Replacing the retired Flash in 1986, Sci-Fi was G.I. Joe’s new laser specialist. Strangely, considering most of the 1986 characters got themed episodes to show off in, Sci-Fi never made much impression on me. I think he was in the cartoon a bit, but nothing really sticks in my mind. He didn't get much to do in the comic either, if I recall correctly, Hama only tending to wheel the poor bugger out for those EXCITING space stories he'd do every now and then.

The character was chosen for the 30th Anniversary toyline, semi-tied into the Renegade Ethnic Stereotypes cartoon. He might have been in the show, I don't know - the first ten minutes were enough to make me realise that life isn't finite. Despite never really being crazy about the character, I decided to buy him anyway on the grounds that I've already got plenty of Joes I'm not really crazy about.

As per usual, the original costume is well-reproduced, though as that was garish and somewhat over-designed this isn't a great aesthetic move. The green has been toned down a couple of notches, while the chest plate is now a removable webbing-style piece and the detail has been given a bit of a boost, down to unusual thin cords on the outside of the knees. The latest range of G3 figures have added articulation in the wrists, allowing them to move up and down as well as rotate - good in general, and especially a boon for a guy like this with a two-handed weapon.

The backpack has been switched to silver if still following the original design, with some nice decoration and retaining storage for the laser rifle itself. Beyond that there wasn't a lot Hasbro could have done to trick Sci-Fi out, though they've had a go by making the helmet removable, and including an alternate one with the visor all the way down. However, there's not the array of accessories included with most single-pack post-Rise of Cobra figures. It's a slick, comprehensive update of Sci-Fi, but as the original concept was one of the sillier mid-1980s figures, this doesn't make for a spectacular toy.