Interesting Gifts for Christmas: NECA's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys

Before the Ninja Turtles became popular among children in 1987, they were actually a based on a gritty comic book designed by both Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. These comics were filled with blood gushing illustrations along with intriguing dark stories. Originally, the Ninja Turtles comics were called "Tales of the TMNT" when they were first released back in 1984. It became an immediate among comic enthusiast due its captivating world of odd creatures. Keep in mind that a turtle sporting ninja apparel was odd site to see during the early eighties when only spandex wearing superheroes were common. Finally, after nearly twenty-two years of turtle toys directed towards children, a company called NECA decided to release a toy line based on the gritty Ninja Turtles comics from 1984.

Their design may confuse children from ages 8-13 since they do not have the multi-colored bandanas that animated turtles currently have. The NECA figures have somewhat of a lanky muscular build to them along with giant two toed feet to give the character perfect balance while doing any pose. These figures measure approximately five inches and are made up of an unusual plastic along with some rubber material. The rubber material feels very smooth and it is used on their belts, arm pads, and leg pads. The shell is the most interesting part of the toy because it is made out of a very hard material that has never been used on a Ninja Turtle toy before. These figures look a bit goofy, but they worth every penny since they cost about 7-10 dollars at hobby shops.

The characters that have been made so far are Raphael, Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, April O'Neill, and the mousers. They all look different from their animated counterparts. April's NECA model looks like the same April from the comics and her clamshell packages can at times come with the mousers. The mousers were the rat killing robots that Baxter Stockman used to rob banks. Unfortunately, these mousers cannot open and close their mouth like the original Playmates mouser since it has no windup gimmicks. All in all, these figures would make an excellent gift to hobbyists and turtle fans alike. They are becoming rare, but with the NECA releasing a second wave that includes the Shredder and Foot Clan, they are bound to make their way back to shelves. Again, your best bet to find these awesome toys, are hobby shops.

For more information regarding NECA's TMNT toy line, visit their official site at NECAonline.com.

Any information regarding past incarnations of the Turtles was retrieved at ninjaturtles.com.