Playmates' 25th Anniversary Plans

[Ninjinister]

COSTA MESA, CA –It's a shell-ebration! Everyone's favorite lean, green, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES celebrate the 25th anniversary of their comic book debut in 2009 by incorporating totally radical new retro segments to the merchandising mix and innovative new themed products both supported with in-pack promotions including video games, pilot episodes of animation and other interactive content and entertainment. Action figures based on the new TV show airing on Fox and the CW, and a new segment of the popular Mini-Mutant line including figures and vehicles will be the lines' foundation. On the retro front, Playmates is re-introducing the original awesome 1987 action figure line, twelve figures in all, including the four Turtles, Splinter, Shredder and more. These figures will feature a "tubular" nostalgic 25th anniversary package design with a random assortment of classic TV episodes from the inaugural season. Playmates Toys is the long time master toy licensee for the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES brand; 4Kids Entertainment handles exclusive worldwide merchandising rights; while The Mirage Group continues to nurture and manage the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES property.

Um... huh?

[CudleyCowlick]

Hh-what? hhhhh-wwhaatt? yyyeeaahh!!!

And if we're getting 12 old figs in redesigned packaging, that's what - the original 10 backs AND... WHO ELSE?

[gobo]

Lots of details in there sound confusing. They make it sound like they'll be putting Classic 'Toon eps in their products, but I somehow doubt that. Time will tell.

[Kendamu]

A re-release of the 1987 TMNTs? Sweet! I wonder if they'll be rubber-headed or hard-headed...

[Ninjinister]

Lots of details in there sound confusing.
Seriously, isn't it? I initially thought that they were saying they were making old-school line Mini-Mutants, but I re-read and was like "Aw, damn."

[CyberCubed]

Sounds ok, but I already have all the 1987 wave of figures.

It would be better if we got NEW figures based on the old show, but that would be nothing but a pipedream.

I guess this is ok for anyone who never had the older toys though, it'll be really weird to see the old Rocksteady and Bebop figures back on store shelves again.

[Kendamu]

Sounds ok, but I already have all the 1987 wave of figures.

It would be better if we got NEW figures based on the old show, but that would be nothing but a pipedream.

I guess this is ok for anyone who never had the older toys though, it'll be really weird to see the old Rocksteady and Bebop figures back on store shelves again.
I'm totally in love with the idea. Sure, I have the old ones that I played with that are sitting in my parents' attic and I have an MOC Michelangelo from that same wave that I got off of eBay to celebrate the first TMNT toy I ever got as a child, but I would like to be able to get these re-releases because then I won't have to spend an arm and a leg getting the more popular and/or rare figures of that wave.

[Leonardo19]

Great News. I really hope the re-released toys sell so well that that continue with them. Similar to what Hasbro has doen with the GI Joe 25th toyline.

[Ninjinister]

I'm kind of on the fence about this. On one hand, since I don't care what package design is on my carded figures, I can fill in some holes on the cheap. On the other hand, I would much rather have new figures based on the original series.

One thing's for sure: if they release Foot Soldiers, I'm totally buying every one in a 30 mile radius! :lol:

[CyberCubed]

but I would like to be able to get these re-releases because then I won't have to spend an arm and a leg getting the more popular and/or rare figures of that wave.

Yeah, I may buy these and leave them MOC.

Of the 12 figures, I'm guessing its the 4 Turtles, Splinter, Shredder, Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady, the Foot Soldier...and two others. Maybe Casey Jones and General Traag?

I can't think who the last two might be other than them.

[Ninjinister]

Yeah, I may buy these and leave them MOC.

Of the 12 figures, I'm guessing its the 4 Turtles, Splinter, Shredder, Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady, the Foot Soldier...and two others. Maybe Casey Jones and General Traag?

I can't think who the last two might be other than them.

So April's not good enough to be re-released? :lol:

[CyberCubed]

So April's not good enough to be re-released? :lol:

Oh man, I can't believe I forgot about her. :lol:

So I guess the 12 figures would be:

1. Leo
2. Raph
3. Mike
4. Don
5. Shredder
6. Krang
7. Bebop
8. Rocksteady
9. Foot Soldier
10. April
11. Splinter

That leaves one more figure for #12, which as I said, might be Casey Jones or General Traag. Or maybe Rat King.

[Archon_Turtle]

*rolls eyes*
Please see my signature for my feelings on the matter lol.

[gobo]

Tell me... That headstone was donated, huh? :P

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

*rolls eyes*
Please see my signature for my feelings on the matter lol.

*chuckle*

Anyway, I never collected the figs back in the day, so I might pick these up.

[Archon_Turtle]

Tell me... That headstone was donated, huh? :P

I made it using an online tombstone generator. You can make it say anything. Like so:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/JNCOPosterboy/Random%20Pics/tombstone2.jpg

[Ninjinister]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/JNCOPosterboy/Random%20Pics/tombstone2.jpg


http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/7120/tombstonett2.jpg

[Canadian Turtle]

This is AMAZING I want a date so I can start saving!

[VaughnMichael]

I've been telling you guys this for some time, o wait nevermind I'm not a reliable source and don't know anything.:roll:
This is seriously retarded, I'm glad I can't buy the old toys on Ebay or anything.
*rolls eyes*
Please see my signature for my feelings on the matter lol.
And this is why we're friends, I'm glad some one besides myself and Murph see's how stupid this idea is.
Tell me... That headstone was donated, huh? :P
No, actually it's a re-release Gobo.
*chuckle*

Anyway, I never collected the figs back in the day, so I might pick these up.
But you can buy them on Ebay, You know I wouldn't even mind so much if they gave them better paint jobs or what not to establish the differnce between the new re-releases and the old releases.
But come on this is Playmates and we all know that's not going to happen.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I don't think that the assumption is that you don't know anything-- I think sometimes people are put off by the way you come across. That's just an observation though. I could be completely wrong.

[VaughnMichael]

I don't think that the assumption is that you don't know anything-- I think sometimes people are put off by the way you come across. That's just an observation though. I could be completely wrong.
They are put off that I won't give out my source of information.
If people took the time to look around it's easy to figure out.
Step outside the toy section for a moment darth and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Also we're going into 2009 people change, I've been through allot over the last year and if you look around my posts from just a year ago are much differnt than what I post now.

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

But you can buy them on Ebay, You know I wouldn't even mind so much if they gave them better paint jobs or what not to establish the differnce between the new re-releases and the old releases.
But come on this is Playmates and we all know that's not going to happen.

Hmm, okay. I might do that instead. No point waiting if they're already available. ;)

[VaughnMichael]

I also have to wonder what the price of these will be?
$7.99 or more? That would be laughable for sure.:lol:
I remember buying these toys when the re-releases came about in 1995-1999 and they didn't cost more than 3 dollars.

[gobo]

I was making a jab at Playmates' tightwadness. But, everybody knew that, right? :roll:

[Kendamu]

And this is why we're friends, I'm glad some one besides myself and Murph see's how stupid this idea is.

Short Version: Yay, 2009, because 2010 doesn't look good from here. I'm gonna enjoy it while it lasts.

Long Version: Well, about a day ago I was thinking on the idea that the comic may not make it past 2009, the TV show doesn't have a Fall 2009 season, Wal-Mart is pulling all TMNT stuff, the OT DVDs are gonna be wrapping up, it always seems up in the air if the 2k3 DVD re-releases (I never got the original releases) will continue, NECA is apparently trying as hard as possible to drop off the radar, and since the comics may not continue this probably means no re-launch of TMNT Adventures.

It looks as if this is the last hoo-rah for the TMNT for at least awhile. Even if it does lack originality in some places, I'd like to be somewhat optimistic while it lasts. Even if all the doomsaying is true, we need some optimism around here to balance it out and at least have a good time while it lasts.

I'd probably going the doomsayer group and complain about things as well, but it seems that all that did was start arguments and kill the 5th Turtle Blog without making any positive changes on the Mirage/Playmates/4Kids front. I'm sure if Peter Laird would publish more than one comic a year, we'd probably be getting some, "Read it or GTFO," from him as well.

[VaughnMichael]

Goong,
It's not about Doomsaying or Optimism, Playmates are lazy cheap bastards and this is pretty much the last straw.
Every other line that has had some sort of Anniversary has gotten redesigned or resculpted figures.
One of the biggest of all times gets re-released figures for the 20th time, that's not special at all in any way shape or form.
BTW if anyone is wondering I'm going to let the Cat out of the bag and tell you who one of the other figures is, it's Slash.
Also they will be releasing a box set of old figures together, that's the only thing I can sort of get behind because that is special and has not been done before.
I don't like rehashed crap, I like new creative ideas, and for the most part this just more of the same crap Playmates has been dishing out for some time.
Regarding the comic book, Peter Laird takes so long to finish one issues it could be going on till the end of 2010 for all we know, Tales is going on for some time like Tristan has stated a few times now, and if the Forever War does well enough it may give TMNT Adventures a come back, that is if Murphy wants to do it.

[Mutated Turtle]

hmmmm so playmates toys is gonna re release the very first tmnt figures plus slash :ohwell: i doubt that! :x

[IamtheKnight]

This idea looks interesting. Will they be the same toys that i already own but repainted to look like the way they did in the ot? That will be cool because
I have lost all or most of their weapons. I cant wait to buy these figures.

[Archon_Turtle]

This idea looks interesting. Will they be the same toys that i already own but repainted to look like the way they did in the ot? That will be cool because
I have lost all or most of their weapons. I cant wait to buy these figures.

No. They will be exactly the same as the toys you already own. Period.

[IamtheKnight]

No. They will be exactly the same as the toys you already own. Period.

Damn! Oh well, but what can i expect from Playmates anyway. I still going to buy them anyway.

[VaughnMichael]

hmmmm so playmates toys is gonna re release the very first tmnt figures plus slash :ohwell: i doubt that! :x
I've know about this for some time, and yes this is indeed their plan.
This idea looks interesting. Will they be the same toys that i already own but repainted to look like the way they did in the ot? That will be cool because
I have lost all or most of their weapons. I cant wait to buy these figures.
They are to my knowledge anyway exactly the same, no updated paint jobs.
Like I've been saying you can buy these figures much cheaper on Ebay.
Damn! Oh well, but what can i expect from Playmates anyway. I still going to buy them anyway.
I wouldn't just buy them in a lot on ebay you'll get more for your money.

[Spitfire]

Ill be taken back if these toys even hit shelves in normal retail stores. Think about it. Toy design has changed a lot in the past decade and trying to market a toy from the 80's to a kid now is stone cold retarded. Now if Playmates wants to tell me that these are released with the collector in mind then they're even stupider.

Any collector of turtles toys has these figures by now and won't want to purchase them again. Also as I stated before no kid is going to want this stuff. They won't recognize any of the characters except the turtles. April, Splinter, Shredder, and Foot Soldiers all look way different and kids now don't know who Rocksteady and Bebop are.

These seems like a desperate attempt by Playmates to squeeze a few last dollars out of turtles before they destroy the line for good.

[VaughnMichael]

Ill be taken back if these toys even hit shelves in normal retail stores. Think about it. Toy design has changed a lot in the past decade and trying to market a toy from the 80's to a kid now is stone cold retarded. Now if Playmates wants to tell me that these are released with the collector in mind then they're even stupider.

Any collector of turtles toys has these figures by now and won't want to purchase them again. Also as I stated before no kid is going to want this stuff. They won't recognize any of the characters except the turtles. April, Splinter, Shredder, and Foot Soldiers all look way different and kids now don't know who Rocksteady and Bebop are.

These seems like a desperate attempt by Playmates to squeeze a few last dollars out of turtles before they destroy the line for good.
According to Mirage that's Playmates plan, to sell these at normal retail stores.
I'm glad you get that Playmates is hopeless though, it's nice to see a few people including people at Mirage get this fact.

[Roseangelo]

I'm glad Spitfire said it. That was exactly my comment only I was biting my tongue on it because I'm tired of people misinterpreting everything I've been saying over the last two weeks or so.

[IamtheKnight]

So should i buy the figures i already own or skip it? Im surprised that Mirage still works with Playmates even though they agree that they are hopeless.

[VaughnMichael]

So should i buy the figures i already own or skip it? Im surprised that Mirage still works with Playmates even though they agree that they are hopeless.
Well it's not all of Mirage, the top 2 Gary and Peter think this is fine.
So they go forward with it, and pretty much allow Playmates to do anything they want.
Peter has made it very clear that he knows next to nothing about business, if he did he would have made it so that they at Mirage have the final say on what the company making products of it's property does.

[Jester]

I might just buy these, depending on how they look, I know I could get them on E-bay, but I'd feel like a kid again going to the store and buying the old wave, that and I could open these instead of my MOC re-releases.

That's right, you can bludgeon me later Vaughn. ;)

[gobo]

Only if they have worthwhile bonuses (referring to the DVDs) would I buy any of this. Even then, I'm likely to bargain-hunt. I somehow doubt I'll be buying anything though.

[Venom]

Goong...they will be releasing a box set of old figures together, that's the only thing I can sort of get behind because that is special and has not been done before.


Actually it has, someone here posted a pic not too long ago in the Toy section of a Playmates 4-pack of the original Turtles from sometime in the mid-'90's.

Unless Playmates intend on releasing all 12 figures in one big set for about $25-$30, which seems highly unlikely.

[Jester]

I could see 11, (The Turtles, Splinter, April, Shredder, Krang, Bebop Rocksteady, and a Foot Soldier) together in a box set, but what would the 12th be. My mom had to say Casey Jones when I did my math. And I guess I could see Tragg...maybe. :P

[VaughnMichael]

Actually it has, someone here posted a pic not too long ago in the Toy section of a Playmates 4-pack of the original Turtles from sometime in the mid-'90's.

Unless Playmates intend on releasing all 12 figures in one big set for about $25-$30, which seems highly unlikely.
I know that as I have that set as well as the one they brought out during the Next Mutation toy line.
And yes they do plan to bring out a set with about 8 figures in it or something along those lines.
I could see 11, (The Turtles, Splinter, April, Shredder, Krang, Bebop Rocksteady, and a Foot Soldier) together in a box set, but what would the 12th be. My mom had to say Casey Jones when I did my math. And I guess I could see Tragg...maybe. :P
I told you already Mirage told me that Playmates wants to include SLASH!
Are you guys seriously trying to get up my nose or are you just not believing me?
You will soon enough though and that's that.

[Spitfire]

Actually it has, someone here posted a pic not too long ago in the Toy section of a Playmates 4-pack of the original Turtles from sometime in the mid-'90's.

Unless Playmates intend on releasing all 12 figures in one big set for about $25-$30, which seems highly unlikely.

Yeah the box sets been done for the turtles but that's it. That sets pretty rare too I see it go for quite a bit on Ebay. I almost got one once.

[CyberCubed]

I'm curious, does Playmates know or have any idea that the cartoon might be ending?

How do they expect to sell figures without a show to advertise them?

[VaughnMichael]

I'm curious, does Playmates know or have any idea that the cartoon might be ending?

How do they expect to sell figures without a show to advertise them?
By making toys based on other things outside of the cartoon.

[Spitfire]

I'm curious, does Playmates know or have any idea that the cartoon might be ending?

How do they expect to sell figures without a show to advertise them?

Well they sold the 2K3 figures before the series started. Plus they haven't been putting out any toys for the new series anyways and it looks like they have no plans on doing so anyways so I guess it doesn't matter.

[Jester]

"Well the show exists without toys at the moment, so why not the other way around?" he said in jest, being that he is called Jester. :P

EDIT: Blast you Spitfire, you thunder stealer you!

[VaughnMichael]

You could also look at Playmates long history and they never really made toys based on the old toon either, we would get from time to time characters based on toys...to sell toys.
But they never really worked hand in hand back then as much as they did in recent years.
Seems Playmates is falling back into old ways.

[CyberCubed]

Bit of a shame then, seeing the toyline continue without a show on the air. All this news is very depressing.

[Hero]

Playmates have plans now? This really is news :)

I hope the next wave of Mini Mutants will be great :D

I am hoping the figure re-issues will be tweaked a bit (ie. Shredder having a proper hand position) and so forth.

===HERO

[Ninjinister]

Playmates have plans now? This really is news :)

I hope the next wave of Mini Mutants will be great :D

I am hoping the figure re-issues will be tweaked a bit (ie. Shredder having a proper hand position) and so forth.

===HERO

And having Shredder and Foot Soldier not be locked in a constipation position? :lol:

[gobo]

Are you guys seriously trying to get up my nose or are you just not believing me?
But, you said:
I've been telling you guys this for some time, o wait nevermind I'm not a reliable source and don't know anything.:roll:
I guess people took your word for it.

[Eiko]

This news sounds great i can finally get back most of my turtle collection to replace the ones i lost in a house fire.

[Archon_Turtle]

Playmates have plans now? This really is news :)

I hope the next wave of Mini Mutants will be great :D

I am hoping the figure re-issues will be tweaked a bit (ie. Shredder having a proper hand position) and so forth.

===HERO

That would require effort...and for the last couple years...Playmates hasn't been the keenest on putting any of that fourth.

[Jester]

I told you already Mirage told me that Playmates wants to include SLASH!
Are you guys seriously trying to get up my nose or are you just not believing me?
You will soon enough though and that's that.
Really, Slash? Why Slash? He was in 2 episodes. I mean Casey wasn't in too many either, but he's in more incarnations than Slash...Really?

[gobo]

Slash was in three. Casey was in four or five. Shouldn't you know this better than I do?

[Zachatello00]

After a really, really bad day, this news absolutely makes up for it all! This is the most awesome news!

[Ninjinister]

I thought it was weird that they selected Slash, but then again, they were all hard up for a Fire Slash, too... <.<

After a really, really bad day, this news absolutely makes up for it all! This is the most awesome news!

Um... how?

[Jester]

Slash was in three. Casey was in four or five. Shouldn't you know this better than I do?
Really 3? I remember 2...unless he was in Night of the Rogues. And I should have said, "Casey was in about that many." and not made it sound exact.

In fact I'll edit that post.

[Dragon Turtle]

They need to find a way to include Rat King, Leatherhead, and Baxter Stockman into the lineup.

[Spitfire]

He is in Night Of the Rogues. I think their adding him because he's a fan favorite and it's easier to market another turtle as opposed to some random rock creature no ones heard of.

[Jester]

Maybe...but CASEY JONES!!

Wait, both Casey and Slash were in Night of the Rogues...right. Sorry, it's not on DVD, my OT knowledge extends to episodes on DVD and ones I used to own on VHS.

Goes to....that one place. Man, Pat Fraley's Slash doesn't sound right in Night of the Rogues.

[sdp]

Any collector of turtles toys has these figures by now and won't want to purchase them again. Also as I stated before no kid is going to want this stuff. They won't recognize any of the characters except the turtles. April, Splinter, Shredder, and Foot Soldiers all look way different and kids now don't know who Rocksteady and Bebop are.


I think you're mistaken, the average Joe who is not a collector and grew up with the turtles is going to have a kick seeing the original releases. As for kids I'm not sure how much they'd enjoy the figures but weren't they still sold in the late 90s at KB toys? And kids are not stupid especially with the internet now most know about the old show and will recognize rocksteady and beebop.

[Spitfire]

I think you're mistaken, the average Joe who is not a collector and grew up with the turtles is going to have a kick seeing the original releases.
I wasn't talking about average Joes I was talking about collectors. But your right they will enjoy seeing them. But Playmates is trying to sell toys so while they might think it's cool there's old memories sitting on a shelf at Target that doesn't mean they're going to buy them. If anything people will pick it up and go "I had this as a kid!"

As for kids I'm not sure how much they'd enjoy the figures but weren't they still sold in the late 90s at KB toys? And kids are not stupid especially with the internet now most know about the old show and will recognize rocksteady and beebop.
Yeah maybe kids know about them maybe not. Point is unless they bought the DVDs and watch them a lot they probably don't think much of the characters. I don't know many kids that watch DVDs most kids watch TV and want what they see on TV.

[Ninjinister]

Only time will tell how this plays out, but I foresee only disaster....

I'm much more interested in:

A) What these mysterious "comic-based" figures Peter alluded to in an interview are
and
B) When the f73k we're getting Spider Bytez and Metal Klawz!

[BigApple3AM]

This is great news. I can't wait to see these in stores again, it's going to bring a tear to my eye.

It's wishful thinking but if Scratch makes an appearance I'll be the happiest guy in the world.

[Ninjinister]

Y'know, the more I think about this, the more my opinion sways....

Perhaps, and this is a long shot, if these figures actually sell well, that'll convince the powers-that-be (you know who I mean), that people actually want figures of these older characters, and we just may get newly designed figures of them.

But who am I kidding? Every time a rational decision like this is looking them straight in the face, they turn the other way....

[turkishproverb]

They are put off that I won't give out my source of information.
If people took the time to look around it's easy to figure out.
Step outside the toy section for a moment darth and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Also we're going into 2009 people change, I've been through allot over the last year and if you look around my posts from just a year ago are much differnt than what I post now.

I for one was put off you acted like nothing, not even this, was happening classic turtles-wise in 2009 with playmates, saying a few early items that were revieled on a toy site would be it for 09.

Despite the arm in the picture on 5th turtle.

Yea, it's not like you made yourself believable.

No. They will be exactly the same as the toys you already own. Period.


1: You know this because?
2: Doubt it. Simple due to differences in manufacturing regulations these days. Still, I doubt they'll be different intentionally.

I've know about this for some time, and yes this is indeed their plan.

They are to my knowledge anyway exactly the same, no updated paint jobs.
Like I've been saying you can buy these figures much cheaper on Ebay.

I wouldn't just buy them in a lot on ebay you'll get more for your money.


I don't know, slash seems to have periods of time he goes for *MUCH* more than he normally does. Might be a good idea to get him.

Ill be taken back if these toys even hit shelves in normal retail stores. Think about it. Toy design has changed a lot in the past decade and trying to market a toy from the 80's to a kid now is stone cold retarded. Now if Playmates wants to tell me that these are released with the collector in mind then they're even stupider.

Actually, these figures are at least as high quality as a few modern lines (SEE: Ben 10) and better than some of the modern turtles figures, so we'll see.

Well it's not all of Mirage, the top 2 Gary and Peter think this is fine.
So they go forward with it, and pretty much allow Playmates to do anything they want.
Peter has made it very clear that he knows next to nothing about business, if he did he would have made it so that they at Mirage have the final say on what the company making products of it's property does.

Well, gary doesn't seem to know much about business either given his decisions related to marketing and publishing...

[VaughnMichael]

I am hoping the figure re-issues will be tweaked a bit (ie. Shredder having a proper hand position) and so forth.
Sorry they won't be, they are just using the old molds.
I guess people took your word for it.
Oooooo you got me you lil Dick-ins!
Really, Slash? Why Slash? He was in 2 episodes. I mean Casey wasn't in too many either, but he's in more incarnations than Slash...Really?
They believe he is a huge fan favorite, He's the only one I can also get behind as he was never rereleased a billion times like all the other toys they plan to re-release for the 25th ani.
I think their adding him because he's a fan favorite and it's easier to market another turtle as opposed to some random rock creature no ones heard of.
Bingo!, Oh chris you're just to damn smart ya make me proud.
A) What these mysterious "comic-based" figures Peter alluded to in an interview are
From what I've been told that is what this is, :roll:
It's wishful thinking but if Scratch makes an appearance I'll be the happiest guy in the world.
Sorry bud but that one's not gonna happen.
I for one was put off you acted like nothing, not even this, was happening classic turtles-wise in 2009 with playmates, saying a few early items that were revieled on a toy site would be it for 09.
Despite the arm in the picture on 5th turtle.
Yea, it's not like you made yourself believable.
Actually, I said things about it a few times and very openly on this sites toy section as well on Murphy's blog which he's shut the comments down.
I was told about this crap going on for some time by Mirage and was asked to not officially let it out of the bag but hinting at it all was against the question.
1: You know this because?
2: Doubt it. Simple due to differences in manufacturing regulations these days. Still, I doubt they'll be different intentionally.
There may be a few differnces like in the plastic they use now or the paint being differnt in spots perhaps because they coudlnt get the same exact color they used in the late 80's & early 90's, but for the most part Archon is correct and Playmates is using the same exact molds that they used the first time round.
I don't know, slash seems to have periods of time he goes for *MUCH* more than he normally does. Might be a good idea to get him.
Indeed, I won't dissagree with that at all, that and like I said he's never been re-released like all the other old figures had been over periods of time.
Well, gary doesn't seem to know much about business either given his decisions related to marketing and publishing...
Very true indeed, and it's sort of the blind leading the blind, oh how I wish Peter would take some business classes and see how bad he's been ripped off over the years.

[Jester]

Ok, I can't say I'm not excited about Slash, he is a fan favorite as far as I'm conserned, being an Archie fan boy and all, but I still feel ole Casey Jones is getting shafted.

[Ninjinister]

From what I've been told that is what this is, :roll:



...

You've got to be f$%^ing kidding me. These aren't comic figures.

[VaughnMichael]

...

You've got to be f$%^ing kidding me. These aren't comic figures.
hah only time will tell my friend, half the sh1t we've been shown from playmates in recent years hasn't even come out to stores.
So we shall see what happens, this is what I've been told is going on.

[Ninjinister]

hah only time will tell my friend, half the sh1t we've been shown from playmates in recent years hasn't even come out to stores.
So we shall see what happens, this is what I've been told is going on.

Like the aforementioned Sub-Sewer monsters? :roll:

[VaughnMichael]

Like the aforementioned Sub-Sewer monsters? :roll:
Don't remind me, that's such a bitter pill to swallow.

[Ninjinister]

Don't remind me, that's such a bitter pill to swallow.

F78k you Playmates.

[VaughnMichael]

F78k you Playmates.
Nah I'd rather not may catch some sort of stupidity disease.

[sdp]

Anyways I'm definitely buying these, my original figures are all umm..amputated :D from so many battles they had when I was a kid.

I've always wanted to have them again new and I don't care if they're reprints or not as long as they're like the ones I remember.


If its 12 figures its logical that we'll definitely get the 4 turtles, april, splinter and Shredder and a foot soldier. After that we get 4 but its tricky, if its indeed retro we'll probably get rocksteady/beebop and Krang, hopefully it'd be the android body krang. If they want more 2k3 known characters even if they weren't as big in the original series we'd get Casey Jones and Leatherhead and Baxter Stockman.


By the way in the last two waves of Power Ranger toys they had 2 "retro" figures in each wave for a total of 4 and they were extremely popular. They were new sculps and chase figures but they are expensive now so a retro line could definitely work. Heck if these sell well we could even get a new season based on these sales. I mean we got a new season mostly because of the movie figures selling well didn't we? Which makes it even more odd that playmates didn't even try to get BTTS figures..


And the Justice League Unlimited figures has continued without walmart for years without any show. Just some random examples for people that think the TMNT is doomed forever. Its a little melodramatic even if the comics/toyline/show end they'll be back soon enough.

[Hero]

I take it the 12 figure Re-Issue ratio will work out like: 4 Turtles (obviously), April, Spinter, Casey, for the good guys and Shredder, Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady, and Foot Soldier (for the bad guys).

I would'nt mind getting re-issues if they had tweaked improvements much in the same way some of the japanese Transformers G1 reissues had. I mean how hard is it to bring some more colour to the set of weapons and some extra detailing on the sculpts.

I would buy say another Rocksteady figure if Playmates altered the mould a bit to roid him up to be as equally hefty as Bebop.

===HERO

[Drtooth]

All I can say is "meh" "saw it coming" and "mixed feelings."

Now, if they were to release these in a way where they're under 6 bucks, I could see picking up ones I didn't have before. Even then, I think I may just get Bebop and Rocksteady. I only had Rock, and he's kinda scratched up from playing with him at school when I was younger. Maybe a foot soldier.

I'm pretty disappointed they wouldn't consider redesigns or anything like that. I mean, an accurate Toon Line is one thing, but working off the existing sculpts, I would have loved to see these things in scale with the 2k3 line.

But make no bones about it... this is for the nostalgia freaks ONLY (the ones that are a lot more casual than us) and that grew out of the TMNT by the time of their first release.


(Wish they'd rerelease the Darkwing Duck and Talespin line.....)

[prophecy718]

Does anyone know if the packaging will have the same design as the original ones from '88 or will they change it like they did for the re-release in '98 :|

[VaughnMichael]

Does anyone know if the packaging will have the same design as the original ones from '88 or will they change it like they did for the re-release in '98 :|
I've been told it will be the same exact box's.
I personally think that they should use the anniversary logo and give them special card back or something.

[Ninjinister]

I've been told it will be the same exact box's.
I personally think that they should use the anniversary logo and give them special card back or something.

Well poop on me and wrap me up in a tortilla... I thought Laird was designing these new boxes... whatever were those designs for that he did that Playmates rejected, then?

[VaughnMichael]

Well poop on me and wrap me up in a tortilla... I thought Laird was designing these new boxes... whatever were those designs for that he did that Playmates rejected, then?
Why do you think they where rejected.:lol::roll:

[Kendamu]

Ooh. Oldschool packaging. Though I'm totally in the minority, I'm interested in getting my hands on these. I love the art on the old Playmates stuff.

[Ninjinister]

Why do you think they where rejected.:lol::roll:

So Laird's first designs weren't good enough for them, so they just default to the old stuff? What the hell?

[prophecy718]

this is interesting indeed

[Jester]

Well poop on me and wrap me up in a tortilla... I thought Laird was designing these new boxes... whatever were those designs for that he did that Playmates rejected, then?
Sorry, Laird's designs?

[VaughnMichael]

So Laird's first designs weren't good enough for them, so they just default to the old stuff? What the hell?
Haven't you noticed S? He doesn't think very highly of his property let alone his creative abilities these days.

[Kendamu]

Haven't you noticed S? He doesn't think very highly of his property let alone his creative abilities these days.
I wonder if it has anything to do with, "Yo, Pete. Moar Ninjer action, pleez!" in all of the letters he gets about the comic.

[VaughnMichael]

I wonder if it has anything to do with, "Yo, Pete. Moar Ninjer action, pleez!" in all of the letters he gets about the comic.
Can't say I don't wonder the same thing, and oh the fact that he lurks on here and reads all the fans b1tching and whining about everything under the sun in turtle land.

[Ninjinister]

Haven't you noticed S? He doesn't think very highly of his property let alone his creative abilities these days.

Now wait a minute, I didn't think there was a damn thing wrong with those sketches.

http://plairdblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/unused-art.html

[Jester]

Man, I feel like Hannah. WHAT LAIRD DESIGNS!!??

EDIT: Oh...that's just clip art though. I thought he actually laid out a figure card...:P

[VaughnMichael]

Now wait a minute, I didn't think there was a damn thing wrong with those sketches.

http://plairdblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/unused-art.html
There isn't they're great as is the majority of Peter's art work infact.
In my personal view he's lost his way from what he once was.
Perhaps if things do fade away for the turtles again he can take that personal time and reconect with his art and what made him so great to so many of his fans once again.

[Robhp03]

Playmates is garbage.
I own very few Turtle toys from the 2002-2008 era.
Just the Toon basics and movie basics.
Playmates doesn't hold a candle to what the other company's are producing now days.
So instead of getting new detailed (as if playmates does detailed sculpts any longer) figures like MOTU / G.I.JOE / MARVEL / DC / Transformers / IJ
were getting the same figures we already own ?
Theirs no way this plan will go thru.
The retailers are dropping the TMNT toy line.
Why would they agree to purchase these 1980's toys all over again ?
They dropped these figures back in 1995.

I own 3-4 of every 1988 release figure MOC and another 3-4 of each one loose.

I haven't bought a Turtle figure from a retailer since the movie was in theaters.

I dream of the day another company has control over the TMNT franchise.

[CyberCubed]

NECA started off good as an alternative but they're turning into crap as well. No release dates for the new figures and no clue if the line will continue past those four.

Sad, really, NECA could have been the perfect alternative to Playmates and they're dropping the ball as well. You might as well let Mattel do the toys, they're doing wonders with the DC line.

[VaughnMichael]

NECA started off good as an alternative but they're turning into crap as well. No release dates for the new figures and no clue if the line will continue past those four.
Sad, really, NECA could have been the perfect alternative to Playmates and they're dropping the ball as well. You might as well let Mattel do the toys, they're doing wonders with the DC line.
NECA is just slow is all, I think we may see allot from them in 2009 but only time will tell, these smaller collector toy companies have allot going on for such a small group of people.
and I agree 100% Mattel's DC line is amazing I'm not even a DC Comics fan and I've been buying these toys like crazy they're just so well done!
Just today while trying to find 2k3 TMNT season 2 prt 2 at Target I bought the new Ares & Cyborg figures, they're seriously great I couldn't walk out without them.
The turtles need figures that good damn it!:evil:

[Jester]

I wish I could find them...:(

[BigApple3AM]

Why would people want Mattel to make TMNT? They're worse than Playmates! You'll never find them in stores and then they'll release even more TMNT variants than Playmates already does.

And most likely Mattel would use the sculptors that they use for the DCUC line you guys are talking about... and those sculptors are the same ones that are doing the NECA TMNT line.

I say we really lucked out with NECA and Playmates making the TMNT. If you don't like the Playmates toys you now have an incredible alternative (honestly the NECA TMNT are way better than anything the big 2 could offer in terms of quality), and Playmates continued manufacture of the toys means more cartoons (and if that stops at least we had a pretty great run from 2k3 to now, look at the other 80's relaunch MOTU that didn't last nearly as long... controlled by none other than Mattel).

Hasbro and Mattel control too much of the toy market already, they wouldn't make TMNT a priority and who knows what would happen to it then.

[Ninjinister]

NECA is just slow is all, I think we may see allot from them in 2009 but only time will tell, these smaller collector toy companies have allot going on for such a small group of people.


True, NECA does take quite a while to make with their next release, but I wish they'd actually give us some clue as to when the next figures will be releasing, even if it's just a ballpark. They've shown that damn April at the last two Comic-Cons this year!

[Wildcat]

This is fantastic news for me :eyemouth: My original toys broke(while playing :D ) or got lost over the years due in part when we moved 9 years ago. Oddly enough I still have all 4 original "Ninja-Action" turtle figures, somehow I never lost track of them.

Im definitly getting the 4 turtles, Shredder, Krang, Bebop, Rocksteady and a Foot Soldier. I wish they would re-release the Turtle Van.

True or not Slash would be cool, I used to have him, or maybe Leatherhead. The NECA figures have grown on me but Im still turned off by thier long necks, if they would have just brought them down even a bit, it would have made a world of diffrence :ohwell:

[Snailman]

If they are doing a re-release of some of the old 80's style TMNT figures, I'll probably buy more Foot Soldiers, provided those make the cut (which I hope they do). I still want more foot soldiers for my collection & there's always a fondness for those old 88' style figures, so getting the opportunity to buy more of 'em on the cheap is ok with me! :lol: :D

-Snailman

[A little *too* Raph]

If it is the same packaging from the 80's, could we be lucky enough to get them with fan club flyers and pop up displays? I'd be there in a heartbeat!


Indeed, I won't dissagree with that at all, that and like I said he's never been re-released like all the other old figures had been over periods of time.

Can you count Tokka as a quasi-rerelease?

[Drtooth]

Why would people want Mattel to make TMNT? They're worse than Playmates! You'll never find them in stores and then they'll release even more TMNT variants than Playmates already does.

And we could forget about seeing April and Karai. Other than the DC line (and only after enough complaining) they have a thing about female action figures. Buzz Lightyear- No Mira... One Piece- No Nami or Robin.... Naruto- No Sakura outside of a mini figure.

Plus, there's no telling they'd make a DC type line, and they might do what they did with most of their other licenses... poor sculpts, poor paint jobs, and unlike Playmates, terrible availability and inflated prices. I mean, even if the 2k3 line wasn't great... hey! Every store had them , and most stores had them from 5-7 bucks a figure. There was no way any of their One Piece figures were worth 10 bucks. No one bought them, no stores stocked them, they wound up in dollar stores before they were recalled for loose magnets.

I will say, Hasbro would do wonders for them. We'd have real Ninja Heroes instead of the knockoff styled ones.

That out of the way, I don't see why they wouldn't just rerelease anniversary versions of the old figures... I remember a couple years back, Hasbro planned to rerelease the old Optimus Prime toy. It was expensive, though. Remember, while a lot of us kept our turtles, or bought the 90's rereleases, most of their marketing group had them thrown out or sold or something. Now they just wanna get a couple to put on their office desks or something.

[BigApple3AM]

Actually Hasbro reissued a lot of the original toys, they were Toys R Us exclusives. And funny you bring up G1 Prime because he's getting another release very soon.

I don't know if Hasbro would be a good choice either, though they'd definitely be better than Mattel. Hasbro would be more interested in Leotato (potato head leo) and those little mcdonalds type figures that Playmates has already ripped off. Playmate's quality on their version is actually better too, and we're getting playsets and vehicles which Hasbro hasn't made for their versions. We'd also get those mighty mugg things where they're just the same figures painted differently over and over. Maybe some Turtle/Transformers too.

Basically we'll get everything but action figures, those they'll probably make really poorly and more expensively and then they'll cancel them in favor of a 3" scale like their GI Joe and Star Wars lines.

Oh and to go with Mattel's females thing, there was that Nickelodeon faux anime show that won all those awards. They never made any females for that and if I remember correctly the females were some of the main characters.

[VaughnMichael]

Can you count Tokka as a quasi-rerelease?
No, since it's a differnt paint job, has newly added parts and head.

[METALHEAD]

i dunno about you guys, BUT I AM GONNA BUY THESE RE-RELEASE FIGURES! i dont trust ebay and i am ezcited to finnly regain the figures of my child hood i had dream about this and hoped this would happen for the anniversery! :D:D:D

[NoPressApril]

Like I told Vaughn when he told me about these figures, i'm REALLY excited about this! They may not be new and updated but seeing them hanging back on the pegs in Wal-Mart is going to be the closest thing possible to being back in 1988 and being 6 years old again. I'm stoked.
I'm really crossing my fingers and toes (all eleven of them!) that April will be the "press" April with original April's paintjob (yellow/white). Playmates never did offer a correctly painted April (with correct hair) and I really don't see Playmates making that unrecognizable orange April again when the yellow/white look is far more iconic to the twenty somethings and today's children that happen to be watching the OT DVD's that these will mainly be marketed to.
I might be giving them way more credit than they deserve but this is pretty much a no-brainer since of these original 12 or however many they are remaking April and Rocksteady got the worst paintjobs of all. Of course, Playmates could just re-release the original April with the lesbo haircut and call it a day. I can't freakin wait to find out.
My only other wish is that Playmates will steal Hasbro's plastic clamshell idea like the VOTC SW figures are in so that the figures can retain their original punch tabs. I hate today's j-peg packaging.

[VaughnMichael]

You won't be seeing them in Wal-Mart NoPress.

[NoPressApril]

Playmates is going to go specialty market with these??? Well i'm sure that Hot Topic will be all over these. Great, my childhood memories don't include listening to horridly loud music while I dug through the pegs but I guess i'll deal.:ohwell:

[VaughnMichael]

Playmates is going to go specialty market with these??? Well i'm sure that Hot Topic will be all over these. Great, my childhood memories don't include listening to horridly loud music while I dug through the pegs but I guess i'll deal.:ohwell:
No, the fact of the matter is as of the Spring Wal-Mart will no longer be selling TMNT figures and many already have tossed them into clearance or don't sell them at all anymore.
Target & Toys R Us is about it for these.

[NoPressApril]

Oh I see. My local Wal-Marts have tons of TMNT crap on the action figure isles so I didn't know. I really don't mind buying these from Hot Topic i'm just bitter with them because last December we were shown pics for an April Shirt in the Retro line and it's now nearly November and still no April Shirt. I'm over it...

[VaughnMichael]

Oh I see. My local Wal-Marts have tons of TMNT crap on the action figure isles so I didn't know. I really don't mind buying these from Hot Topic i'm just bitter with them because last December we were shown pics for an April Shirt in the Retro line and it's now nearly November and still no April Shirt. I'm over it...
That's not Hot topic's fault, things don't sell so they don't order more in a line of things.
And no these are being sold only at stores like Target and Toys R Us.
It was officially made known to me recently that Wal-Mart will not be selling TMNT after this Spring.
You should go read my blog for all the stuff going on.

[Kendamu]

For those who would rather skip the oldschool release in 2009, its been said in this thread so far that the original packaging will be used in this re-release. So, in order not to be tricked by scumbags who exploit eBay shoppers, I suggest you go now and buy those figures before the new ones come out. Otherwise, you'll be getting some people selling the re-releases while claiming that they're the originals MIB for a much higher price than you should be paying for a re-release.

[Hero]

I am sure the re-releases will have a label or some sort of 25th anniversary acknowledgement on the packaging.

===HERO

[Drtooth]

Playmates is going to go specialty market with these??? Well i'm sure that Hot Topic will be all over these. Great, my childhood memories don't include listening to horridly loud music while I dug through the pegs but I guess i'll deal.:ohwell:

Of course, I wouldn't want them if they were Hot Topic exclusives... they'd be 10 bucks each or something.

[Ninjinister]

Of course, I wouldn't want them if they were Hot Topic exclusives... they'd be 10 bucks each or something.

They probably will be anyway.

[VaughnMichael]

They probably will be anyway.
heh, I need to find out how much they will be but I'm betting S is hitting the nail on the head here.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Great News. I really hope the re-released toys sell so well that that continue with them. Similar to what Hasbro has doen with the GI Joe 25th toyline.

I think they will be more popular among collectors and not 2000's kids playing with them.

[Splinter]

Well, regardless of how some feel... I consider this pretty cool news.

It reminds me of the cool re-issues they did of the old MOTU line before the new line started back in early 2000. Makes me wonder if the packaging will be similar. And would be even cooler if the re-release figures led into modern versions of the line like the 200x Masters of the Universe line.

Here's hoping the release sells well so that it might happen. And maybe we can even see more figures added to the re-release schedule. A re-release of Leatherhead especially, since he was so hard to find back in the day. But at least a few more figures like Baxter would be keen.

[Ninjinister]

Well, regardless of how some feel... I consider this pretty cool news.

It reminds me of the cool re-issues they did of the old MOTU line before the new line started back in early 2000. Makes me wonder if the packaging will be similar. And would be even cooler if the re-release figures led into modern versions of the line like the 200x Masters of the Universe line.

Here's hoping the release sells well so that it might happen. And maybe we can even see more figures added to the re-release schedule. A re-release of Leatherhead especially, since he was so hard to find back in the day. But at least a few more figures like Baxter would be keen.

SPLINTER?! Good Lord, how long has it been since you've been here?

[turkishproverb]

nearly four years judging from board records. Nice to see some older fans are looking forward to this.

[Drtooth]

They probably will be anyway.

Then make it 16 bucks a pop at HT! :tcouch:

[Raphael_]

For the 25th anniversary, they're just going to cancel the whole TMNT product. Why? For the lulz.

[Hero]

I wonder if paintjobs on these re-issues will be slightly different such as the TMNT having brown belts instead of black and Shredder having silver/chrome gaunlets rather than blue.

===HERO

[Knight_man]

Wow! I can't wait to pick up all of them. I hope it don't cost me an arm and a leg though. A wife and 3 kids keep the money thin...

Yeah i haven't posted in eons either.

[Archon_Turtle]

Have we seen any pictures of these things yet?

[VaughnMichael]

Have we seen any pictures of these things yet?
Yeah we have when they came out back in 1989, then again in 1990, oh and don't forget 1993, oo and 1994 with collector card, then 1995 with coins, and in 1998-1999. Hope I didn't miss any dates of when you could have seen these figures.

[BigApple3AM]

Yeah we have when they came out back in 1989, then again in 1990, oh and don't forget 1993, oo and 1994 with collector card, then 1995 with coins, and in 1998-1999. Hope I didn't miss any dates of when you could have seen these figures.

They came out in 1988. And while I know you were being sarcastic, I'm pretty sure he was talking about the current figures specifically to see if there are any detail differences and also to see how the new packaging will look. I can't wait to see these in stores again. If they put playable demos of Super Mario World in the electronic aisle then I might be convinced I'm 7 years old again.

[Archon_Turtle]

Yeah we have when they came out back in 1989, then again in 1990, oh and don't forget 1993, oo and 1994 with collector card, then 1995 with coins, and in 1998-1999. Hope I didn't miss any dates of when you could have seen these figures.

Clever! I see what you did there :-P

[ToTheNines]

... But... I already have those...

[TMNTGal]

Their line up doesn't seem very interesting. If they come in a nice enough box I'd buy the original reissues again.

What we really need are some highly detailed 1/6 scale Turtles. Hot Toys would be the company of choice IMO. (http://www.hottoys.com.hk/index.php) They have a wide variety of licenced items so it's a possibility. I love their military offerings and their Resident Evil figures are awesome. I have no problem paying the $100 + range per figure, they are well worth it. Real metal weapons and leather belts would make for nice details. If they came with a cloth trench coat and fedora that would be a plus.

[VaughnMichael]

From Playmates site:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/VaughnJohnny/tmntoldcraplameideas.png (http://www.playmatestoys.com/turtleshome/#/contestspromos/)
See told you, you guys have seen these before :P

[Machias Banshee]

I don't understand why they keep advertising that shellebration sweepstakes...

They've already chosen their winners... *cough*

[Roseangelo]

From Playmates site:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/VaughnJohnny/tmntoldcraplameideas.png (http://www.playmatestoys.com/turtleshome/#/contestspromos/)
See told you, you guys have seen these before :P

Ummm... that's not the correct head for Mike.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/roseangelo/first-mike.jpg

It's hard to tell, but it looks to either be the Leo head or a mirror of the Mike head. Or maybe they just mirrored the photo (of just Mike)?

[Hero]

Shame. With action figure production being more advanced these days you'd have expected some addition colour improvements (just like with re-issues of Transformers G1). The weapons could have at least been painted up to look more like weapons.

===HERO

[VaughnMichael]

Ummm... that's not the correct head for Mike.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/roseangelo/first-mike.jpg

It's hard to tell, but it looks to either be the Leo head or a mirror of the Mike head. Or maybe they just mirrored the photo (of just Mike)?
come on it's so easy to tell it's just a mirror image.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/VaughnJohnny/tmntoldcraplameideas2lulzatRose.png

[Roseangelo]

come on it's so easy to tell it's just a mirror image.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/VaughnJohnny/tmntoldcraplameideas2lulzatRose.png

Well, Leo's wrong in that picture there. The would have only been able to flip Mike in terms of the photo.

[VaughnMichael]

Well, Leo's wrong in that picture there. The would have only been able to flip Mike in terms of the photo.
I flipped the photo in the second image I uploaded to show you that's what's up with Mikey, Leo was fine in the first image I posted I don't see what's wrong with him. Looks like the old figure to me.
http://i15.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/14/a6/a78d_1.JPG

[CudleyCowlick]

come on it's so easy to tell it's just a mirror image.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/VaughnJohnny/tmntoldcraplameideas2lulzatRose.png


If it's a mirror image, then why aren't the initials on the belts flipped?

[A little *too* Raph]

Pretty sure all that needs to be said is that for whatever reason they only flipped mikey

[Drtooth]

Shame. With action figure production being more advanced these days you'd have expected some addition colour improvements (just like with re-issues of Transformers G1). The weapons could have at least been painted up to look more like weapons.

===HERO

That's my main complaint. We'll probably have them all on that card (or whatever it is they call those things pieces of plastic are attached to when you get a model). The one thing I've ALWAYS hated about the first series of TMNT figures was that ferschluggener card! Though, I still pledge only to get Bebop and Rocksteady and Maybe a Foot soldier or Splinter with this release.

[Archon_Turtle]

If it's a mirror image, then why aren't the initials on the belts flipped?

They could have flipped mike easily without anyone noticing..."M" is the same either way...

[CudleyCowlick]

They could have flipped mike easily without anyone noticing..."M" is the same either way...

Quite true, but it just seems unnecessary, like why flip just Mike, for sh*ts and giggles? I dunno, I guess there is just no method to Playmates' madness.

At least it would be a good reason for me to pick these up if Mike had a different head sculpt. Maybe something happened to the original mold and they had to go a different route. I'm sure it's just that they flipped the image, Occam's Razor and all, but I'm such a sucker for the original toys that I know I'm going to end up buying these no matter what. The least I can hope for is some minor difference in the figs themselves, or failing that, some radically altered packaging, not just the original with a new copyright date. I would even settle for the original card, but with a foil logo, like the GI Joe 25th figures. That would be pretty sharp.

[Blade Raider]

Quite true, but it just seems unnecessary, like why flip just Mike, for sh*ts and giggles? I dunno, I guess there is just no method to Playmates' madness.

At least it would be a good reason for me to pick these up if Mike had a different head sculpt. Maybe something happened to the original mold and they had to go a different route. I'm sure it's just that they flipped the image, Occam's Razor and all, but I'm such a sucker for the original toys that I know I'm going to end up buying these no matter what. The least I can hope for is some minor difference in the figs themselves, or failing that, some radically altered packaging, not just the original with a new copyright date. I would even settle for the original card, but with a foil logo, like the GI Joe 25th figures. That would be pretty sharp.
Maybe Playmates is trying to trick people into thinking they changed the Mikey, so said fans will buy it before realizing how lazy Playmates really is.

[VaughnMichael]

*face palm* seriously?? You guys! I mean seriously! oi!

[tmntman]

I would'nt mind getting re-issues if they had tweaked improvements much in the same way some of the japanese Transformers G1 reissues had. I mean how hard is it to bring some more colour to the set of weapons and some extra detailing on the sculpts.

I would buy say another Rocksteady figure if Playmates altered the mould a bit to roid him up to be as equally hefty as Bebop.

===HERO

You've mentioned this a couple of times in this thread, and in terms of adding extra paint applications, it wouldn't be difficult. But changing the sculpt is difficult . And more importantly, VERY EXPENSIVE. The problem comes in tooling a new mold to be used in the mass production process. A single mold costs tens of thousands of dollars to produce. This is why so many companies try to reuse molds as often as they can. Personally, I can't see Playmates investing an extra $100,000 on these figures when they don't have to.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

My neighbor claims to know a lot about producing molds, and he claims that it is hard for him to believe that an action figure mold costs that much to produce...is there any evidence or information any where to prove this? I would like to see an actual credible source.

[Drtooth]

My neighbor claims to know a lot about producing molds, and he claims that it is hard for him to believe that an action figure mold costs that much to produce...is there any evidence or information any where to prove this? I would like to see an actual credible source.

As it stands, these should be pretty cheap, by that logic. These are just the same old molds.

[VaughnMichael]

What blows my mind is that Playmates wastes tuns of money on toys that reach the protype stages which means they made molds for the damn things yet they never release them!
And I'm not talkin' just TMNT here I now own almost every single Playmates catalog and there is just soooooooooooo much they never released.
It's seriously dumb from a business standpoint.

[Drtooth]

But by that count, it's ALSO the retailers fault for not ordering more of them as well. Unless the retailers dump them before the protos are made, I don't see how that's their fault. Other than having a product no one wants to buy, at any rate.

[Roseangelo]

But by that count, it's ALSO the retailers fault for not ordering more of them as well. Unless the retailers dump them before the protos are made, I don't see how that's their fault. Other than having a product no one wants to buy, at any rate.

Retailers don't buy stuff that doesn't sell.

And, "My Walmart was always sold out!" has nothing to do with actual sales numbers.

[Hero]

You've mentioned this a couple of times in this thread, and in terms of adding extra paint applications, it wouldn't be difficult. But changing the sculpt is difficult . And more importantly, VERY EXPENSIVE. The problem comes in tooling a new mold to be used in the mass production process. A single mold costs tens of thousands of dollars to produce. This is why so many companies try to reuse molds as often as they can. Personally, I can't see Playmates investing an extra $100,000 on these figures when they don't have to.

Ah I see, the repetition was unintended :)

Like CJJ's neighbour, I can't understand how a single mould on a small figure would cost large amounts to produce. For a start there isn't that many parts that go into the TMNT themselves, just mainly a large shell base and limbs attached onto.

I remember Hasbro saying at the Botcon 1998 panel about how some of thier larger Transformers cost thousands to produce mainly because of the thousands of parts that make up the mould. Oh yeah and the drop tests to determine durability. The old school TMNT isn't made up of that much in comparrison surely to say something like a Leader class assortment TF.

[METALHEAD]

So these guys are being sold in retailers everywhere right? cus seeing that---makes me excited.....i'm ok with mikey. :D hehehe! i'm very pleased so far.

[Roseangelo]

So these guys are being sold in retailers everywhere right?

Not Walmart.

[tmntman]

Ah I see, the repetition was unintended :)

Like CJJ's neighbour, I can't understand how a single mould on a small figure would cost large amounts to produce. For a start there isn't that many parts that go into the TMNT themselves, just mainly a large shell base and limbs attached onto.

I remember Hasbro saying at the Botcon 1998 panel about how some of thier larger Transformers cost thousands to produce mainly because of the thousands of parts that make up the mould. Oh yeah and the drop tests to determine durability. The old school TMNT isn't made up of that much in comparrison surely to say something like a Leader class assortment TF.

The total number of parts to a figure will of course affect the cost of production. More parts means more labor. But from all of the information I have read, the biggest expense in the manufacturing process is creating the steel molds from which the figure is actually made such as this one:

http://www.fantasticexclusive.com/images/mold2.jpg

These molds cost many thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars to make and maintain. Changing them is pretty rare. First of all, companies don't want to risk damaging them. Secondly you just can't do much to change them. You can subtract from the finished figure by adding material into the steel mold, but such changes are not as durable as the original mold and often as recognizable as not being part of the original.

As for the issue of the cost of producing a toy and the number of parts in that toy, it certainly is true that the more parts that a figure is made of, the more expensive it will be to produce. But it isn't as simple as each piece costing $X.xx Each additional piece would mean a more work would have to be done to create the steel mold, thus increasing the price. But there would also be a limit to the number of pieces that can fit on a single mold. If you cross that threshold, you now have to pay for an entire extra mold to be made, increasing the production costs considerably.

Hopefully this helps explain the process a bit better.

[BigApple3AM]

TMNTman is that mold for Ramathorr? He's the elephant man that came out last year. I can't really tell, but thanks for the cool picture I don't think I've ever seen a mold aside from the ones you get with creepy crawlers ;)

[Archon_Turtle]

Not Walmart.

oooo ZING! You're so sexy when youre being snide Rose.

[tmntman]

TMNTman is that mold for Ramathorr? He's the elephant man that came out last year. I can't really tell, but thanks for the cool picture I don't think I've ever seen a mold aside from the ones you get with creepy crawlers ;)

Correct. The Four Horsemen posted a few photos on their site as they were going through the manufacturing process to explain why they were running into so many problems.

[VaughnMichael]

oooo ZING! You're so sexy when youre being snide Rose.
I thought she was being honest and truthful.:D

[Jester]

I thought she was being honest and truthful.:D
Couldn't she be both?

[Roseangelo]

LOL. I guess I'll take what I can get. :P

[Hero]

Rose, I'd say both too ;)

That's an interesting insight to moulds tmnt man.

===HERO

[Drtooth]

Not Walmart.

Probably just HT..... and Comic Book Stores... :tshifty:

[VaughnMichael]

Probably just HT..... and Comic Book Stores... :tshifty:
THESE WILL BE AT TARGET AND TOYS R US, NOT SPECIALITY STORES LIKE HOT TOPIC, SPENCERS, OR COMIC BOOK SHOPS.
Get it now?

[CyberCubed]

You know its a shame Murphy shut down his blog, it would have been nice if he could still show us upcoming toy prototypes like how he leaked the music turtles to us.

I want to know what the Cyber Turtles and hopefully Cyber Shredder look like, if those are even coming at this point.

The whole season will be over by the time those toys come out.

[Spitfire]

They are out. The Sub Sewer line are our BTTS toys...I know it's sad. Alsos ome crappy mini mutants and a build a figure Splinter that's a bad repaint of the movie Splinter toy.

[VaughnMichael]

You know its a shame Murphy shut down his blog, it would have been nice if he could still show us upcoming toy prototypes like how he leaked the music turtles to us.

I want to know what the Cyber Turtles and hopefully Cyber Shredder look like, if those are even coming at this point.

The whole season will be over by the time those toys come out.
As you may or may not know I'm finishing up an interview with Murph so if you have a questions you should go to my blog and ask it now before it's to late.
They are out. The Sub Sewer line are our BTTS toys...I know it's sad. Alsos ome crappy mini mutants and a build a figure Splinter that's a bad repaint of the movie Splinter toy.
There is supposedly going to be a cyber turtles line and that's what the build a splinter figure is going to come with, instead of the mini figures likes originally planed.

[turkishproverb]

From Playmates site:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/VaughnJohnny/tmntoldcraplameideas.png (http://www.playmatestoys.com/turtleshome/#/contestspromos/)
See told you, you guys have seen these before :P

Hmm.. Heads look added on digitally actually. Either that or just put on really badly.

[prophecy718]

Hmm.. Heads look added on digitally actually. Either that or just put on really badly.

wait a minute, I have not been checking this post in quite a while...are they out already????????????? I see on that website that it says that it is available at toys r us and stores like that???

[VaughnMichael]

wait a minute, I have not been checking this post in quite a while...are they out already????????????? I see on that website that it says that it is available at toys r us and stores like that???
No, they are not out...besides on Ebay.

[prophecy718]

No, they are not out...besides on Ebay.

oh ok lol

has a specific release date been set? or is that still up in the air?

[Drtooth]

If there's one thing these need, and I doubt we'll get... I think they should come with small plastic figurine bases that say "TMNT 25 years" on it... doesn't seem like it would be too much to ask for. Especially since everyone knows the miserable time you get trying to stand the old figures up...

[Knight_man]

I agree with you 100% Drtooth

[drasgow]

maybe they should do the other three turtles in gold.

[Drtooth]

maybe they should do the other three turtles in gold.

Actually... Making a special box set of silver colored Turtles would be amazing. 25 is the Silver anniversary, right? Like some sort of collector's thing that they have at Comic conventions or something... Similar to the B&W sets...