If you are a fan of the NECA Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures, which were modeled after the original Eastman and Laird comics, you’re probably going to be a little upset over the news that Playmates will now be the exclusive creator of TMNT toys. It all has to do with a new deal struck between Playmates and Nickelodeon, the new owners of the sewer dwelling ninjas.
“We are very excited about our new partnership with Nickelodeon, which broadens the scope of creative inspiration for Playmates,” said Lou Novak, President, Playmates Toys. We are proud to continue our long-standing commitment of making innovative, fun toys based on the beloved Turtles that have entertained generations of kids around the world,” said Lou Novak, President, Playmates Toys.
“Our partnership with Playmates Toys adds another layer of excitement for us as we build upon the Turtles’ great, funny stories and characters which have withstood the test of time,” said Leigh Anne Brodsky, President, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. “The characters have resonated around the world for 25 years, and the toys based on them are part of pop culture and continue to be relevant to today’s kids.”
I’m not a huge fan of TMNT action figures, but I did really like those NECA figures, which are probably now going for thousands of dollars on eBay right now. What about the rest of you? Is this good news, or bad?
6 Comments
This is bad, but expected news.
Plus it wasn’t like NECA was doing anything with the license anyway.
Well, now I’ve realized that TMNT Heroclix aren’t an option now that this has happened. So there’s that. Other than what this means for Heroclix, I’m not upset.
I know I should have picked up that NECA set when I had the chance. Of the shitty figures that Playmates has put out recently like Terminator & Star Trek, they always did a good job with TMNT lines.
Aside from the SDCC April o’neil…Neca hasnt done much with these figures in well over a year. Too bad, I do like them, I have them all (I even have the NYCC boxed set signed by both Eastman and Laird!) Im curious though if this will impact Sideshows current TMNT sculpts? If it does and they don’t get to produce the last 3 turtles…DOnatellos value just went through THE roof. And I will be pissed that I didnt pull the trigger because I ‘wanted Leo’.
When is Round 2 going to announce their 12″ line of superheroes? At the Hong Kong Toyfair?
The Recent Terminator & Star Trek lines were so disappointing. Playmates has a history of producing poor action figures lines. The latest Terminator line was TERRIBLE. They seem to ignore the current market trends. It’s all about sculpt & articulation. Look at the current superhero lines, star wars, even pirates of the Caribbean and then look at the terminator salvation and star trek figures.