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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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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem
BlogMovie / TMNT Movies

Seth Rogan’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Will Hit Theaters This August

by Justin Bozung
written by Justin Bozung

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Seth Rogan Movie Coming

The Paramount Studios / Seth Rogan Production: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will feature an all-star cast: Jackie Chan, Seth Rogan, John Cena, Ice Cube, Hannibal Buress, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, and Post Malone.

Watch the newly-released trailer down below.

It’s been 3 days since Seth Rogen walked out onto the stage at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and announced the cast for his upcoming Turtles reboot, but the internet still hasn’t calmed down about it yet.

Scheduled to hit theaters August 4th, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem finds our favorite 4 sewer-dwelling, pizza-loving heroes in a half shell Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael with their sights set on keeping New York City safe from the antics of Bebop and Rocksteady, but also on finding acceptance from those above whom they protect.

What will make this new TMNT movie stand out from those that have come before it, will be the big screen introduction of such well-known origin story/mythology/1980s animated TV series characters as “Genghis Frog,” “Leatherhead,” “Wingnut,” “Cynthia Utrom,” “Ray Millet,” and “Mondo Gecko,” but also the insane cast of big names attached.

  • Splinter: Jackie Chan
  • Donatello: Micah Abbey
  • Michelangelo: Shannon Brown Jr.
  • Leonard: Nicholas Cantu
  • Raphael: Brady Noon
  • Bebop: Seth Rogan
  • Rocksteady: John Cena
  • April O’Neil: Ayo Edebiri
  • Genghis Frog: Hannibal Buress
  • Leatherhead: Rose Byrne
  • Superfly: Ice Cube
  • Wingnut: Natasie Demetrious
  • Baxter Stockman: Giancarlo Esposito
  • Ray Millet: Post Malone
  • Mondo Gecko: Paul Rudd
  • Cynthia Utrom: Maya Rudolph

With Rogan at the helm of this new movie, Turtles fans will likely get to see a much better film than those previously brought to the big screen by director/producer, Michael Bay.  

And judging from the recent statement by the President of Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation, Ramsey Naito, the studio itself might be thinking the exact same thing: 

“We are beyond thrilled by this world-class cast we’ve assembled to bring these iconic, beloved characters to life in a new chapter of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. This really sets a new bar for this globally celebrated franchise, and we can’t wait to show audiences this film.

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Character ProfileFandom

Facts about Donatello!

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

Donatello won our favorite toy bracket fan vote.

He also won the Nintendo Splatfest event. So, Donatello must be the favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle!

I lived my life thinking he was the outcast. When we held the bracket I never thought he would win! But the underdog came out on top, and I shouldn’t be surprised. He’s the best one to play in Turtles in Time, and the culture has shifted to the nerds taking over the world. It took a while, but Donatello’s genius has finally paid off! He is the world’s favorite turtle! Let’s take a closer look at the turtle who makes wearing purple look cool!

He is co-creator Peter Laird’s favorite Turtle.

In the first issue of the Mirage Comics, he is the one that killed the Shredder. Leonardo dealt the blow that left him beaten. Leo told him to commit seppuku, and he refused by pulling out a grenade. Thinking fast, Donatello threw his bo staff and knocked Shredder and his grenade off the roof, killing their first villain.

Image from: Mirage Comics

In the Image Comics incarnation of the TMNT, he becomes a cyborg after his body is partially destroyed after he’s shot and dropped out of a helicopter. He was constantly at risk of losing his mind to the cyborg half, but keeps a positive attitude about it.

Image from: Image Comics

In the Archie comics, he is chosen by a group of aliens known as the Sons of Silence to share their wisdom.

He was one of the few who could telepathically communicate with them. Donatello was almost a pacifist, detesting every time he used violence.

In the 2012 series, Donnie is voiced by Rob Paulsen.

Rob Paulsen is the voice of Raphael in the 1987 animated series. He will continue to have a major role in the new series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as Voice Director.

The first film plays up the relationship between him and Casey Jones. In most other versions, Raphael, not Donatello, is closest to Casey.

In the 1987 cartoon, he is responsible for creating all of the Ninja Turtles vehicles.

In the 2007 film, Donatello is named the leader by Master Splinter.

Raph is angry that Donatello is named leader instead of himself while Leo is away. Donatello is angry that Raphael isn’t pulling his weight. Donatello runs an IT tech support line to earn money for the family. 

Corey Feldman voiced Donatello in the original movie, as well as Ninja Turtles 3.

Corey stepped away from the second movie due to his stay in rehab. He returned to the TMNT franchise to voice Slash in the 2012 cartoon series, rejoining Goonies co-star Sean Astin, the voice of Raphael.

In the 2014 and 2016 live action films, Donatello’s face was based on Leonard Nimoy.

 

The hi-tech goggles Donatello wears are based on the Turtle Vision Goggles from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the 2003 cartoon series. The Ooze Specks are from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2012 cartoon.

In the IDW series, in issue #44 he is (nearly) killed by Bebop and Rocksteady.

 

His consciousness is, luckily, transferred in to the robot, Metalhead. (Editors note- This run in the series, and really the entire IDW series, is fantastic.)

In the video games based on the 1987 animated series, Donatello has the longest range. Leonardo has the second longest range and does the most damage. However, in the first NES game, Donatello did the most damage and had the longest range, though his attacks were slow.

The back of his card from the original 1988 toy reads-

The Turtles’ Creative Genius

Vital Tortistics

Weapons: Bo (Staff), Turtle Fist Daggers, Ninja Stars, Kama
Birthplace: Joe’s Pet Place, Slowklahoma
Height: 4′ on two legs
Weight: 145 lbs.
Age: 15
Shell: Hard as tank armor

Donatello is the best idea Turtle you’ll ever find. He’s the brains of the group and the designer of the Turtle vehicles. Rather than use his bo or brawn, Donatello would prefer inventing some device or clever apparatus to foil the foe. Still, Don’s one powerful reptile with his staff, which enables him to parry, vault and crush! Even Don gets “Turtle-sized” pleasure in stomping the Foot.

After a tough battle, Don relaxes by watching programs on his own invention – turtlevision.

 

 

 

 

 

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Action FigureBlogFandom

Vote for your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy!

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

It was always hard to pick just 1 Ninja Turtles toy.

How could I? They were all weird and cool. My parents were great and I didn’t have to settle on one toy, thankfully! But what was your favorite? Which toy was the best and made all your friends jealous? I wish I had the Technodrome still! But we want to know what YOUR favorite toy was! This is only including the first two waves from 1988 and 1989.

The toys and show was a smash hit, but it almost never happened! Playmates would only consider making the toys if a television deal were acquired. A 5 episode mini-series was ordered. It aired in December 1987 and had to air 3 times before people caught on!

Before this, Playmates sold mostly dolls and plastic playsets. But they were looking to get in to the Action Figure market, so it was a perfect fit. In the first 4 years of being sold, the Ninja Turtles line made $1.1 billion dollars!

Of all those toys sold, we want to know which was your favorite! It’s a single elimination bracket, so you don’t have to choose out of all of them.

Check out the first round!

If you can’t remember what they look like,

or even if you’ve never seen them before but still want to vote, check out what they looked like below!

Leonardo  Raphael  Donatello  Michelangelo  April O’Neil  Shredder  Foot Soldier  Bebop  Rocksteady  Splinter

Ace Duck  Genghis Frog  Casey Jones  Metalhead  Usagi Yojimbo  General Tragg  Rat King  Leatherhead Baxter Stockman  Krang

Vote for your favorite in each group in the survey below. We’ll narrow it down over the next few weeks.

There are some big matchups ahead! Can Leatherhead take out both Donatello and Shredder in the first round? Casey jones versus Bebop?! It’s already hard to pick for your favorite. Maybe April and Leonardo will split the vote so General Tragg can pull off an upset victory.

I have my favorite that I hope wins (Metalhead!) but don’t let that sway you!

 

Create your own user feedback survey

You have until Saturday, April 14 at 11:59 to vote.

 

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BlogMovie / TMNT MoviesNewsUncategorized

Celebrating the 28th Anniversary of the release of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

by Kyle Tobey
written by Kyle Tobey

I still have a scar on my index finger from when I was young. I threw my talking Mickey Mouse plush into my framed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles poster. It’s the one where all 4 of the turtles lift the sewer lid. The glass shatters, my tiny hand cuts open, and they put stitches in my fingers. I was 4 when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was first released in theaters. It came out 28 years ago today. Since its release in 1990, certain things stay with me now in to my 30’s. Including scars.

To celebrate the 28th Anniversary of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I decided to rewatch it. The movie deserves to be celebrated. It’s incredible that the movie was ever made! It was turned down by every major studio, but it’s release, it became the highest grossing independent film of all time.

I knew there was only 1 way to celebrate, so shout out to Slice, my local pizza place for making this happen!!!

Here are 90 thoughts I had while rewatching the 1990 release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

1- I can’t believe I was only 4 when this came out. I remember it SO well!

2- New Yorkers have always look down at something. In the 90’s it’s newspapers.

3- Sid Vicious shirts in the 90’s mean you’re up to no good.

4- It’s New York City so no one thinks twice about the Foot Clan in a baby van. Yeesh.

5- Burger King Promotion!

6- April works for Channel 3 in this version.

7- She wears a  yellow raincoat, but this is the only time she wears yellow. Most other times she wears red.

Only time in the movie she’s in yellow.

8- Rats don’t phase New Yorkers, April! You quietly scream on the inside when one runs over your feet.

9- Raph glimpsing out from the sewer is still awesome.

10- The soundtrack is very 90’s. The end song is called “T-U-R-T-L-E Power!” by Partners in Kryme and oh my god. There’s a music video. Oh my god.

11- My fiancee says, “It stands out that it wasn’t put out by a big studio.”

12- Donatello- “Bossanova.” Oh, Donnie. You aren’t.

13- Raph said, “DAMN!”

14- I’m glad Raph calls it a sai. If he didn’t I’m not sure I would ever know what his weapon is.

15- Until this point, I called it a “weird fork.”

16- The turtles and all the puppetry is incredible. And still holds up.

17- A guy in a bulky turtle costume can fight.

18- And dance.

19- And skateboard.

20- “122 and an 1/8th.” I need to find this intersection.

21- Michelangelo is a born and raised New Yorker. He would never order Domino’s.

22- Then again… it’s only $10.

23- Raphael saw Critters. I don’t remember this one at all!

24- They were at Central Park West and 61st.

25- Casey Jones just tried to kill that guy with a golf club.

26- Raph is right about the Jose Canseco bat.

27- Casey Jones hates Punkers. Casey Jones is small minded in this movie.

28- I started saying “Whiffer” all the time after seeing this.

29- The cab driver is pretty accurate.

30- Raph Swears again!

31- I get that its a character thing, but if Splinter talked faster this movie would be half as long.

32- April’s place is at Bleeker & 11th.

33- When April’s boss says “He sticks his head in those things!” and it’s just headphones.

34- The Ninja Turtles have 1 black and white TV they found, while Shredder has like 19.

35- So it’s not like Shredder threw a knife at his only TV.

36- Danny got arrested real fast. Like, impressively quick.

37- The newspaper headline says “It’s Worse!”

38- April just misses her train. At like 3 am. That super sucks.

39- The first fight is at the City Hall train stop. Today, this would be off the N,R,W trains.

40- Hey, Raph got his Sai back! This plot is airtight guys!

41- It’s impressive how this was shot. In this scene there’s a closeup of Splinter’s leg while his face is in the mirror.

42- April freaking out is the only appropriate response to seeing the turtles and Splinter so far.

43- Origin story time!

44- I always wondered why the film looked so different in this scene.

45- Here we learn the Turtles are 15 years old!

46- The baby turtles look so bizarre.

Home movies

47- Their first word was “Pizza!”

48- “Radical” is a very advanced word for baby turtles.

49- Splinter names them in this version. There is still no explanation of his love of art.

50- April’s antique store is called “2nd Time Around Antiques & More”

It was also called this in the comics.

51- When I was younger I still hadn’t seen Rocky, so I didn’t get the impressions.

52- The Foot Clan broke in with a circle shaped hole in the door?

53- Angry Raph always gives me chills

54- Judith Hoag is a great April. She looks like the April from the original comics.

 

 

 

 

 

55- Danny wears eyeliner in his mugshot?

56- Why would they have a Danny and Donnie? It gets confusing. Name Danny anything else!

57- Anthony. Name him Anthony.

58- Is this really the only shirt that Anthony owns?

59- Anthony runs into the Bleeker St. Uptown 6 train station.

60- Featuring Oscar winner Sam Rockwell.

From this to Oscar winner? Definitely the most improved foot soldier!

61- A guy is gust playing Bass. He’s bad news.

62- The Foot Clan headquarters is a shanty town in “Ready Player One.”

63- Shredder looks surprisingly awesome in this.

64- He has metallic zebra pattern shoulder pads.

65- It’s cooler than it sounds.

66- Why is Charles always in April’s apartment. He needs to back off an live his life.

67- Especially if he’s willing to fire her.

68- She’s a reporter! Why silence her?!

69- Ugh, Anthony sucks so hard.

70- I like that Mikey and Donnie have a thing for when someone fights. “Let’s go!”

71- Now that I’m older, I want a sequel where the “Tortoise and the Hare” is a prequel to Usagi Yojimbo.

72- Raphael says “Damn!” again, but his voice cracks.

73- April must be super rich to afford 2 rents in the city of that size.

74- And a skylight!

75- I always love the scene with the nunchuckery between Mikey and the Foot Soldier.

76- The music cues are really good at heightening the tension!

77- Moonlighting is another reference I get now!

78- I would chop a carrot with a sword too if I had one, Casey.

79- Casey is way too aggro with April and everyone!

80- I love that by this point in the movie, everyone is so invested that we can take a Splinter “Jedi” scene with the 4 turtles around a campfire completely seriously.

81- The farmhouse is REALLY far from the city.

82- This is probably the most accurate representation of the comics so far, only because they pulled the farmhouse story right out of the books.

83- Ugh. Danny/Anthony is given nice art a gift and he just folds it and puts it in his pocket. Ungrateful.

84- As ninjas, they don’t master silence. It’s always “Hiyaah! Yaaaah!”

85- The end fight is on the only abandoned block in all NY.

86- Casey casually crushes the Shredder to death with an “Oops!”

87- Good for you, April! Get that raise!

88- I love the easter egg, “go to the East warehouse in the Lairdman Islands.”

89- Splinter ends it all with a “Cowabunga!”

90- The movie still holds up!

The movie really holds up. It’s a bit silly at times, but by the end it’s totally not weird to be crying for 4 turtles losing their father figure rat. I love this movie, and always have a reminder of it as a scar on my finger.

 

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