Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Neca)

When Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles launched in comic book form in May of 1984, the world could never have perceived the huge following such a small independent company (Mirage Studios) would build with only one title. Its initial 3,000 copies sold out almost overnight, and since then has seen numerous reprints of several issues of the 62 individual (comic) books.

Since its original conception, the series has been developed for television, film, a live rock and roll concert sponsored by Pizza Hut, and of course toys. Playmates produced the very first action figures based on the four brothers, which was in turn based on the concepts as seen in the animated series. We've touched on a few of those series in the past, but today we're focusing on the Neca series.


Right off the bat you can see the conceptual disgn difference between Playmates and NECA's toys. As we said, Playmates was based more on the animated show, while NECA's were based off the original designs for the comic book. This was both a pro and con for the series.

It was a pro because purist fans of the Turtles were able to get their hands on what they considered to be the "original" characters. For example, throughout the comic series, the four brothers all wore red bandanas. There was no distinguishing between the characters by colored ones as seen in the cartoon. This in turn led to one of the biggest cons of the series. People who weren't aware of this, specifically in foreign markets were confused by all of the characters wearing red bandanas, and didn't recognize the toys - Or rather, the individual characters.

Okay, these four "color" versions of the figures may be bootlegs, but in terms of quality, they're some of the best bootlegs ever produced. NECA never produced any of the Turtles with their colored bandanas. It's unknown who produced these, but they have duped many a fan and second hand dealer that they were getting a rare set of variants.

The toys contained an amazing amount of detail both to the figures and weapons/accessories. For the first series, NECA released all four Turtles both in a PVC bubble package, and in PVC tube packaging. Its uncertain why this drastic change was made between packaging midway through the series, but if we had to weigh in, we prefer the PVC bubble packaging to the tubes.

In addition to the individual packs, NECA released a four pack of the group. While the standard (full color) figures was more commonly found, it is rumored, but not confirmed that the black and white chase figure set (which was initially released at Comic Con - see below) was also made available via retail channels. The most notable difference would be that the retail version (again, if it exists) would not contain the San Diego Comic Con logo.

However, both sets were initially made available at specific conventions (again, see below).


Two PVC bubble packaged exclusive figures were produced for the line - Mouser (3 pack), and April O'Neil. Both were produced for San Diego Comic Con - The Mouser 3 pack for 2008, and April for 2009.

Much like the Turtles, the April O'Neil was confusing to collector's unfamiliar with the comic. In the initial story that April is introduced in, she wears a blue jump suit - Whereas in the cartoon series, the character was always seen in a yellow colored jumpsuit. For the purists, this was awesome - For the cartoon fans, again, confusing.

As we mentioned above, the four pack box sets were first made available at conventions. Both released in 2008, the full color turtles were sold at New York Comic Con, and the black and white set at San Diego Comic Con. The only difference in the packaging is the sticker adhered to the front.



This could also explain the supposed retail version of the black and white set. Since it is just a sticker, it is possible that someone removed it from the box, but we can't understand why someone would do that intentionally. So, until we know for sure, the supposed retail version remains a mystery.

What's interesting about the New York Comic Con full color set is that it is actually harder to find one that isn't autographed as opposed to ones that are. During the convention, Peter Larid, co-creator of TMNT was on hand to sign autographs. As a result, the majority of buyers of the four packs had them signed.

A second series was scheduled to be released, and even made it as far as the prototype phase. There are two major contributing factors as to why the series was never produced and released.

The first - Unfortunately the series was dealt a major blow when Playmates filed a claim against NECA that forbid them to sell the toys in retail stores due to their existing contract.

There were four figures set for release; Shredder, Foot Soldier, Shredder with Krang pack in, and April O'Neil. You'll notice that the prototype April O'Neil is actually the same as the San Diego Comic Con exclusive. However it was never intended for this particular version to be released.


The second - As we mentioned above, foreign markets in particular were confused by what they considered to be a new look for the characters, and as a result were not recognizing the figures for whom or what they were. To see if there was a strong foreign market for the toys, NECA planned to release figures one at a time to see if sales would justify production. The first attempt would have included April O'Neil as seen above. The regular figure would have depicted her in the yellow jumpsuit as seen in the cartoon, in hopes that she would be more recognizable to fans overseas. A chase variant with her in a green jumpsuit would also be produced and sold at the same time.

However, due to the first reason above, I.E. Playmates forbidding the toys to be sold in retail stores, this concept was never tested, and the series was put on hold with no official word of cancellation yet.

For us, this series is a thousand times better than Playmates original toys. We fell in love with the Turtles from issue one back in 1984, and love the idea of having toys based on it. Not that the Playmates toys were terrible, we love them too, but NECA's versions hold a much larger piece of our nostalgic loving heart. Plus, they’re just so cool looking.

We really hope that Playmates and NECA can come to some form of resolution that these second series toys (and beyond) can see the light of day. Though with the release of new figures from Playmates based on the new animated series on Nickelodeon, we don't know how likely this is going to be.

Join us next time when we take a look at Last Action Hero!

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 1990 and 1991 (Playmates Toys)

It's been over three years since we visited Playmate's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in our original post. Years three and four (and beyond) have been a long time coming, and we're happy to revisit a toy line we have been so fond of over the past few decades. Let's jump right in!

By 1990 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were huge. They had a monthly comic book series, a daily cartoon, a movie (with a sequel in the works), toys (of course), a role playing game, and even a full blown concert tour - "Coming Out Of Their Shells," which was sponsored by Pizza Hut. Turtle Mania was a fast traveling train that surely wasn't going to derail any time soon.

Playmates continued to support and produce the TMNT line with its latest toys and accessories. The third year, while not as strong as the prior years, was certainly larger. This time around, Playmates even produced variant figures. It would also mark the beginning of what would become an overabundance of variations to the turtle figures themselves (see year four for further information).


Leo the Sewer Samurai, Mike the Sewer Surfer, Don the Undercover Turtle, Raph the Space Cadet

The first variant figure was the new April figure which now sported a version that had a white "Press" badge on the front left side of her shirt. The figure was also produced without the badge.


April O'Neil (no press badge), April O'Neil (with press badge), Fugitoid, Mondo Gecko, Muckman and Joe Eyeball, Mutagen Man

The most notable and easy to spot variant figures are those of Ray Fillet. The figure comes with three different color variation vests.


Napolean Bonafrog, Panda Khan, Pizzaface, Ray Fillet (yellow vest), Ray Fillet (red vest), Ray Fillet (orange vest)


Scumbug, Slash, Triceraton, Wingnut and Screwloose

Two larger sized bugs were produced for the series that were also intended to be vehicles of sorts.


Killer Bee, Needlenose

The regular vehicles had a familiar feel to them, which carried over from the first and second series of figures (1988-1989). While they weren't necessarily things shown in the TV series, they definitely had a feel to them that was solid in the TMNT world.


Sewer Dragster, Turtlecopter, Sewer Party Tube, Sewer Seltzer Cannon, Sewer Army Tube


Psycho Cycle, Oozey, Mutant Module

Playmates introduced a sub-line into the series known as Wacky Action. These figures were "motorized" by way of a wind-up mechanism on their backs. Each figure had its own unique "action" when engaged.


Breakfightin' Raphael, Creepy Crawlin' Splinter, Headspinnin' Beebop, Machine Gunnin' Rocksteady, Rock N' Rollin' Michaelangelo


Sewer Swimmin' Donatello, Slice N' Dice Shredder, Sword Slicin' Leonardo, Wacky Walkin' Mouser

Though part of the Wacky Action line, these related vehicles kept their look and feel of the regular vehicles line.


Sludgemobile, Toilet Taxi

Series four (1991) became the beginning of the end for a lot of Turtle fans, but at the same time continued to rake in enough money that the series continued for several more years. The biggest problem with the toy line would quickly become an overabundance of figures based on the Turtles.

Worse was that the variations seemed to be no more than an excuse to produce figures. From athletes to soldiers to punkers and beyond, Playmates seemed determined to dress the Turtles in any fashion of clothing they could come up with. It was overkill at its best, and the beginning of an oversaturated market of Turtle toys.


Chrome Dome, Dirtbag, Groundchuck, Hose 'Em Down Don, Make My Day Leo, Sergeant Bannans


Space Usagi, Tatoo, Walkabout, Skateboardin' Mike, Wyrm, Zak the Neutrino

With Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in theaters, it was inevitable that figures would be produced - Though surprisingly, not many.

Tokka was produced with both an orange and green shell, though since you cannot see this variation by looking at the front of the package, we have only included a photo of the green shell version.


Rahzar, Super Shredder, Tokka

The first new sub series produced in 1991 was the Headdroppin’ line. The figures were designed to do exactly as they sound like they did, I.E. drop their heads into their shells.


Headdroppin' Leo, Headdroppin' Mike, Headdroppin' Don, Headdroppin' Raph

Mutant Military figures was the second sub-series of 1991. This depicted the Turtles as a particular branch of the military.


Lieutenant Leonardo, Midshipman Mike, Pro Pilot Don, Raph the Green Teen Beret

Rock'n Rollin' Turtles was the third sub-series of 1991. These figures depicted the Turtles in music genre appropriate garb.


Classic Rocker Leo, Heavy Metal Raph, Punker Don, Rappin' Mike

Sewer Sports All-Star Turtles was the fourth sub-series of 1991. These figures depicted the Turtles in various sports related gear.

While some collector's consider the prior mentioned Skateboardin' Mike to be a part of this line, you can see from the design of the two cards that it really isn't.

The line consisted of two sets, three with red boarders, and three with yellow for a total of six figures.


Shell Slammin' Mike, Grand Slammin' Raph, Shell Kickin' Raph, Slap Shot Leo, TD Tossin' Leo, Slam Dunkin' Don

Storage Shell Turtles was the fifth sub-series of 1991. It consisted of the four basic Turtle figures with a unique twist. Their shells could be open to reveal a storage area for their accessories which came packed in with each figure.


Storage Shell Leonard, Storage Shell Michaelangelo, Storage Shell Dontalleo, Storage Shell Raphael

Talking toys were a major attraction for children of the early 90's. Thus, the sixth sub-series of 1991, Talkin' Turtles were a huge success.


Talkin' Leonardo, Talkin' Michaelangelo, Talkin' Dontaello, Talkin' Raphael

If one thing was consistent with the Turtles toys, it was the vehicles. Much like the prior year, it stayed on par with the overall look and feel that fans had come to expect from the series.

In fact, two of the vehicles were so similar, that they just threw the Roman numeral II at the end of the name.


Turtle Blimp II, Cheapskate II, Leo's Turtle Trike, Raph's Turtle Dragster, Rocksteady's Pogocopter

Halfway through the release of vehicles, the boxes were redesigned (of sorts) to now show a much nicer image. Rather than depict a cartoony look, they now had a fantastic painted look to them.


Don's Kookie Carnival Card, Leo's Jolly Turtle Tugboat, Ninja Newscycle, Shreddermobile, Shell Top 4X4


Sewer Sub, Turtle Tank

It's important to note a couple aspects of the vehicles for 1991. For starters, the Sewer Sub and Turtle Tank have box variations. The ones not shown contain the same artwork, but a blue stripe with white stars around the edges.

Second, while the majority of the vehicles don't say so, there are some that are put of the various sub-series of figures. These are as follows;

Don's Kookie Carnival Car (Wacky Action)
Leo's Jolly Turtle Tugboat (Wacky Action)
Rocksteady's Pogocopter (Mutant Military)
Sewer Sub (Mutant Military)
Turtle Tank (Mutant Military)

Beyond that, the rest of the vehicles are considered to be part of the main toy line.

The Turtle line was definitely growing. The toys for 1990 and 1991 far outweighed the amount produced in the first two years, and each subsequent line would seem to only get bigger and bigger. We'll definitely be back to visit the Turtles again in the near future, but until then, thanks for reading.

Join us next time when we take a look at Batman: Mask of the Phantasm!

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 1988 and 1989 (Playmates Toys)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Playmates Toys
1988 - 1989

If ever there was a cartoon (key word cartoon) that inspired and shaped me through my youth it was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As a child, I always knew that I wanted to be a comic book artist when I grew up. The TMNT show (and eventually the comic) became such an inspiration to me art wise that as the years went by, my goal was to eventually send a portfolio to Mirage Comics (the company where the series was created) and hope like hell that mine out of the hundreds of other portfolios they saw in a day would be stand out. Sadly, this dream got derailed when a couple years after I graduated high school the company went bankrupt and closed down.

But, enough about dreams lost. We're going to take a look at the first two series of action figures in the TMNT world. We're only doing the first two series for a couple reasons. First, they're the only two from the eighties, and second, they're the only two that are actually decent.


While it was already a comic book by the time the cartoons began airing, it wasn't well known for its time, and only had a small following. While you would think that having a highly successful animated show that aired daily would change this, it didn't. This was most likely due to the major differences between the two.

In the show, the four turtles led quirky lives full of (at the time) hip phrases as they battled crazy looking characters from Dimension X. On the other hand, while the comic book had a few of these characters, they were not represented in the same way. The comic had way more edge to it and featured a lot of violence for its time.

In 1988 Playmates was awarded the ability to produce a line of action figures to the highly popular TV series. The set included ten action figures that were accompanied with six vehicles. One being the highly sought after Technodrome.

The series included the following figures; Donatello, Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Splinter, April O'Neil, Shredder, Foot Soldier, Rocksteady and Beebop.

***UPDATE***

Reader Matt K. asks an excellent question pertaining to the series.  He asks, "What's the deal with the soft heads vs. hard heads?"

To answer, the soft heads (or squishy heads) are from the very first production run of the series, and were only used for eight of the figures - The Four Turtles, Splinter, Shredder, Beebop and Rocksteady.  This was done by Playmates Toys as a cost cutting measure.  While Playmates was eager to produce a line based on the series, they weren't yet convinced that it would be successful.

When the line found immediate success in toy isles, Playmates stepped up the production value by making the hard plastic heads.

The soft heads are incredibly rare, especially carded, and thus come at a higher asking price.

The vehicles and playsets were; Technodrome, Foot Knucklehead, Turtle Party Wagon, Turtle Blimp, Turtle Trooper, Party Wagon and Cheapskate.

The biggest complaint from kids was the awful decision on Playmates part to package the weapons in the same fashion that they came off the assembly line. Meaning, they were all attached in a rectangular plastic mold (like model pieces), and were difficult to get apart without breaking. Not only were the weapons very fragile, but if one was lucky enough to separate them without any damage, there was still the problem of pointy and/or sharp edges due to remaining plastic bits. Sadly this manufacturing decision didn't change for a while in the series.

By series two in 1989, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a household name. Halloween saw several young turtles going from house to house as costumes became available, as well as a new comic series which was produced by Archie comics and geared more to resemble the show.

The second series of figures included mainly second stream characters, but still managed to kick out a few villainous main characters.

Series two included the following ten action figures; Casey Jones, Usagi Yojimbo, Ace Duck, Genghis Frog, Krang, Baxter Stockman, General Tragg, Metalhead, Leatherhead, and Rat King.

They were released simultaneously with the following seven vehicles and playsets; Turtlecycle, Retrocatapult, Flushomatic with (sold seperately) Retromuagen Ooze, Double Barreled Plunger Gun, Turtle Pizza Thrower, Footcruiser, and Sewer Playset.




TMNT went off the air long before the actual toy line ended in 1997. The ongoing popularity of the toy line was due in part by the three movies that hit theaters throughout the 90's as well as a brief stint at Pizza Hut (Coming Out Of Their Shells), syndication of the original series, and eventually a new series where a female turtle was added to the group as a new lead character.

However, this doesn't mean that they toys being produced were actually any good. Each series that followed the last seemed to be an excuse to make multiple versions of the turtles with different themes to them. Whether it was sports players, dinosaurs, transforming or other various carnations, the creativeness of the series was certainly gone.

Like so many toy lines before it, Playmates attempted a revival of the series by re-releasing the original first series again in stores with the same packaging back in the early new millennium. This in turn helped spawn interest in the series again, which led to the eventual new movie released in 2007 as well as several more toys that continue to be released today. The TMNT franchise also got another boost when Image Comics purchased the rights to the series and began producing a new (horrible) comic book series.

Playmates may have lost sight a long time ago of what made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the still going pop culture that it is, but despite this, the series created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Larid over twenty years ago continues to etch its name in stone making it a series that has spread across two generations of fans - a feat not easily achieved.

Check back next time when we take a look at a series that was a hell of a lot larger than I thought possible. Considered the "Poor Man's Transformers", they somehow managed to not only be of better quality, but also be available at a much cheaper price. I'm talking about GoBots of course. See you then!

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