DC Universe Classics - Azrael Batman

We've gotten an Azrael action figure before from Mattel.  Originally in the DC Super Heroes toy line then re-released in a 2 pack with Batgirl in 2009.  Back when Bane broke Batman's back in the Knightfall series, someone new had to step in and take over for Bruce Wayne.  Enter Jean Paul Valley, aka Azrael.  DC Universe Classics wave 16 includes a this new Azrael Batman action figure so lets take a closer look:

If you buy this bad boy brand new, then below is what it will look like.  Typical Mattel DCUC packaging.  For all you people unfamiliar with Azrael Batman, a nice little blurb on the back of the packaging will give you a quick briefing. 

Since there hasn't been a DCUC action figure quite like Azrael Batman, his sculpt is quite unique and original.  From what i can tell, the only reused parts on this action figure appear to be the upper portion of Az-Bats legs as well as the abdominal portion. 

The blue armor and wings are made up of a semi hard plastic that can be slightly bent.  These pictures were taken fresh out of the packaging and you can tell, that due to the packaging, his "wings" kind of lean to the left.  After a little while out of the package, they seemed to settle in their proper position.  

The gold armor over Az-Bats arms and shoulders have some sweet detail work as do the gauntlets over his forearms and hands.  The buckleless belt is also looks pretty cool nicely designed with individual pocket.  The helmet kind of reminds me of Optimus Prime or Soundwave from the original Transformers but overall a great original sculpt true to the character.

There really is no comparison between the original Azrael action figure released in the DC Super Heroes line up and the new DCUC Wave 16 Azrael Batman version.  They are completely different but both very cool so if you have the original Azrael, that is not an excuse to not get this one.   

In the accessory department, Azrael Batman only comes with the collect and connect piece of Bane (the right leg) and nothing else.  But because this Az-Bat action figure is so cool and his armor is suppose to be supporting his weapons arsenal, its really not a big complaint. 

All the articulation that we've been used to with DCUC action figures is included with Azrael Batman with just a little more.  Included are the new double joints in the knees which allows for a bit deeper bending positions.  The elbow joints are also a tad different supporting swivel hinged joints (similar to his shoulders) instead of the usual hinged or the newer double hinged elbow joints.  These joints are a little restrictive at the elbow but do work well with the sculpt of the action figure.  The neck joint and the shoulder joints do not get full movement unfortunately due to the sculpting of Azrael's armor. 

Although not a very common character in the DC Universe (he's currently deceased and last made a very small appearance in the Blackest Night comic series), this version of Azrael is a very sweet action figure. Batman fans shouldn't pass up on this great collectible. 

Design/Sculpt - 9.5, Paint - 9, Accessories - N/A, Articulation - 9, Fun - 9

To buy Mattel's DC Universe Classics, Azrael Batman on eBay, click here

To buy Mattel's DC Universe Classics Wave 16 Connect and Collect Bane on eBay, click here

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DC Universe Classics Wave 16 Preview

Time for another preview, very recently, Mattel announced their next DC Universe Classics line up.  This time for wave #16 and it has a little bit of a Batman theme going.  So lets get to it:

First we have "The Creeper"

Johan Hex:

Mercury:

We have a 2 different versions of classic Robin.  The only difference is the head.  This appears to be the only character in wave 16 with a variant.  First we have "Classic Robin : Vintage Head":

and then we have "Classic Robin: Modern Head" :

For those of you not happy with The Riddler from Wave 5, we're going to be given a more classic look (Think Superfriends version):

And finally, Azrael Batman:

The CnC action figure for wave 16 and a pretty good choice IMO, but Mattel has given us 2 versions of this character in the previous DC Superheroes toy line.  Judging by the pictures though, this will be a much better action figure.  Bane:

So there you have it.  Personally, the most appealing figures here are the Riddler, Modern head Robin and possibly the Azrael Batman.......maybe Creeper too....maybe.  Bane was a good choice for the CnC figure considering the DC Superheroes Bane version lacked articulation and quite frankly, was sub-par.  That being said, Im still waiting for a whole slew of Batman characters to be released in the DCUC lineup, starting with Ra's Al Gul, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Black Mask and who would be better in the Batman universe for a CnC figure than Killer Croc??  (the DC Superheroes version of Croc was crap!) Get on it Mattel!!  Not sure i want SOOOOO many versions of Batman, Riddler and Robin when there are so many more characters they can tap into. 

This set won't be out for some time, probably Q1, 2011 but if you'd like to search for your favorite DC Universe Classics action figure, the best place to find the one you want, is ebay! 

To find DC Universe Classics action figures by Mattel on ebay, click here.

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DC Universe Classics - 2 Pack preview

I'm not sure why Mattel has decided to go exclusively with certain stores on some of their products. First the DC Universe Classics wave 5 becomes a Walmart exclusive and then they announce that their DCUC 2 packs will be Toys R Us exclusive. This just makes it even harder to find these action figures.

Anyway, according to Mattycollector.com, these two packs are now available so go check out your local Toys R Us stores. I have yet to see a trace of them myself but I'll be keeping an eye out for them up here in the Great White North. I have a feeling that I'll have to resort to eBay for these as well.


Lets take a look at these new packs in no particular order. (all pictures are from the Mattycollector website) :

The first pack is the Batman figure pack which includes a couple of re-released figures from the DC Superheroes line, Batgirl and Azrael.

Back in 2006, this Batgirl action figure was only available via the Batman/Batgirl two pack. From what I've read, there is no difference between the original figure and this new one. Azrael was part of the DC Superheroes series 3 set and was and still is one of the hardest figures to find from this toy line. I for one am glad to see the Azrael re-release as it gives collectors a 2nd chance at getting this figure at a reasonable cost.

The next set is the Super Enemies Figure pack and also consists of re-released action figures of the DC Superheroes toy line.

First we have Cyborg Superman from DCSH series 6 which is probably the #1 most wanted toy from this series. There were so few Cyborg Supes available during it original release that it was next to impossible for people to find this action figure. eBay prices for this action figure go for between $50-$100 so hopefully with the release of this two pack, collectors can get this figure at retail cost. The second figure is also from DCSH series 6, Mongul. This figure did not have the same distribution issues as Cyborg Superman and the current asking price on eBay for this figure alone is in the $10-$15 range.

The third set is the New Gods Figure Pack and includes a brand new character that we have not seen before in this toy line.

The first figure is a variant of Orion from the DC Universe Classics series 1 set. The difference between this figure and the series 1 version is that Orion's helmet is removable. The other difference is that you do not get the Collect and Connect piece of Rex Mason in this 2 pack. The new figure is Lightray. He appears to have the same body sculpt as Orion with a new different head and paint job.

The final Toys R Us exclusive pack is the Green Lantern figure pack which again includes a variant of a previous released figure and a new character.

First, we have a variant of Hal Jordon from DCUC series 3. This sculpt is exactly the same as the previous version but the uniform is painted slightly different. There is no green on his shoulders on this new version and you do not get the Collect & Connect piece of Solomon Grundy. The second figure is Abin Sur and appears to be the exact same body sculpt as Hal with a new head sculpt. Included in the pack appears to be only one Lantern, which is of course, green.

Mattycollector.com is also releasing a separate two pack with all new characters and can only be ordered online from their store for $25.00 plus shipping.

This Mattycollector.com exclusive is called the Space Heroes 2 pack and consists of Adam Strange and Starfire. Unfortunately this pack will not be available until sometime in December. A hard date has not be set yet. I believe that Mattel has also promised to release an online exclusive 2 pack once a month in 2009 but don't quote me on that.

Some might also be interested in the DC Universe Classics stands available. For $12 you can get a pack of 25 of these stands if you feel you need them. I for one find that my DCUC figures stand well enough on their own so, to me, they're not all that necessary. Depending on how you display your figures, they may prove to be useful. One negative in my opinion though is that they are blue. Why not make them colorless???

I'll definitely be getting the packs with Cyborg Superman and Azrael since they are missing from my collection. I'll see what I can get my hands on and of course post a review.

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