[TMNT: the bomb]Written by GL
Remember these? Possibly the coolest and realest representations of the ninja-fighting foursome ever. And, there are few of us living today who have never had these mean, green action figures.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures have been produced by the company Playmates Toys since 1988. Responsible for the creation ideas is a company called Mirage Studios. Mirage Studio have provided designs for many of the figures, vehicles, and playsets and are credited on the actual packaging of the products.
The first series of TMNT action figures hit toy shelves a year after the premiere of the cartoon series. This collection initially featured all of the basic characters: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, Splinter, April O'Neil, The Shredder, a Foot Soldier, Bebop, and Rocksteady.
They also featured detailed packaging art with a fully-illustrated origin story and profile on the card's backside. In terms of accessories, many figures included removable belts, cloth clothing, and an arsenal of small ninja weapons aside from their signature weapons. The earliest produced figures also featured softer, rubbery heads rather than the solid plastic used in later production.
[Packaging: remember those awesome back-cards?]The TMNT toyline found quick popularity and expanded into a vast array of characters, including heroes like Casey Jones, Ace Duck and Fugitoid as well as villains like Krang, Baxter Stockman, and General Traag.
Playmates saw through the release of various signature accessories like the Turtle Party Wagon, Turtle Blimp, Shredder's Technodrome playset, and much more.
[The Party Wagon: I had this! Wow!]How could anyone forget them - these fellas made being young and being a ninja cooler than going to school and learning stuff. Cowabunga, bless them!
