New York's American International Toy Fair February 13, 2013
Turtle Power! As someone who watched the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on TV in the 1980s and eagerly awaited the miniseries' return as a full series, and their appearance in toy stores, it's weird to think they're back again. The line is supposedly a ridiculous hit, and was one of only two Playmates brands shown in their 2013 showroom. The other was a line of dolls for young girls. While Hasbro, as a large company, seems distracted by multiple licenses, focuses, and brand overload it seems Playmates is lavishing all of its love on the green teen right now.
For older fans (like me) the big news is that Bebop and Rocksteady are both being added to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classics, which will experience a second lease on life this summer. The first four Turtles from last year will be reissued, and there are plans for more figures in this line depending on how these two do. It was also hinted that "classics" could encompass more beyond new versions of cartoon/toy figures and may extend to the Turtles in other media. So chew on that for a bit. Oh, and Bebop and Rocksteady will have slightly less articulation per figure than the Turtles - about 30 points per, as they lack things like articulated toes. No big deal, really.
Images - More 16bit.com Toy Fair 2013 Coverage and Pictures Below
New 11-inch turtles include the gorgeous Battle Shell figures, which have opening backs that can store their gear. This will also be in the 5-inch figure line. (Sure, we had the gimmick in the 1990s but it was a good one.) New 5-inch characters will include Leatherhead, Shredder with a removable mask, Baxter Stockman, plus new versions of Leo, Mike, and the rest. A Remote Control Shellraiser will follow-up last year's sold-out vehicle, and the Sewer Lair Playset will get a wide release after being exclusive to Toys R Us last year. Several vehicles were shown without names, include a Manta Ray-inspired jetski, numerous bikes and trikes, and some sort of boat with a Coleman cooler strapped to the back.
Video - Playmates Toys TMNT Showroom
The roleplay line will continue with shell backpacks, face masks, more weapons and an Interactive Turtle-Comm which had about a dozen sayings. Basically the turtles are inviting you to hang out and go on some non-specific mission. It's kind of creepy.
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