October 2002 - Playmates Toys has a released a list of answers to popular questions about their relaunch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure series.
Why bring back the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was such a huge success in the late 80's and early 90's that Mirage, Playmates and 4Kids Entertainment felt that there was a whole new generation of kids ready to embrace the unique story of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo. The play patterns and imaginations of kids are no different today from what they were a dozen years ago, and therefore, the Ninja turtle magic should enthrall kids once again.
How will the TMNT figures be different from the originals?
The new Turtle figures are completely different than the previous ones. They are larger (approximately 5" tall), have increased articulation, unique materials and phenomenal sculpting. They will also come with their own signature weapons as well as personalized action features.
When will the action figures ship?
Playmates will start shipping in December for product to be on the shelf by January 2003.
What will be available in the first wave of action figures?
The first wave of figures will include: Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Splinter, Foot Ninja, and The Shredder.
What size and articulation will the figures have?
The size of the action figures is approximately 5" with articulation at the neck, shoulders, biceps, wrist, thigh and knees.
What features and accessories will come with the figures?
There are lots of cool accessories ranging from suction cup ninja claws (so you can have your Turtle hanging off the refrigerator) to Ninja rappel lines (that let your Turtle climb up a vertical surface... fast)!
Are there any playsets or vehicles planned?
Playmates will launch 3 vehicles - the Shell-Cycle (a cool Turtle motorcycle), the Sewer-Slider (a sewer tunnel transport that changes into a hover craft) and the Battle Shell (a refurbished Armored car that sewers as the Turtles mobile HQ).
When will Playmates release the second and third waves?
Playmates will release new figures in April 2003 and refresh the toy line every few months thereafter.
What will the new toys be based on?
The new toys will be based on the all-new animated TMNT TV series being produced by 4Kids Entertainment and Mirage Studios for broadcast on Saturday mornings on The Fox Box (Fox network) starting in February 2003.
What is the overall theme of the new relaunch?
The theme is based on the original storyline of the comic books. Lots of action, darker in tone, more sophisticated story arcs, but still with a lot of the trademark Turtle-humor and antics mixed in.
Anything planned for the collectors?
The collectors will love the new figures because they are true to the story and to the show. They will also love the fact that even before the show begins, Playmates is releasing a 12" cold cast sculpture (the first of 4) of Leonardo, based on the artwork from the original Mirage Studios comic book series.
