Clutch (G.I. Joe)
| Clutch | |
|---|---|
| G.I. Joe character | |
 |
|
| First appearance | 1982 |
| Voiced by | Michael Bell |
| Affiliation | G.I. Joe |
| Specialty | Driver |
| File name | Steinberg, Lance J. |
| Birth place | Asbury Park, NJ |
| SN | RA757340802 |
| Rank | E-4 (Corporal) |
| Primary MOS | Transportation |
| Secondary MOS | Infantry |
| Subgroups | Mega Marines |
Clutch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is one of the G.I. Joe Team's motor vehicle drivers and debuted in 1982.
His real name is Lance J. Steinberg, and his rank is that of corporal E-4. His primary military specialty is transportation and his secondary military specialty is infantry. Clutch was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Clutch was a mechanic and was heavily involved in racing street machines prior to enlistment. He graduated in Advanced Infantry Training; Covert Ops School; Executive Bodyguard School; Ranger School. He is a qualified expert with the M14; M16; M1911A1; M3A1; M79 and M60.
Clutch is known as a wild card, who takes very little seriously. His crude behavior has gotten him into trouble with his teammate Scarlett on several occasions, causing her to think of him as a chauvinist pig. This hasn't affected his reliability on the battlefield, but has earned him a reputation for having manners that leave a lot to be desired. While the G.I. Joe team was temporarily disbanded, Clutch used his skills as a mechanic on the Indy racing circuit, earning him a record number of wins for his drivers.
Clutch was first released as an action figure in 1982, packaged with the V.A.M.P. battle jeep. All of the original sixteen figures from 1982 were released with "straight arms." The same figure was re-released in 1983 with "swivel-arm battle grip", which made it easier for figures to hold their rifles and accessories. In 1984, a second action figure with a tan uniform was released, and was packaged with the V.A.M.P. Mark II vehicle. The character was also released as a member of the Mega Marines subgroup in 1993, as the driver of the "Monster Blaster A.P.C.", though the figure was sold separately from the vehicle.
The 2003 edition of his action figure was renamed as Double Clutch. Later figures reverted to the original name.
Clutch first appeared in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 (June 1982), in the Marvel Comics licensed comic book. An unabashed skirt chaser, Clutch comes across to female Joe members such as Scarlett and Cover Girl as an oversexed chauvinist, and he does not give them much reason to think otherwise. Constantly hitting on any woman who comes into his line of sight, at one point Clutch actually suggests putting up Cover Girl and Scarlett as a mud wrestling pair. Even though he is a blatantly chauvinistic jerk, he is also a good driver and a good soldier who does his job when necessary. As the series goes on, his chauvinistic attitude is downplayed. Unlike his action figure, Clutch does not have a full beard but rather a five o'clock shadow.
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