Tag TMNT toys

Toy Chest Theater: Rahzar by tone.toys

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By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

Doesn’t get much more primal than a wolf howling at the moon, does it? Or a mutant wolf, in Rahzar’s case.

Is the animated version of Rahzar in this image from tone.toys somehow less pure than the original version we saw in The Secret of the Ooze? Nah. I’d actually argue this version looks a little more wolf-like than the suit they used in the movie. So it actually works better for the purposes of this shot.

Rahzar, tone.toys

Email Rob at primaryignition@yahoo.com, or check us out on Twitter.

Toy Chest Theater: “I Am Here, My Son.”

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By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

As far as toy photography is concerned, those Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie figures from NECA are like the gift that keeps on giving.

TMNT, Splinter and Raph, dr mumbles

This image from @dr_mumbles recreates a moment from the film where Splinter is comforting Raphael, telling him, “I am here, my son.” It’s a fine shot in that regard. But what I really dig is how Splinter is lit. He’s cast in white light, which suggests he might be dead. I like that idea of Splinter watching over his son from beyond the realm of the living.

Granted, it also helps that Splinter is dead in the IDW comic books right now. I say “right now” because we know he’ll be back…

Email Rob at primaryignition@yahoo.com, or check us out on Twitter.

Toy Chest Theater: Bebop & Rocksteady Do Easter

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By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

I can’t believe they sell these figures. It’s a testament to just how beloved that original TMNT animated series is.

This shot from tone.toys was done in Times Square in New York City. The funny thing? Two mutants in bunny suits probably isn’t the weirdest thing you’d seen in Times Square on a given day.

Email Rob at primaryignition@yahoo.com, or check us out on Twitter.

Toy Chest Theater: TMNT Collection, Vol. 1

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By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their associated characters have been a staple of Toy Chest Theater from the start. So it’s only natural they get their own collection. The original 1990 film is heavily represented here. But the cartoons get a chance to shine as well…

Bebop & Rocksteady by Tim Rodilosso

Leonardo by Matthew Cohen.

Donatello by morphingtom2.0.

Turtles and Mr. Miyagi by noserain.

Shredder by encoreunclic.

TMNT by un1cornwarrior.

Email Rob at primaryignition@yahoo.com, or check us out on Twitter.

TMNT: The Movie at 30: Toy Chest Theater

Rob Siebert 1 Comment

By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

Yeah, I’m a little late on this one. Sue me.

These Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie figures from NECA have practically become a staple of the toy photography community. And for good reason. They’re absolutely amazing.

I’ve featured them here a few times before. But in honor of the 30th anniversary of the movie, I’ve opted to spotlight some of my favorites that haven’t been on the site yet.

Let’s start with one that’s if nothing else, timely…

This shot from Yunus Unen serves to remind us that even our mutant friends must protect themselves from the dreaded Coronavirus. Apparently a tiger at the Bronx Zoo was just found to have it. That’s bad news for Tiger Claw…

Another quarantine-inspired shot, this time from French photographer Joe Hume. According to the Instagram post where this shot originated, it was inspired by #coronamaison, a hashtag that means “corona house” in French. It challenges artists and illustrators to create a quarantine scene using a house with a staircase on the left side of the frame. Other than that, they’re free to do as they will.

I’d say this shot fits the TMNT pretty well. Imagine these guys being under quarantine. They already can’t leave the lair during the day! Now they’re stuck together 24/7!

In the caption for the #coronamaison photo above, Hume mentioned closer shots are more his element. Looking at this shot of Shredder, I can’t dispute that. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be the scene in the movie where he’s talking to all the Foot recruits, or if its another setting entirely. The shot seems to suggest it’s snowing. Which is an interesting idea.

In any event, the shot plays to the strengths of the figure/character design, as well as the character itself. The armor and the mask are easy to see and well defined. But the man behind them is shrouded in mystery…

I like this shot by Duane Perera not just because it goes all in on the nostalgia element, but because of the way the Turtles are posed. It’s very believable that they’re all crammed into some ’90s kid’s little room, playing with all his stuff.

Bonus points for the Donnie and the Dunkaroos. I’m always amazed at how toy photographers are able to miniaturize that kind of stuff. Whether it’s an actual prop or a trick of the computer, it almost always looks so real.

We’ll close it out with something downright spooky looking. You can be a little more moody and menacing with Raph, as it fits his personality. Mike of @fullblowntoys definitely nails it hear with the dim lighting and the green steam effect. Not only does it fit the character, but it fits the look of the film. This could have taken place in the sewers, or just the wrong part of town…

For more NECA TMNT goodness, check out “That Damn Swimming Level…”, “Leo in the Sun”,  and “Bird Box Starring TMNT”.

Email Rob at at primaryignition@yahoo.com, or check us out on Twitter.

Toy Chest Theater: That Damn Swimming Level…

Rob Siebert 2 Comments

By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

It might be hard to believe, but the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles NES game turns 30 this month. As if we ’80s kids weren’t already feeling old…

The game is famously infuriating for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the swimming level. As the boys in green are working to diffuse bombs underwater (as you do), they have to avoid seaweed and electric shocks. In terms of old school video game levels that could induce the fiery hot rage of a thousand suns, this just might be the apex.

But at the very least, we can say it’s a memorable piece of our childhood. That’s why this new image from Simon Hill is so damn fun.

If you’re a regular around here, you know I’m in love with these NECA figures based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie. Clearly I’m not the only one, as you see them in a lot in toy photography. But this scene, this image, is not only so well executed, but seemingly so random. Out of everything one could possibly recreate from TMNT lore, this is just about the last thing you’d expect to see.

And that’s part of what makes it so great. Kudos for creating such an awesome image, Mr. Hill.

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Toy Chest Theater: Bird Box Starring TMNT

Rob Siebert 2 Comments

By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder

I’ve got a soft spot for Bird Box, for obvious reasons. Mrs. Primary Ignition and I finally got to watch it the other night, and really enjoyed it.

So naturally, I love this image from Eric, a.k.a. @heatfour on Instagram.

In Bird Box, Sandra Bullock’s character has to guide to children through the wilderness as a ghostly monster pursues them. To further complicate matters, all three have to be blindfolded. It’s a very TMNT-ish look, so this shot is a natural play-off of the movie. Plus, using the figures based on the 1990 film always gets you extra points with me.

Intended or not, this image also has a certain intrigue to it in terms of the kids. How the heck did we get young mutant turtles? Are they supposed to be Raph’s kids? If so, how did that process work?

This image needs a backstory. Just sayin’.

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