VILLAIN OF THE DAY: DESTRO

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Today's Villain Spotlight goes to DESTRO, from GIJoe.

Destro is well-versed in military strategy and combat skills. Although it is a common misconception, Destro is not a member of COBRA. Cobra has merely contracted his services. A major reason for this is his relationship with Cobra Commander's lieutenant, the BARONESS. This has, at times, led to disputes between the two men and a desire on Destro's part to wrest control of Cobra from Cobra Commander. . After many years of working with Cobra, Destro founded the IRON GRENADIERS and competed with Cobra, which became an arms supplier during SERPENTOR's tenure, in the arms market.

Destro's full name is James McCullen Destro XXIV. He hails from Callander, Scotland. His family became prominent weapons suppliers in 15th Century Europe where they took advantage of the wars and conflicts so prevalent in that continent's past. Sometime in the 1640s, Oliver Cromwell's men discovered a Destro clan member to be also supplying weapons to both sides in the English Civil War. Instead of being put to death, the Destro clansman was made to wear an uncomfortable steel mask as punishment. Rather than accept it as disgrace, the Destro clan turned it into a symbol of honor and has since been worn by the head of each succeeding generation. The weapons supplies business has since been incorporated as MARS (Military Armaments Research Syndicate) and became one of the world's greatest suppliers and manufacturers of armaments and hi-tech weaponry. James Destro XXIV is the current head and laird.

Comic Book highlights:
Issue 14: Destro's 1st full appearance
Issue 31: Destro vs Snake Eyes!
Issue 38: Destro vs Storm Shadow; "Even you cannot outrun a bullet."
Issue 49: Destro helps raid the tombs of greatest leaders of all time for their DNA to create a Cobra Emperor to replace Cobra Commander.
Issue 57: Joes team up with Destro to help him retake his Family Thrown!
Isssue 69: Destro returns in Gold and with his Iron Grenadiers.