I have a fairly big collection of loose figures from the 80s & 90s. I would like to share a few of my faves with you at this time. Get ready, here we go!
This is the original Leonards Talkin' Turtle I had as a kid growing up with Turtle Fever. If I remember correctly, my older brother was actually the one that bought this guy. I loved the facial sculpts of this TMNT toy series. I mean look at that battle ready facial expression! On the downside I remember these "Talkin'" Turtles really did not talk that well. You had to insert a "Quip Strip" into the shell/sewer cover on their backs and pull it at the right speed so you could almost understand the mumbled voices of the TMNT. Great concept, just a little underwhelming when you expect your heroes to have a convo with you.
In 2009 Ubisoft Entertainment released Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up for the Nintendo Wii as part of the Turtles 25th Anniversary celebration. The same group who worked on Super Smash Bros. Brawl put in time on this game. So you know exactly what type of game you got? A beat em' up 1-on-1 brawler featuring the Turtles and their extended family!
The game played much like any other fighting game. You choose your fighter, your opponent chooses theirs and you fight to win 2 out of 3 matches. The cool thing about this game though is not only do you get to play with the TMNT, but the stages have great designs and surprises. You could be in the sewers fighting a Foot Soldier and an alligator will pop out and take a bite out of you during a match and you can destroy most of the environments and set traps for other players to fall into. These little touches make the game all the more fun to play.
As you can tell, I am a big Turtle fan and wanted this game once I heard it was announced to drop in the Fall of 2009. My wife pre-ordered me a copy from Game Stop, but wanted something for me to unwrap on my birthday. The folks at Game Stop allowed her to take home the display case off the shelves. This was what I opened on my birthday!
Once the game was released and we were able to pick up my copy at the store, I noticed that the artwork on the box was drastically different from the one I received earlier. I kind of prefer the display box art over the finished version.
The game also included cut scenes that were written by Turtles co-creator Peter Laird and drawn by long time Mirage Publishing artists Jim Lawson and Eric Talbot. To set up and explain the story for the game, included in the box was a short "Prequel" comic that tells the tale of Shredder kidnapping Fugitoid and the Turtles attempting to get him back!
I do enjoy this game, but not as much as Super Smash Bros. I feel like the roster could have been expanded much more. There are 16 different characters in Smash Up and 3 of those are Rabbids. The other thing I would change was the appearance of the characters. They take their look from the 2007 movie, TMNT. I would have preferred the original look of the comics as was portrayed in the cut-scenes. The stages are fun and the story cut-scenes are a treat for Turtles comic readers, but I feel it lacks a little something that would take it to elite status.
A recent obsession of mine has been collecting old wax packs of trading cards from the 80s & 90s. Sure, I have a ton of these non-sport cards from when I was a kid, but the artwork and design of the packaging is something I missed. When you would buy one of these packs you would tear it open and throw away the wrapper. Never giving it a second thought. Seeing these again brings back memories of feeling the slick paper in your hands, seeing the simple artwork and the smell of bubble gum. Let's dive into a few of these packs that I have on display!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (Topps, 1991)
Just like the Topps Ninja Turtles cartoon sets, I collected the cards from the first movie with ferocity. Then "The Secret of the Ooze" came out and I bought a few card packs, but was not as hooked as I had been before. I don't know why? I loved this movie and collected everything Turtles. The photos on these cards and stickers are nice and the graphics/colors are some of my favorite of all the non-sport cards I own. This led me to recently purchase a full box of these cards. I am hoping I can complete a full set. Go Ninja, go Ninja, go!!!
This week the comic book I am most excited to read is...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles UNIVERSE #1
Introducing a new era in TMNT! This series will explore characters and story-lines that are pivotal to the IDW TMNT universe! When a mysterious new mutant targets Baxter Stockman, it will be up to the TMNT to reluctantly save him. Little does everyone know that a larger trap is being laid by a new arch-foe! Plus a back-up story from TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and comics legend Bill Sienkiewicz!
• Because YOU demanded it! An ALL-NEW ONGOING series set in the IDW TMNT universe!
• Incredible talent, bringing their unique style to the Turtles!
• A must read for any TMNT fan!
(W) Paul Allor, Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz (A) Damian Couceiro, Bill Sienkiewicz (CA) Peter Laird (A/CA) Kevin Eastman
In recognition of my kids first day back to school, enjoy this fresh jam off the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 soundtrack titled "Back To School" performed by Fifth Platoon.
This week the comic book I am most excited to read is...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #61
"Chasing Phantoms" Part 1! While the Turtles and Splinter are still reeling from the events of TMNT #60, they come under attack by the Street Phantoms! Will Splinter let this challenge to his rule stand?
(W) Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman (A/CA) Dave Wachter
SRP: $3.99
We have been hit with an embarrassment of riches in respect to retro foods recently. With Ecto Cooler, Ghostbusters Twinkies, Crystal Pepsi making a comeback and now the return of Ninja Turtles Cereal!
Now, if you were looking for Ninja Turtle shaped marshmallows with crunchy Ninja Nets, this is not the cereal for you. The 2016 version of Ninja Turtles cereal has four fruity flavors shaped like Turtle heads. I am in favor of this change. Even though I enjoyed the original cereal back in the 90s, I like this version even more. It has a sort of muted Trix taste to it, but the real prize is the box. You can follow the instructions on the back to figure out what kind of mutant you would be if you ever had an encounter with mutagen ooze! This is what cereal is supposed to be. Fun shapes, good flavor and puzzles on the box to keep you entertained at the breakfast table.
