Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Raphael!

I haven’t bought anything Ninja Turtles related for a billion years. The original comic series inspired me greatly as young teenager and became a gateway to a host of independent comics and fostered the crazy dream that anyone with a good idea could become a multi-millionaire. Then I suffered the kidified cartoons and merchandise that ultimately made me feel embarrassed for liking the comics in the first place. And then I left turtles, forgetting why they were so formative in the first place.

I collect a lot of crap that reminds me of my childhood. I have shelves of Star Wars and the odd Batman. But I’ve never gone back to turtles. They’ve produced nothing of interest for me. It became a kid’s thing with little of interest for an adult fan. At least until now...

When Playmates first announced their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection there was a lot of positive buzz online but I wasn’t feeling it. They’re closer to the cartoon appearance than the comics and didn’t hold any interest. Until I saw them on the shelves. Wait... they’re bigger than the original figures? They have... what?! 34 POINTS of articulation?! And that packaging is pretty nostalgic... And that sculpt is actually pretty fun... Oh god!... It’s... happening... again...

I needed a Raphael for my shelf. And to find out just why these are so great... join me after the jump!

So yeah, the packaging stirs some memories, but the most surprising thing for me was that it’s really quite big. However, turn it around and it opens old wounds...

There’s that hideous cartoon art, along with a whole bunch of obnoxious “dudes” and “cowabungas”. Look, I appreciate that, for many of you, the cartoon version was the only one you knew, and you thought it was great. I respect that. You’re wrong, but I respect that. Watch it now. Does it hold up? In the comics they were badass ninjas. In the cartoon they were loud, abrasive turds. A blimp is not a stealth vehicle, folks. Especially one with your logo on the side.

Okay, let’s try to push past all that. I chose Raphael because he is the best. (I will also accept it if your favourite is Donatello). (If your favourite is Leonardo, close the browser now). Here is out of the package...

I do like the proportions here, and there’s something about him that does evoke the comics for me as well. Sure, he has the goofy “R” on his belt (makes laundry day less chaotic I suppose) but he’s generally pretty strong aesthetically. And he’s very well made. High quality materials here and a great paint job. It’s a very solid, vibrant figure. And most figures of this size, and are well-made, and are aimed at adult collectors, cost a lot more than this did. So Playmates have done very well to make this work.

Here’s his shell...

Now you know.

But the mind blowing thing about this guy which makes him a must-have for me is the crazily extensive articulation. Seriously, what is happening here...

Individually articulated fingers?

Individually articulated toes?

ARE YOU INSANE?

Plus, of course, he has plenty of articulation packed into his arms, legs and even his turtle chest meaning that there is a huge range of poses that you can display him in, made easier because of this convenient sewer lid stand...

How can anyone enjoy pizza AND live in a sewer? Pick one or the other. It makes no sense.

So really now all I want to do is show you lots of glamour shots of this guy going nuts in various poses. He’s one of those figures that really does look great from every possible angle. Look at how pleasing this is...

And this...

And this...

The only minor failing here is that the design of his head/neck means that the articulation is kind of limited there. Not a lot of range for his head, which is a shame because he can twist in all directions but not always focus on what he’s doing. But then again, he’s not real. He’s a toy turtle. So who cares.

I guess what I’m trying to get across is just that this line is a surprising amount of fun and should have no problem appealing to turtle fans (current or lapsed) regardless of your TMNT entry point. He’s a good mix of old and new, presented at a quality that defies his price point. Bravo, Playmates, I didn't know you had it in you! My only challenge now is to stop myself from buying the other three!