Main Frame (G.I. Joe)
Encyclopedia
Mainframe is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a toy created by Hasbro. He appeared in both the comic books and the animated series.
Appearance: black helmet; grey short-sleeved shirt; black diagonal strap and gloves; grey pants with black belt, holster
Accessories: large, angular grey tech backpack with antenna; grey portable computer with handle; small black communicator with peg for hose; standard long, black hose.
, Dial Tone
, Leatherneck
, and Wet Suit
.
Appearance: red helmet; beige short-sleeved shirt; red diagonal strap and black gloves; red pants and belt, with grey holster
Accessories: large, angular grey tech backpack with antenna; grey portable computer with handle; small black communicator with peg for hose; standard long, black hose.
In 2008, a new version of Mainframe was released, but renamed "Dataframe". So while there are multiple names, they are all based on the character "Mainframe".
are sent on a mission into a Middle Eastern nation torn apart by the war between the Royalist rebels and the forces of dictator Colonel Sharif. Mainframe and Dusty are sent in to locate a Cobra Terrordrome
launch base hidden in the country after spy satellites detect the base's infrared signature. In exchange for helping them ambush one of Sharif's weapons convoys, the Royalists give the Joes a guide to lead them through the desert, a local teen named Rashid. Much of the story deals with Rashid's disrespect for Mainframe for not being a 'real' soldier. However, after watching Mainframe reprogram a Firebat to strafe enemy troops and hearing about his past as a frontline soldier from Dusty, Rashid changes his mind about Mainframe and even becomes an expert in computer in order to honor him. Later, after detecting a shuttle launched from Cobra Island
, Mainframe is part of a team that heads into space onboard the space shuttle Defiant
to defend U.S. satellites against a Cobra attack. Some time later, Mainframe works on the USS Flagg
as part of Hawk
's operations team during the Joes' involvement in the Cobra civil war. Mainframe serves in a similar capacity on the Flagg later during the Battle of Benzheen. He later aids the G.I. Joe Ninja Force in their efforts to help Destro
remove a bounty on his head.
.
to neutralize the threat of microscopic nanites which are causing various forms of deadly havoc. A couple of ideas work out and the nanites are defeated. At a later point, Mainframe's long-term efforts to uncover white-collar Cobra crime results in Roadblock
fighting Dreadnoks
on live television; this just increases Roadblock's financial well-being. Mainframe's work at the computer causes him to admit he needs to get out more.
G.I. Joe comes into conflict with Serpentor
and his new independent army, 'Coil', which has taken over Cobra Island
. Mainframe teams with Flash
for a sabotage mission against EMP generators. Coil troops trap the two with a bomb and they perish when it explodes. The generators are also destroyed. Mainframe's name is part of memorial in Arlington dedicated to all Joes who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Mainframe's protege, Firewall later aids his teammates in finishing an old mission involving the drug dealer Headman. Rashid also assists in this mission.
Mainframe is part of the alternate reality crossover G.I. Joe Vs. Transformers 2. In the climatic battle he assists Doctor Mindbender
and Wheeljack in saving the Earth from complete destruction. However, it doesn't go quite as planned, with the after-effects of the life saving computer hacks accidentally incinerating his Joe teammate Mercer
.
. In the G.I. Joe Sunbow cartoon 5-part mini series "Arise Serpentor, Arise!", Beach Head and his teammate Mainframe escaped from Cobra troops by hiding in the actual coffin of Vlad Tepes. When they later escape, Mainframe tells Beach Head he wants to talk to him about his deodorant, in which Beach Head replies: "But I don't wear deoderant." "That's what I want to talk to you about," Mainframe responds. In the same series, Mainframe mentioned a posting he had monitoring base security in Vietnam.
Mainframe was apparently married with children at one point. While driving through Transylvania, he remarks that the countryside reminds him of when he would take his kids trick or treating. In the Sunbow Season 2 episode, "Computer Complications", he mentions having an ex-wife.
In that same episode, Zarana
goes undercover at a Joe base as "Carol Weidler". During that time, Mainframe and Zarana develop romantic feelings for each other. At the end of the episode, the Dreadnoks joke to her: "Hey, Zarana, I’ve been thinking! Maybe you oughta quit the Dreadnoks, go marry that wimp, get a house in the suburbs, have kids." to which she responds by shooting in their direction. The episode ends showing both Mainframe and Zarana, miles away looking at the moon, perhaps pondering the same question. In "Grey Hairs & Growing Pains", Zarana helps Mainframe again; he had undergone de-aging.
Mainframe appears in the following episodes:
.
Mainframe is featured in the younger-children storybook "Operation Starfight" drawn by Earl Norem
. He is wounded in the arm during the story.
, voiced by Wally Wingert
.
, Mainframe, and Iceberg
. Beside Iceberg, "Mainframe, clad in his distinctive gray short-sleeved uniform, manned the battlefield computer. They did not speak to each other. Only waited and watched."
Fictional character biography
Mainframe enlisted in the army airborne at the age of seventeen and soon headed into battle overseas, just in time to get his Combat Infantryman Badge. He left the army to get his degree from MIT on the G.I. Bill then did a stint toiling in the antiseptic corridors of silicon Valley, making big bucks and fighting boredom with a stick. Luckily, the Marines were looking for a few good men with just his qualifications. The proper papers were signed and Mainframe was in uniform. The world's ever-increasing reliance upon technology makes him a valued member of the G.I. Joe team and his ability to design computer viruses makes him a nightmarish nuisance of Cobra.A Real American Hero (1986)
Mainframe was first released as part of the 1986 series of A Real American Hero toys. He was also available in 1987 and was discontinued in 1988.Appearance: black helmet; grey short-sleeved shirt; black diagonal strap and gloves; grey pants with black belt, holster
Accessories: large, angular grey tech backpack with antenna; grey portable computer with handle; small black communicator with peg for hose; standard long, black hose.
Special Mission: Brazil (1986)
Mainframe was released as part of the 1986 series, in the Toys "Я" Us exclusive "Special Mission: Brazil" boxed set. The boxed set also included ClaymoreClaymore (G.I. Joe)
Claymore is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline and comic book series. He first appeared in 1986 as an exclusive in a Toys R Us 5-pack, alongside re-colored versions of Mainframe, Wet Suit, Leatherneck, and Dial Tone....
, Dial Tone
Dial Tone (G.I. Joe)
Dial Tone is code name of two fictional characters from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series.The first is male and debuted in 1986. He is the G.I. Joe Team's communications expert. He is voiced by Hank Garrett in the Sunbow G.I. Joe cartoon series.The second is...
, Leatherneck
Leatherneck (G.I. Joe)
Leatherneck is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is a Marine with the G.I. Joe Team and debuted in 1986.-Profile:...
, and Wet Suit
Wet Suit (G.I. Joe)
Wet Suit is a character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series of the 1980s. He is one of the G.I. Joe team's two Navy SEALs, the other being Torpedo. Wet Suit debuted in 1986.-Profile:...
.
Appearance: red helmet; beige short-sleeved shirt; red diagonal strap and black gloves; red pants and belt, with grey holster
Accessories: large, angular grey tech backpack with antenna; grey portable computer with handle; small black communicator with peg for hose; standard long, black hose.
25th Anniversary
Comic Pack Beach Head & Dataframe(mainframe) also has been released.In 2008, a new version of Mainframe was released, but renamed "Dataframe". So while there are multiple names, they are all based on the character "Mainframe".
Marvel Comics
In the Marvel Comics G.I. Joe series, he first appeared in issue #58. In that issue, Mainframe and DustyDusty (G.I. Joe)
Dusty is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's desert trooper and debuted in 1985.-Profile:...
are sent on a mission into a Middle Eastern nation torn apart by the war between the Royalist rebels and the forces of dictator Colonel Sharif. Mainframe and Dusty are sent in to locate a Cobra Terrordrome
Terrordrome
The Cobra Terrordrome is a playset from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line.-Toys:The playset was first released in 1986, and is basically the prefabricated easily set up fortress/headquarters for Cobra. Each playset comes with a vehicle service and refueling bay, munitions depot, a...
launch base hidden in the country after spy satellites detect the base's infrared signature. In exchange for helping them ambush one of Sharif's weapons convoys, the Royalists give the Joes a guide to lead them through the desert, a local teen named Rashid. Much of the story deals with Rashid's disrespect for Mainframe for not being a 'real' soldier. However, after watching Mainframe reprogram a Firebat to strafe enemy troops and hearing about his past as a frontline soldier from Dusty, Rashid changes his mind about Mainframe and even becomes an expert in computer in order to honor him. Later, after detecting a shuttle launched from Cobra Island
Cobra Island
Cobra Island is a fictional country located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the main base of operations for the fictional Cobra Organization featured in the G.I. Joe toyline from the 1980s. It is featured in the G.I. Joe cartoon and the comic book series created by Marvel Comics and Devil's Due...
, Mainframe is part of a team that heads into space onboard the space shuttle Defiant
Defiant (G.I. Joe)
The Defiant is a fictional space shuttle complex vehicle and station from the G.I. Joe series, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, line of toys, comics and cartoons.-Toys:...
to defend U.S. satellites against a Cobra attack. Some time later, Mainframe works on the USS Flagg
USS Flagg
The USS Flagg is a fictional U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier from the toy line, comic and cartoon series, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. It is the G.I. Joe Team's primary sea going vessel...
as part of Hawk
Hawk (G.I. Joe)
Hawk is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys. He appears in the animated series, comic books, toyline, and movie.-Profile:...
's operations team during the Joes' involvement in the Cobra civil war. Mainframe serves in a similar capacity on the Flagg later during the Battle of Benzheen. He later aids the G.I. Joe Ninja Force in their efforts to help Destro
Destro
Laird James McCullen Destro XXIV, usually referred to simply as Destro, is a fictional villain from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of military-themed toys from Hasbro. He is portrayed by Christopher Eccleston in the 2009 live-action film, G.I...
remove a bounty on his head.
Transformers
In the original out of continuity G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover, Mainframe is essential in rebuilding the severely damaged BumblebeeBumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
.
Devil's Due
Mainframe appears many times when Devil's Due takes over the Joe license. He is one of the first ones recruited back into active duty when gathered intelligence indicates Cobra is a threat yet again. He works closely with LifelineLifeline (G.I. Joe)
Lifeline is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's rescue trooper and debuted in 1986.-Profile:...
to neutralize the threat of microscopic nanites which are causing various forms of deadly havoc. A couple of ideas work out and the nanites are defeated. At a later point, Mainframe's long-term efforts to uncover white-collar Cobra crime results in Roadblock
Roadblock (G.I. Joe)
Roadblock is a character from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of toys, comics and cartoons. He is one of the most prominent African-Americans in the series. His primary function in G.I. Joe is as a heavy machine gunner and a secondary function as a cook.-Fictional character...
fighting Dreadnoks
Dreadnoks
The Dreadnoks are a fictional biker gang who act as villains in the G.I. Joe saga, which have been represented in several types of media, including toylines , comic books series , and television cartoons .All Dreadnoks are uncouth and violent, and usually engage their enemies with...
on live television; this just increases Roadblock's financial well-being. Mainframe's work at the computer causes him to admit he needs to get out more.
G.I. Joe comes into conflict with Serpentor
Serpentor
Serpentor is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character was introduced in 1986 as a toy with an air chariot and included in the animated series that same year.-Toys:...
and his new independent army, 'Coil', which has taken over Cobra Island
Cobra Island
Cobra Island is a fictional country located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the main base of operations for the fictional Cobra Organization featured in the G.I. Joe toyline from the 1980s. It is featured in the G.I. Joe cartoon and the comic book series created by Marvel Comics and Devil's Due...
. Mainframe teams with Flash
Flash (G.I. Joe)
Flash is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original laser rifle trooper and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
for a sabotage mission against EMP generators. Coil troops trap the two with a bomb and they perish when it explodes. The generators are also destroyed. Mainframe's name is part of memorial in Arlington dedicated to all Joes who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Mainframe's protege, Firewall later aids his teammates in finishing an old mission involving the drug dealer Headman. Rashid also assists in this mission.
Mainframe is part of the alternate reality crossover G.I. Joe Vs. Transformers 2. In the climatic battle he assists Doctor Mindbender
Doctor Mindbender
Dr. Mindbender is a fictional character from the 1980s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comics, and animated series. He is a scientist who works for the fictional terrorist organization Cobra.-Profile:...
and Wheeljack in saving the Earth from complete destruction. However, it doesn't go quite as planned, with the after-effects of the life saving computer hacks accidentally incinerating his Joe teammate Mercer
Mercer (G.I. Joe)
Mercer is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is a member of the G.I. Joe team as one of Sgt. Slaughter's Renegades and debuted in 1987.-Profile:...
.
Sunbow
Mainframe appeared in the original G.I. Joe animated series, voiced by Patrick PinneyPatrick Pinney
Patrick Pinney is an American voice actor. He attended college at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where he had many friends including assistant director Michele Panelli Venetis and San Francisco Bay area costumer Alison Barnwell Morris , with whom he costarred in "The...
. In the G.I. Joe Sunbow cartoon 5-part mini series "Arise Serpentor, Arise!", Beach Head and his teammate Mainframe escaped from Cobra troops by hiding in the actual coffin of Vlad Tepes. When they later escape, Mainframe tells Beach Head he wants to talk to him about his deodorant, in which Beach Head replies: "But I don't wear deoderant." "That's what I want to talk to you about," Mainframe responds. In the same series, Mainframe mentioned a posting he had monitoring base security in Vietnam.
Mainframe was apparently married with children at one point. While driving through Transylvania, he remarks that the countryside reminds him of when he would take his kids trick or treating. In the Sunbow Season 2 episode, "Computer Complications", he mentions having an ex-wife.
In that same episode, Zarana
Zarana
Zarana is the sister of Zartan and Zandar in the fiction setting of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. She has short naturally auburn hair that has been dyed pink and is usually depicted with a tattered hot pink T-shirt and blue pants. Zarana is a master of disguise who can fool even the best...
goes undercover at a Joe base as "Carol Weidler". During that time, Mainframe and Zarana develop romantic feelings for each other. At the end of the episode, the Dreadnoks joke to her: "Hey, Zarana, I’ve been thinking! Maybe you oughta quit the Dreadnoks, go marry that wimp, get a house in the suburbs, have kids." to which she responds by shooting in their direction. The episode ends showing both Mainframe and Zarana, miles away looking at the moon, perhaps pondering the same question. In "Grey Hairs & Growing Pains", Zarana helps Mainframe again; he had undergone de-aging.
Mainframe appears in the following episodes:
- Arise, Serpentor, Arise
- Cobrathon
- Grey Hairs & Growing Pains
- Iceberg Goes South
- Last Hour To Doomsday
- Let's Play Soldier
- My Favorite Things
- Nightmare Assault
- Ninja Holiday
- Into Your Tent I Will Silently Creep
G.I. Joe: The Movie
Mainframe also appeared briefly in the 1987 animated film G.I. Joe: The MovieG.I. Joe: The Movie
G.I. Joe: The Movie is a 1987 animated film spun off from the animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, based on the original Hasbro toyline. It was produced by Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions and was animated in Japan by Toei Animation.Created at the height of the G.I. Joe craze in...
.
Books
Mainframe is a supporting character in the novel Divide and Conquer. Without permission, he risks damage to Joe Headquarters to gain information from Cobra computers.Mainframe is featured in the younger-children storybook "Operation Starfight" drawn by Earl Norem
Earl Norem
Earl Norem , often credited simply as Norem, is an American artist primarily known for his painted covers for Marvel Comics books and magazines...
. He is wounded in the arm during the story.
Video games
Mainframe appears as a non-playable supporting character named "Data Frame" in the video game G.I. Joe: The Rise of CobraG.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (video game)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is the title of a video game adaption of the film of the same name. The game takes place after the film. The 360 and PS3 versions are based on the same code, while the DS is an entirely different game unto itself, and the Wii, PS2, and PSP version are also based on...
, voiced by Wally Wingert
Wally Wingert
Wallace E. "Wally" Wingert is an American actor and voice artist. He is originally from Des Moines, Iowa but he currently works and lives in Los Angeles, California. He is the current announcer for the second incarnation of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the current voice of Jon Arbuckle in...
.
Other works
Mainframe's figure is briefly featured in the fiction novel 6 Sick Hipsters. In the story, the character Paul Achting spent four years collecting G.I. Joe figures to set up a battle scene between the Joes and Cobra. As he imagined the characters in his head, he described three of the Joes hanging back from the front lines: LifelineLifeline (G.I. Joe)
Lifeline is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's rescue trooper and debuted in 1986.-Profile:...
, Mainframe, and Iceberg
Iceberg (G.I. Joe)
Iceberg is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's snow trooper and debuted in 1986.-Profile:His real name is Clifton L. Nash, and his rank is that of sergeant E-5...
. Beside Iceberg, "Mainframe, clad in his distinctive gray short-sleeved uniform, manned the battlefield computer. They did not speak to each other. Only waited and watched."