There isn't a single action figure line in the world today I wish I was collecting more than Sideshow Collectibles' 12 Inch GI Joes. They are outstanding modern and mostly realistic interpretations of everyone's favorite military toy line, and I would love to have every single one of them, including the most recent announcement, Firefly. In my rather limited GI Joe background, Firefly has quickly become one of my favorite characters (who knows why), and this figure might be just enough to make me take the (rather expensive) plunge into this line.
Every figure that's been seen so far has looked rather incredible, particularly Cobra Commander and the not quite released Duke, and Firefly isn't changing that trend. He's dangerous looking, fits into the realistic style that others in the line maintain, and has a great set of camouflaged gear that makes him visually appealing. Just look at the picture below and tell me he wouldn't stand proudly on any collector's shelf, especially a GI Joe fan's. This is something I feel like I could show off to my biggest nerd freiends, my World War II veteran grandfather, or even my business colleagues, and each and every one of them would be impressed.
There is so much gear that comes with him too! Sideshow hasn't skimped on any of these figure's accessories (especially not Snake Eyes), and Firefly might even have the most yet. Grenades, bombs, ammo clips, guns, a backpack, extra hands, knives, goggles, holsters, and so much more. The Sideshow exclusive version even includes a IED (improvised explosive device) that looks like a nifty addition. Most of it looks like it can be stored on his person and held in his hands for posing purposes, two very important elements for me. I'm just stunned by all the crap with which he comes.
But even with all that extra gear, the great fabric costume, and the expected fantastic sculpting and paint work, there's one enormous problem: the price. At $120 or $125 (exclusive version), this is a really expensive action figure, and as great as it looks, swallowing the fact that right now you could buy about 20 regular sized GI Joe toys for the same amount of cash is a going to be very tough.
If I had to cite any other potential problems with this guy, first off I'd point to the lack of effective rocker ankles. You can clearly see in the image above that his feet aren't flush to the ground, a problem with past releases and many Sideshow releases in general, thanks to stiff outer boots and limited articulation. I know that might sound like a minor issue, but when posing is limited, balance becomes a concern, and a falling $125 piece of fragility itself isn't a good thing. I also have a bad feeling about the gray patches sewn into his sleeves, and although they look great in all these meticulously posed shots, they might be too thick in real life, ruining the natural flow of the cloth. Nothing else is calling out to me, because I suspect this is going to be an outstanding action figure pretty much across the board.
7 / 10 - Probably Purchasing It
There's no doubt Sideshow has made an amazing action
figure here, given that everything turns out like it's supposed to. I'm
just not sure I'm willing to sacrifice my monthly toy budget for one
figure, no matter how absolutely wonderful it may be. But, still yet,
I'm considering it, and really considering it, which just goes to show you how impressed I am by these preview images.
What's your Anticipation score?
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