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 - Batman Legacy Action Figures Preview

***WONDERCON 2011 UPDATE - APRIL 8th, 2011***

A couple of new action figures to add to the Batman Legacy line up.  First, we get another classic version of Batman.  Some noticeable differences compared to the other Batman action figures we've see to date in the DCUC line up, specifically a new head sculpt. 

The second new action figure is actually just a repainted Batgirl.  Apparently the belt she is supporting in this picture will not be the final version when the action figure is released.   She'll be supporting something a little less bulky.

For more on the Mattel Batman Legacy toy line (which will be released in the fall of 2011), check out my original post below from Feb 2011. 

Revealed at the 2011 Toy Fair show is the new Batman Legacy action figure toy line by Mattel which will be released sometime in the late spring or early summer.  This toy line supposedly NOT based on the Batman Legacy comic series but rather is more designed to "celebrate" the Dark Knight's rich history.  I assume this means we're going to get different versions of different characters (could mean a lot of repaints).  The first wave of Batman Legacy action figures will include "Movie Masters" action figures from Batman Begins, all in the 6 inch size, as well as a few re-released/repainted figures and some new action figures based on the new Batman Arkham City video game which will be coming at the end of September 2011.  So lets take a look at the line up:

First, the movie masters action figures which i believe will be sold as a 2 pack.  From Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne in his prototype Batman suit and Commissioner Gordon. 

Pictures from the Toy Fair 2011 show that included with the Prototype Batman action figure is a removable ski mask for Bruce. 

The Prototype Batman/Commissioner Gordon has been labelled as Wave 1 by Mattycollector and there is also a Dark Knight Batman and Police Honor Guard Joker − "Wave 2" two pack that has been announced.  No pictures or released dates though of TDK figures though.  I assume this means one Movie Master 2 pack per wave.

The following 3 Batman Legacy action figures will be sold as singles:

•Silver Age Mr. Freeze

Here we go, repaints already.  This is simply the Mr.Freeze action figure we've seen previously about 3 times back before the DC Superheroes Toy Line.  In my opinion the Mr.Freeze from the 2007 NYCC is the best version out there. It was very hard to get a hold of if you were not at the show or did not snap it up on eBay when it first came out.  Ive seen recent eBay auction go in the $60 USD range for that action figure.  Since Mr. Freeze is a must for any Batman fan, this will be a decent addition for collectors who are missing him (although, I'm not crazy about the paint scheme).   To read the ATR review click the link to the right--> DC Superheroes Mr. Freeze Review. Next up:

•Platinum Age Batman

This Platinum age Batman is simply, from the neck down, the Batman figure from the DC Superheroes Wave 8 line up (which is considered to be quite rare).  The DCSH Batman from Wave 8 is still one of my favorite Batman action figures to date.  It had a limited release just prior to the DCUC toy line began.  The head sculpt looks exactly like the Sinestro Corps Batman in DCUC Wave 15.

DC Superheroes Wave 8 Batman Review

 

And the third action figure to be sold as a single will be: 

•The Joker

For the most part, this Joker is very similar to the DC Universe Classics wave 10 Joker.  The differences being, in the Batman Legacy version, The Joker is supporting a long trench coat instead of the jacket with coat tails and flower on the lapel.  I would guess, the trench coat is probably similar to the one used on The Question from Wave 11, just in purple.  The rest of this sculpt is probably spot on to Wave 10 Joker.  As far as the paint job is concerned, gone are the pin stripped pants and orange vest replaced by a solid purple color for both.  Also Joker's shoes are now all black. 

Finally, from the upcoming Batman: Arkham City video game (which is a follow up to the very popular Arkham Asylum video game), we get a Batman and Two Face 2 pack which is also listed as Wave 1.

I must admit that these Arkham City Batman action figures look pretty sweet.  Batman Arkham Asylum had some amazing character designs and you know they will look even better in Arkham City.  It appears these action figures are entirely new sculpts so even though they will compare in size to your DC Universe Classics collection, the will look slightly different.  This does give us potential for finally getting characters such as Poison Ivy, Ra's Al Ghul, a new Killer Croc, Scarecrow and so much more.  Almost every major Batman villain are in these games in some form or another.

That pretty much covers the DC Universe Classics news from Toy Fair 2011. If you missed my previous posts about other Toy Fair announcements, such as DCUC Wave 18 and the Crime Syndicate box set, be sure to check them out. 

Don't forget to help keep Action Toy Review alive simply by visiting our sponsors and also be sure ylou check back for more info, news, previews and reviews of Mattel's DC Universe Classics, DC Universe Green Lantern Classics and down the road, Batman Legacy action figures. 

To find and/or purchase Mattel's DC Universe Classics action figures on eBay, click here.

DC Universe Classics : Wave 15 Preview

Welcome back to Action Toy Review.  If you missed my previous post, I previewed Mattel's DC Universe Classics Wave 14 so lets follow that trend and go ahead and look at the upcoming DC Universe Classics wave 15 set. 

There are 7 figures in wave 15 with 2 figures that have variants.  So lets take a look see.

For those of you who can't get enough variations of Batman action figures, myself included, here is another Batman in the Sinestro Corps outfit:

He looks pissed!! 

Next up is Starman who comes in a classic and modern variant:

Super Powers character, Golden Pharaoh:

OMAC:

Voted by the fans, Raven:

The Son of Saturn, Jemm:

and finally, Martian Manhunter with 2 versions.  Same body for both, just a different head:

And finally, your Collect and Connect figure is Validas:

So that's it for wave 15.  Personally, I'm all about the Batman figures.  Sinestro Corps Batman has a different head sculpt but not so sure I would get it.  Perhaps if i can find it for a lower cost.  Raven and Martian Manhunter are of great interest to me and Jemm is pretty cool but the other figures i will put under my "meh" list.  Validas looks like a cool C&C figure but not enough for me to go out and scoop up this entire wave.  If I can find the others at a cheaper cost, then maybe.

Action Toy Review would love to hear your thoughts about DCUC wave 15.  Check out the polls on the left hand side menu or simply leave a comment on what you think of Mattel latest line up. 

As the time of this post, DCUC wave 15 is not yet available for purchase but if you're looking to buy any of the DC Universe Classics action figures from previous waves, your best choice for selection, is ebay.  To purchase Mattel's DC Universe Classics on ebay, click here

DC Universe Classics - 2009 Year In Review

The second full year into Mattel's DC Universe Classics and we've seen some pretty cool action figures through out the year.   So I'll just go over some of the main characters and my favs we've seen released through out the 2009 calendar year.

For starter, Mattel gave us the biggest Collect and Connect action figure thus far in Wave 8's Giganta standing at about 10 inches tall.  Easily one of the best looking CnC figures aswell to date. 

We've also seen the dreded return of the Walmart Exclusive set, much like Wave 5 in 2008, wave 10 in 2009 was another walmart exclusive set.  This set featured a very import action figure of The Joker which would be important to any DC Comics fan.  Joker was arguably one of the best DCUC action figures of the year in my opinion.  We also saw and a repainted Batman figure was released again in this set.  That would make this the 4th repaint using this same sculpt.  Mattel thankfully included some cool new accessories with Bats.

Power Girl, also part of wave 10 and Superman from the Gotham City 5 pack (another wal-mart exclusive).  The unfortunate thing about these walmart exclusives is that so many people have a hard time finding them.  It appears that Mattel or Walmart is only releasing this in certain areas around the US.  If you're in Canada (like me) or somewhere else, you can forget about it.  Ebay is your only option. 

Captain Cold and Flash from wave 7 were some of the A list characters released in 2009.  I like how Mattel has been releasing a big name hero with one of their popular arch enemies with each set. 

We also saw some New Genesis/Apokolips characters introduced such as Big Barda from wave 7, Mister Miracle from wave 6, Kalibak also from wave 6, Mantis from wave 9 and Parademon from wave 8.  Look out for more of these characters including a new Darkseid in 2010's wave 12 set. 

Below we have Hawkman from wave 6 and Gentleman Ghost from wave 8.  There were some complaints about low numbers of wave 8 and 9 being released.  I myself still have not been able to finish either set.  Gentleman Ghost was very hard to find at a reasonable price.

Below we have some of the DCUC wave 9 action figures.  Left to right is Black Canary, Green Arrow, Deadshot and Mantis.

As mentioned above, Batman fans saw a few repaints of the wave 1 Detective Batman sculpt and also got some new additions for their rogue collection.  In the pic below we have from let to right, Two-Face (DCSH repaint), Catwoman (DCSH repaint), Killer Moth from wave 6, Batman (Gotham City), Deadshot and The Joker.  Is it just me or is there a lot of purple here?

There were a few two-packs released this year.  Below we see the Clash of the Cosmos Superman and Brainiac pack.

And of course, a classic Lex Luthor which also came in the Gotham City 5 Pack.  This was the only original sculpt in the set and I'm sure a lot of people bought the set just for this figure.  Fans of the old Superfriends cartoon were surely happy with this release. 

Well, thats Mattel's DC Universe Classics 2009 wrap up for you.  2010 looks to have some interesting new releases.  Waves 11, 12 and 13 have been announced and I've also got my own person list of characters I hope to see wave 14 and 15 or any new two packs.  To check out some previews of waves 11, 12 and 13, click on the links below.

DC Universe Classics Wave 11

DC Universe Classics Wave 12

DC Universe Classics Wave 13

DC Universe Classics - Batman (Wave 10)

Im jumping around with my reviews from wave's 8 to 10 plus trying to finish off the Gotham City 5 pack reviews all at once.  Next up for review is Mattel's DC Universe Classics wave 10 Batman.

Basically, this is the same Batman sculpt we've seen on 3 previous releases.  Wave 1 Classic Detective Batman (below left), the Batman from the Clayface two-pack and Gotham City Batman (below right).  The only difference is just the paint job.

The paint job of this action figure is very similar to outfit Batman wore in the Tim Burton "Batman" movie form 20 years back.  All black with a yellow belt and Bat symbol on his chest. 

The paint job is for the most part, clean.  The are is no bleeding between the black and yellow colors.  My only complaint would be there is a speck of black paint right in the middle of Batman's left eye.  Not a big deal and probably wasn't overly noticeable until i pointed it out. 

Batman thankfully comes with a couple of neet accessories.  First we have the Batarang which is a little more solid and detailed then some of the previous Batarangs we've gotten in the past. 

The second accessory is some sort of computer/laptop device shaped in the bat symbol.  Folded open it can be held in both  Batman's hands.  Folded closed, it can fit in one hand.  This Batman figure does NOT come with a Collect and Connect part.  He does however come with the Mattel transparent blue stand that we all hate.

Here is a close up of the Bat Computer and Batarang.  The one good thing about getting repainted figures with numberous accessories is that you can mix and match accessories with the figures.  They all fit nicely into Batmans open sculpted hands. 

Articulation is a none issue with this action figure.  Mattel gives us all the standard joints they've given us on previous figures.  No complaints in this department. 

Overall this is a good figure to get if you like collecting different Batman toys.  Plus he looks good with DCUC Joker.  The paint job gives the action figure its on unique look compared to similar Batman figures Mattel has previously released in the DCUC wave.  If you're looking to collect and connect the Imperiex figure from wave 10, you do not need to get this Batman figure as he does not come with any parts, just a stand. 

Sculpt/Design - 8, Paint - 9, Accessories - 8, Articulation - 9, Fun - 9

Prices for DCUC wave 10 figures are going down on eBay for those of you that are not so lucky and cannot find these action figures at your local Wal-Mart.  Give eBay a try and you could score a good Christmas present for yourself. 

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics wave 10 Batman on eBay, click here

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics wave 10 action figures on eBay, click here.