As the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary line continues to expand and grow, it’s no surprise that Hasbro has started to delve into more obscure and lesser-known characters. After all, part of the line’s appeal to collectors has been not only allowing them to obtain what they once had and lost, but also what they never had in the first place. The Firebat & A.V.A.C. vehicle set
The first major point of contention I have with this set is can be found by simply looking at the packaging. The filecards are on the bottom of the box, not inside. I know this may be a minor qualm and may seem stupid or inconsequential, but it really bothers me. Particularly since, having supported the vehicle line for four waves now, I’m used to having clean-cut filecards included in the box and in pristine condition. Now I have to rely on my own cutting abilities and who knows how well that will turn out. Also, it seems that these filecards are more bulky. This new development seems like it might be saving Hasbro cents on the unit but at the cost of the consumer’s time and the piece’s overall presentation. It’s a bummer of a first impression. In all fairness, I have to point out that having the cards on the outside may be a boon to MOC collectors, who can now enjoy the filecards’ information without ever opening the packaging.
Of course, many us just want to tear through the box and get to our prize… and a fine prize it is. The Firebat is one sharp-looking little aerial vehicle and between it, the F.A.N.G & C.L.A.W (reviewed HERE) and the Rattler, 25th Anniversary fans have a full Cobra Air Force in their grasp. The Firebat’s opening cockpit allows for various figures to pilot it and they can be inserted and removed with little to no problem. The folding wings are excellent and allow for easier storage while also presenting fans with a cool play feature. The decals stay on well and I was satisfied overall with the ship.
As for the pack-in pilot, which is a main selling point for all the vehicles in the 25th Anniversary line, that is unfortunately another story. The A.V.A.C. (Air Viper, Advanced Class) is a great concept figure for Hasbro to include in the 25th Anniversary line. As I explained before, the original figure was not the easiest to obtain. Having said that, I don’t like him much. It’s not that he is a bad figure, but given that this line has become known and loved for updating characters and making them look better, the A.V.A.C. just looks awkward. From the neck down I have no complaints, but his helmet looks like a prop from the sci-fi adult film Penetrator 9: Moon Booty Boogie. The helmet is just downright bulky, ugly and awkward. I feel that Hasbro could have really put effort into improving on the goofy original design with a few slight alterations. They didn’t and the result is a less than stellar pack-in figure.
Given the two major gripes I had with this vehicle set, it’s hard to really award it my high-value stamp of approval. I hate that the filecards are part of the packaging, but MOC collectors will likely benefit from the change. I also think the A.V.A.C. figure looks ridiculous but then again, it may be someone’s favorite. Overall, I will still say that this set is a good deal as far as the current market is considered. For $20, I got a vehicle with a figure… just need a new helmet for that Air Viper. Yikes!
You can read more of C.J.’s musings on film, toys and music over at stunksstage.com.