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Chris M. P.

Chris M. P. has a severe debilitating obsession with old Ninja Turtle action figures and comic books. He’s also a Chicago based Production Artist and Comic Editor. He’s thrilled to be apart of the greatest TMNT resource and he never pays full price for late pizza. Checkout his nonsense at ChrisDoesComics.com.

ReviewsToy/Action Figures

Rad Review: TMNT Youtooz Collectables!

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

When it comes to collectables, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and vinyl figures are two categories that show no signs of slowing down. Good for us! Bad for our wallets! But if you find yourself tired of the redundant Funko stylings, there’s a fresh collectable company called Youtooz launched in 2019 that has something for everyone. Whether it be internet memes, South Park, video games, Spongebob Squarepants, The Peanuts, and so many more recognizable properties. 

But I know why you’re here…and that’s for TMNT. And, luckily, Youtooz has us shellheads covered with their line of limited edition vinyl TMNT figures! Youtooz’s TMNT vinyl figures are based off of the beloved 1987 animated series designs and feature our 4 Heroes in a Halfshell as well as that radical rat Master Splinter and the evil Shredder. 

Each vinyl figure stands a little over 4 inches tall and comes in its own unique (color coded) packaging. This, in turn, makes the figures look truly great displayed together in such an alluring colorful way. Upon receiving my TMNT Youtooz, I noticed the difference between them and the familiar Funko Pop! Brand. Though both are aimed at collectors, the Youtooz vinyl figures automatically come in a sturdy plastic case as well as a slick character specific slipcase littered with nice artwork and quotes. They’re not generic in any sense which makes every Youtooz vinyl figure feel unique, as each figure can stand on its own. Each purchase being a little “project” in and of itself. Which is refreshing in the sea of “collect them all!” marketing. 

Yet sometimes we need to free our figures of their protective shells (ha) to be displayed in their raw form. And, luckily, the Youtooz TMNT line look just as good out of the box as they do in them.

The figures are styled with larger heads with Youtooz signature “closed eyes” appearance sitting upon well sculpted detailed bodies. The paint applications are bold and vibrant and the vinyl figures have no problem standing on their own. The TMNT and Shredder are posed for action while Splinter is calm in solitude…as many great ninja masters are. Each Turtle showcases their individual personalities. The alluring colors reek of Saturday Morning cartoons and the figures would fit right in next to a big bowl of colorful sugary cereal. Fresh but nostalgic.  

The Youtooz TMNT vinyl figure line stands out amongst the vast selection of collector vinyl. From the alluring specific packaging to the figures themselves, the higher price tag is warranted when it comes to the quality of these figures. In and out of the box I was thoroughly impressed and happy to add them to my small-ish (yet impressive) TMNT collection. 

Being impressed by these little vinyl collectables just made us look to the future. We’d love to see Bebop and Rocksteady, a Foot Soldier, or April O’Neil. What other TMNT character would you want Youtooz to create for a future release? Comment Below!

These Youtooz vinyl figures are retailing for $29.99 and can be purchased through Youtooz directly. 

Here’s a link to purchase your own set of radical TMNT Youtooz figures sure to be a classic addition to your collection or a great way to start a new one! 

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Movie NewsNews

PREVIEW: TMNT JUNKFOOD MAYHEM!

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

With The Return of our TMNT to Theater this August, Get ready To Shell-a-brate Junkfood Style!

With Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem only months away, the film’s secrecy is now a shattered TGRI canister and all the oozey goodness is glowing all over the proverbial sewer floor. Trailers, toys, apparel, promotions and tie ins are floating to the surface like turtle shells after a fight with The Super Shredder. But we have the scoop on some of the digestible (mostly) merchandise that could be hitting your nearest grocery store and even movie theater!  

Target has delivered the goods in the form of “Turtle Power” gummy pizza. And if the small bite size gummy “personal pans” weren’t enough, they also have a larger gummy pizza offered. I’m not sure if I’d recommend any ninjutsu after downing a couple of these but they sure look colorful and radical. 

If you’re not rushing towards becoming a diabetic just yet, Instagram junkfood savant Markie_devo  unveiled the brand Cakebites is set to release some TMNT themed (flavored?!) snack cakes. The flavors (so far) include a Raphael heavy “Cowabunga Chocolate” as well as an interestingly enticing “Half-Shell Lemonade” flavor. The Cakebites brand could usually be found in the snack cake aisle of any major grocery store, but if you want this in your stomach ASAP, hit their website to find the closest retailer near you. 

If all the sugar is putting you off, we have a more savory snack found in Peatos, which are a cheese-less alternative to traditional cheesy puffs. No “pizza” flavor it seems, as the bags are just adorned with our newest iteration of our beloved Heroes in a Halfshell. Currently, the Sam’s Club website has these listed for sale, though I’m sure the TMNT themed bag will be available wherever these snacks are normally sold. 

The raddest snacks so far, won’t be found in your local grocery store…but instead the local movie theater. Recently, a Reddit user known as u/WorthCampaign5860 posted images of new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem-themed movie theater concession products which include popcorn bags, cups, and cup toppers, all featuring our iconic turtles brothers! Not much is known about the sewer scoop (such as the who and where) although it could be safe to assume that this may be an AMC promotion as they regularly roll these types of tie-in out into their theater. 

Have a tummy ache yet?! What future TMNT Mutant Mayhem tie-ins would you like to see? Pizza promotion? Soda flavors? The return of pudding pies?! Comment below or on social media and let us know, dudes and dudettes! 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:Mutant Mayhem hits theaters August 4th 2023.

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Action FigureBlogReviewsToy/Action Figures

REVIEW: TMNT X Stranger Things Wave 2

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

The Second Wave of 80’s Crossover Nostalgia…Fresh From The Sewers of Hawkins!

With the recent announcement from IDW Publishing about a TMNT/Stranger Things comic crossover coming this summer, Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Stranger Things Upside Down Remix packs that hit stores late last year suddenly doesn’t seem so random as everyone made it out to be. 

The first wave of figures included Leonardo/Eleven and Raphael/Hopper. The newly released second wave includes Mikey/Dustin and Donatello/Lucas. Both Stranger Things and TMNT are no strangers to toy licenses. Besides the absurdity of the crossover, one can see the difference in styling of these toy designs: with our believed Turtles harkening back to Eastman and Laird’s original 1985 Mirage Comic appearances. As for the Stranger Things characters, they sort of walk the line between true likeness and animated stylings. Which, all in all, makes these toys unique in their own right…and a “must-get” for Turtle and Stranger Things fans alike. But I guess that’s the point, isn’t it? 

Compared to the first wave, Lucas and Dustin’s sculpts have a more true-to-form likeness of the actors that portray them on the show. And the details are there, from Dustin’s graphic tee, vest patch and hat to Lucas’s sweet kick and 80’s shorts. 

As for the Mikey and Donnie, not much can be said apart from Raph and Leo from the previous wave. Playmates does a good job at capturing the intimidating look of Eastman and Laird’s ‘85 run (complete with little turtle tails). The Turtles sculpts are solid…yet redundant…mostly because they’re missing the little flairs that make each turtle individuals that were implemented for the animated series. They have their appropriate weapons, scowls, red bandanas, and belts. Skin Tone is the same dark aqua-like green. Great figures for diehards that want a set of Mirage toys that won’t break the bank, but probably confusing to many casual fans. 

What’s overlooked here is the figures overall presentation and included accessories. Both properties have their adorning logos (with TMNT having the original Mirage logo and art) and the packaging needing to be “flipped” to view each character. A great gimmick alluding to Stranger Thing’s “Upside Down” adventures throughout the series. The box also gives a quick synopsis on why this crossover is happening to begin with (besides dollar signs of course):

“The Turtles have tracked TCRI’s latest illegal experiments from NYC to Hawkins, Indiana, where it’s trying to harness the power of the upside down. The half-shell heroes must team up with eleven and her friends to try and stop TCRI’s next experiment before it succeeds.” 

Another overlooked aspect of the figures that actually sounds pretty great for what it is. And we’re hoping that is the basis for the upcoming comic series as well. There’s also a lot of little on theme accessories included with the sets like cassette decks, spray cans, backpacks, 80s tech, and Eggo waffle ninja throwing stars because why not? If I had to go out, it would definitely be by way of a waffle throwing star. 

In conclusion, Playmates toys has been using the Ninja Turtles to crossover in every way they can the past couple years, whether it be with Cobra Kai, Street Fighter, and Stranger Things. They make for interesting collectables. Nostalgic, yet a sign of modern pop culture. The Mirage inspired TMNT figures are great to have for the diehard Turtle fans, and the Stranger Things figures are solid in their own right. There’s a strong chance of overlapping fandoms all things considered and these look great in the box and out.  My only question is will there be a wave 3 in the future? 

Perhaps Mike and Splinter? Max and April? Will and Shredder? Kraang and the Demogorgon? 

Only time will time, dudes and dudettes. Stranger Things have happened. Comment below and let us know if you collect these Playmates TMNT X Stranger Things figures!

The second wave of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Stranger Things Upside Down Remix is exclusive to Target stores and retailing for $39.99. You can also pick up the first wave for a little cheaper if you want all four Turtles.

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Comic Book NewsNews

TMNT & Stranger Things Comic Crossover Announced!

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

The TMNT head to the Upside Down this Summer!

And the only things that can make it more 80’s would be some dense hairspray! IDW publishing confirmed that, this summer, one of the largest properties born out of the 1980s is about to collide with one of the biggest hits of recent years channelling the 1980s. It appears that writer Cameron Chittock and artist Fero Pe are attached to the upcoming series, their surnames listed on the full cover that was shown by IDW Publishing. This remains to be confirmed by either party just yet.

It’s no mystery that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have crossed over with a slew of popular franchises. Three volumes of TMNT/Batman have been published while the second volume of a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers crossover is currently ongoing. Other crossovers have included TMNT/Ghostbusters, TMNT/X-Files, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. Street Fighter (set to be published this year). Not to mention the TMNT crossing over with various multiverses of themselves throughout various forms of media.

Yet this crossover may not come as such a surprise to some shellheads, as Playmates Toys have released TMNT x STRANGER THINGS action figure packs as early as last year…making the team up not as random as it may seem. And with a new wave of TMNT x Stranger Things action figures hitting Target stores this year, the collision shows no signs of stopping just yet. The action figure packs may also give a hint at what the announced comic book series may entail, as the toys read:

 “The Turtles have tracked TCRI’s latest illegal experiments from NYC to Hawkins, Indiana, where it’s trying to harness the power of the upside down. The half-shell heroes must team up with eleven and her friends to try and stop TCRI’s next experiment before it succeeds.” 

While a team up of these properties may seem a bit “random” at first, one may argue that plotline isn’t as preposterous as we thought, in fact, we are actually looking forward to this.

This isn’t Stranger Things first comic rodeo either, as the property isn’t shy in the funny pages. From character focused prequel comics to a crosser over with Dungeons and Dragons, Stranger Things is a property able to entertain in many forms of media. As are our favorite heroes in a halfshell.

So here’s to a fun and interesting summer and hoping we can see Eleven share a slice of pizza with our Turtle brethren and perhaps a Kraang can meet a Demogoron

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Comic BooksReviews

TMNT #131: REVIEW

by Chris M. P.
written by Chris M. P.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #131

Story by Sophie Campbell

Art by Pablo Tunica and Ronda Pattinson 

Published by IDW 

Released July 27th, 2022

The Story So Far: Following Donatello and Alopex’s escape from the clutches of Dr. Barlow, a clash with the Punk Frog gang, and the crash landing of a mysterious Triceraton ship in the heart of Mutant Town, the Splinter Clan retreated to their lair for a much-needed respite. But instead of rest they were met with the urgent invitation to protect the world from an impending apocalypse-an invitation from none other than their old nemesis, the now reformed Oroku Saki.

Shredder and the TMNT: Trusted Alliance or Volcano Ready to Burst?!

After Rat King’s Armageddon Game was teased over a year ago, I truly thought the plot line was MIA. But it has indeed begun and bled into the main TMNT book with issue 131. The idea of this story arc is enticing. The TMNT teaming up with Oruku Saki, learning new techniques, facing inner conflicts as we wind up for the big showdown. A classic warrior’s journey storyline and, while basic, has been sorely missing from the TMNT’s plot. Issue 131 is like Yoda training Luke Skywalker with some Nightmare on Elm Street thrown in for good measure. It’s a solid first chapter in the mainline’s new arc, the only downside being Tunica’s unfinished looking art and Pattinson’s flat colors.   

The Rad!

  • Shredder and the TMNT teamup: Classic characters forever at odds putting them aside for the greater good. Familiar but interesting as we fans have a softspot for ‘ol Shredhead. Eager to see how this plays out.
  • Nightmare on Shell Street: Great nightmare sequences for each warrior preying on their guilty consciences. Also interesting that Leo did not have one! Great character work by Campbell. 
  • Splinter Tease: A spiritual reunion could really make this arc much more special if done correctly. It has been 31 issues since the TMNT have ost their father. And this is comics afterall…nobody is ever truly gone. 

The Bad 

  • Forgettable art direction: Tunica’s artwork this time around seems too digital and soft. Pattinson’s colors are flat and standard. Artwork is not bad by any means, but definitely feels uninspired. I felt the book could’ve added some more confident lines and bolder colorful highlights. 
  • Black Magic: Adding “magic” offense and becoming a mythical ninja is nothing new or bad. But seeing Oroku Saki shoot a fireball from his mouth is an interesting direction. I feel like the final battle will look like something out of Avatar The Last Airbender, and I’m not sure if the TMNT really need that. 

Notes: TMNT #131 is a good step forward in this Armageddon Game arc. I feel Campbell’s character drama could actually benefit the story much more working alongside the Armageddon Game-Opening Moves followed by the main Armageddon Game title. Only (Turtles in) Time will tell!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #131 is available wherever comics are sold! 

 

 

 

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