Everything old is new again. Following in the footsteps of Mattel’s MOTUC and Bandai’s Thundercats Classics, Playmates brings us the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection. They’re basically super-articulated versions of the 1980s cartoon Turtles. They look VERY MOTUC-style. And yes, I’m on board for this line–unlike Thundercats, I actually collected TMNT (…a lot).
No news on a release date yet, but apparently we’ll see more of these at Toy Fair, and there will be a second series.
More pics and the exclusive scoop at MTV Geek. (Thanks to Joe Amaro for the tip!)
Update: On more reflection, I’m less psyched than cautiously optimistic. Playmates tried super-articulation before with their Fightin’ Gear Turtles and the results were mixed; the articulation was plentiful but poorly engineered, especially the articulated fingers which couldn’t hold their weapons tightly. Moreover, I can’t think of a single previous Playmates figure, of any line, that had quality super-articulation. [But feel free to remind me if I’m forgetting something.]
Also in the figure above, the head looks too big and the swords too small. I’ll definitely get a Leonardo–because I always buy Leonardo–but whether I end up wanting the whole line remains to be seen.
Monte
I don't like the cardboard component of the sewer playset, otherwise I have no complaints.
Pete
WHERE IS BAXTER STOCKMAN
VENENOR
Ok, checked out the pics of the others and have some thoughts:
• Donny’s head sculpt is kinda “meh”
• These articulated fingers look questionable. Mikey’s grip (or lack thereof) has me thinking their grip may be lackluster. Here’s hoping for ratcheted joints like Poe mentioned.
• It looks like they took some of the POA execution from the NECA Turtles, mainly the elbow/knee function.
• Raph’s sais look great and the chains for Mikey’s ‘chuks are cool but Leo’s swords are a tad bit short. Especially since these guys aren’t as tall humans I’d think the swords should look even longer, like the swords NECA Leo came with.
• The thighs look kinda thin. If its to increase the range of the legs I understand. Just hoping they won’t be top heavy for the scrawny legs, thankfully the feet are pretty big.
Mark
After seeing all 4, WOW those are amazing, makes the NECA figures look crap.
Mark
I will collect this full line. They look excellent. I was not a fan of the NECA line (poor QC).
Monte
I don't want to oversell anything, but this is the most important post in the history of the internet.
That said, I hope the series proves so successful that they can revisit other looks aside from this animated style. But hoo boy,if the production figures look this good, I am in.
The_Fun_has_been_Doubled
Ooh! Super Poseable Splinter, Shredder, Krang, Rocksteady AND Bebop… Now THAT would be AWESOME!
(If they make 2003 Turtles with this Articulation we could basically have a Turtles Forever display… With the B&W NECA Turtles, of course)
misterbigbo
Though I hated the goofy cartoon turtles and everything Playmates has to date made, I gotta admit that Leo looks nice. And I think the head and swords are okay. However, I will just stick with my NECA’s turtles.
Poe Ghostal
I sincerely hope the fingers are ratcheted. Otherwise those weapons are going to be falling out of their hands constantly.
Newton Gimmick
Pretty sure Playmates did some ratcheted or close snap fingers before.
Also that sword either has a peg to pop into the hand, or those are photoshopped into the hands.
Kevin
These look great. Wont be buying them until Shredder comes out. I'm not gonna get screwed again like with the NECA Turtles or 8" Thundercats and have no villain.
ridureyu
So, if these are "classics," will we be getting updated versions of characters like Scumbug and Wyrm?
Poe Ghostal
I would do unspeakable things for a comic-accurate, super-articulated Ray Fillet.
ridureyu
Muckman and Joe Eyeball, made to current action figure standards.
VENENOR
Man, this has potential for awesomeness. I can’t wait to see what else they have set to reveal. It would be very cool if they come with the rack for the weapons too.
I’ve gotta admit, I’ve been bummed ever since the NECA comic line was canned. This news changes that for the time being. Can’t wait to see Raph.
Poe Ghostal
Dude, follow the MTV Geek link to see Raph.
VENENOR
‘ppreciate the nudge Poe.
Enigma_2099
from the looks of the hands, raph might even be able to do this!
http://www.pspsonywallpaper.com/wp-content/themes…
ero
Yay!! Fantastic news!
Jack Static
Geek news at mtv.com also has an article up about the new nickelodean tmnt line, looks to be 4″ figures…… Te sewer playset is simply breath taking tho…. Its easily four feet in height
Monte
I seriously can't handle all the good news in this thread!
Eric
Oh my gosh!!! I have been talking to my friends about Playmates doing this, for year! That they should take a cue from Mattel and do this. Thus, Playmates did!!! Way to go Playmates and thank you so much. I just hope we see all the different characters that were in the original line. Plus take another cue from Mattel's MOTUC and make more characters. For ex. make all 4 of the frogs and the different colored Foot Solders(from video games and all) and the oterh Rock general(Dont remember his name) I just cant wait to see wants coming!!!!!
Barbecue17
These are really cool! I have definitely been missing buying NInja Turtles from the store for a few years now. (I loved the TMNT movie line.)
It would be nice if these had alternate "cartoon" and original toy heads (w/ appropriate expressions). Any chance these might have some of the cool extra accessories, as well? Throwing stars and the punch dagger that fit in the back of Raph's belt, perhaps.
Battle Catman
Pretty cool. I'm not a big fan of articulated fingers because it can lead to loose grips and dropped weapons, but looking at Leonardo and Michelangelo's hands it looks like the weapons may plug into their palms.
I wish they would have used the expressions from the old figures. Donatello was my favorite because his face was symmetrical (bared teeth on both sides).
Braystreet
Mein Gott! Thank you so much for this news. I've wanted a new TMNT line based off what I know of the Turtles since the last one ended and I just can't believe that they're back in such a fantastic fashion. I just hope the line is enough of a success that we not only get Splinter and April but just some of the general anthropomorphic monsters.
Fengschwing
I eagerly await the imminent release of Rock Lord Classics.
Monte
I salute you.
Mark
I would buy tem, and Gobots. 😀
Rustin Parr
HOLY CRAP!!! That looks phenomenal!!!