Tag Archives: Satellite Down

Russ Heath – Primord Chief

Russ Heath original art detail G.I. Joe "Satellite Down" Primord Lord

In this Ted Pedersen-written episode of G.I. Joe from 1985, “Satellite Down,” the Joes track a lost satellite to somewhere in an “unexplored region” of Africa.  There they meet a tribe of primitives called Primords, who worship the satellite as a god.  And Storm Shadow and Spirit fight!

Here’s Russ Heath’s original artwork (pencil on animation bond — I cropped out the punch holes) for one version, unused in the episode, for the Primord Chief.

Russ Heath original art G.I. Joe "Satellite Down" Primord Lord

The final design differs greatly from this drawing.  In the episode, the chief is covered in body hair, has no loincloth, hood, or cape, and less face paint.
G.I. Joe "Satellite Down" screencap Primord Lord

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Filed under Animation, G.I. Joe Behind the Scenes