Playmates Toys have reissued their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003 figures as part of the brands 40th Anniversary celebration. The series, which was released in 2003 with a new show and toyline, with new turtles designs and characters for a new generation of fans. This box includes Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello, and each figure includes their iconic accessories. The series ran from February 8, 2003 – February 28, 2009, with 7 seasons and 155 episodes. In the original line, the first wave had included these four figures, along with Splinter, Shredder and a Foot Soldier.
Thank you to Playmates Toys for sending along their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003 Classic Figure 4-Pack for review.
Availability: July 2024
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003 figures come packaged in a white mailer with green text, including the classic ’87 and Playmates Toys logo’s on the front. The turtles are packaged on retro inspired blister cards, with some great artwork, including images, and logo’s on the front, images and a description of the figures on the back. Each figure is packaged on a plastic tray.
The 2003 Turtles are the same as what came out 21 years ago, and these are part of the 40th anniversary of the brand. They are each in their own unique shade of green, with their iconic colored bandana’s and pads, and all except for Donatello can store their iconic accessory on their body.
These figures also have limited articulation and their legs are in a fixed position, meaning that they can only stand one way or they’ll fall over. The articulation includes a swivel neck, swivel-hinged shoulder, swivel elbows, swivel wrists, and swivel-hinged hips.
Leonardo includes 2 ninja stars, 2 katana’s that are made with soft plastic, and 2 suction cup grips. The katana’s can be stored in the sheaths on the back of his shell, and the suction cup grips can be placed on glass and Leonardo can hold onto the grips, so it looks like he can climb.
Michelangelo includes 2 ninja stars, his iconic nunchucks that can be stored on the back of his shell, and a climbing box that includes a hook that can be connected to string or a surface and you can pull him up or down.
Donatello includes 2 ninja stars, his bo staff, which cannot fit onto his back, a sword and axe that can fit onto the ends of the bo staff. This allows him to have a longer and more formidable weapon, and he can also hold onto the sword and axe in his hands.
Raphael includes 2 ninja stars, 2 sais that he can store on his sides, and a pulley line runner that can can hold. This is attached to a string as shown, and Raphael can hold onto the bars.
Overall, the 2003 Turtles are great figures and well deserving for a reissue as part of the 40th anniversary of the brand. I never had the originals so getting these now is certainly long overdue. These are essential offerings for your collection, so make sure to grab them now especially if you don’t own the originals. You can find this box set at the stores listed below:
Purchase:
Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore, Amazon
Entertainment Earth is offering Free USA Shipping on all orders of $79+, including 10% in-stock items.. Use this LINK and start shopping.
BigBadToyStore is offering $4 Flat Rate USA Shipping & a Pile of Loot feature. Use this LINK and start shopping.
