Firefly (2013)
Unofficially dubbed “ultimate,” this figure to me is anything but. As much as I looked forward to it months ago, I was underwhelmed when I got this guy in hand, especially after the great Retaliation three pack version. Other than having an abundance of articulation, I wouldn’t count it in the same field as the recent movie Duke, Flint, or Roadblock.
It is supposed to be movie based, but doesn’t look all that much like the actor, who is quite a stocky looking fellow in the film. There’s an attempt at representing the movie version’s signature jacket, but the rest of the figure appears to be reused from recent years. Overall, there’s a real plainness to this Firefly that is disappointing. He even looks a little…cheap. The light up version, while definitely wacky, had a more interesting and detailed look, plus it had the alternate unmasked head. I suppose you could pop that head on this guy as well.
Accessory selection isn’t along the lines of other recent movie figures. He’s got several weapons, and the HISS tank drone is neat looking, but what is the point of it again? Was it meant to be a Power Wheels version to be ridden by the Commander’s son Billy in a deleted scene? I think the best use is as a miniature scale version of the tank. That raises an interesting concept, one of a small scale vehicle and environment type of collector line. It could incorporate vehicles and even bases that would be cost prohibitive at the standard Joe scale. I’d go for a mini version of a Cobra Temple, Terorrdrome or GI Joe HQ.
He does seem a bit redundant what with the 30th Firfly and the other movie versions
This figure was priced lower than others in the same assortment even while on pre-order status at most online retailers, making it the cyber equivalent of a peg warmer.
I don’t care for movie versions of Joes and Cobras unless they also work for me as unique characters. (Blind Master = Bad guy from that Flying Guillotine flick.) I liked the prototype with the green jacket better since it looked more detailed. I was fine with the jacket but I would have called this “Ultimate” version an updated comic book Firefly (maybe IDW) rather than anything from the movie. Don’t know what to make of the drone either, other than it does look like a Mini HISS. (Mike Myers would likely be cool with that moniker.)
Packing the unmasked Ray Stevenson head with this one might’ve sold it. Otherwise, this head doesn’t look quite right on the body, and a lot of people aren’t impressed with the HISS drone. Me? I bought one just for the drone!
I really dig the drone too Cyko.
Rob, I really like your idea for a series of miniature vehicles and bases. Hasbro should get on that.
As for this figure, I like it but it does feel a tad redundant considering all the variations of Firefly we’ve gotten over the past few years. I recently bought this figure again to give to my 6 year old nephew for his birthday later this week along with wave 1 Snake Eyes and the Combat Cruiser. Hopefully he digs ’em as much as I would’ve at his age.
Nice figure!
Never saw this figure at retail. Or is it just now out there?
I remember people wanting the HISS drone that was to come with a PoC Cobra Commander at one point, and I never got its appeal. I’d just as soon have included an updated spinning top of death from 1992 Firefly.
Hasbro could resurect the Titaniums line with an assortment of Joe vehicles. I’d imagine they would sell decently enough AND its the only way we’ll ever get another Flag
Firefly has been done to death now. It’s time to move past the same 6 Cobra characters (CC, Destro, Baroness, Storm Shadow, Firefly and Zartan).