Nickelodeon “HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” FEATURING LEONARDO – ‘TMNT : FAST FORWARD’ LEONARDO (( 2015 ))

☠ ☠

** THERE’S ALWAYS TURTLE-STUFF GOIN’ DOWN ~~ so check us out & bookmark us on FACEBOOK. The GGM – FB page is FREE & open to the public, that’s right ..no Facebook account required !! **

–>> Part 6 of the GGM “History — Leo” set takes back into the future to about 10 years ago. So prolly more accurately a 2006 year imprint should appear on the back of this box. However, the planning for the FAST FORWARD phase of the TMNT 2k3 series prolly started in 2005. This is more Michael Dooney style-guide art printed here – used for earlier on in the 2003 era. But since it’s the same continuity, it does suffice.

Representing another interesting turning point in the 2003 series as the actually, somewhat short-lived, “futuristic” and lighter TMNT: FAST FORWARD line marked the start of a shift in the Toys and animated worlds of the Turtles. All of this was both praised and shunned by many fans of the show. Cut off by the TMNT 2007 film toy line, a whole wave of unreleased characters and fun Turtle variants never made it past TOY FAIR.

Another “alright” reproduction – this one was kind of hard to remove from the base. But it may have just been mine. Small paint apps are missing such as below the knee. Leo’s futuristic katanas were partly made of a translucent blue plastic with a painted metallic handle ( representing the lazer-like, Lightsabre-ish weapons of the show ). Here they are cast in solid silver. The scabbard on his back is completely blue, the original’s scabbard is silver-metallic. While it may just be MY particular figure, it does appear that the head on my repro FF Leo is just a tad off-mold.

As usual, for the set, peg-holes are threaded and copyright info is updated but moved to the lower back of his shell.

The noggin, again on my FF Leo reproduction toy seems just slightly off. Not a big deal, but it just doesn’t look 100 % correct. The forehead particularly seems off-mold.

Just for fun, here’s DARK LEO. The vile alien Shape-shifter, Sh’Okanabo made evil clones of the Teens to help defeat ’em.

Dark Leo is a particularly effective evil counterpart Ninja Turtle, and he makes a really cool evil Toy.

• •

More toy bits & related ::

ToyArk ::

First Look at Painted ThreeZero Kevin Eastman Designed TMNT ::

In the latest issue of Clutter Magazine, they have a look at some upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figures. These 1/6 scale figures were designed by TMNT creator Kevin Eastman and will be produced by ThreeZero. We’ve previously seen then base sculpts, but the magazine features our first look at the fully painted and articulated figures.

They also have a great interview with both Kevin Eastman and ThreeZero’s Kim Fung Wong about the creation of these newly designed Turtles. In the article, they talk about the future of this line as well. Kevin Eastman mentions he’d specifically like to do a newly designed Casey Jones next, and Kim Fung Wong mentions that they would like to create an entire line well beyond the initial four TMNT figures.

Read on to see the TMNT Figures and you can see the interview Here.

LAS TORTUGAS NINJA FAN CLUB ::

TMNT 2, Sewer Lair Peek via DVD

LF Garcia !! — LF Garcia’s fan DVD Mock-up.

COWABUNGA CORNER ::Dear Nickelodeon: We want 4Kids TMNT in a DVD Box Set

MEDIUM :: In case you missed it; Interview with Judith Hoag
WHITE FOOTSOLDIER ::

2015 Playmates Toys Fugitoid Figure Review

~ t

Nickelodeon “HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” FEATURING LEONARDO – 2k3 LEONARDO (( 2015 ))

** View LARGE On Black **

☠ ☠

–>> Onto part 5 of GGM’s History – set breakdown. Here, the box art reproduces the initial ’03 card backer art of Leo ( also used on other Playmates and non- products ). That art was used for quite some time. It really matched the look of that first wave Leo. You may still find it here and there on some items like BLUE BUNNY frozen ice cream Ninja Turtle products.

A slightly early, surprise release for the 2002 holiday season at Wal-mart stores ( perhaps others ) of just the Teens to get kids hyped on the then NEW upcoming relaunch Turtles show brought the original intro of this sculpt.

Arguably, that original wave of TMNT ’03 figures was some of the strongest product PLAYMATES ever produced. With the Teens and supporting cast featuring newer articulation not seen in TMNT toys before, great detailing and washes on the paint schemes, and notable actual paint on the weapons themselves — Playmates & 4kids wanted fans to know that these Teens meant business !!

☠ ☠

In the budget cutting age of Playmates with minimal, weird, questionable, or NO paint decos on retail figures – this guy translates “OK” in this set.

Another stabilization modification is made to the left leg this time on the toy giving his foot and lower leg a slightly less ‘bent’ stance compared to the original. The newer stance is a bit more rounded and stable and looks cool. The belt, scabbard, & swords go unpainted this time so no real details except for the sculpt itself. The body gets only the basic paint and NO paint washes or detailing. The plastron chest-piece on the ’02 toy is a bit softer and you can actually press it in a little bit. The chest-piece on this reproduction is entirely solid. Non-pliable whatsoever. This repro is still pretty adequate a representation of the ’03 figure.

Threaded feed again on the repro, and his unpainted swords also seem a tad smaller than the original releases. The updated copyright info is transferred from his left to right foot.

.. for fun, we get a visit from my favouriie ’03 era LEONARDO, MYSTIC FURY LEO !!

..and the original ’06 F.F. Leo steps up to visit the set !!

• •

Related toy bits ::

LOYAL SUBJECTS:: TMNT WAVE 2 BLINDBOX -preorder

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

TLS x TMNT2 – Wave 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series inspired Action Vinyls. Includes more accessories, killer poseability, the best villains, our lovable heroes and extremely hard to find chase figures! These Action Vinyls stand 3.25′ tall but pack a mean punch!

Shipping first week of March, 2016.

Designed by Joe Allard for TLS

© Viacom 2016

White Foot Soldier ::

Playmates Toys ::

..on the comic front —
..I’ve not aggregated on the comic front in a few months, and i will try to change that in coming posts. Part of this is due to Tokka’s personal issues with comic companies that has interfered with life/ career issues rather drastically. Posting IDW related news items did become a sticking point.

However as to not let bias come into play while posting on GGM, i’ll have to get over this. This was an important decision ( made long ago ) to make on relaying the news as UN-biased as possible to let the fans draw their own conclusions on issues and matters at hand in regards to books, films, media, whatnot.

There’s one “lost” post not published in regards to Ryan Brown’s return to at least some semblance of comic work with the Lavigne penciled cover and Ryan inked **TMNT Adventures Archives Vol.10.

While i cannot promise what i will propose here will happen, i will try. Within’ publishing the lost post, i will gently request a Q & A with Ryan of some sorts. For years now i am infrequently bombarded with questions i cannot always answer i.e. : The collapse of Ryan Brown’s “THE SELECTED” Mutanimals Revision / spin-off comic, The cult favourite WILD WEST C.O.W. Boys of Moo Mesa, his creations : Mondo Gecko, Leatherhead, and Slash and general input on Ciro and Nick’s ( and possibly IDW’s ) direction with the original SPIN-OFF team of Turtles – the MIGHTY MUTANIMALS.

Ryan’s very reserved and may not be up to this. So i cannot promise sh**.

But he’s a legendary TMNT creator and writer who gets MINIMAL credit and goes heavily under-appreciated in many fan circles. I also cannot guarantee that will change. But his fans DO want to hear from him. And perhaps a short Question and Answer session may be in order.

We’ll see, bare with me as i look into this.

~ t

Nickelodeon “HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” FEATURING LEONARDO – ‘NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT MUTATION’ LEONARDO (( 2015 ))

** View LARGE On Black **

☠ ☠

–>> Classic Michael Dooney N.M. style-guide art on the back of the box..

Modifications on this reproduction aren’t too bad. The right foot has been modified to set FLAT on the ground. Possibly again for stability reasons on the display stand. He may stand better than the original release actually. I am fond of the new stance. So his feet are a little “bigger”.

The Dual-Action Katana is recoloured from vintage releases but actually looks really good. The belt strangely has just a silver medallion where an “L” initial used to be on the ’97 release. The “L” imprint is actually still there, but it almost looks painted over by the silver paint. You can barely see it under the metallic.

Like the vintage MOVIE STARS, the N.M. Turtle’s arms, head and legs had softer and rubbery plastics. The only soft part left is the bandanna piece on the back of the noggin.

..Leo’s original sculpt is in the forefront, you can see the “BATTLE STANCE” has been modification on the repro.

..look closely at the Repro’s belt, see the “L” initial ?? Strange.

..for fun, here’s Repro LEO with the Camo-Blitz Cycle ’98 release.

• •

Related notes ::

The White Foot Soldier ::

First Look At TMNT 2 Figures and Vehicles

**Cereal Geek:: Within the next few months issues 15 and 16 of cereal:geek will be heading to the printers – By May the magazine will be printed and in the hands of those that ordered it! 🙂
If you’ve been on the fence about pre-ordering, NOW is the time! 🙂 – Especially as I’ll only be printing 500 of each issue… – http://www.cerealgeek.com/issue_15_16.html

After these two issues, the saga of cereal:geek will come to an end – Thanks for supporting the magazine over the years! 🙂

— J. Eatock

***PREVIEWS World ::

Publisher: DIAMOND SELECT TOYS LLC

A Diamond Select Release! TMNT fans are loving DST’s line of Ninja Turtle Minimates, and Series 3 kicks things up a notch! Featuring the four turtles in their Vision Quest outfits, this individually foil-bagged assortment also expands on the line’s mutant roster, with Slash, Bebop and Rocksteady, as well as rare, one-per-case figures of Ivan Steranko and Vision Quest Splinter! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure has up to 14 points of articulation and features fully interchangeable parts and accessories. Each full-color counter display contains 18 foil-bagged Minimates, including a full set of all nine characters! Designed by Art Asylum!

Item Code: AUG152316

In Shops: 1/6/2016

SRP: $5.99

Rutger’s TMNT Autograph Collection :: NEW SITE !!

~ t

Nickelodeon “HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” FEATURING LEONARDO – ‘MOVIE STAR’ LEO (( 2015 ))

** View LARGE On Black **

☠ ☠

–>> This is the part in the set where things start to get really interesting. The notable differences on these repro Leo toys really stands out starting here. Varner’s original Sculpt has been modified at the feet, prolly due to display issues. Now with larger toes, missing scabbard & belt ( for some reason ), lack of paint compared to the detailed original release, and the bandanna piece on the noggin has swapped sides ( similar to the ’92 prototype ) compared to the ’92 figure. The plastic is harder also, the original had a softer "REAL FEEL" rubbery texture to the turtles head, arms, and legs.

These crazy “Movie Star” bootlegs have been littering auction sites and internet stores for months now. They are kooky as hell, but are not as BAD ( or as good ) as one would think. The nutty bootleg Movie Leo has some interesting qualities similar to reproduction that comes with the set, like the harder plastic and weird alterations.

.. here’s ’07 Movie Leo for fun.

Another custom CLASSICS line fig with Tokka paint work for comparison.

• •

TORTUGAS NINJA CLUB ::

Via our old pal NACHO on the Technodrome :: TMNT: OUT OF THE SHADOWS, PLAYMATES TURTLE TACTICAL TRUCK ..

.. ** This peek also gives us a glimpse a little at the new sculpts of the TURTLES 2 figs themselves.

• •

** TMNT MEGA BLOKS are hitting online & brick n’ mortar retail right now.
The past 24 hours or so, Tokk’s been able to get a small sampling myself of a couple of blind bags and 2 collector’s sets featuring Donatello & Bebop in their MB Interpretation of their classic toon forms.
Off the cuff – – here’s what i’ll say :
Some speculation in some regards that these were going to be good especially post the LEGO releases – but over the years MEGA has turned their product into their own “thing”. While yes- still a main compatible, competitor to LEGO it’s my opinion that this new TMNT MEGA BLOKS product will offer a variation of play pattern for kids, collectors and families. It’s not too indifferent from the classic LEGO play pattern – but with a unique feel and twist on those patterns. These new sets are great and definitely have evolved from the classic 2004 MB releases. Here’s a quick gallery of what Tokka was able to get. ~ t

Nickelodeon “HISTORY OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” FEATURING LEONARDO – ORIGINAL ’88 LEONARDO (( 2015 ))

** View LARGE On Black **

☠ ☠

–>> Happy 2016, Everyone. As this News site continues to trudge along the ever growing fan-base, fandom-base, and licensee- base that is TURTLES, i am thankful for everyone who continues to support and enjoy the site. We’re damn-near pushing 8 years strong, Tokka personally has been handling TMNT NEWS-AGGREGATION for almost 16 !! GGM gets minimal support from outside companies, this labor of love has taken so much out of me & the skeleton crew here – but we have persevered.

In spite of the big name “NERD Sites” & the countless Turtle fan site that pop-up like weeds; GGM continues to stand the test of time with the unique content, contacts and relentless perseverance within’ this challenging Franchise so many young and old cherish. There’s arguably something to said here and attested too. But for now – your ol’ Snapper pal here better cut it short and get to part 2 of out 8 part LEO History 8-pack. I take a bit of pride in working hard on building a 1-of-a kind , non-biased and friendly voice within’ the Community. I’m glad it’s appreciated. So thanks to our founder Stephan, staff-members Hero and Machias – – and thanks to YOU !!

Ok, similar to the Vintage release, this repro has updated copyright info, obviously and the threaded foot holes for base placement. The vintage Leo toy is on the right.

Copyright info has been updated and moved from Leo’s back shell on the vintage toy to his lower left foot. What a great repro in this set. Varner’s original LEO sculpt has been reissued countless times here, and proves it’s strength and versatility in this interesting Playmates release.

For fun, here’s TOON LEO ’92 with the Set’s REPRO ’88 Leo.

• •

Related notes ::

MTV ::

Go Behind The Scenes On The Set Of ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2’

TMNT MASTER ::

This kind of went under my radar due to the chaos of the holiday season, but .. “There’s a new TMNT ride at Nickelodeon Universe! Step inside the Mutant Masher…”