Steve Irwin Toy: Is it too soon?

It looks like Steve Irwin is to make a return in toy form. This isn’t some slimy company trying to cash in on the wildlife TV host either; it was made with the approval of Irwin’s family. While this isn’t the first time that Irwin has appeared as a toy, it is the first time his image has been placed on a toy since his rather tragic yet not entirely unexpected death.
Is this a little too soon for anyone? South Park already went into the tasteless territory (as they are want to do) with Irwin, but somehow this is a little different. To me it’s a little creepy, well not as creepy as this image:

Hell, even the old toy line seems somehow morbid now that I look at them.
I’m not in the belief that Mr. Irwin was a hero, like the author of the story I linked to. Our definition of hero has gotten a little loose over the years. Irwin was a man who stuck his face in front of dangerous animals for almost no reason other than he was insane. Maybe he helped to us learn more about wildlife, but we all watched the show because we thought he was crazy. Still, he seemed like a likable fellow so it’s a bit odd to see his face plastered on a stuffed toy. For me, it is a bit too early to see the crazy Aussie like this. Just look at the image on that doll at the top of this post. It gives me the creeps.
Toys, toy collecting, action figure, Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter



December 30th, 2006 at 9:16 pm
The figure looks like Moe Howard (three stooges) are you sure the weren’t left over’s redressed, and rewarmed like Christmas dinner. Does it come with jelly fish or is it purchased seperately?”
January 1st, 2007 at 8:10 am
It seems too soon to me, too. On the other hand, if his family approved, I guess it’s really up to them. I really loved Steve Irwin. I don’t know about the hero tag. I think he was a true animal lover, who was lucky enough to find his passion in life and to be able to follow it. The thing I found most likeable about Steve Irwin is that I never met or saw anyone else who seemed to be having so much fun at his job!
January 2nd, 2007 at 9:39 am
This is just my opinion, of course, but CRIKEY, it seems like this is way TOO SOON. I was never in the market for a Steve Irwin doll. And I never will be. I don’t personally know of anyone who is. That’s just a bit strange to moi.
January 8th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
I think the toys are completely acceptable….but did you guys see the picture of dumbass Bill Maher when he dressed up as Steve Irwin for Halloween? Now that was too soon. It was a horrible attempt at trying to be funny and I have lost all of the little respect I had for Bill Maher.
Here’s a link to the pic:
January 8th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Crap, didn’t show up. OK, here’s the link:
January 8th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/images/100_0266_1.jpg
January 9th, 2007 at 8:03 am
Triple ick.
January 9th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Yea it is creepy seeing famous stars who recently passed in any form there after. For instance I get sad every time the show reruns of Raymond poor grandpa:(