Steve Irwin action figure on its way

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

TWINSBURG, Ohio - Crikey! A talking "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin action figure that has his recorded voice reciting his signature phrase will go on sale nationwide next month.

With the blessing of his widow, the 39-piece Steve Irwin Wildlife Adventure Series as well as plush toys and educational items will launch next month at the 2007 International Toy Fair in New York, toy maker K&M International said.

K&M was ready to stop the international launch after Irwin died Sept. 4 from a poisonous stingray barb piercing his chest, but Terri Irwin wanted to go ahead, said G.B. Pillai, K&M president.

"We want people to know what he stood for and never forget him," Pillai said.

Irwin had recorded the voice for his action figure, dressed in khaki shorts and shirt with hiking boots. The doll describes a crocodile rescue, sprinkled with funny phrases in his thick Australian accent.

"Holy Guacamole!" it says at one point. "Do you see that? It's a giant golden orb spider and she's built her web right across our path! It's super sticky for catching small birds and bats. Let's not disturb it."

The toys will also be sold in Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. They've been sold at Irwin's family-owned Australia Zoo for the past year. K&M also plans to launch a line of plush toys called Bindi's Friends, named for the Irwins' daughter, who will debut her own show on the Discovery Channel.

Irwin's final documentary, called "Ocean's Deadliest," is to air Sunday on Discovery. It will not include footage shot the day he died.

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no word on if a stingray barb is an optional accessory for the doll yet.

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

no steve irwin fans around here?

[Mephys 2]

I was!

Damn I learned english watching Discovery Channel and didnt miss one of his shows. I was really sad when he died. He was really doing a lot for the wildlife.

[Thingee 0]

It's one of our 'family shows'. Meaning all of us can sit and watch without anyone asking to have the channel changed. The running comments generally consist of "Whoa! Mom look at THAT!' to which I respond "Yeah, I see, and if I ever catch you doing that Imma kick your butt no matter how old you are."

I have to say I really admire the way his family has handled his death.

[ladybutterfly 0]

HUGE Steve Irwin fan here, he was my hero. I shall be buying the doll and sitting down tonite to watch Oceans Deadliest and his tribute show which follows straight after on both Discovery Chanel and Animal Planet. RIP Steve!