Playmates Toys Previews New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Line at Toy Fair New York

At the first Toy Fair New York in three years (the 2020 event is one of the last things I did before lockdown), Playmates Toys showed up with a bevy of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys. Many of the items are either currently on shelves or had previously been announced, but the big reveal was the line for the upcoming series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which has been greenlit for two seasons. Unfortunately, due to embargo, no photographs were permitted.

Now, even though I wasn’t allowed to take any photos, we are allowed to describe the toys, and I’ll do my best to do that. First, though, let’s check out the items I was allowed to photograph.

We learned earlier this year that Playmates will be doing a lot of reissues – bringing back some of the vintage lines, like the toys based on the original 1980s cartoon, or the movie star versions that came out in the early ’90s. Well, next year is the 40th (!!!) anniversary of the comic, and so we’ll see toys based on those original Eastman and Laird sketches ($14.99). The remastered animation line is inspired by the original animation but includes additional details like scaled skin and more articulation ($14.99). They will also be reissuing classic April O’Neil, Mondo Gecko, and Ray Fillet – future releases include classic Casey Jones, Rat King, and Metalhead ($11.99).

From the continuing Mutant Mayhem line, we’ll be getting toddler versions of the turtles and some of the other characters (and a younger version of Splinter). These will come in two-packs. We’ll also see April, as well as the Turtles in Disguise (Astronaut Raph, Cowboy Leo, Spock Don, Surfer Mikey), which are based on a scene that was apparently cut from the film. ($9.99)

The giant Michaelangelo and Donatello will also be coming out soon. And the Mega Mutant, which was a Walmart exclusive, will be available in more retail stores. (In fact, many of the “exclusive” items will be more widely available.)

Now for the new toys! Again, photographs were not allowed, so this is based off the provided press materials (and my own memory).

From the continuing Mutant Mayhem line:

Tootin’ Tots ($4.99) are squeeze toys that function as whoopie cushions, basically. They toot, as advertised.

Sewer Slams ($5.99) are blind box items, where you reveal them by slamming the package on your hand or a hard surface and the turtle (made of close, soft-cell foam) pops out of the sewer.

As for the toys based on Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

First, we have the Mix N’ Match basic figures ($9.99). These are the more traditional toys, but limbs and accessories are removable and interchangeable so that you can create your own mutant versions. Each toy will come fully assembled but include some additional parts, so you don’t have to buy multiple toys to start mixing and matching. 

Next are the Stretch N’ Shout toys ($19.99), which are bigger in size (about 12″, I think). When you pull their arms, they yell, and the further you stretch the arms, the higher pitch their voice goes.

There are the Roll N’ Punch giant figures ($24.99), which are about 12″ tall. You roll them along and their arms swing back and forth like they’re punching.

They will also be releasing a Collect N’ Connect role-play assortment ($14.99), which functions similarly to the mix-and-match toys in that you can take them apart and do different combinations, but for the weapons.

So there you have it! If you’re a Turtles fan, there is a lot to be excited about next year. What are you most looking forward to?

Author: Jamie Sugah

Jamie has a BA in English with a focus in creative writing from The Ohio State University. She self-published her first novel, The Perils of Long Hair on a Windy Day, which is available through Amazon. She is currently an archivist and lives in New York City with her demon ninja vampire cat. She covers television, books, movies, anime, and conventions in the NYC area.

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