G.I. Joe Classified Series #118 Deluxe Iron Grenadier Metal-Head

Introduction to Metal-Head

Metal-Head, whose real name is Victor Finley, is a villainous character in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (A.R.A.H.) franchise. He serves as an anti-tank specialist for Destro’s Iron Grenadiers, a elite mercenary faction often allied with Cobra. Introduced in 1990 as part of the toy line, Metal-Head is known for his high-tech, voice-activated missile systems and his obsessive, almost psychotic enthusiasm for destroying enemy armor. Unlike many Cobra operatives, he brings a mix of technical prowess and unhinged personality, making him a memorable mid-tier antagonist in the G.I. Joe universe.

📋 Figure Profile: Metal-Head (#118)
Line & Wave	G.I. Joe Classified Series (Deluxe Assortment)
MSRP / Retail Price	$34.99 USD
Base Body Re-use	Highly modified tooling utilizing parts from Classified Firefly
Faction Alignment	M.A.R.S. Industries / Destro's Iron Grenadiers

Background and Origin

Metal-Head was born in Chicago, Illinois, with the file name Finley, Victor, and a classified serial number. His primary military specialty is anti-tank trooper, with a secondary specialty in demolitions, holding the rank of E-5 (Sergeant). Before aligning with Cobra and the Iron Grenadiers, he worked at a zoo but was fired for bizarre behavior, such as feeding bears to sharks—a detail revealed in the animated episode “Pigskin Commandos.” His family background hints at mixed heritage: his surname suggests an American father and possibly a Russian mother, as his grandmother served in the Soviet military during World War II and expresses disappointment in his villainous path. This familial tension adds depth, portraying him as someone who turned to destruction after failing in civilian life.

Personality and Traits

Metal-Head is depicted as highly unhinged and psychotic, deriving “almost psychotic glee” from obliterating tanks and vehicles. His enthusiasm unnerves even his Iron Grenadier comrades, as he treats warfare like a game, constantly testing his targeting systems on everyday objects (e.g., locking onto mashed potatoes at dinner or measuring peas as “micro-targets”). In media, he’s an adrenaline junkie and comic relief character, often screaming “BANG!” to activate his weapons. He’s dimwitted, impulsive, and frequently botches missions, frustrating Cobra Commander. Despite his villainy, he shows vulnerability through his relationship with his grandmother, who aids G.I. Joe against him and wishes he’d chosen a heroic path instead.

Abilities and Equipment

As an expert in anti-tank warfare, Metal-Head wields ultra-portable, high-efficiency missile launchers strapped to a backpack or hip-holstered for mobility. His visor contains special electronics that link directly to the launchers, allowing him to acquire targets visually and feed coordinates automatically. The system is voice-activated, firing on commands like “bang,” eliminating the need for manual triggers. This setup makes him a “walking anti-tank weapon,” capable of guiding high-explosive missiles via laser beams without using his hands or feet. His blast suit integrates circuits and computer modules for seamless operation, though his obsessive mindset—described as having no “off switch”—amplifies his effectiveness in battle.

Filecard Details

Metal-Head’s original 1990 filecard provides the core canon backstory:

“METAL-HEAD is a walking anti-tank weapon! He can launch high-explosive missiles from his backpack racks or from his ‘hip-swivel’ holster tubes and guide them to their objectives on a laser beam, without the use of his hands or his feet. His voice-activated weapons’ command system is made up of circuits and targeting computer modules built into various components of his blast suit. All he has to do is make visual contact with the target, let the computer ‘read’ the range, plot the trajectory, wait for the green light to flash, then yell ‘bang’ to complete the firing sequence.

‘The real targeting computer is upstairs in his brain, and it doesn’t have an ‘off’ switch. This guy is so wrapped-up with his work that even when he sits down for dinner he’s preparing for battle. He tests his visual acquisition sensors by locking onto the mash potatoes as they are passed from one end of the table to the other. He calculates wind deflection by observing how the steam rises off the meat loaf. He even measures the diameter of the green peas, seeing them as micro-targets. If he looks you straight in the eye, you’ll feel as if you have a bullseye on your forehead.’”

Subsequent filecards vary slightly: The 1994 version adds a secondary specialty as “Hockey Fight Analyst” for Cobra, while the 2005 convention edition ties into the “General Mayhem: M.A.R.S. Invades!” story-line.

Appearances in Comics

Metal-Head’s comic presence is relatively limited but impactful. He makes his debut in Marvel’s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #114 (July 1991), where he acts as a “one-man tank stopper” in the conflict in Trucial Abysmia. He engages G.I. Joe’s heavy equipment in battle, showcasing his anti-tank skills, but the hostilities are called off before a final showdown. His introduction portrays him as somewhat goofy and cartoony, with lines like “Metal-Head’s the name…” emphasizing his eccentric personality. He appears in subsequent issues tied to Iron Grenadier storylines, often as a supporting antagonist under Destro. While not a major recurring character like Cobra Commander, his appearances highlight his role in armored confrontations and add to the Iron Grenadiers’ threat level. He is also referenced in character lists and first-appearance guides for collectors.

Appearances in Animated Series

Metal-Head features prominently in the DiC-produced G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero animated series (1990–1992), appearing in multiple episodes as comic relief and a bumbling villain. He is often paired with the Dreadnok Gnawgahyde, forming a dimwitted duo that frustrates Cobra’s plans.

Key episodes include:

• “Legend of Metal-Head” (Season 2, Episode aired January 20, 1992): A spotlight episode exploring his backstory and antics.

• “Granny Dearest” and “Metal-Head’s Reunion”: His grandmother appears, aiding G.I. Joe and highlighting family conflict.

• “Pigskin Commandos”: Reveals his pre-Cobra zoo job and firing.

He does not appear in the earlier Sunbow series (1983–1986) but is a staple in the DiC run, contributing to 35 episodes overall through recurring roles. His voice (provided by Garry Chalk) emphasizes his manic energy, with frequent “BANG!” shouts during missile launches.

Other Media Appearances

Beyond core comics and cartoons, Metal-Head appears in trading cards, commercials, and fan discussions. He’s featured in YouTube retrospectives on his history, often tied to Cobra Convergence events or toy reviews. In non-canon media, he’s referenced in collector guides like The Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe (Pg. 162, 1st Ed.; Pg. 218, 2nd Ed.) and Tomart’s Guide(#GI6327). He has no major film or video game roles but remains a fan favorite for his quirky design in community forums and appreciation threads.

Action Figure History

Metal-Head debuted in toys as part of the 1990 A.R.A.H. ninth series (YoJoe ID: 118-HAF-1990-METALHEA-01), retailing for $2.55 and discontinued in 1991. The figure features black hair, a goatee, red/yellow goggles, a red shirt with black vest, gray straps, black pants, and red-padded boots.

Accessories

Accessories include a light gray helmet, backpack with frame and missile launcher, small pistol, two leg missile packs, six yellow missiles, and two black hoses. Variations exist with thin/narrow vs. thicker leg pegs, affecting launcher compatibility.

• 1994 Version (Battle Corps): A repaint combining his original head/chest/arms with 1990 Rock-Viper waist/legs; adds “Hockey Fight Analyst” as a secondary specialty.

• 2005 Convention Version: Redeco of the 1994 figure, part of the “General Mayhem: M.A.R.S. Invades!” box set.

• International Releases: Variants in India (different colors/accessories) and Europe/France (bundled with Cobra Commander v4 gold launcher).

The 1990 figure is praised for its high-quality mold, colors, and accessories, embodying his anti-tank role.

Accessory Group	Count	Collector Details & Display Application
Missile Launchers	4	2 removable backpack racks + 2 "hip-swivel" holster tubes.
Blast Effects	6	Translucent fire trails engineered to mount directly behind launching rockets.
Alternate Portraits	3 Options	Swappable disheveled hairpieces, visual-targeting helmet, and classic glasses.
Small Weapons Gear	4	Includes 2 specialized blasters, 1 tactical knife, and 1 combat chest sheath.

Latest Action Figure Release: G.I. Joe Classified Series

The latest addition to our shelves is the G.I. Joe Classified Series #118 Deluxe Iron Grenadier Metal-Head, a premium 6-inch (150 mm) scale figure dropped in early 2024 for $34.99. Hasbro brilliantly updates the classic 1990 anti-tank specialist for modern collections, delivering exceptional articulation, crisp paint apps, and a voice-activated helmet system integrating his iconic red-framed targeting goggles. He is loaded with 28 character-driven accessories, including the signature rocket-launching backpack, hip-swivel holster tubes, 6 missile blast effects, swappable civilian hair, a knife, and heavy weaponry. Packed in the triumphant return of windowed boxes featuring custom artwork, file cards, and hidden DIC cartoon Easter eggs, it’s safety-rated ages 4+. First unmasked at London Comic Con 2023, this absolute beast of a deluxe release earns massive praise from collectors for its gloriously absurd accessory loadout.

Collector Verdict	Engineering Reality & Flaw Tracker
🟢 Major Highlights	Unmatched accessory count; phenomenal homage aesthetics to the vintage 1990 design; incredible display presence with full blast effects engaged.
🔴 Design Flaws	Cables pop out of hip ports easily; rockets cannot sit inside launchers natively without using bulky blast effect pieces.

Conclusion

Metal-Head, with his unhinged personality and cutting-edge anti-tank weaponry, stands out as a distinctive and memorable villain in the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero franchise. Introduced in 1990 as a member of Destro’s Iron Grenadiers, Victor Finley’s blend of technical expertise, psychotic enthusiasm, and comedic ineptitude makes him a unique antagonist, bridging high-stakes action with quirky charm. From his voice-activated missile systems and obsessive target-locking habits to his tumultuous backstory involving a disapproving grandmother and a failed zoo career, Metal-Head adds depth and humor to the G.I. Joe universe. His appearances in Marvel comics, the DiC animated series, and various action figure iterations—most notably the 2024 G.I. Joe Classified Series deluxe release—cement his status as a fan favorite. Despite his limited role compared to major villains like Cobra Commander, Metal-Head’s eccentric design, memorable catchphrases, and enduring collectible appeal ensure his place as a beloved, chaotic force in the G.I. Joe legacy, captivating fans through toys, media, and nostalgic appreciation. Another one of those characters similar to Big Boa that we can’t get enough of.