Shell out for these.
Whether you remember them as the Hero Turtles or the Ninja Turtles, there's no doubt that Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donetello are more than just dead painters to the last few generations of children. Its been exactly 20 years since we got to grips with the pizza hungry fab four in action figure mode, so we leapt at the chance to shout COWABUNGA all over again.
The last time we tore open the
packaging of a Ninja Turtle (in our day – the distant past known as
the 1990s – they were 'heroes' not 'ninjas') the crime fighting
amphibians were hot off a successful comic book run and follow-up
(and toned-down) cartoon series. These days, after two decades of
reboots, several films, many toy spin-offs and a recent blockbuster
animated film, the Turtles are blasting their way into the cerebral
cortex of our children via Nickelodeon. Of course a cartoon TV series
MUST have a new range of toys.
The mutant sewer boys have had a slight
makeover since we played with them last, with the overall styling
shifting more to a recognisable Japanese Manga look. The boys
themselves are skinnier, paler green and the front shells are flatter
and less detailed compared to what we've seen before. Their
expressions are all a bite sneery, quite unlike the cocky lovable
rogues that they come across as on screen. Still, the toys themselves
are well put together and should withstand several hundred run-ins
with Shredder. More on him later.
Each of the four come with their
traditional weapons (name them all now – go!) although we were a
bit disappointed that they were quite flimsy and not individually
painted or detailed. Michelangelo's nunchunks – or rather
kusarigama – seemed like the plastic 'chain' might soon snap, and
Donetello's bow staff was a bit short. Still, the weapons fitted the
three fingered hands well and stayed there during our raucous play
fights. What also stayed in place were the positions we put the
turtles into, with the many points of articulation moving freely but
firmly. We just wish the boys had pupils – looking into those blank
white eyes was a bit unnerving, especially considering how animated
and emotive they are on TV.
 |
| Kraang. Jesus Christ. |
The bad guys have had quite a
re-branding it seems. Shredder now looks like an actual bad-ass, with
bloated muscles, wide chest and pointy blades. We remember the 90s
Shredder as being a bit of a weed, with fabric cape and crap helmet.
Also given the Manga once-over is Kraang, the brain-like alien in a
robotic body. He actually looks frightening now, with his robot being
less of a stumbling oaf and more a wicked looking cylon. The revamped
Foot Soldier also looks oddly robotic, with wide staring eyes and out
of proportion limbs. Still, I reckon Raph could kick the poo out of
it.
Joining the Turtles on their adventure
on your bedroom carpet is Master Splinter, the Yoda of the mutated
giant rat genre. Splinter seems less decrepit as he has been
previously, and certainly more oriental in appearance. Also available
(but why you'd want her, we can't guess) is a completely out of place
looking April O'Neil. No longer the tough-talking, quick thinking
journalist of the old series, this new figures seems more like one of
Ben 10's ex-girlfriends that has wondered onto the set and been
photographed with the turtles. Still, I'm sure the girls will like
her. Girls that weren't invited to any of our awesome birthday
parties.
 |
| April O'Neil. Seriously, why bother? |
All in the all, we really like the new
look turtles. The revamp is a pleasing one, the toys are well made
and the packaging is pleasing to the eye – a valid consideration to
anyone who might be keeping the boys wrapped up for the future.
Grab a slice of pizza and we'll meet
you in the sewers. Bring sanitiser.
£7.49 each
Visit www.playmatestoys.com
