Azrael the cat

If you like collecting variants of Smurfs, Azrael the cat is one for your collection. Sold between 1992 to 2014 by Schleich Azrael #20411 can take collectors by surprise when looking for variations.

At a glance, Azrael is an orange cat with a white stomach and inner ears. He is licking his lips and appears to be on the prowl. But just like any Smurf made over 20 years, Schleich progressively made changes.

The most obvious one is the orange pvc material used for Azrael. From a dark orange-red colour to a light orange colour. There is also a rare variant with its fur painted.

The next most noted difference is to do with Azrael’s ear. Some have a notch in the right ear. In my opinion, this version is fairly common and is easier to find comapred to one without a notch in its ear. Another thing to look out for is whether Azrael has a blue paint dot on the end of its nose. Some also refer to the thickness of Azarel’s whiskers or the red colour of the tongue. Again both are not always to identify in photos.

Variants of markings

Some collectors like to collect Smurfs with different markings. The markings on Azrael are on its stomach and back left leg. For example, with the one made out of China, it has the China mark twice on the leg. Also the size of the CE mark can vary due to toy specifications.

Though Azrael was also made out of Germany, paint dots were also used for quality assurance measures. The black paint was added to Smurfs between 1988 to 1999 to indicate that it was painted in Portugal or Tunisia. The blue paint dot was used between 2001 to 2004 for Smurfs mostly made out of China. After 2009 a date stamp was also added to the markings.

Despite the changes made to this version of Azrael, the characteristics of the figurine did not change which is a good thing. In my opinion the more recent versions of Azarel have taken away the beauty of this evil character. One only has to look at the 2020 Azrael to see the difference.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

2020 Smurfs collector review

What do you think about 2020 Smurfs? It’s only taken me until to August 2021 to get mine but I am glad I did. There are eight in the series, all made out of Romania which is a first. The reaction has been mixed by collectors, however I am just grateful that Schleich are still making Smurfs.

The first thing I noticed is the paint work. The quality is there, but I doubt they are still being hand painted. It has the tradtional Smurf look unlike past series, such as the Halloween ones from 2006. Similar to past years, the eyes are joined together and the eybrows sit below their hat. These Smurfs have a hard firm texture, which I dislike. In my opinion, I prefer a softer PVC material because it gives the figurine more character.

Smurf with Butterfly #20818

The Smurf is admiring a red and yellow butterfly on his outstetched left hand and has his right hand behind his back. The Smurf has a wide smile showing us his red tongue and his pupils sit at the bottom of his eyes.

Smurf with Good Luck Charm #20819

The Smurf is carrying a red and white mushroom across his body. I am more confused by its name more than anything else because I had never heard of lucky mushrooms before. There is some similarity with Umbrella Smurf #20118 but this one is not as cute.

Smurf with Tooth #20820

Smurf is carrying a large tooth with both hands in front of him. The Smurf has a big smile on his face showing off his red tongue. You have all heard of the tooth fairy but this is the tooth Smurf!

Smurf with Bottle #20821

The Smurf is hugging a bottle of Champagne to celebrate an occasion. Again it’s very similar to Champagne Bottle #20708 which is disappointing. When it was first released, some reported that there were two variations of the label on the bottle. Some labels showing as The Smurfs and others showing as Smurfs. Upon closer inspection of both this is more likely because of bad printing on the label.

Smurf with Medal #20822

Admiring his gold medal around his neck and in his right hand, the Smurf seems rather pleased with his efforts. Not sure why he has his left arm outstretched. Also wearing green pants and a white top, so its unclear what sport he represents. The idea is similar to the one used for Winner #20745 from 2012 Olympic series.

Smurf with Sign #20823

The Smurf is carrying a sign with the words “I Love You” displayed on it. Love is displayed as a big red heart. It is kind of cute though there are other Smurfs I would buy before this one for my husband.

Gargamel with Net #20825

With a raised large net over his shoulder, Gargamel appears to be hunting for Smurfs. Wearing a black gown with white patches along with red tights and shoes. The atttention to detail given to Gargamel is spot on, everything from his facial expression to his hands. Without a doubt this is my favourite from 2020.

Azrael #20826

There is very little personality with this version of Azrael, one only needs to look at its tail to see that. Comparsionments with Kinder Surprise or Albert Heijn Supermarket versions of Azrael, are not far off the mark which is a pity. After such a good version of Gargamel, Azrael seems to be lacklustre.

In conclusion, I am happy that I have purchased the 2020 Smurfs. It was the highlight of my week considering I am currently in lockdown due to Covid-19 restrictions in Melbourne. Smurfs regardless they are old or new still bring a joy to my life and an interest by others who are also in lockdown. Thank you Schleich.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

P.S – For some reason there is no Smurf with the article number #20824. If someone knows the back story of what happened to this, I would love it if you could share this with us.

Nostalgia Alert! Hiker Smurf

One of my favourite Smurfs is Hiker, first produced in 1978. There are two Schleich versions of Hiker though I am really familour with only one. Wearing a yellow jackey with a green backpack but most notably has a red flower attached to his hat.

I have fond memories from childhood of Hiker. Playing in a sandpit and going on pretend adventures with Hiker. Back then I didn’t care too much for colour or marking variations. This fascination came later when I rediscovered the Smurfs as an adult.

In the late 1970s through to the early 1980s, the demand for Smurfs globally was massive. For example, Hiker was made in four different countries by Schleich; West Germany/Germany, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Portugal. I can’t think of any toys in 2021 that are made in four different countries.

In addition, due to the high demand for Smurfs counterfeit versions were also made. Some of these Hiker Smurfs are worth more than the Schleich ones. Such as the Comic no Toxico (CNT) with the soft matte paint colours or the Polish ones with a red stick.

I am a big fan or recycling and use this as an excuse when buying vintage Smurfs. Nieces and nephews are bemused by my collection of 60+ Hikers. I recall trying to explain that each Hiker was different. If I was child, I would have been excited just to see so many Hikers. Or that someone else appeciated going on the adventures with Hiker Smurf.

Possibly the other reason I adored Hiker was a mini story book called The Wandering Smurf. It’s about a Smurf who decided to go on adventure outside the Smurf Village. Papa Smurf also gave him a magic whistle to bring home again. Nostalgia is a powerful feeling that is never far away with Hiker Smurf.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Who was Gutsy Smurf?

Gutsy Smurf first appeared in the 2011 The Smurfs 3D movie. Created solely for the movie and does not appear in the comics or cartoon series. Wearing a blue kilt over his white trousers and a white smurf hat with matching blue pompom. He also sports bushy orange sideburns and eyebrows.

To begin with I was confused by Gutsy Smurf #20732. Like the other Smurfs released for the movie it was clear these were not your ordinary Schleich figurines. By the time I saw the movie it made more sense who Gutsy was. A tough guy who had a kind heart type of character.

Just like the other Smurf figurines made for The Smurfs movie, each one was larger than the average Smurf. Each one has large feet and is striking their own stance/pose. Gutsy is no different with both hands on his hips.

The other Smurfs made for The Smurfs 3D movie included Papa Smurf, Clumsy, Dreamy Smurfette, Brainy and Grouchy. In addition to being sold individually a special scenery display box which included all six was released. Made Between 2010 to 2012 this was quite common by Schleich to sell Smurfs in these display boxes. Was this aimed for children or collectors? I will let you be the judge.

Even though some collectors didn’t like them at thee time, most were happy to have new Smurfs. Some preferred the older cuter cartoon look rather than the new ones. Comments like ugly or gnome looking were common. However once collectors received them, the comments were less negative.

Facts on Gutsy

Gutsy was a popular movie character. Possibly because of his Scottish ascent and jokes about wind blowing up his kilt. Gutsy also made a small appearance in the second Smurfs movie. Other merchandise sold at the same time also jumped on the Gutsy Smurf band wagon.

Schleich sold Gutsy from 2011 to 2015, just like the other movie Smurfs. If you adore the Smurf movies, Gutsy is worth collecting. In contrast if you are traditionist Smurf collector best to stick to the authentic Smurf figurines. For me, I have grown to like Gutsy but he definetly not one of my favourites.

Did you know the German name for Gutsy was Mc Tapfer.
Do you also know the French name for Gutsy was Costaud which roughly translates as strong.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B