G.I. Joe Classified Series Classic Firefly review (No. 84)
Firefly was one of the Cobra Island G.I. Joe Classified Series that required some anxious days tracking him down. I didn’t dislike the figure since the CI Firefly fell in line with the Classified Series’ earlier goal of providing slight tweaks and modernizing the Real American Hero designs.
Of course, when Hasbro announced a more classic style Firefly was coming, I knew the CI version was about to get permanently replaced. The original design is one of the most iconic Cobra designs and fits his skill set perfectly.
It’s been a huge second half of 2023 for the Classified Series, but this is one of my most anticipated releases. Let’s see if this lights my fuse or blows all my expectations up in my face.
Package: The Joe team proved the most creative in the presentation of the figures despite the lack of window. The character focused backdrop and story being told is very clever. Firefly looks to be destroying the Joes’ vacation resort leaving a ton of destruction in his wake. There’s a comic book style portrait with a geared up take on the Cobra saboteur that’s repeated on the sides.
Along the top right strip, there’s a rollout of all of Firefly’s accessories, which is an impressive amount of gear. I’m digging how the team has slightly altered the numbers as well showing how Classified Series has evolved over the years. The left side features a QR code that still leads to a generic Hasbro page instead of Firefly’s page on Pulse. It also shows the very tiny readout of his specialties.
On the back, we get a full pic of Firefly and his accessories along with some detailed pics along with bigger pics of his skills.
Switching attire didn’t change Firefly’s four-star specialties in Covert Ops, Classified and Sabotage. He gets a three-star for explosives, which seems odd for the explosives expert.
Hasbro reuses the old Real American Hero bio, which states:
No one knows Firefly’s real name or what he looks like. He is known by his work. Even COBRA Commander doesn’t know much about Firefly. His fees are paid into a numbered Swiss bank account and are always payable in advance. He makes no guarantees and gives no refunds.
Likeness: Hasbro did a fun update of Firefly incorporating more armor and protection into his gear. It did suggest that maybe Firefly wasn’t the best — hence the three in explosions — at his job. This streamlined attire conjures up more of an 80s movie terrorist complete with the collared shirt and swank turtleneck.
While this is a classic twist, Hasbro souped it up by making the crossed straps over his torso separate pieces. The three grenades are positioned squarely at his left shoulder. His three explosives are on the other strap resting along his left side as well. There were some unique looking triggers on the right shoulder with the original, but they’re replaced with pouches.
His belt is a separate piece now and includes what I think are thermite grenades. I kinda like that all of his explosives are on his left side conveying that he’s a righty and it’s an easier grab for him as he’s blasting away. Firefly’s belt contains a holster for his sidearm while his left leg has what appears to be three other explosive devices strapped to his left thigh. These ae both consistent with the original figure just updated to be separate sculpted pieces.
I’ll need to check the compatibility with the boots as I think the CI’s boots are the appropriate height compared to this set. It’s not a big deal since they look fine.
He’s got a protective sleeve on his left forearm and in a cool nod to the 84 figure, he’s got a sheathe to place the knife on his right forearm.
Firefly’s mask and head sculpt isn’t as intense as the first one. There’s a calm detached intensity to the eyes, which oddly makes him look more formidable since I really liked the crazed head sculpt of the CI figure.
Paint: Firefly’s camo was pretty good on the original figure, but I think the lined shirt proved a little distracting. The classic Firefly paint scheme is better with wider and thicker camo patterns. And the mask has a lot more. It makes a ton of difference.
The paintwork is clean all around. I like the additions of the green explosions and the black grey pouches and straps.
Scale: Firefly should be about average height about eye to eye with Cobra Commander and Major Bludd.
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Articulation: The real draw for this updated figure is there’s no restrictive, bulky vest limiting articulation.
Firefly needs to be able to get low, crouch and sneak around in placing his explosives. This figure offers much better range and movement.
Firefly has:
- head
- neck
- shoulders (butterfly)
- elbow (double-jointed)
- wrist
- wrist hinge
- mid-torso
- torso
- waist
- hips (ball-jointed)
- drop down hips
- knees (double-jointed)
- ankles
Accessories: The CI Firefly had some great accessories, but what makes the Joe team special is they packed a slew of new accessories with this Firefly.
He’s got a submachine gun that’s a near replica of his RAH main weapon. It features a removable barrel and clip.
His original figure had a walkie talky. That’s been swapped out for a detonator that’s even got a painted 3 to simulate a countdown timer.
Naturally, Firefly has the small pistol for his holster and the knife for his forearm sheath.
The backpack is more retro style as well with its beehive shape. It’s got some smaller grenades and a painted digital readout.
CI Firefly came with a drone. This one comes with an RC car that can hold the two black and red mines. The wheels on the car oddly tend to pop off with the slightest movement, but that’s it in terms of any shaky QC with him.
Beyond being able to attach it to the backpack, you can easily use all the gear with the Classic Firefly.
Finally, he’s got the newer Infared helmet piece. This is a cool modern addition for him.
As usual, you can store the accessories into the included footlocker.
Worth It? Ah the old days when a Classified Series figure retailed for $20. Unlike the CI version, this one is $25. It’s hard to see everything packed into this guy and think that’s a terrible deal though.
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Classic Firefly is exactly the RAH style figure I’ve always wanted from the Classified Series. Hasbro delivered another 2023 standout.
Where to Get It? It doesn’t seem like this wave is showing up in stores so online retailers are the way to go. You can order Firefly now from my affiliates Amazon and Entertainment Earth.
As an Amazon and Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.