NECA Mirage figures past, present and future

[D Piddy 1982]

Had a quick search in these sub forums for a NECA Mirage specific thread, but couldn't find one 3 pages in, so starting a new thread.

The recent Fwoosh YouTube interview with Trevor Zammit (FwooshCast EP. 63: NECA's Trevor Zammit Talking Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!) Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7qQSoRU5as&t=3722s

Trevor specifically mentions that the video game line is gonna take a back seat whilst NECA switch their focus back to the Mirage line.

Sounds like they already have a Fugitoid ready (plus accessory weapons that can fit to the original Mirage Turtles - awesome!) and they are going to release (or re-release) a foot soldier set.

On top of that there are the Loot crate figures (Shredder and Crab Claw Shredder) that have recently come out, or due to come out.

So thought it might be an idea to start a thread for all things NECA Mirage.

[King Kahn]

I honestly can’t wait for new mirage figures. It’s what I have been most excited for. Neca mirage turtles are still my favorite set of turtles outside of the original 4.

[Wartortle]

If they really start pushing this line they need to reissue the Turtles in some way at the very least. They've been somewhat good at this with other lines as Movie Turtles were released originally in singles and then again in doubles when they moved to Walmart. Cartoon line has had 3 versions of the turtles so at least there are opportunities for those that missed earlier ones.

I also wouldn't count the black and white Mirage Turtles as a credible release for the line if they won't even fit in with the other Mirage characters.

Not much point in my buying a Mirage Fugitoid if I can't even get some Mirage turtles and I don't think many people have the Mirage Turtles. Although Fugitoid might actually be able to fit in with the Cartoon line.

[Chris]

I'm sure they've already said they will be doing new turtles rather than reissuing the originals. Hopefully they go with the later E&L looks (around Leo/#10-11)

[italianice388]

i'm really excited for more mirage from neca. i'm just holding out hope that neca goes back to its 2008 sculpting and painting standards for this line, or i won't be able to support it. there's been a steady, noticeable decline in quality over the years.

[Otter]

I'm sure the Turtles will be revisted.
Casey and Splinter are must-haves.

I'm really hoping this line goes deep, I really want a Dooney-styled Complete Carnage and Radical, but am not confident that the Mirage market is big enough to support that deep a dive. Maybe if it's fleshed out with Turtles sculpted in various Mirage artists' styles, similar to DC Direct's old Batman B&W statues. Hook me up with Dooney, Farley, Talbot and Zulli turtles!

I am otherwise hopeful for a deluxe, big-ass Leatherhead.

[italianice388]

Originally Posted by italianice388

i'm really excited for more mirage from neca. i'm just holding out hope that neca goes back to its 2008 sculpting and painting standards for this line, or i won't be able to support it. there's been a steady, noticeable decline in quality over the years.

i've been making this point pretty consistently for a while now

[D Piddy 1982]

Originally Posted by Chris

I'm sure they've already said they will be doing new turtles rather than reissuing the originals. Hopefully they go with the later E&L looks (around Leo/#10-11)

Trevor mentioned that they would not re-issue the old Mirage figures, but sculpt new ones based more around the Eastman style. Also he said they had (allegedly) improved the articulation since that original Mirage line, which is another reason why they weren't going back.

I'm in for the new Turtles, plus Splinter and Fugitoid for sure.

As others have said those Mirage figures are also my favourite. I was also lucky enough to get the Mirage Shredder/Foot 4 piece set which I also love.

I got an original Mirage Mikey back when they were released and he is the crown jewel in my collection.

[TCRI]

Other than the first few issues, comics aren't my thing.

After some research, the 'guest era' issues, I'd imagine would be a gold mine for NECA lol.

Be interesting to see how NECA handle this line. I don't know... Just hope it's interesting enough to capture the attention of casual fans like me, who until, much later in life, discovered the comics - and eventually, the 08 figures.

[mikey0]

A look at Fugitoid:

[DonnieLaForge]

No...Fugitoid having bendable arms is *NOT* good. Neca's bendable stuff is a major fail. That wire is going to split through that soft rubber in no time if my previous experiences are anything to go by. I like NECA but their materials, at least in past figures, and especially in bendables, degrade quickly.

[King Kahn]

Originally Posted by DonnieLaForge

No...Fugitoid having bendable arms is *NOT* good. Neca's bendable stuff is a major fail. That wire is going to split through that soft rubber in no time if my previous experiences are anything to go by. I like NECA but their materials, at least in past figures, and especially in bendables, degrade quickly.

I wouldn’t even say it’s just neca. I hate bendy limbs on any toy. I have never had one that I didn’t think “well that will degrade over time and bust”

[Otter]

Sorry for being a Negative Nancy.

I am REALLY looking forward to more Mirage reveals...

... I think.

[Chris]

Love the sculpt but really hope they correct the colours. Let's see what Trevor says in The Fwoosh interview tomorrow.

[Tuxedo Moroboshi]

I'm pretty torn on this, but I'm glad I'm not the only one. The figure is BEAUTIFUL, and Renet is one of my favorite characters, so I'm ECSTATIC that she's getting a figure! But... blue is what I've always seen her as, so this alt color is... not exactly up my alley. But I also don't know whether or not they actually do plan on making a blue version, or if they do, whether it'll be easy to get. For the moment, I'm... on the fence, I guess. Especially with how expensive figures are getting all across the board.

[italianice388]

i know everyone hates my overly critical commentary, but i promise it comes from a place of just wanting the best possible quality for figures we've been waiting ages for.

i'm so excited to see these mirage characters finally getting their due, but the style just feels like the cartoon line. it doesn't work for me. i'm sorry, but what NECA was doing in 2008 for mirage is leaps and bounds ahead of this. why can't they match that quality for these? the paint is flat and the lines are too chunky. they just feel a bit too heavy handed. granted, leagues above the loot crate shredder, but leagues behind the 2008 turtles, imo.

[Tuxedo Moroboshi]

Originally Posted by italianice388

i'm so excited to see these mirage characters finally getting their due, but the style just feels like the cartoon line. it doesn't work for me.

I don't mind the look myself, outside of them using the "wrong" colors for Renet. But to answer your specific question...

Originally Posted by italianice388

i'm sorry, but what NECA was doing in 2008 for mirage is leaps and bounds ahead of this. why can't they match that quality for these?

The simple answer to that is: different sculptors. I think the 2008 figures were specifically sculpted by 4 Horsemen. I don't believe they've done any of the sculpts for NECA's TMNT figures since they had their comeback, but I could be wrong.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Otter

Do they frequent these boards? Has the interview already been recorded? How do we get this question in front of their eyes? Is Nic an original (pre-IDW recolour) Mirage fan?

These boards, I don't know. But the question is being asked on The Fwoosh's own boards. I think the interview was pre-recorded but hopefully it comes up. If not the question is literally everywhere. Everyone is asking it so there's no way it won't get addressed.

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Moroboshi

The simple answer to that is: different sculptors. I think the 2008 figures were specifically sculpted by 4 Horsemen. I don't believe they've done any of the sculpts for NECA's TMNT figures since they had their comeback, but I could be wrong.

I think you're right. Everything after the original Mirage figures from 2008/2009 has been their own team rather than Four Horsemen (except the Mirage Villains set which were unreleased from the original line).

[italianice388]

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Moroboshi

The simple answer to that is: different sculptors. I think the 2008 figures were specifically sculpted by 4 Horsemen. I don't believe they've done any of the sculpts for NECA's TMNT figures since they had their comeback, but I could be wrong.

yup, although i think the sculpt isn't the weakest link. if you look at the shredder set from a few years back, that was an old four horsemen sculpt, but the paint deco was different, more like the current deco. simple, flat colors, with chunky, imperfect lines. the big difference here is all in the paint deco, imo. whoever did the paint deco and 2008 needs to get hired back. check my comparison image on the first or second page of this thread.

[Dask]

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Moroboshi

The simple answer to that is: different sculptors. I think the 2008 figures were specifically sculpted by 4 Horsemen. I don't believe they've done any of the sculpts for NECA's TMNT figures since they had their comeback, but I could be wrong.

While I came too late to the party and missed out on all the great 4H sculpts, I did end up picking up the high-quality bootlegs + loot crate shredder. However, having said this, I am actually more interested in NECA's proprietary sculpts than the 4H because I prefer the latter comic book aesthetics for mirage (as opposed to the bobble head look) and IDW.

On a side note, If NECA recreates the entire Usagi comic book universe, I will be beyond ecstatic.