1997 – GoGreenMachine.Org

KENNER:: “LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT”.. ” MASSIVE – ” (( 1998 ))

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–>> Batman’s crossing-over all OVER the place, even here on GGM !! Card art by famous concept, storyboard, comic, and graphic illustration artist, ** Dermont Power.

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RELATED NOTES ::

BOOM BOX POST :: THE ICE BEHIND THE ICE DRAGONS !!
KIDROBOT :: TMNT WAVE 2 ; SS KAKAROT on T-drome forums..

I had not seen these before, new vinyl figures and keychains (including two large figures) based on the original cartoon.
The website Ami Ami has listed a July release date.

Sgt.Bananas, Rahzar and some guy named TOKKA & MORE !!

The latest TMNT Dimension X waves ( ROBO BUG, CASEY, & April ), The Retro inspired Sewer Spitters , and New MIX n’ MATCH MUTATIONS ( Rahzar, Foot Bot, & hopefully DogPound – tho’ i have only seen the prior 2 carded so far ), The Half Shell Heroes T-REX & Donnie , and the interesting soft-play T-Blasts Barrel Blasters and talking cannon sets should be blasting on to Toy shelves right now — and near you !!
TVSHOWSONDVD :: In case you missed it –

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – The Complete 1st and 2nd Seasons
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES:-HALF-SHELL HEROES: BLAST TO THE PAST,March 15, 2016 – -press release.
The White Foot Soldier:: ..has lots of fun stuff for us !!
2015 Playmates Toys Atilla the Frog Figure Review
2016 Minimates Ivan Steranko Figure Review
2016 Minimates Vision Quest Splinter Figure Review
TMNT Mega Bloks Blind Bag Codes and Tips << !! !!
..more on the recent Dimension X wave .. –
2016 Playmates Toys Dimension X April O’Neil Video Unboxing and Review
2016 Playmates Toys Dimension X Casey Jones Unboxing and Video Review
2016 Playmates Toys Robug Figure Unboxing and Review
2016 Playmates Toys Fugitoid Ship Video Unboxing and Review

1AM GALLERY, San Francisco CA :: THE CHEECH WIZARD TRIBUTE SHOW

1AM Gallery is pleased to present a Cheech Wizard Tribute Show “I Am What I Am” by artist Mark Bode, and the Official San Francisco Release of “Cheech Wizard’s Book of ‘Me’” opening Thursday, February 4th from 6:30-9:30pm.

~ t

Tomart’s Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR ’97, PLAYMATES “NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION” (( April 1997 ))

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–>> Here’s some more Ghosts come to haunt the sewers from Toy Fair’s past !!

This artwork and early N.M. logo was being used by Mirage and Saban early on in the development of the live-action show. I recall seeing it multiple times on the official TMNT website.

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This has been rescanned at a higher rez, and broken down to hi-light a better look at the prototypes and such presented within’ the magazine spread.

There’s a bit going on here including early prototypes of Venus and Dragon Lord, logos, and a very “DARTH VADER” – like, early Shredder prototype that’s quite pointy.

Pink-bandanas on Venus and a really cool paint job on DRAGON SKULL a.k.a The Dragon Lord.

The very comic-book, “DOONEY STYLED” Elite Guard in this line was the first “Shredder Elite Ninja” ever to be sculpted into a toy.

The Elite Guards don’t look like this in the show at all as they do on the fig.

It’s not mentioned much, but the story was supposed to go in that after Venus defeated Shredder and the N.Y. Foot Clan was disbanded, the Shredder’s Elite were to join Dragon Lord’s “THE RANK” army in lieu of the absence of the FOOT. Hopefully when Oroku Saki was to return, they would have rejoined him once again betraying their new Dragon master.

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Connotations between “SHREDDER” and “Darth Vader” drove me nuts growing up – i heard it many times. But it’s pretty hard not to think of the Dark Lord with this early proto and SHARP version of Saki. The final figure looks immensely cool, one of my all time favourites.

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Venus’s proto included pupils and a pink coloured banadana and wrappings.

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One of my favourites from the Teens’ Rouges Gallery. One has to presume that the Dragon Lord’s final facial look was not ready by the time he went to sculpt. The masked version would be the only version EVER to be manufactured and the same sculpt is used on his TURTLEFLAGE deluxe figure. He never wore the mask in the show, as you may recall. A “sculpted dragon-head” was promised for a future figure, maybe it was even sculpted at one point. But who knows. Again, the line went away after the second wave.

The cool paint wash on this highlights the sculpt a bit better on the prototype than on the manufactured figure. You can even see the upper “GREEN” portion of his face just a bit peaking above the face mask. The final figure just makes it look like he’s wearing a full, white head mask.

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The Biker , MEGA MOTORIN’ “Elite Guard” looks suspiciously like he’s wearing similar looking garb to the Rank Warriors. And none of the villains on the show ACTUALLY get a souped up ride like the cool red n’ purple, stealthy lookin’ speedster. Raph’s bike looks kinda similar to how it looks in the live show.

The big fat Mutant Marauder would be rereleased in the TMNT 2003 line tho’ it was redecorated a bit and didn’t feature in the animated show.

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Early “T. Thrashers” protos include a pink-bandana Venus again, and she is wearing a top which actually looks cool on her.

For whatever reason, her final DLX Thrasher toy removed the top ( *GASP* ) and e’rythang just all umm — hangs OUT free-flowin’ in the breeze at the skate park.

Tomart's Action Figure Digest #xx :: pgs.26, 27 TOY FAIR '97, PLAYMATES "NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION / ..early 'THUNDER THRASHERS' "pink bandana & tank top" 'BLACKTOP BOARDIN' VENUS" Venus (( April 1997 ))

..and there’s your buddy wandering his way thru’ the Toy Fair’s very own sewer system.

• •

N.Y. Toy Fair ’15 has wound down, but the hunt is just beginning for the collectors, kids, moms n’ dads EVERYWHERE !! ::

With Baxter-Fly, Turflytle, and Karai Serpent slithering onto Ebay; as per the pattern every quarter new toys invade stores – and as ol’ Tokkie always warns:: .. stay calm and bide your time as you hunt the pegs at your favourite brick & mortar store or online retailer. Avoid ebay at first if at all possible to maximize your spending power. The prices for figs at first on ebay are absolutely insane ..and are only for the most desperate.
Toy Ark :: ..on the higher end of the hunt – –
PRIME 1’s Donatello Statue

Back at Wonder Festival 2015, Prime 1 Studio showcased all four of their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2014 Statues. Now we get a close up look at the Donatello Statue. **Prime 1 Studio has posted some official photos and some info for the upcoming release…-

Check out the full gallery on **TOY ARK and click ***Prime 1 Studio here for release info.

FLICKERING MYTH:: While we’re on topic with the movies .. UK Home Media release of the TMNT film brings an ..

Interview – William Fichtner talks Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, not playing Shredder and returning for the sequel
We have one more “GHOST” from Mutations & Toy Fair’s distant history set to publish for this time ’round. I’ll try to get to that in 24 or so. Plus i’ll try to squeeze in Rich’s Comic news. Stay Mean, Lean – and Turnip Green, my young friends !!

~ t

ACTION FIGURE NEWS & TOY REVIEW : “PLAYMATES TREKS ON INTO 1997” pgs. 6 & 7 (( 1997 ))

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Enough with a blast from Toy Fair’s past; we’re not just yet at Toy Fair 2015 and there’s already some striking images in the RELATED NOTES via Toy Ark. Starting off with the uber-limited and expensive; but beautiful ( pending your point of view ) PRIME 1 Studio offerings from Japan starting off with peeks of production sample shots of the next two brothers in P1’s TMNT ’14 movie series.. ::

Prime 1 Studio Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2014 Leonardo Statue
Prime 1 Studio Teases TMNT 2014 Michelangelo Statue
..and – errrmm.. THEN THERE’S THIS GUY that was recently teased !!
Finally in toys, ART ASYLUM and Diamond Select are far from done with the Teens in 2015 with a peek at the next jaw-dropping selection of Teens and villains in NICK TURTLES Minimates Wave 2 !! !!
**NICK TV :: The #NinjaTurtles are going on a quest unlike no other during Sunday’s new episode at 11am/10c! (( TODAY !! ))
Places like Kotaku’s back to griping about things ::

All the Ways The New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Made No Sense

..thus proving that they CAN once in awhile (when the F@*%in’ want to) credit their sources in their articles – – and in other cases not so much, if at all .. >:O. Damned boneheads .

~ t

“NINJA TURTLES” Movie :: SHREDDER { tOKKustom MOVIE MANIAC } (( 2014 ))

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–>> Neither movie accurate nor inaccurate;Varner Studio’s 2014 MOVIE shredder represents earlier ILM designs for Saki’s armor. One of the more talked about elements of the new film, thankfully this Shredder would reflect ‘somewhat’ more traditional incarnations of the character – if not an amalgam of many earlier incarnations.

Like VARNER’s Foot Soldier in the line, the final look of the manufactured figure may not represent the final look of the characters depicted onscreen, however with some effort and modification ( and imagination ) one CAN amazing things with these toys to better reflect the images in the actual film.

Presented here is a Shredder not entirely accurate to the film, but perhaps a blend of those earlier designs Varner Studios worked off off for the villain and a color scheme & wash similar to the effect of the final version of the Samurai inspired armor. Along with some original elements Tokka added to enhance the toy.

The studded cape of the figure is not present in the live-action portions of the film. However the illustrated / animated intro during Splinter’s voice-over features Shredder flanked by some armed Foot Soldiers. That image DOES feature a studded cape on Saki. From a certain point of view: the figure in reality emulates the early concept work for Saki, Eric Sacks mentions in the movie “upgrades” to the armor Shredder dons in the live-action. Retconning these facts in the movie, the figure hypothetically could be featuring an earlier version of Shredder’s armor PRE- the upgrades made by Eric Sacks and his crew.

Tokka’s presentation also gives a nod to a late great movie-inspired toy-line of the late 1990s & early aughts.

Seen any good MOVIE Turtles customs ?? Share ’em in the comments section !!

• •

Related notes ::

..mass roll-out for Joe Allard’s TMNT x LOYAL SUBJECTS start to hit stores like Barnes & Noble,as well as on L.S. online store!!
TNI :: Target Exclusive LEONARDO EVOLUTION 3-pack ; ***in Target stores & online.
***Also from TNI’s J.C. -Prime 1’s impressive RAPH movie stature from Japan, Production stills gallery here. A tough swallow for many at $700, but this is one of the highest-end collectables l.e.s of the year. ;

Prime 1 Studio is proud to present MMTMNT-01 Raphael from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2014. With his red bandana, and two sai in his belt, Raphael is the biggest of the brothers.. and his ego is probably even bigger. Raphael Statue features newly movable eye and features theme base fit with other brothers. TMNT fans, don’t miss your chance to own Raphael Statue on your collection. Approximately: H55cm, W55cm, D45cm Edition Size: 1500 Worldwide Retail Price: 699$USD
Comic news from the now snowy Rocky Mountains and Mile-High Ninja Turtle; RICH ::

**TMNT/Ghostbusters #2 (IDW) – 2nd Printing

IDW Releases Nov.’14- Jan ’15 –

November, 2014
12 – Secret History of the Foot Clan, Workprint Edition HC; TMNT New Animated Adventures #17; Tales of the TMNT, Vol. 6 TPB
19 – TMNT Legends: Soul’s Winter by Michael Zulli
26 – TMNT #40; TMNT/Ghostbusters #2

December, 2014
03 – TMNT/Ghostbusters #3; TMNT/Ghostbusters #1, 2nd printing
10 – TMNT New Animated Adventures #18; TMNT Animated, Vol. 5 TPB; TMNT Classics, Vol. 9 TPB; TMNT Annual 2012 Deluxe Limited Edition HC; TMNT/Ghostbusters #2, 2nd printing
17 – TMNT: Turtles In Time TPB
31 – TMNT #41

January, 2015
07 – TMNT Adventures, Vol. 9 TPB; TMNT Color Classics, Vol. 3 #1; TMNT #42
14 – TMNT New Animated Adventures #19; TMNT New Animated Adventures Vol. 4 TPB
21 – TMNT/Ghostbusters #4

~ t

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES – CLASSIC COLLECTION :: ‘RETRO’ SPLINTER (( 2013 ))

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–>> **Second “RETRO” Splinter & TMNT reissue in so many years post the TMNT-25 reissues.

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It’s unclear if Tokka will obtain a set of these to keep on card, or extras for replacement figures & customs.

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That may not happen tho’ considering the 12.99 price point, in some regards that may be a slightly higher price point than the 2009 reissues. I recall those clocking in at about 10.99 a few years back.

Apparently for now these reissues are a TRU exclusive offering, the 2013 reissues seem to offer subtle variations than older releases like the 2009 reissues.

The ‘RETRO’ packaging looks great and is even better executed than the 2009 wave. Splinter’s kimono is of a slightly more ‘flocked’ fabric than the prior reissues and vintage versions.

The foot peg holes in the bottom of the new reissue Splinter here has large ones like the more modern TMNT figs of the past 10 + years so they should fit some modern vehicles, playsets & stands but will present challenges if you are looking for compatibility with more vintage offerings like the classic Sewer playset.

I’ve yet to see any of the Teens or Shredder in this 2013 reissue wave, but i presume the foot peg holes on the bottom of those are large as well. 2013 Viacom Copyright information on these figures have been updated as well to distinguish them from the older releases.

Minor paint applications are slightly different than the vintage releases, but not too different than the 2009 release. For some reason his weapons on this reissue seem ‘studier’ but maybe it’s just me.

By the time i got to TRU this was the last reissue they had so i snatched it. His box got damaged so in part out of curiosity i cracked him open.

This line will prolly be for completists & mega-fans, people that missed out on TMNT toys back in the day or the reissues from a few years ago, or for kids who want a taste of the vintage line their moms & dads played with.

However in some regards at nearly 13 bucks a piece, these are pricier than the regular Nick Turtles line based on the current show. And in some cases these may be more pricier than some actual vintage figures out there of the main cast of TMNT from 3rd party dealers.You may as well get the loose, vintage equivalent figure if you just want one of those for display in your collection or to play with.

Obvious & interesting extensions of this “CLASSIC” line is the reissue AGAIN of the ‘TMNT Party Wagon’ & the reissue AGAIN of the oddball 2003 ‘MECH-WRECKERS’ vehicles for Retro Raph and Leo. Each of those nearing the $50 – 60 price mark. If money’s not an issue and you want/ need all this stuff – by all means go for it.

If not, wait out it for a few months – and hopefully prices will stabilize. If you are perfectly satisfied with your current collection of vintage figures, definitely pass on all this stuff and save some money.

~ t