Firefly (2008)
Here’s a Firefly of a different color. Hailing from a Toys R Us multi-pack that also included a set of modern “greenshirt” GI Joes, Firefly got into the variant game by changing up his costume from grey to blue. He even painted his gear to match. Quite fashionable. I have to say that I get a kick out of having the classic Firefly phone in a lovely shade of blue.
You can’t complain too much about the parts choice here, considering that the library available to the designers was limited at the time. Yes, firefly shouldn’t be wearing a commando sweater, but that’s because he shared a body mold with Beachhead for much of the 25th Anniversary era. It wasn’t until offshoots like Resolute and the post-movie lines that his modern figures started to deviate from the 1984 version. By the time those series rolled around, I was ready to see something new anyway. An interpretation of his new sculpt era designs, or even his 1992 uniform would have been nice.
Of course, being based on the original 25th Anniversary version of the character, we’re stuck again with the issue of the figure’s web gear. I don’t really have to describe the problem, as it’s apparent as soon as you look at the figure. High angle shots minimize the effect of the crowded shoulder gear in photos, but in person the toy just looks goofy. In my mind, Hasbro didn’t get a modern version of a classic-style Firefly right until 2013.
Finally, in handling this toy again, I realized just to what extent the most recent GI Joe toys have become soft and pliable. While this figure isn’t made from the same kind of hard plastic of the 80s and 90s era, there is definitely a tactile difference from the most recent releases. Compared to a 2015 GI Joe, this Firefly felt more substantial. I hadn’t realized that before, and I wonder now if the softer figures will someday break down into sticky piles of ooze.
I wonder why they have changed the plastic?
I thought nk the best bet for maintaining figures if that plastic quality would be to keep them in cool or moderate-temperature environments.
No mass market toy company produces their items with the thought of them lasting forever. Saving a couple of pennies per figure by lowering the plastic quality rarely has instant impact on sales. And, no company really has a vested interest in these toys still being viable in 50 years.
Some of the softer plastics from Brazil are already susceptible to degradation, often right out of the package. In time, Hasbro offerings will suffer the same fate. But, it would be a sad commentary on the modern line if vintage Joes hold up better after a century or so. Of course, few of us will be around to see that….
Maybe I’ll invest in a enviro-controlled vault…..
It seems to be a movement: a lot of modern action figures are using the softer plastic. It must be cheaper. I do appreciate not worrying about breaking thumbs, but it’s also tough to get figures to actually hold accessories. I would really like this Firefly figure except for the bulbous 25th shoulders. It’s the missing link between the New Sculpt days and Rise of Cobra. Ditch the webgear, call him “urban ops Beach Head” and pair him with the 50th Dusty & Bazooka.
AFTER giving him POC Double Clutch’s vest and ammo case, PLUS the gun and clips from ROC Rampage.
looks gray to me