cong fire. As the Joe team leaves, Stalker himself is badly injured by the Crimson Twins. Against his protests, he is evacuated as Snake Eyes stays back to hold off Cobra soldiers. As the other Joes inform him, he is no longer team leader due to his injuries and they must follow the orders of the next highest-ranking officer, which is Snake Eyes. Both men survive this incident. Stalker's most trying moment was when he and his team were captured by Borovian authorities after a mission gone awry. Only Outback manages to escape, under orders and under protest. Snow Job and Quick-Kick are imprisoned with Stalker for several months in a brutal Borovian prison camp. Snow-Job comes close to dying when he falls ill. The United States disavows any knowledge of their mission. Scarlett and Snake Eyes fake their own death and join with Storm Shadow in an illegal mission. All of the Joes escape with the aid of the freedom fighter called the White Clown. Stalker, Snow Job, and Quick Kick emerge back home to a crowd of dozens of Joes. All three specifically search out Outback to reassure him that he did the right thing. Stalker helps spearhead a G.I. Joe mission to the fictional country of Wolkekuck-Uckland when it comes under threat by Cobra forces. Stalker stayed on, serving with the G.I. Joe Team until its disbandment in 1994.
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