G.I. Joe Darklon's Evader (1989)

Overview

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The Darklon's Evader was released in 1989 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and included the exclusive Darklon figure, leader of the Iron Grenadiers and a distant cousin of Destro. The Evader is a compact light assault vehicle that combines the speed of a combat trike with the firepower of a light armored vehicle. It was marketed as Darklon's personal battlefield transport and remains one of the most distinctive Iron Grenadier vehicles ever produced.

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Key Features

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1. Includes Darklon

Every original Evader came packaged with Darklon, one of the most memorable Iron Grenadier characters of the late vintage era.

Darklon is portrayed as a wealthy mercenary, private military commander, and ambitious relative of Destro who commands his own army while working alongside the Iron Grenadiers.

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2. Compact Assault Vehicle

The Evader is designed as a light assault vehicle, emphasizing speed and maneuverability rather than heavy armor.

Its compact three-wheel layout allows it to:

• perform rapid reconnaissance

• escort Iron Grenadier convoys

• launch quick strike attacks

• operate in difficult terrain

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3. Heavy Weapons

Despite its small size, the Evader carries an impressive arsenal:

• two removable Eliminator 9 mm machine guns

• dual surface-to-surface missiles

• infrared thermal imaging scanner/radar

This makes it a capable reconnaissance and attack vehicle.

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4. Iron Grenadier Styling

Finished in black, gray, and metallic colors, the Evader perfectly matches the premium military appearance of the Iron Grenadiers.

Its styling complements vehicles such as:

• D.E.M.O.N.

• Razorback

• AGP

• Iron Grenadier troops

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5. Driver-Controlled Firepower

Darklon sits in an open cockpit with easy access to the mounted weapons, allowing for fast hit-and-run attacks while maintaining excellent visibility.

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Fun Facts

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Darklon's Personal Vehicle

Unlike standard Cobra vehicles, the Evader was designed specifically for Darklon, making it comparable to vehicles like Serpentor's Air Chariot or Overlord's Dictator.

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One of the Last Deluxe Figure Sets

Darklon and the Evader were among the final "character with personal vehicle" releases in the vintage line before Hasbro shifted toward different product formats.

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Unique Three-Wheel Design

The Evader's three-wheel layout has divided collectors for decades. Some appreciate its futuristic appearance, while others affectionately refer to it as Cobra's "battle tricycle."

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Growing Collector Appreciation

Although overlooked when first released, Darklon and his Evader have developed a loyal following among Iron Grenadier collectors because of their unique design and comic-book connections.

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Released in 1989 and 1990

The Evader remained available through 1989 and 1990, with no significant changes between releases.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting collector value are:

• Original Darklon figure included

• Complete missile launcher and both missiles

• Both removable machine guns present

• Intact windshield and handlebars

• Clean decals with minimal wear

• Original instruction sheet

• Original box and inserts

Because Darklon is an exclusive figure and the Evader's small accessories are often missing, 100% complete examples command a significant premium.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Darklon's Evader remains a favorite among Iron Grenadier collectors because it offers:

• the exclusive Darklon figure

• a unique three-wheel assault vehicle

• excellent compatibility with Iron Grenadier displays

• distinctive late-1980s military styling

• an important connection to Destro's elite faction

More than 35 years after its release, Darklon's Evader has become a cult classic in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. While its unconventional design may not appeal to everyone, its exclusive character, unique engineering, and role within the Iron Grenadiers make it an essential vehicle for collectors building a complete 1989 G.I. Joe collection.

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