G.I. Joe Comic #4 Firefly Vs. Storm Shadow

[Shogi]

Firefly looks a bit different this time around. He's much darker now and comes with all sorts of stuff he didn't have before. The figure is the same though with the thinner crotch. A lot of people complained that the first one was too light. Those people will be much happier now. Firefly is now sporting a removable vest and belt that gives him a significantly different look.

The accessories are the biggest winners here. He has the same pistol as before and now has a new rifle, but these aren't what I was talking about. The backpack is where the excitement is. There is a fold out handle and fold out door to reveal a toolbox worthy of being in Firefly's arsenal. Inside the backpack are four removable items. A Gas Can, C-4 Explosives, Multi-tool and Mag Light. The inside doors of the backpack also have some sculpted details of grenades, needle nose pliers and other tools. If all this wasn't enough, Firefly also comes with some cool shades so he can look even more wicked as he sabotages a Joe base. Like all Cobra figures, Firefly has a Cobra Stand.

I like almost every thing about this figure. The only problem is he looks too much like Shockwave to me. This figure is great for fans who wanted a darker Firefly and some cool accessories. The backpack alone is worth the buy and the vest will help a lot of customizers make a Shockwave figure


Figure Rating: 8 ½ out of 10


Pictures by Eopie Herder

[Shogi]

Storm Shadow appears to be based off of the Devil's Due version shown in their early comics. The removable harness/shoulder pads are unique to that design. The head is the same Storm Shadow head we've seen, but the torso and arms are from Gung-Ho while the legs are half Cobra Trooper legs with new lowers and feet added on. The new lower legs look just like the ones that were on the vintage V2 camo Storm Shadow.

Much like Firefly, Storm Shadow got a massive upgrade in weapons here. He comes with two Sickles attached by a string. Also like the vintage V2 camo version of Storm Shadow, he has a nicely updated hand claw. He also comes with two new swords with dragon head handles. His backpack has hooks to hold the swords to the sides of it. The backpack opens up to reveal a lot of sculpted ninja weapon details and if you look closely you can see a slight outline showing where Storm Shadow's Uzi can be stored! The rope bundle at the bottom of the backpack is also removable. Not to be forgotten is the Cobra Stand.

I'm not too crazy about the shirtless look of the figure, but the accessories are definitely cool. If this was a single packed figure, I don't know if I would have bought it though.


Figure Rating: 6 out of 10


Pictures by Eopie Herder

[sweeper]

Great review. The CP Firefly is the best 25th figure. So far atleast, I wouldn't mind a new favorite to come along!

[Shin Densetsu]

Its hard to say which is my favorite comic pack, but this one is definitely one of the best. I didn't think I would like the Storm Shadow figure as much, because the shirtless look was disappointing to me ever since it was revealed at gijoeclub.com. I passed on this set numerous times(well the few times I actually did see it), and finally caved in recently.

Its a wonderful set, the gear alone is excellent, and the Storm Shadow figure ended up becoming one of my favorites. He is shirtless in the book, and while I still don't see why he would do that, the look in the book and figure is less distracting in person, I actually don't mind it now. I still want to paint it, but don't feel the urgency I once did. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, the figure really isn't that bad, nowhere near as bad as I once thought.

Firefly is awesome, I like it better than the single packed wave 3 version. Who cares if Firefly didn't have those weapons/accessories in RAH or the DDp comics, I don't know, don't care, the figure is awesome.

What I like is that the book basically shows nearly each gear component used by both characters. Thats a nice touch, and the characters explain what they are about to use in some panels, and explain why, this is quite nostalgic, as Hama did this a lot in the first Marvel issues.

[Snow Job]

Lucky. You have a SS backpack that actually closes(which, for anyone reading this, I will gladly purchase a backpack that DOES close. :D). And wow, I'm glad Firefly has a vest to wear, because his "head-on-a-stick" look is horrible.

Besides those two minor grumblings, these two are awesome. Even if just for cool accessories they come with.

Nice review, Shogi!

[mandingo_rex]

Oddly enough, I just did the same today. I was at a KMart, of all places, and just happened to check the toy aisle. What do I see, but the last Comic Pack I don't have yet (not counting the new wave, I don't believe they exist in stores yet... yes, I've seen photos... they're nowhere to be found in the Silicon Valley area).

I originally hated everything about ANOTHER Storm Shadow repaint, no matter what character came with him. But I've been buying all unique sculpts/unique figures of the 25th line so far (only missing 2 comic packs from Wave 1), and for some reason, I broke down and bought it. The only thing I dislike about it is that Firefly is packaged WITH the goggles on, and I wish he wasn't. Of course, I'm keeping it MOSC right now, which is why that bothers me.

Otherwise, the goggles would be a cool accessory that I wouldn't leave on all the time, but I welcome their inclusion. I like the additional weapons as well. Nice use of a repaint, Hasbro. You got us again.

[Imperial_Serpentor]

I liked everything about this pack... except for the shirtless. honestly if it wasn't for the lack of shirt this would be my default Cobra Storm Shadow, and Firefly is great too... best backpacks ever.

I don't like the fact that Storm Shadow's swords have a definite Chinese vibe to them in the way the dragon heads look... but what can you do?

[miscreant]

Lucky. You have a SS backpack that actually closes!



Yeah that. Anybody have any suggestion as to how to get the thing to stay closed? (Short of taping it that is)

[SPLINTER CELL]

I really like this review. I bought this pack reciently and had no idea as to what was inside of it. I like these two charecters because they are mysterious, independant 'agents'.

[sweeper]

Yeah that. Anybody have any suggestion as to how to get the thing to stay closed? (Short of taping it that is)

Open it up, there's two short cylinders with hollow centers on the inner edge of the inside flap (top left & top right).

Take a knife (or other hard metal tool with a flat surface like a screwdriver), but don't cut it, just press to bend the plastic. Hit the edges by pressing against the cylinders at a 45 degree angle. Using a knife (or other tool), brush it in the direction where it locks up to the backpack. What you want to do is create a small amount of hang tab to the edge where it locks up. There needs to be a lip hanging off the tops of those 2 cylinders to grab the inside of the backpack.

Just give those cylinders a small lip/overhang. Not much is needed, make sure it's not thin. The overhanging plastic must be thick enough to be durable. Be careful, don't take off material, just create a lip. Looking at mine, it appears they did exactly what I described at the factory to fix this problem. Using pegholes to lock it shut (in the center of the 2 cylinders) were the weak link in the backpack design. Atleast until they fixed them with this modification. I think with use it will have a hard time staying shut. I wouldn't open & close it too much.

[Elite Force Cobra]

Greta Review Thanks !!!!

[~Synder Corps.~]

As always a great review...IMO I think they should have released Firefly as a single card and dumped Nin-Jor..err..Storm Shadow. the accessories are kickin'...but the He-Man ish look of SS is just a massive turn off....funny thing is I have 3 of these comic packs cause FF alone is worth the 11 bucks, and you can never have enough mag-lites lol

[Tunnel Rat]

this is my fav comic pack so far, i really like the nemsis too but the falcon kinda stinks

[Unclassified]

i got a Q? on his leg where a knife would slide in to, whats that for i figured it was for the sickles on a string to wrap round it! an the uzi i never noticed i think i ended up puttin that wit firefly i have to check.

[Shogi]

i got a Q? on his leg where a knife would slide in to, whats that for i figured it was for the sickles on a string to wrap round it! an the uzi i never noticed i think i ended up puttin that wit firefly i have to check.

I think it's just a case of they used the Trooper's thigh and if they didn't add the knife sheath/hooks, then there would just be a hole there

[artiepants]

i love this pack for outfitting my Night Watch pack and 3x Red Ninjas, but i really don't care for the actual figures. Storm Shadow and the Masters of the Universe just sucks and the awesome dark paint job on Firefly is marred by the brown IMHO which keeps him from looking good with the originals accesories.

[TheLongestDay]

I never intended to get this Storm Shadow-even though I have all the other versions of him-but i caved in and was pleasently suprised when he arrived.

I think im one of the few who thinks he actually looks kinda badass!




.....the comic was shite though!

[Monkeywrench]

Great Review! I love the Firefly. He is by far one of the top 5 best figures in this line imo.

[Nekoman]

I like the shirtless look of SS, makes him look mean, like someone you wouldn’t want to mess with. Plus while I have him posed with his swords, I can give the rest of his crap to some Red Ninjas. Red Ninjas look great with the claw and sickles.

Firefly is an all around improvement. The darker look is just more like the original, and his gear is great. Like with SS, other figures also look good with it, i.e. troopers.

[whiteknight]

The Firefly is just awesome. At the very least he's sporting a more modern HK MP-5 as opposed to the Schmeisser-like SMG (WWII vintage) of his earlier incarnation. But "macho dancer" Storm Shadow I can live without. But the dragon-head katanas . . . hmmm . . . reminds me of Duncan MacLeod's katana in the Highlander TV series (as opposed to Connor MacLeod's lion-head katana). Looks good.

[SnakeEyes1982]

Really cool, but what about the comic? How is it?

[Nekoman]

Really cool, but what about the comic? How is it?

I found it rather enjoyable. I don’t want to spoil it, but it told a good tale between Firefly and Stormshadow.

IMO, this set’s just good all around, you get an great Firefly, a good and rather unique SS, and then a interesting comic. This results in a set well worth ten dollars.

[Shin Densetsu]

Really cool, but what about the comic? How is it?
The story is far better than the stories in the other comic packs, while the dialogue is witty its not as tongue in cheek as the previous comic packs as well. It ties up a loose end that I did not expect, and brings Storm Shadow one step closer to cleansing his desire for revenge. If you are a Storm Shadow fan, the story is important.

Seeing Slice and Dice in there was unexpected, I hope we get a comic pack of those 2. Come to think of it, none of the Ninja Force characters got the figures they deserved, I'd love to see all of them, especially the bad ass Ninja Force version of Storm Shadow, in the anniversary line at some point.

[scifinut999]

this is probably my fav. comic pack out of what i have gotten

[spacemonkeymafia]

I do believe you have his right arm backwards....

[Eopie Herder]

I do believe you have his right arm backwards....

In more than one pic too! I wasn't even paying attention until I was editing the pictures and noticed.

[Unclassified]

I think it's just a case of they used the Trooper's thigh and if they didn't add the knife sheath/hooks, then there would just be a hole there

yeah i hear ya, i'm jus gonna use it as a holder for them sickles on a rope. when needed, right now i got him rippin city assualt road blocks gun out his hand wit it.

[Evolutiongarden]

Yeah , that I bought the figure that is pictured.

[Crimson Rage]

My SS backpack doesn't close, but as the figure has gone on my scrapheap and I've given the mini-uzi to Steeler, I'm not too bothered.
I hate that Storm Shadow, but Firefly is so good I barely care now.

[Steel Brigade]

Firefly (Night Ops) is by far one of the BEST figs of the entire line imo...

[orl1979]

My Storm Shadow didn't have an Uzi. Is that from Maruader's or does Hasbro owe me some plastic?

[silverfox870]

This firefly may be the best 25th figure! I have not liked any firefly figures since the first, but this one is amazing. The accessories in the backpackare freaking awesome. I love the tools of the trade. Even the rifle is sweet! this figure has it all, the complete package.

[yoyoyojoe]

The backpack opens up to reveal a lot of sculpted ninja weapon details and if you look closely you can see a slight outline showing where Storm Shadow's Uzi can be stored! Not to be forgotten is the Cobra Stand.

I didn't notice the outline where you can put his Uzi in his backpack. Thanks for the review!

[Soar]

This firefly is one of best figs from 25A GI Joe toylines.

[Shogi]

My Storm Shadow didn't have an Uzi. Is that from Maruader's or does Hasbro owe me some plastic?

Hasbro owes you plastic!

[Unclassified]

hey shogi on storm shadow the back pack if you look even closer you'll see that rope! it comes off! i jus found out on accident. maby you should edit review! this jus made this even a cooler set of comics an accessories!

[Xerofall]

I like this set, but I wish they would've put the mold/casting holes on the other side of the gas tank.

[Unclassified]

I like this set, but I wish they would've put the mold/casting holes on the other side of the gas tank.

ahhh, it took me a second , an then i noticed what ya sayin! yeah im gonna have to agree! that was dumb! did you check out the rope on ss backpack?

[Shogi]

hey shogi on storm shadow the back pack if you look even closer you'll see that rope! it comes off! i jus found out on accident. maby you should edit review! this jus made this even a cooler set of comics an accessories!

Hey, you're right! What's even more odd is that the rope part is molded in white plastic and painted black.

[Unclassified]

Hey, you're right! What's even more odd is that the rope part is molded in white plastic and painted black.

yeah i dont get the whole thing actually , its not like we can use the rope, but i geuss its a cool lil added feature, i was lookin at it, an like hmm i can cut this off an glue it to somethin, an bam i was like wow it comes off! an i didnt remmeber readin bout it so i found this thread read it an then told ya!

[Shogi]

yeah i dont get the whole thing actually , its not like we can use the rope, but i geuss its a cool lil added feature, i was lookin at it, an like hmm i can cut this off an glue it to somethin, an bam i was like wow it comes off! an i didnt remmeber readin bout it so i found this thread read it an then told ya!

It was probably more of a mold issue. Maybe they could get better detailing on the rope if it was a seperate part or perhaps they had to make it a seperate part because of the opening door on the backpack

[spacemonkeymafia]

Lucky. You have a SS backpack that actually closes(which, for anyone reading this, I will gladly purchase a backpack that DOES close. :D). And wow, I'm glad Firefly has a vest to wear, because his "head-on-a-stick" look is horrible.

Besides those two minor grumblings, these two are awesome. Even if just for cool accessories they come with.

Nice review, Shogi!

Just buy the new Ninja Viper Coming out........same Weapons and backpack....

[miscreant]

Regarding Storm Shadow's backpack:

Mine wouldn't stay shut either. Bent the lid back, as far as it would go a few times, and it softened the plastic to the point where it now stays firmly shut.

A few licks of paint to the torso makes the figure a lot less ridiculous looking.

I've got a Firefly with a Cobra logo, and one without, is there any clear evidence as to which is more common?

[tigpoppa]

great review this firefly was one of my favorites. being an expert in sabotage its great that he now has the boom sticks to back it up. THe back pack was such a great design after this review i purchased him so thanks! I would warn owner of this figure that I had to return mine because i bought it and the first one the backpack was empty. I am 100% sure it was sealed so I dont know where the parts went but they were not there. target did a good job and got me a good one though but everyone should check that they have a legit firefly and not a fraud.

[coybrafett]

I too love firefly. I did not like the look of the belt, so to take it off, I just removed one leg. Also, I leave the goggles on just above his eyes. Storm shadow, I just got for the accessories. Has anyone swapped lower legs with the hooded white/grey storm shadow?

[Shin Densetsu]

Has anyone swapped lower legs with the hooded white/grey storm shadow?
Some members have, and those legs do fit better as well, not just because they were meant for those legs all along.