FLASH (v1)
LASER RIFLE TROOPER (straight-armed)
Series: One (1982)
Flash was one of the original figures released carded in the first series (1982). Like all of the original sixteen figures, Flash was released with "straight arms."
Images
Accessories
Flash came with a dark green helmet, a clear visor that attached to the helmet, a dark green power pack, and a black XMLR-1A Shoulder-Fired Laser Rifle with a long strand that fit into the backpack.
Beware of a gray rifle, a tan backpack, and any helmet that is not dark green. These are accessories that came with the G.I.Joe Battle Gear Accessory Packs, and are not the original accessories that came with Flash.
Packaging Information
Filecard Information
File Name: Gambello, Anthony S.
SN: RA607432985
Grade: E-4
Birthplace: Lodi, California
Primary Specialty: Infantry
Secondary Specialty: Electronics CBR
Flash is highly skilled in many aspects of electronic technology and is capable of equipment repair in the field. Specialized Education: Electronics School; Chemical School; Covert Electronics. Qualified Expert: M-16; M-1911A1; XMLR-1A (Shoulder-Fired Laser Rifle).
"Flash is methodical and persistent. Has an innate and unshakable faith in the order of the universe. He's working on his Master's degree in electronic engineering (nights)."
Variations
Flash was available either with thick thumbs or thin thumbs.
When Flash was re-released in 1983, two major changes were made to his construction. The straight-arms were replaced with arms that could swivel at the bicep, and his bulky waist-piece was replaced by a slimmer one. Also, the date stamp on the figure was changed from "1982" to "82-83." While the changes are substantial enough for some to consider this a new version, it is still technically just a variation. Because of this, we have chosen to list this figure as version 1.5, rather than version 2.
The backpacks of Flash and Flash (v1.5) feature different backpack pegs - the backpacks of straight-arm figures will fit loosely in the backs of swivel-arm figures.
There are two versions of Flash's filecard. The one that came from Hasbro Direct has a glossy red backing, while the one that came with the carded Flash does not. Flashes included with the Sears or JCPenney's exclusive gift packs also had the red backing.
Featured In
Flash was featured in several of the various media of GI Joe through the years, including Trading Cards, Comic Books, Cartoons and Commercials.
Body Construction
Most of the 1982 series figures and their swivel-arm counterparts re-used molds from each other, repainted slightly to make them seem more original.
The head of Flash was re-used with Hawk, Short-fuze, and Steeler. Flash's waist-piece was shared with twelve of the original fifteen figures. Flash's arms, torso, and legs were shared with Grand Slam (and in 1983 Grand Slam v2).
Note that the figure's head only turns left and right - it does not allow the head to look up and down. The heads only turned left and right until the the swivel ball head that was introduced in 1985 (Series Four).
International Releases
In Brazil, Flash's body was recolored and used to create Cobra De Aço.
A version of Flash nearly identical to the U.S. version was released in Argentina as Flash and Brazil as Elétron.
In Mexico, straight-arm Flash was released as part of series 1 (1986) by the Auriken toy company, in a box instead of on a card.
Versions of Flash
In 2007, Flash was renamed "Sgt. Flash." So while there are several names, they are all based on the character "Flash."
Reference Information
The below information contains information about references to various collector's guides, Hasbro references, original retail prices, and other reference material related to Flash (v1).|
Original Retail: $2.99 Product Number: 6406 (Retail), 38100 (Sears 3-Pack) Lee's Guide: GIJ-82007 The Ultimate Guide: Pg. 9 (1st Ed.), Pg. 11 (2nd Ed.) |
Desimone Guide: 9 Tomart's Guide: #GI5017 RAHC/Rank & File: n/a Action Figure Archive Guide: n/a |
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