Quick Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) - "Comic Book" Editions of the Four
 

Hey guys, I recently bought these figures, and thought I'd post a brief feedback thread here.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) - "Comic Book" Editions - All Four Turtles:



I had missed the Neca TMNT Turtles done similarly, so I really wanted these figures. I'm actually a bit more of a fan of the comics than anything, despite entering into an interest initially through the cartoon as a kid. These versions of the Turtles resonate with me the most, and as such, I at least wanted a good set to represent them to go along with my collection of TMNT figures.

The Good:

Representation - This is the strongest area of these figures, as the look is absolutely nailed. They're not 100% "comic book" either, and that's a good thing, as they are a slight combination of both the comic book and elements from the cartoon. There have been many interpretations of the Turtles in the comics, yet these somehow do an excellent job of mixing everything and just getting it right.

Each one has its respective weapon, as you'd expect. They are also different enough from each other to be different while sporting the same red bandana from the comics.

Posability - Playmates is certainly no expert in this category, but these figures are only sliglty less poseable than their cartoon Nickelodeon counterparts. For me, one of my gripes with Playmates has always been the lack of leg poseability - these figures have that.

Packaging - It's a really nice mix of the current Nick show yet different enough from the show to jump out to the comic book fans of old. The collectors cards included are a nice bonus. These look really great in the package as well, for the sealed collector.


The Bad:

Detailing - This one area is going to be the breaking point for me. Your mileage may vary here, but while I appreciate the attention to detailing to even include "comic book" styled crosshatching, the failure here is that it should have been regulated to paint applications instead of actually sculpting it into the figures themselves. As such, the figures come across like they've been ran through a lawn mower.

As such, I've come to the point that I'm either going to keep these in the package or see about selling them (and if you're reading this and find yourself interested, feel free to pm here, as I'd basically just like cost+shipping).


Overall: If you're for a fun representation of your favorite heroes in the half shell with the flavor from the Mirage comics, these may just be your thing. However, if detailing is more your flair, you may be in the same boat I'm in and simply want something more, as springing for the Neca set that came out a few years ago may be more up your alley. Or your sewer. Cowabunga and stuff :)

I was going to get these at first, instead of NECA bootlegs, til I saw them in store. They were more like the Image TMNT rather than the old Eastman laird versions, so I opted to get the bootlegs, and actually saved $5!