1990-1991 Storage Shell Turtles Figures

[Bill]

Like to keep value things in a safe place? Well nothing could be safer that your own shell, especially if you are a Tmnt.

Hello Dear Tmnt Followers, back in 1990 our four green heroes decided to become their own safe vault, when the Turtlemania was running wild the storage shell turtles came out featuring Donatello with Storage Shell, Leonardo with Storage Shell, Michaelangelo with storage shell and Raphael with Storage Shell-

The figures were great in terms of sculpt, colours and of course who could forget their face expression with those healthy gums and teeth?

Each figure would have a new mold, different face expression, their trademark weapons plus unique and innovative weapons/accessories proving once again how creative Playmates was. Needless to say that all came with the storage shell feature.

The cardboard art was just marvelous, we got our beloved exploding brick wall, two illustrations for each figure of this new set and also an enemy cameo which make them very special. You may know by now how much I love those cameos, if not you can go to this thread
http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=45484


What´s more? This figures would become “iconic” due to the fact that they would be heavily shown in the box vehicles that were yet to come from 1991 onwards replacing the original 1988 figures and sharing that spot with the Movie Star Turtles, making it very desirable in my opinion.

The Storage Shell figures would be reissue in 1994/1995 and all this fine carboard art would be gone forever, on the bright side all would come with the now hard to find collector cards and their trademark black belt instead of the bandanna coloured one.

As for me, I loved that their belt was coloured same like their respective bandana and that both Leo and Don have the more traditional belt instead of the one with the “suspenders”, lol.


Let´s start with the pilot test, (no, not 1991 Pro Pilot Don, lol), the first ever Storage Shell Tmnt, In 1990 Donatello with storage Shell came out









Donatello with storage shell was a great figure, we got a whole new mold, with some nice details, love that it got a belt more similar to the one used in the cartoon and a good second choice when the 1988 original Donatello is not around.


The accessories were a Killer Pizza, Fish Knife, Sewer Slingshot (Bart Simpson or Dennis the Menace rip off maybe ?), Shark Fin Hatchet (very creative), Bo, Two Ninja Stars and of course the storage shell feature. This would be the only Storage Shell figure whose weapons are still jointed to a “rack” or sort of.


In Donatello with Storage Shell Cardboard, Scumbug makes a cameo (being attacked by Don´s killer pizza and ninja star). Got to admire Playmates, cause by showing us not familiar characters like Scumbug in this cardboard and in the secret sewer map, makes me wanna have it.


Here´s a review on youtube of Donatello with Storage Shell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5QsuGWqDlk






In 1991 the remaining three turtles came out, the second figure of this set is no other that our fearless leader, Leonardo with Storage Shell







Leonardo with Storage Shell was a great figure, love his face expression (a total badass) , we got a new mold, a new belt , again love that it got a belt more similar to the one used in the cartoon and I would dare to say that this figure is even better than the 1988 original Leonardo. I never liked that figure to be honest, it lacked of something, lets say…attitude.


The accessories were awesome (no more jointed) and there were a Turtle Grappling Hook (Batman homage?), Armadillo Club (amazing), Pizza Disc, Spiked Knuckle/Climbing Claw (badass), Two Ninja Stars, Two Katana Blades and of course the storage shell feature.


In Leonardo with Storage Shell Cardboard, Pizzaface makes a cameo being attacked by Leo´s ninja stars, spiked knuckle and katana. Love Pizzaface´s facial expression. I remember back in those days seeing this figure at a toystore, and just that cameo made me wanna buy it (I already got Pizzaface and I loved it from the very beginning just like I said in these threads http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=25268 and http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=25269 ).



Here´s a review on youtube of Leonardo with Storage Shell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsax8OHFGPY




The third Storage Shell I would like to show you is my favourite Turtle, good old Michaelangelo with Storage Shell








Michaelangelo with Storage Shell was a great figure, as for its face expression it was bit odd for me, Mike was always smiling in the cartoon or maybe not , we got a new mold and a good second choice if 1988 original Michaelangelo is not available.

The accessories were great and there were a Pipe Grappling Hook (awesome), Mini-sickle (too gruesome maybe? Is Mike the Grim Reaper?), a Pizza Disc, Two Nunchukus, Two Ninja Stars,
Turtle Flashlight and of course the storage shell feature.


In Michaelangelo with Storage Shell Cardboard, Groundchuck makes a cameo, you don´t know how much I love the member of the not very well used duo. I believe they should have used Groundchuck and Dirtbag more in the original cartoon but that´s another story.


Here´s a review on youtube of Michaelangelo with Storage Shell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHVDU8SCLMo


The Final figure of this Storage Shell Turtles Series is the hothead of the group, Raphael with Storage Shell







Raphael with Storage Shell was a great figure, love his face expression (a big smile), we got a new mold and a good second choice if 1988 original Raphael is not available.


The accessories were great and there were a Manta Axe (amazing), Two Sais, Blowfish Mace (just great), Ninja-rang, Pizza Disc, Two Ninja Stars and of course the storage shell feature.


In Raphael with Storage Shell Cardboard, Rocksteady makes a cameo being attacked by Raphael´s Blowfish Mace. Although I love Rocksteady I wish other mutant less familiar would have made a cameo (like Mutagen Man or Muckman), but that´s me and I guess Playmates used an original 1988 figure to connect 1991 Storage Shell Raph and enticed customers.


Here´s a review on youtube of Raphael with Storage Shell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lXxUBliMTg


The Storage Shell Tmnt did not appear in the original tv show and it would have been weird if they did but the shell was usually the place were they put their belonging and weapons therefore…

Seems they are not pricey and hard to find (except for the reissues), I believe you can go for them. I always thought that there were a good match for the newer (post 1991) vehicles back then.

Here is Donatello with Storage Shell featured in the 1990 Playmates toy catalog (Photo Courtesy of Vaughn Michael)




Here are featured in the 1991 Playmates toy catalog (Photo Courtesy of Pannoni1)




Here is the toy commercial for Storage Shell Don

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-rWT9Ae0Ac


What do you think about these Storage Shell Turtles? Do you got them?

Did you see them at the toy shelves back in those days?

Any memories you wanna share from where you bought and saw it the
very first time?

Anyone remember if there was a Tmnt Toy commercial for the rest of the Storage Shell Turtles?

Thanks a lot for reading, don´t forget to lock your shell.

[DVD]

This set of Original Turtles is the best.
Of all the sets of four Turtles that I have, this is the set that has always been out on display, since I got them.
I only have 3 of the 4 cards tho. However, I do have 2 Donatello figures!!

I like the use of the colour on the belts, pushing the identity beyond the masks.
The different sets of weapons is a cool touch, as they could have easily just stuck in the basic kit.
Of course the Nick toys spawned their versions which, although good, do not beat these lil guys.

Thanks for sharing the pics Bill.

[Hakase]

Since I wasn't even born when these figures came out, I never had them as a child. I really want them though. I love the expressions on their face. It looks so cartoony and unique. I was wondering if the weapons they come with are any different from the '88 figures?

[Autbot_Benz]

I think my local Collectibles store had Storage Shell Raph I haven't been in there in a long time so I wonder if they still have it.

[Ninjinister]

I love these figs and I'm glad they made new ones for the 2012 show. I wish they'd called them ____ with Storage Shell with the new ones though, and not "Battle Shell".

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Originally Posted by Hakase

Since I wasn't even born when these figures came out, I never had them as a child. I really want them though. I love the expressions on their face. It looks so cartoony and unique. I was wondering if the weapons they come with are any different from the '88 figures?

Yes, the weapons were different. Each turtle came with his signature weapon, but everything else (or most of it was different). You can see the accessories on the backs of the cards.

Always thought it was really random how Leo had an armadillo mace/club!

Sigh, the vintage TMNT stuff had so much character and personality. It's almost completely absent from the new toys...

[Hakase]

Originally Posted by I Crave Pizza No More

Yes, the weapons were different. Each turtle came with his signature weapon, but everything else (or most of it was different). You can see the accessories on the backs of the cards.

I mean is the molding of their signature weapons any different from the 1988 figures?

[darthwahl56]

Originally Posted by I Crave Pizza No More

Yes, the weapons were different. Each turtle came with his signature weapon, but everything else (or most of it was different). You can see the accessories on the backs of the cards.

Always thought it was really random how Leo had an armadillo mace/club!

Sigh, the vintage TMNT stuff had so much character and personality. It's almost completely absent from the new toys...

At least the TV show has used a lot of personality, more so than the toy packaging. When I went into collecting these new ones in 2012 what caught my attention was the colors of the packaging, nice and vibrant. I would want something of the earlier packaging to give root to playmates past mixed with the now. The character artwork not necessarily matching the show, but someones interpretation taking up the spot

The new storage figures I think do a good job at storing the ninja weapons they are known for on the current show, I especially love the organization of it all. These originals just had you stuffing the items into the body. The accessories on the originals are pretty creative; Pizza Discs, armadillo club, blow fish mace, those are just cool to look at amongst the many, many accessories that came out of that toy line.

I bought a set of the original storage shells off of Ebay and payed $50 for the loose figures, all accessories, and the original cardbacks. I never had these when I was a kid and I was growing up around that time. Back then I just felt like the originals were good enough, of course none of the kids at my birthday parties cared, I got other turtle variants because of them.

[Waytocheesy]

Originally Posted by darthwahl56

At least the TV show has used a lot of personality, more so than the toy packaging. When I went into collecting these new ones in 2012 what caught my attention was the colors of the packaging, nice and vibrant. I would want something of the earlier packaging to give root to playmates past mixed with the now. The character artwork not necessarily matching the show, but someones interpretation taking up the spot

The new storage figures I think do a good job at storing the ninja weapons they are known for on the current show, I especially love the organization of it all. These originals just had you stuffing the items into the body. The accessories on the originals are pretty creative; Pizza Discs, armadillo club, blow fish mace, those are just cool to look at amongst the many, many accessories that came out of that toy line.

I bought a set of the original storage shells off of Ebay and payed $50 for the loose figures, all accessories, and the original cardbacks. I never had these when I was a kid and I was growing up around that time. Back then I just felt like the originals were good enough, of course none of the kids at my birthday parties cared, I got other turtle variants because of them.

I really like the new ones don't have any of the old ones though

[darthwahl56]

Originally Posted by Waytocheesy

I really like the new ones don't have any of the old ones though

If you want something that is a bit weird/fun, try finding these on Ebay or keep an eye out elsewere.

[Chabrendeki]

Raphael with Storage Shell was the second Turtles-figure I've got (the first one was Casey Jones), and remained the only Turtle I had (I had only 4 figures: tthese two and Mondo Gecko and Sgt. Bananas), and I loved it very much... the Blowfish Mace was just awesome!

[joefsas]

I'm watchin Mikey MOC on ebay right now. Will hopefully be my first storage shell figure. Although theres a tiny memory in the back of my head telling me I had one of these as a kid.
Fingers crossed. Awsome looking figures

[I Crave Pizza No More]

Originally Posted by Hakase

I mean is the molding of their signature weapons any different from the 1988 figures?

I don't think so. The swords shown on Leo's package look like the swords that came with Usagi, but I'm almost certain that Leo actually came with the same swords as the original. The plastic on the weapon was a little darker and more rigid if I remember correctly.

[Sumac]

Mike with Storage Shell was one of my first genuine Turtle figures, alongside with Raph the Space Cadet and Mike the Sewer Surfer. Later, I've got Leo with Storage Shell. I still have all those figures, save for a Mike WSS. I traded him for a NES cart sometime in 2000s.
Sadly, it were the last genuine Turtle toys I had.

[Hakase]

I actually just impulsed bought Donnie, Leo, and Mikey. I'm not sure if I really want them anymore because I'm pretty happy with my '88 figures. I'll wait til I have them on hand before deciding if I want to keep them, but it seems unlikely.

[mikey0]

What do you think about these Storage Shell Turtles? Do you got them?

Did you see them at the toy shelves back in those days?

Any memories you wanna share from where you bought and saw it the
very first time?

Anyone remember if there was a Tmnt Toy commercial for the rest of the Storage Shell Turtles?

Thanks a lot for reading, don´t forget to lock your shell.

I remember children being disappointed with the Storage Shell turtles. They wanted the basic versions of the turtles ('88 ones) over any variant put on the shelves. Quite a few parents grabbed these when they couldn't find a turtles that was on their child's list. Of course, there were boys who thought the colored belts were stupid when compared to the basic versions. There were people who easily pulled off their shells without any hesitation. Once the shells were lost, the play value was pretty much gone.

I do remember seeing the Storage Shell turtles on pegs around July or August of 1991. They were stocked with Groundchuck, Dirtbag and Tattoo. I thought Tattoo would definitely sell over the Storage Shell Turtles because temporary tattoos and oillies stickers were popular with children at that time. I was wrong, Storage Shell Michelangelos and Raphaels were moving. That Storage Shell Don was already out from November of 1990. As a result, they were under a lot of Christmas trees in 1990.

Young folks thought the Headdroppin' Turtles were closer to the '88 originals over these. The Storage Shell figures just didn't look right with black belts. I, myself, thought the card art for the storage Shells looked better than the actual figures. These are figures that most collectors keep on card. I think this was the last time the Flushomatic artist did card art for the line.

No, I do not remember seeing a commercial for the Storage Shell Turtles. I only know of the one you posted.

[Mzx10484]

I love the Storage Shell Turtles !! Reason: the great face expression variants !! More important to me than the storage shells...

[tmntgoldcoin]

very nice review. The art on these was great.

[Splint'r]

Originally Posted by Hakase

I actually just impulsed bought Donnie, Leo, and Mikey. I'm not sure if I really want them anymore because I'm pretty happy with my '88 figures. I'll wait til I have them on hand before deciding if I want to keep them, but it seems unlikely.

Hate when that happens.
By the way, the main weapons are of the same mold of the originals. The only difference is the pigmentation of the plastic. The storage shell figures have a lighter brown color to them than the original ones.
I only have a complete but loose SS Don and an SS Leo. I was going to get the rest but got caught up with the Nick TMNT stuff.
Maybe I'll pick them up later. They do have really sweet sculpts on their heads.


By the way Bill, thanks for posting these great pics up! I remember that catalog book! A kid in my school (way back when I was in elementary) had it and was kind enough to let me borrow it over night. I could NOT stop staring at the pics and wishing I had all of the toys inside. I wish I could get my hands on that catalog but it's a bit too pricey for me at this time. Some day perhaps.

[Sumac]

I always liked colored belts of SST and thought it was an awesome thing.