Sci-Fi (1991)
1991 is my favorite post-1986 year for figures. The main line saw new interpretations of old standbys for the Joe team and Cobra’s forces. This new edition of Sci-Fi is a tasteful update to his original figure. Say what? A 90’s Joe tasteful? Yes. Regardless of what you’ve heard on the grapevine about the dreaded decade of Eco-this and DEF-that, there are quite a few good figures to be had from ’91.
Two things I’ve always thought about ’86 Sci-Fi: man that head looks like Robocop, and man I wish that helmet was removable. This figure addresses both of those concerns quite well. The headgear now looks less like a space helmet and more akin to an experimental laser trooper’s protective equipment.
The chest protector and gauntlets bring to mind the original Flash figure, although the hints of color throughout the uniform also recall Sci-Fi’s first outfit as well. I don’t quite understand why the short hose connects the helmet to the shoulder fired laser cannon, but maybe it’s supposed to integrate with some sort of targeting system in the helmet.
I find the laser rifle disappointing, mostly due to the lack of a stock. Since the vintage figures aren’t able to get a good two handed grip, this rifle just kind of floats out in space and has a tendency to droop to the side when posing the figure. Kind of a bummer. I guess he could appropriate his old weapon.
Taken as a whole, this is a very slick update to a concept that had been a part of the RAH line since 1982. There must have been someone at Hasbro who liked it, as it was used again as Sci-Fi in 1993 and also became the Cobra Laser Viper in 2001.
This is a great update to Sci Fi. Really nice that we get to see Seymour’s face.
The 1991 series showed up in two sporadic waves, which was an odd change after a decade of 24-month long releases, but every character turned out to be a winner. It was the last great year of the line for me. As for the figure, I always liked the ’86 version of Sci-Fi and wished his helmet had been removable, so this was a welcome move on Hasbro’s part. I could see the ’91 body doubling for Flash as well since there are resemblances. The weapons are his only weak spot. This was also the start of the spring-loaded missile launcher era, but at least Sci-Fi didn’t get stuck with one of the bulkier ones found on most Battle Corps figures later on.
Great face sculpt!
This is another after-my-time figure that I’m almost positive I’m seeing for the first time. He’s pretty cool!
One thing I wish they’d do from now is replace these rigid hoses with string, like Rise of Cobra Flash has.
I agree with you 100% on this one. This was such a cool figure that far surpassed the original. The only thing that would’ve made him better would be a different rifle, something with a stock.
Easily my favorite Sci-Fi figure and I think it really surpasses any other versions.