About opening a 1991 TMNT action figure

tmntskid · 08-26-2016, 02:49 AM

Hi everyone,

I just started to collect Playmates TMNT action figures a few months ago, and I just got a figure from the 1991 series with the original package. It is sealed but the card is in bad condition. Also the box has a crack. I can put 3 fingers through there and touch the figure. Also the box looks yellowish.

I would prefer to open the figure and have it loose instead of having it inside that card in bad condition.

As collectors, what do you recommend me? Thank you

*Powder* · 08-26-2016, 02:57 AM

Sounds like it was struck by a Kamehameha. Might as well just open it.

~~SurrealBrain~~ · 08-26-2016, 03:00 AM

As someone who's not a serious collector, I dunno. I will say in that condition, the packaging probably isn't worth much.

It's up to you, but I've seen other collectors say "open it" with video game boxes in bad shape, so...

*DVD* · 08-26-2016, 04:18 AM

I have dozens of in pack 90s turtles . To display one , the pack and card need to look cool. If they are damaged, grab a craft knife and slice around the remaining bubble. Then you retain the card. This can be folded flat. Use it as a backdrop for the figure to stand against. I've done that with a few of mine. This always looks better than a tatty package, and highlights the pristine figure.

*tmntman* · 08-26-2016, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmntskid

As collectors, what do you recommend me? Thank you

It's your figure, enjoy as you wish!

*go_ninja84* · 08-26-2016, 09:25 AM

what is the figure? many say open but others say do as you wish but nobody asked who it is. some figures could be worth some money even in that condition. a loose Scratch goes for about 400 think how it would be in package. i know its probably not Scratch but makes you think. again who is it?

tmntskid · 08-26-2016, 12:29 PM

Thank you all for your answers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

what is the figure? many say open but others say do as you wish but nobody asked who it is. some figures could be worth some money even in that condition. a loose Scratch goes for about 400 think how it would be in package. i know its probably not Scratch but makes you think. again who is it?

The figure is Zak, The Neutrino. I will upload some images as soon as I have a chance, so you can see the condition of the package.

inaheap · 08-26-2016, 02:32 PM

My rule is if the package is crappy I open it. Unless I know the figure is ultra rare with even fewer in package. That's partly because I started collecting as a kid so much of my collection is loose already. Plus opening the box is a little nostalgic for me.

*go_ninja84* · 08-26-2016, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmntskid

Thank you all for your answers.

The figure is Zak, The Neutrino. I will upload some images as soon as I have a chance, so you can see the condition of the package.

i would just open it and do like DVD said. cut him out of package, keep him pristine with all his accessories and display him in front of the cardback

tmntskid · 08-31-2016, 02:58 PM

Thank you all for your replies.

Here some pictures:

So with the yellowish box and in this condition. What do you recommend me to do?

By the way, if you see the last image, you can see a black dot in Zak's ear, I have no idea what is that.

Thank you

*Mzx10484* · 08-31-2016, 03:03 PM

What would YOU like to do? Would you enjoy to display the unpacked figure with its accessoires?

*go_ninja84* · 08-31-2016, 03:45 PM

the yellowing is due to the figure being placed in sunlight for extended periods of time. the figure would look nice displayed with all accessories behind the cardback. cut the bubble away dont just rip it open

thundermaster612 · 08-31-2016, 06:34 PM

Looking at it in photos I wouldn't open it until I get another one.

tmntskid · 08-31-2016, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mzx10484

What would YOU like to do? Would you enjoy to display the unpacked figure with its accessoires?

I actually collect them loose but complete, so I have no problem to open it and display it unpacked. The reason I am asking is because I can get another Zak The Neutrino unpacked. It is not that hard to find, but I wanted to know if having him in this condition could be worth it for another collector before I decide to open it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by go_ninja84

the yellowing is due to the figure being placed in sunlight for extended periods of time. the figure would look nice displayed with all accessories behind the cardback. cut the bubble away dont just rip it open

Thank you for your reply. I think I am going to do what you're telling me. Thanks.

*Mzx10484* · 09-01-2016, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmntskid

t is not that hard to find, but I wanted to know if having him in this condition could be worth it for another collector before I decide to open it.

Since it is not hard to find, me as a collector would not choose one with a cracked blister ...

tmntskid · 09-03-2016, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thundermaster612

Looking at it in photos I wouldn't open it until I get another one.

Thank you for your advice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mzx10484

Since it is not hard to find, me as a collector would not choose one with a cracked blister ...

That's precisely what I wanted to know. Thank you.

tmntskid · 09-24-2016, 07:26 PM

The figure came off through the whole. I imagine the figure had been removed from the box before. So I "re opened" it as go_ninja84 told me. The figure is in pretty good condition but the worst thing was the smoke smell, and also it was kind of sticky. I can not imagine what conditions Zak the Neutrino has been through.

I washed it, but I think I will have to disinfect it. Just in case

What is the best way to clean a figure?

Thank you

*Powder* · 09-24-2016, 07:32 PM

Unfortunately, it may be a lost cause. Cigarette smoke is pretty much the hardest thing to get off of collectibles, usually it can't be removed. The stickiness may have something to do with that, too, a clash of chemicals can cause a minor breakdown of the plastic, leaving it eternally sticky.

I think I've read something about people soaking toys in Lysol, but I'd have someone give a second opinion on that practice before trying it.

08-26-2016, 02:49 AM	#1
tmntskid Random Punk Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 33	About opening a 1991 TMNT action figure Hi everyone, I just started to collect Playmates TMNT action figures a few months ago, and I just got a figure from the 1991 series with the original package. It is sealed but the card is in bad condition. Also the box has a crack. I can put 3 fingers through there and touch the figure. Also the box looks yellowish. I would prefer to open the figure and have it loose instead of having it inside that card in bad condition. As collectors, what do you recommend me? Thank you Last edited by tmntskid; 08-26-2016 at 03:04 AM.

08-26-2016, 02:32 PM	#8
inaheap Mad Scientist Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,150	My rule is if the package is crappy I open it. Unless I know the figure is ultra rare with even fewer in package. That's partly because I started collecting as a kid so much of my collection is loose already. Plus opening the box is a little nostalgic for me. __________________ I have always liked Cowa-bunga! We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing When I became an adult I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.

08-31-2016, 02:58 PM	#10
tmntskid Random Punk Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 33	Thank you all for your replies. Here some pictures: So with the yellowish box and in this condition. What do you recommend me to do? By the way, if you see the last image, you can see a black dot in Zak's ear, I have no idea what is that. Thank you Last edited by tmntskid; 08-31-2016 at 05:34 PM.

08-31-2016, 06:34 PM	#13
thundermaster612 Mad Scientist Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Ninjago City Posts: 1,214	Looking at it in photos I wouldn't open it until I get another one. __________________

08-26-2016, 02:57 AM	#2
Powder 40 Years of TMNT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shell-Ri-La Posts: 26,955	Sounds like it was struck by a Kamehameha. Might as well just open it.

08-26-2016, 03:00 AM	#3
~~SurrealBrain~~ Banned Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Michigan Posts: 18	As someone who's not a serious collector, I dunno. I will say in that condition, the packaging probably isn't worth much. It's up to you, but I've seen other collectors say "open it" with video game boxes in bad shape, so...

08-26-2016, 04:18 AM	#4
DVD Mad Scientist Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Shanghai Posts: 2,066	I have dozens of in pack 90s turtles . To display one , the pack and card need to look cool. If they are damaged, grab a craft knife and slice around the remaining bubble. Then you retain the card. This can be folded flat. Use it as a backdrop for the figure to stand against. I've done that with a few of mine. This always looks better than a tatty package, and highlights the pristine figure.

08-26-2016, 09:25 AM	#6
go_ninja84 Mad Scientist Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: st. clair MI Posts: 2,242	what is the figure? many say open but others say do as you wish but nobody asked who it is. some figures could be worth some money even in that condition. a loose Scratch goes for about 400 think how it would be in package. i know its probably not Scratch but makes you think. again who is it?

08-31-2016, 03:03 PM	#11
Mzx10484 WEM Super Starfinder 200 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Germany Posts: 2,085	What would YOU like to do? Would you enjoy to display the unpacked figure with its accessoires?

08-31-2016, 03:45 PM	#12
go_ninja84 Mad Scientist Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: st. clair MI Posts: 2,242	the yellowing is due to the figure being placed in sunlight for extended periods of time. the figure would look nice displayed with all accessories behind the cardback. cut the bubble away dont just rip it open

09-24-2016, 07:26 PM	#17
tmntskid Random Punk Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 33	The figure came off through the whole. I imagine the figure had been removed from the box before. So I "re opened" it as go_ninja84 told me. The figure is in pretty good condition but the worst thing was the smoke smell, and also it was kind of sticky. I can not imagine what conditions Zak the Neutrino has been through. I washed it, but I think I will have to disinfect it. Just in case What is the best way to clean a figure? Thank you

09-24-2016, 07:32 PM	#18
Powder 40 Years of TMNT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shell-Ri-La Posts: 26,955	Unfortunately, it may be a lost cause. Cigarette smoke is pretty much the hardest thing to get off of collectibles, usually it can't be removed. The stickiness may have something to do with that, too, a clash of chemicals can cause a minor breakdown of the plastic, leaving it eternally sticky. I think I've read something about people soaking toys in Lysol, but I'd have someone give a second opinion on that practice before trying it.