Playmates Toys are offering additional repaints this year of many older Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures from the very first wave of the back from 2012, as well as somewhat newer molds in recent years. The two repainted figures that we are showcasing in this review are Battle Shell Leonardo, and Hothead Raphael. Battle Shell Leonardo is a more show-accurate figure, with the new deco being something that Playmates Toys made up just to keep product fresh as they are working on the 2018 product that is based on the new upcoming series. Hothead Raphael is an older sculpt going back from the very first line-up in 2012, and is given a red belt, which for the first time is new to the figure. In the course of the coming months, we’re going to be showing you the new figures along with the counterparts from years past.
Thank you to Playmates Toys for providing their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Battle Shell Leonardo and Hothead Raph Figures for review.
Availability: April 2017
Battle Shell Leonardo is a repaint of the previously offered figure and is much more defined. The new repaint isn’t show-accurate, but it makes the figure stand out a lot better especially the new blue bandages on his feet and wrists. What is also new is the black strap around his chest and belt that its attached too, as well as the black knee pads, elbow pads and sheath for the katana’s. If you are familiar with the sculpt, you will remember that the shell opens and reveals hidden weapons inside. These weapons includes two daggers, and two throwing stars that are repainted in blue, which is the same shade of blue used for the two katana’s. The sculpt is the same, which is more show-accurate compared to any other Leonardo sculpt released in the line, and the battle shell feature makes him certainly one of the better offerings.
Hothead Raph is a new name for the character, which goes nicely with the new red deco on the figure that has not been seen before. What is new to the figure is the shade of red on his bandana, elbow, belt and knee pads. The red has a darker tone compared to the last release with the eye balls, which was last years offering. In addition to the new red deco, the bandages on his feet and wrists are in a darker brown compared to what has come before. The shade of green is the same such as the skin, and there are no changes to the sculpt itself. Included with Raph are 5 sais (three different kinds, and two pairs), and 2 throwing stars.
Overall, these are nice looking repaints and we look forward to what Playmates Toys has in store this year for fans. While some are repaints, there will be some new offerings this year as announced back at New York ToyFair. Look for these figures to be hitting stores now, and check back for more reviews and coverage.
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