COBRA (NINJA) SABOTUER - FIREFLY, 1993

    "I came, I saw, I blew it up!" - Firefly, 1992/93.

COBRA SABOTEUR - FIREFLY

    Originally released in 1983, Firefly was one of the most epic figures of that particular year.  Actually, more correctly, the '83 figure was probably one of the most epic figures in the whole toyline!  With his shadowy night-camo uniform and face mask to his mysterious background, he was a great character!

    Yet the poor guy didn't see a ton of spotlight in the comics OR cartoons.  He popped up here and there, did his thing, and then went back off the radar.  Firefly didn't even get an updated figure till 9 years later in 1992.  By this point, the G.I. Joe line had taken on a slightly more cartoon-ish slant and Firefly had traded in his stealthy camo for a bright green uniform.  Strange huh?

    Though he still liked planting explosives in bad places for the Joes,  now he also liked to use a bladed, spinning top-type weapon in battle.  Bizarre huh?  

    If the green and top weren't odd enough for you, you can check out the debut of this uniform in the comics where he drops the bombshell that he is a ninja... and he's been one ALL along.  In fact, allllllllll the way back to Storm Shadow's ninja clan!  Yeah, whatever...

    Thankfully, Firefly's new uniform has another predominant color in addition to the vibrant green.  For the '92 version it is grey, while the '93 version has black.  His face remains a mystery as it is obscured by the mask/helmet he wears.  Firefly is well-armed with various explosives on his uniform, his Blade Launcher, and his "Standard Cobra NA-55 assault rifle".  

    So Firefly, Version 2 or 3, is definitely a departure from his original appearance.  The whole "sneaky, stealthy" vibe he started with is kind of gone with this more radical look.  I can't understand how he plans to infiltrate anywhere without being seen, in an outfit like this.

    But you know what?  I don't hate it.  I actually like this figure.  Between the two, I would lean towards the "black" version.  But I actually think both figures look pretty good.  

    Is it outlandish?  Yes!  Will he be easily seen?  Yes!  Could he get arrested for impersonating a crayon?  Possibly.

    I like the sculpt, I like the rifle, and I'm "okay" with the colors.  I can do without the blade spinner and I DO wish he came with a backpack.  Regardless, I'm giving "green" Firefly a rating of 4 out of 5 key limes!!

    That's MY thoughts on 90's Firefly!  What is yours?

    Continued jaw-jabbering about Firefly, Version 3...

---  I took these pics a looooong time ago, back when I had a mini-Cobra Island set up in my basement with the Terror Drome.

---  If Firefly was indeed A NINJA... then why didn't he pop up in Ninja Force?  Or the Shadow Ninjas?  Or the cancelled 1995 Ninja Commandos?  Both Flint and Road Pig were going to be in the latter group.  So strange...?

---  Does Firefly have to lug the big spinning top weapon into a battle zone, set it up, and then pull the ripcord, all the while HOPING when it releases that it heads right towards the Joes?  Just curious...