Turtle Fever COWABUNGA!

NECA San Diego Comic-Con 2016 Exclusive TMNT Arcade 6″ Figures

Design: Based on the 1989 arcade game of the titular name. These molds are completely different than the Mirage figures from the same company. The body molds between the turtles are all the same, but the hands, belt and heads are mostly unique. The Foot also share the same mold, just different color. Shredder’s mold is also (by the looks of it) an entirely new design by NECA.

Detail: I love the lighter bandana colors on the turtles, they feel more retro this way. What I do dislike are the dark areas on the turtles. Some dark spots just seem too large, like on the side of the legs. Other than that, I love the pixelized paint as a whole; it just wouldn’t be an “arcade” set without it. Oh and just to note, I like all of the faces given to the turtles. They aren’t too extreme (I’m looking at you Playmates) and can fit many emotions when posing.

Articulation: Each figure contains more than 30 points. There are actually a lot of things I disliked. The turtles didn’t have double jointed knees and elbows, which really limited their posability. Mikey’s chuck also couldn’t nestle within his armpits like in the Mirage figures. And all of the turtles’ feet had very limited range of motion, barely extending past a 90 degree angle. What I did enjoy was the exclusion of toe articulation on the turtles (I’m looking at you again Playmates). Oh, and the bandanas were twistable as well.

Accessories: This is where this series shines. You have all of the basic weapons, along with a pizza, and another set of hands for each figure. That’s 8 sets of hands per box. And all of them are interchangeable, minus Shredder’s... unless you want a Foot ninja with claws. The only thing I disliked was Raph’s sai-holding hands, only because they can’t hold the sais like the Mirage turtles. I’m also not too fond of the breakable bo staff for Donnie, but most other people actually like it. Best accessories would have to be Mikey’s whirling chuck and the Foot’s giant mallet,

Box: Both boxes share the same art of the turtles, April and Shredder, but the villains’ box has flames on it, and Foot graffiti. The best part of the box is definitely the window display, which is great for in-box collectors. There is also a cardboard background with a different retro design inside each box, which is removable and can be used as staging. The only downside for me is the amount of tape used to seal the box-openings and accessories. They could’ve just made a more plastic in the box hug the accessories more, or put another piece of plastic on top to secure it, but whatever.

Buy or don’t buy? Definitely buy, but only near MSRP ($100). Though I do wish we received 5 figures in the villain set for the same price, since the Foot Ninja are all the same mold anyway. That way, we can have a blue ninja, which is very common in game. Maybe they’ll release a sub-villain set with a blue ninja, mousers, the rolling zappy bot and a squirrelanoid, but I digress. If you have played any TMNT video game in the 80s and 90s, then this should strike some nostalgic chord in you. I know it did for me.

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Playmates TMNT The Next Mutation Action Figures

Design: These are based off of the 1997 TMNT TV show, called TMNT: The Next Mutation. They are obviously much more buff than their movie or cartoon predecessors, having a more Saban style. I actually really like the design of these toys compared to the TV show they are based on.

Details: These toys are actually really well detailed. From the dynamic bandanas, to their shells, belts and faces. I rather like Michelangelo’s and Raphael’s face a lot. Their shells are designed much different than any other rendition of the turtles, having an almost armor-like look to them. Their eyes are also how I like my turtle figures, just all white.

Accessories: I actually don’t own any of the accessories, nor do I remember playing with them, so I can’t review their quality. I know they came with several weapons, but other than that, I’m not sure if they came with anything else. Judging by the unopened boxes on Google, it looks like they came with a bunch of random mono-colored stuff, so nothing special in the paint department. I guess the belts are also considered accessories, as many loose figures online are missing them. All four of my turtles still have their belts and bandanas still attached. I find it interesting that all four turtles sport the cross-chest strap as well.

Articulation: What these figures lack in articulation, they make up in the material they’re created from. Having basically 4 ball joints for limbs and a swivel for the head, you can count the articulation on one hand. What differs these figures from other TMNT lines is that their limbs are all rubbery, so they can bend in all different ways. Not my favorite type of articulation, but a good substitution and also makes them unique.

TMNTBox - May 2016

I apologize for not being very up-to-date with TMNTBox posts, but I’ve been really busy, and also TMNTBox as a company has been making big changes as well. As you can see, the box is half the size it used to be, and it’s orange instead of green. Another big difference is the number of items you get in a package and also it’s price. Now containing only 2 items per box, the box only costs $10 instead $20.

Personally I would like a higher priced box every month so that they would also contain a shirt, but I guess they’re having financial or licensing troubles. All-in-all, I still liked what I received this month. They’ve been sending me all of the different Dorbz figures every month, and I’m only one figure shy from a full set (I’m missing Leo). The beanie is actually pretty cool as it’s also reversible.

Sorry, but I’m going on hiatus for a few months

Playmates Classic TMNT 6″ Action Figures (bootleg)

The History:

In 2014, Playmates decided to take three nostalgic versions of the TMNT franchise, and create a brand new affordable toy line. This Classic Collection included the 1987 cartoon turtles, the 1989 toys, and the 1990 movies adaptations. Now in limited supply, this figures are no longer $15 each, but now at least $30.

The Review:

I had very high expectations for this line of toys, as they reflected the 80s cartoon; I grew up on this design of turtles. Having bought these one Ebay, trusting the pictures shows, I ended up with all bootleg versions of the toys. I knew the price was too good to be true, so I got what I paid for. Do these bootleg turtles hold up to the hype?

Design: One thing I like about these turtles is the different shades of green for their skin. They TV show had them all of the same color, which is what the movie also did, as well as the movie figures. The different colors originate from Playmate’s original TMNT toy line, which is pretty nostalgic and cool.

Details: These are quite simplistic in terms of details. As you can see in the pictures, there is a lettered-belt-buckle for each turtle, which represents the show perfectly. The only real downside for me is the facial expressions, as they are all quite mean looking; this is contrary to the actual TV show personalities. Oh, and the biggest complaint for most collectors are the eyes. I don’t know why or how, but this set of figures rarely get well place pupils. I’m probably going to end up taking some white-out to them (many collectors have already and they look much better). This last one is nitpicking, but for some reason, the front shells don’t nearly work as aesthetically well as the movie-based figures.

Accessories: The bootleg version I’ve obtained have really flimsy weapons (minus the nun-chucks). Whenever I pose these, I’m unable to have them hold their weapons since they are so warped and flimsy. I end up just sheathing their weapons out of embarrassment. The only nice thing about the bootleg weapons are that they’re individually colored to match the turtle. Just like the movie-figures, these also come with man-hole cover stands.

Articulation: If I had legit versions of these turtles, they would have the same articulation as the movie-figures. The bootlegs actually closely resemble the NECA figures, as there are no articulation on the fingers and toes. The only major downside to the bootlegs are the lack of bicep and thigh rotation, as well as the lack of a shoulder swivel. The shoulder on the bootlegs are ball-joints which lack the range of the swivel. Overall, these bootleg figures are very hard to pose as they’re limited in flexibility, have loose joints, and the cross-chest belt for Leo and Donny is so elastically strong, they overpower any hip-based posing.

Buy or don’t buy?

IDW & DC Comics’ Batman and TMNT Issue #2

Summary: *In the voice of David Attenborough* We see a bat in his natural habitat fighting its natural enemy, a group of teen-aged turtles. The turtles stand no chance as they possess much less mobility. In dire need of saving, a passing rat interferes, fending off the flying rat from the turtles. A rat saving turtles may seem like an odd combination, but nature has many strange symbiotic relationships... such as that between a cheese grater and a penguin.

Impression: While reading this issue it felt very short, but it actually is a normal length. Not much in terms of plot is advanced, which is sort of a bummer. What we do get is a lot of insight on how inexperienced the turtles are, and how bad-ass Batman is. Personally this issue for me is just meh. There are a few jokes, a cool fight, and more character appearances, but I’m just ready to see some teamwork from our heroes now.

Mirage’s #20 - Return to New York Part 2

Summary: Little-Foot and the gang join with Sarah the Triceraton. Confused with whose who, Sarahzog follows the turtle’s command. They eventually find the sharp-tooth lair, which they infiltrate VERY QUIETLY. But apparently herbivore was on the menu that day, and Zog is sliced down by three fast-biters.

Impression: This was a great middle issue. Sadly I already knew the sad fate of Zog, due to his appearance in both the 2003 and 2012 adaptations. Although, his demise in Mirage’s comic was definitely more tragic. I believe in the 2003 version, Shredder stabs him in the back and then Zog carries Shredder into a huge flame (the most bad-ass rendition). In 2012, I believe he attacks one of the turtles and then falls to his doom. In this one, he’s shot profusely and then shredded to bloody-hell. Anyway, this comic did really well and showed just how strong Triceraton could be. 2003 didn’t have any Shredder-bots, but 2012 did. I can’t wait to see how the original will differ. Why waste time, I’ll just stop reviewing this and read it now!

Happy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Day!

Today marks 23 years after the premiere of the third TMNT movie, as well as the charitable proceedings from the premiere. It may not have been the best movie, but this proclamation shows how popular TMNT was back then. The last clause extends best wishes to TMNT’s future endeavors. We have a currently running comic series, a video-game based on that comic series, a new and popular Nickelodeon show, a growing cinematic universe, a bunch of toys based on all of that, and not to mention all of us fans, young and old. I think it’s safe to say that TMNT as an entity has been blessed.

Nickelodeon TMNT Ninjas In Training

History:

Part of the Nickelodeon TMNT toy line. These were made in the early production cycle of 2013.

Review:

Design: These were made to look like the child/adolescent ages of the turtles in the intro video of the 2012 Nickelodeon series. The turtles in the show’s intro were portrayed differently, due to them not having masks or weapons.

Detail: These are very simplistic, but do have great personality by just having great facial expressions. Each turtle is actually a completely different mold, which is a nice touch. They also are all different skin colored, matching their tv-show counterparts. Bonus points for Raph having a crack in his shell.

Accessories: The weapons, although simplistic are very well thought out. They are all tan in color, which gives off a wooden vibe. And there are nice details to show that the weapons are roughly put together. I also like that Mikey’s chucks are one solid piece; very reminiscent of the original Playmate weapons.

Articulation: The articulation is strange, as they have a waist swivel, which I sort of dislike, but others may like. I just don’t like how it breaks the illusion of a solid shell. The shoulders and head are ball joints, which allow for slightly different poses. The legs on the other-hand are stationary, which is fine since the knees are also static.

IDW & DC Comics’ Batman & TMNT Issue #1

Summary: Ninja robberies, a pretty common everyday happening that just so happened to happen in a laboratory in Gotham. With four mysterious meta-humans formed from The Secret of the Ooze on the loose, only one team could find them, Batman & Robin. Although, Robin is out of town, so it will just be The Dark Knight. And so, Batman Begins to investigate, creating a trap using Wayne Industries. Like clockwork, the ninja attempt to raid Wayne Tower. The raid was going well, until the Dark Knight Rises from the smoke and kicks their butts. The Foot eventually get away. Elsewhere, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles finally are Coming Out Of Their Shells Tour, and came Out of the Shadows to track The Foot, where Batman Returns and finds them; four Masks of the Phanturtletasms.

Impression: The build up in this issue was great, as well as the cliffhanger. The writers clearly know how to hook people and keep them there. I’m really digging the art in this one. It’s definitely more gothic in design. I was really worried about the universes not melding with each other, but after seeing Killer Croc near the turtles, it made a lot more sense. Anyway, I can’t wait for the next one. Kind of wish Damian were in here, but I guess it’s better to have more focus on less characters. (Also, I had a really hard time referencing movies, games and other brand titles in that summary.)

TMNT Box - February 2016

These boxes come later and later every month. That said, the company did lower their price to only $10 a month now instead of $20, at the cost of less product per box, but also more consistency.

Anyway, this month's box contained 4 items, which seems to be the norm now. The coolest thing here, other than the shirt, is this glass Michelangelo cup. It has a nice metallic look to it, and I can see myself using this for a long time (I just have to remember not to microwave it). Second, there's an air freshener, which is pretty cool and smells like vanilla. I wonder if that's a reference to the second movie lol. The third item is this weird sticky and squishy ball-shaped Donatello. I think if I were still ten years old, I would probably like it more, but as an adult it's meh. Lastly the shirt is awesome. It's black with all four turtle masks on it; simple but stylish. It kinda reminds me of the arcade game for some reason.

Mirage’s #19 - Return to New York - Part One

Summary: It’s been about five minutes since the last Leo and Raph fight, so they decided we’re about due for another one. Tired of being safe and alive, Raph decides to return the sewers and take the foot head-on. We then learn a Full House lesson on never deserting family when the other turtles tail Raph back into the city. Plenty of foot ninja are killed by Raph - and no, they aren’t robots; honey-turtle don’t care. Leo, Don and Mike finally catch up with Raph, who seems to have found Denver, the Last Dinosaur (he’s my friend and a whole lot more).

Impression: I’m both glad and sad that there weren’t a whole bunch of exposition in this issue. The turtles talk about past events that haven’t been shown in previous issues, which is ballsy, but brilliant at the same time. The writing makes it easy to fill in the gaps and know what’s going on. The team was defeated by Shredder, and now they are broken and hiding. I can see that this issue and its remaining parts are also the inspiration to many of the other TMNT story lines. In every incarnation, almost always the Shredder/foot beat them so bad, that they have to retreat and heal, only having to return and face their fears. Then there’s always the Raph and Leo beef, which for me definitely makes this issue one of those template/prime issues. All-in-all, I really enjoyed this issue and I can’t wait to read the next one! Oh, did I mention this one is pretty violent also? Bonus points.

Playmates Classic 1990 Movie TMNT 6″ Action Figures

The History:

In 2014, Playmates decided to take three nostalgic versions of the TMNT franchise, and create a brand new affordable toy line. This Classic Collection included the 1987 cartoon turtles, the 1989 toys, and the 1990 movies adaptations. Now in limited supply, this figures are no longer $15 each, but now at least $30.

The Review:

This classic movie collection was heaven-sent. I grew up with the TMNT cartoon as much as anybody, but when it came down to it, it was the movie turtles were my absolute favorite. The original movie turtles were actually the source for a bad-ass Raphael, which has stuck through even until now. So can these toys live up to my hype? Let’s find out.

Design: These figures of course are catered to look like the Jim Henson’s turtles. Each turtle has their own head mold, but I’m pretty sure their bodies are the same. I can’t complain though, since these were made to be affordable. I’m just glad they don’t look like the third movie turtles. *shudders*

Details: Each of the faces have different expressions, but I think some of them should be swapped around. Raph should be the biting one, Leo should look focused, Donny should look more inquisitive and not cheesing, and Mikey is okay. Other than that, I really like the shells on these guys. They are the most detailed TMNT toy shells I’ve seen. The skin itself is lackluster, as the texture is just smooth; this goes also for the front shell. As for the eye detail, the pupils on these aren’t perfect, but they are generally better than some of the others in the same collection.

Accessories: The weapons for the turtles are decent, having at least two colors. They are nice and stiff plastic, and are not easily warped. Each turtle also comes with a posing platform with their own name on it. The platform is a bit of an eyesore when it comes to posing though, but still nice to have none-the-less.

Articulation: You would think these figure would have great articulation (with 32 points), but even with less articulated points, the NECA figures are better. The hard back and front shell really limit the range of motion for these figures. I can’t even make them sit down. I am also worried that eventually the toe joints will loosen up, making the figures harder to stand up unassisted. These were okay-ish in terms of pose-ability.

Mirage’s 18 - Shell of the Dragon

Summary: Four stereotypes discuss their evil plan to rule all of Hong Kong...... ‘s restaurant industry, but one restaurant stands in their way: Chang’s. The four stereotypes try sending Chang’s a message, but four turtles and a kung fu stereotype stood in their way. Another message was sent, which means there’s going to be a showdown. Needing more muscle, the four stereotypes hire a buff stereotype. The showdown commences; people get shishkabobbed, double penetrated, and necks get snapped. And it all ends with a happily ever after... and probably life-long unpaid servitude.

Impression: This issue was a hard one to find, even on the internet. I actually really liked this one, which is weird because I also find it pretty offensive for Asians. This comic would definitely face some criticism for its political incorrectness. There’s definitely a lot of references to Hong Kong kung fu movies, which is what I love, but they also mix different Asian stereotypes. Overall, I would say this is a must-read for TMNT fans, as it has the turtles actually killing people, and the 2-page illustrations are amazing. I will say though, the dragon on the cover is very misleading.

Mirage’s #17 - Distractions

Summary: Ol’ Mikey somehow got himself involved with a family feud. Some rich family trying to run away from first-world problems, until they’re caught. Mikey being distracted by third-world problems decides to help anyway. In the shuffle, a girl gets kidnapped. Mikey goes on alone to get her back. He first tries looking in the village, but his princess was in a different castle. Stealing caps and digs left-and-right, Mikey eventually finds the girl and busts her out. While running away, they get ganked. Luckily the cavalry arrives and Mikey and the girl get back safely to the home-base turrets.

Impression: I can see where the inspiration for the third TMNT came from. I like how it ended, as it shows some character for Mikey. I’m assuming this issue is probably a reference or a jab at Frank Miller’s Wolverine, where he was also in Japan. This was a pretty cool issue. It showed off Mikey’s ninja skills; what more could we ask for? Overall, I liked it, but it’s definitely not a required read. Why do people always create human love interests for the turtles? (Is that racist?)