Raving Toy Maniac

Fresh From the Sewer, All-New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Return to New York City

Playmates Toys to Unveil New Toy Line Inspired by Nickelodeon's New CG-Animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at American International Toy Fair

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 10, 2012 -- In a totally epic return, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, one of the most popular kids' entertainment brands of the past 25 years, will emerge from the sewers just in time for Toy Fair in New York City, February 12–15, Booth #1829.

Playmates Toys, the driving force behind the global toy sensation for decades, will unveil an incredible new product line consisting of all-new TMNT basic and deluxe action figures, playsets and vehicles as well as Ninja role-play gear. Inspired by Nickelodeon's all-new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, currently in production at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, Calif., the series is set to premiere in Fall 2012. And the excitement is already building...

"The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a phenomenon featuring iconic characters that appealed to all kids," said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. "Now, we are taking the best of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and updating them for a whole new generation. The innovative new toys will allow kids today the opportunity to recreate that unique 'Ninja Turtles' experience. Nobody can resist that unique Turtle blend of humor, action and fun-loving personalities."

"We're excited to continue working with our long-standing partner Playmates on the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line. Playmates understands the property and has helped us reinterpret the toys from a fresh perspective, while staying true to the action and fantasy of this iconic franchise," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Consumer Electronics, Nickelodeon. "The new toys capture the excitement of our new series in a way that fans of all ages can appreciate."

The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series will be funnier and "ninja-ier" than ever before, as Nickelodeon reintroduces the wildly popular band of reptile brothers to a whole new generation of fans. The action comedy explores the camaraderie of four teenage brothers learning to rely on one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and train to become the heroes they're destined to be. Traveling to the surface from their sewer lair home for the first time, the Turtles experience many "firsts," from battling evil denizens to eating their beloved pizza.

Leonardo, the leader of the Turtles, aspires to be the perfect hero around his three smart-aleck brothers. Raphael is the biggest and toughest of the brothers, and has little patience for stealth operations, hiding in the shadows or keeping his voice down. Donatello is the analytical, utterly brilliant team inventor who is able to cobble together fantastic weapons and techy accessories from things scavenged from any city dumpster. And Michelangelo is over-the-top fun, easily distracted and is always trying to get in on the latest fads.

Action Figures

The Action Figures contain more than 12 points of articulation and are the most highly detailed and articulated Turtle figures ever made! Each turtle figure is uniquely sculpted, with heights ranging from 4.25 inches to 4.75 inches, to capture the individual personalities of the characters from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV show. Each Turtle is wearing his signature bandana and comes packed with their two core Ninja weapons and added weapons rack for hours of Ninja playing excitement.

The Deluxe Power Sound FX Figures deliver battle phrases with awesome sound effects, and come to life like never before! Each of the figures stand 5.5 inches tall and features proprietary wire coil activation in the arms and legs that trigger heroic battle phrases, such as "I'm invincible!" and "Hiiiiiiii-yaa!"

The Classic Collection Action Figures reflect the look of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the 1988 TV show. Each Turtle stands 6 inches tall, features more than 30 points of articulation and is authentically detailed to appeal to the true action figure collector.

Vehicles

The Sewer Sinnin' Skateboard is compatible with all the Basic Turtle Action Figures and comes ready to Shred! The skateboard looks just like the one featured in the TV show and includes Ninja Battle Boost technology that allows it to perform over 10 different skateboard tricks.

With the Rippin' Rider, the Turtles can hit the road ready for battle! Compatible with all the Basic Turtle Action Figures, the Rippin' Rider comes complete with classic Turtle details and textures, including chopper front forks, quadruple rear exhaust and a T-shaped headlight to seek out The Foot wherever they are hiding.

A true Ninja needs a stealthy ride with awesome looks and details, and the Ninja Stealth Bike more than delivers! As seen in the TV show and compatible with all the Basic Turtle Action Figures, the vehicle features a textured turtle shell that covers the turtle from head to toe, and to on-lookers from above, makes it look just like the street. But with Ninja Battle Boost technology and the flip of a button, the shell opens, revealing a Ninja Turtle ready for battle! The cycle comes with an exclusive Raphael action figure.

A bad enemy like the dreaded Foot Soldiers need a bad ride, and the Dragon Chopper is a really, really bad ride! As seen in the TV show and compatible with Shredder, the Foot Soldiers and the four Basic Turtle Action Figures, the Dragon Chopper includes Ninja Battle Boost technology. Kids simply push the activation button and watch as the action figure performs a 360 degree flip over the handle bars and lands on its feet, ready for battle! The Dragon Chopper comes with an exclusive Foot Soldier action figure.

When the Turtles need to travel together to take down Shredder and the Foot Clan, they all pile into the Shellraiser. Built to run either on the subway rails or on the busy streets of New York City, the Shellraiser has entrances on the top, in the front and on the side of the car, and can fit up to eight Basic Action Figures inside. The Shellraiser really packs a punch with Ninja Battle Boost technology, including a spring loaded cannon on the top of the car and a side door that automatically opens with the touch of a button and a Turtle flies out, does two 360 degree flips around the bar and destroys whatever enemy is in the way!

Playsets

The ultimate playset for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans, the Secret Sewer Lair Playset is big, and ready for Ninja battle action! This playset will have kids creating their own Lair of excitement as they become the leader of the pack, swinging into action, training the Turtles and defeating Shredder once and for all! Standing 42 inches tall and resembling the Sewer Lair that is home to the Turtles in the TV show, the Secret Sewer Lair includes more than 20 different exciting Ninja features.

Role Play

Do you have what it takes to become a Ninja Turtle? With the Ninja Combat Gear, kids can Turtle up in their favorite Ninja gear to find out! Each set includes the Turtle's authentic noise-making ninja weapon, signature bandana and two throwing stars that will help transform kids into their very own hero in a half shell!

Ever wonder what it would be like to be Leonardo and battle with his fierce Katana Sword? Now you can with Leonardo's Stealth Sword! The fierce Katana Sword looks just like the one from the TV show and delivers the same power, and then some! It includes two modes of play; training and battle mode, and displays awesome light-up effects as kids swing to defeat the enemy mutant!

About Playmates Toys
With a history of over 40 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HEARTS FOR HEARTS GIRLS and WATERBABIES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).