The Batman EXP Crimson Patrol Batman aka Azrael :: A 'Toyriffic Classic' Post

While we're on the subject of Azraels that aren't billed as Azrael, let's take another look at this Azrael homage from The Batman EXP toyline, which originally appeared on Toyriffic December 19th 2008:


This figure was released in 2006 in conjunction with 'The Batman,' the Saturday morning Batman cartoon show airing at the time. He was billed as Crimson Patrol Batman, but we all know who was really under the cowl...


Okay, so it's Batman again. But there's no doubt what character inspired this figure. I love it when a toy design shows a true love and understanding of a character's history. If you're going to dress Batman in orange longjohns (and the toy execs just love it when you do) at least find a comic book where the guy actually did so and run with that idea. Brilliant!


Azrael was packaged with the mask and wings separated and a little obscured, so if you didn't know what you were looking at or if you didn't look closely enough you would have assumed it was just another red-orange Batman action figure. And since this toyline was mainly aimed at kids, I'm sure tons of them got this figure and had no idea of it's Batman comic-book significance.

'The Batman' was a good cartoon, and the toyline had it's share of hits. Of them all, Crimson Patrol Batman was one of the best. A cool 'Easter egg' for fans to discover...and one instance when I didn't wince upon seeing a day-glo Batman on the toy aisle shelves.

Doomsday is Coming!

"Doomsday is Coming" was the catch phrase that hearkened the approach of a violent new adversary, and the subsequent beating-to-death of Superman, back in 1992.

Doomsday first came to toy store shelves a mere three years later - take a look at the Doomsday action figure that Kenner produced in 1995.


"Hulk SMASH!

Lulz - just kidding."


This Doomsday really is a great figure. There is quite a bit of detail, and he looks just like he does in the comics.


I really like how they painted his bony protrusions silver. Not totally accurate to the comics, but the color really punches out the detail in the sculpt.


Doomsday's pose is pretty static. His arms move up and down and his waist and neck twist, but that's it. However this sculpted pose does allow him to stand very well. Even with all that bulk he isn't likely to tip over, and he's extremely solid.

This guy was released in a two-pack with a "Hunter Prey" Superman figure, from the comic book storyline about the re-match between these two titans. I don't recall reading that one, but I'm pretty sure I know how it turned out.