What are a few amazing things about TMNT? Awesome figurines, great movies, fun tv shows. How about its community? We asked a few of our favorite TMNT collectors what they think of their community and what made them start collecting!
GET THE TMNT LIMITED EDTION SERIES II BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!
When did you start collecting? What made you want to start collecting TMNT specifically?
A peak at thec0llect0r’s amazing collection!
The TMNT Collector
My TMNT collection started in 1988 when my mother got me Donatello for Christmas, I have kept amd collected EVERY TMNT toy I could get my hands on since
Turtles in Canada
I specifically started collecting action figures approximately 3 years ago. I recall the movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadow” that came out and after watching it; I had this nostalgic feeling that sparked the temptation of collecting the figures. Before that I had not collected or purchased any action figures. I was mostly focused on going to work and playing video games and just simply staying out of trouble. When I bought the first figure; Leonardo, I also bought the TMNT Out of the Shadows Poster. That’s when it all started to build up. I then went and purchased the remaining Turtles and then Master Splinter and here we are today!
Why is TMNT so special to you?
thec0llect0r
TMNT is special to me because I fell in love with the cartoon very young and I was attached at the hip to every single one of my action figures. Action figures as a kid provided an escape for me that I couldn’t find anywhere else. I created my own world and could write my own script. The Turtles in particular had so many different attitudes wrapped up in four characters that each one had its own special significance to me personally. To that effect they spoke to me in a way no other characters did.
The TMNT Collector
I was 7 years old in 1988 when Ninja Turtles hit the tv screen and toy shelves. I was instantly hooked, they weren’t like any of the toys I’ve seen before, and the cartoon was so cool, it was like the turtles were so bad ass, but so good hearted at the same time.
Turtles in Canada
When I was younger, my family lived in Pakistan and we moved to Canada in 2003. I remember a blue turtle character with a blue headband! I didn’t speak English very much, but I sure knew how to say NINJA TURTLES! Back then my family wasn’t in the best of conditions so actions figures and toys were really not a priority but I know…like any child/kid…I did want the toys. Today, at my current age, I look around my room and see the amazing figures that I have collected so far and it makes me feel like a kid again! Ninja turtles are always going to be special to me, simply because they remind me of my childhood; The Ninja Turtles; how they fight, that’s what I used to pretend to do as a kid with my brother and friends. I love the weapons all 4 of the turtles have and their discipline that Master Splinter has instilled into them.
What are your favorite pieces? How many are in your collection?
thec0llect0r
My absolute favorite TMNT figures in my collection are the NECA 1990 TMNT Movie SDCC 4 pack Turtles. They are so accurately sculpted and painted that they literally look as if they jumped right off the screen. There are currently over 150 figures in my collection.
The TMNT Collector’s amazing figurine collection!
The TMNT Collector
My personal favorites are my 1988 soft head Donatello I got for Christmas that year, and my 1991 movie star Michaelangelo that my grand father bought me at the movie theater on opening night of Secret of the Ooze.
Turtles in Canada
My favorite Pieces are the 1990s Movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Figures from NECA, I have most of the figures that released except a couple! I have over 90+ TMNT Action figures in my Collection and it just keeps getting bigger. All my action figures are Sealed and Inbox. I do not plan sell any of my pieces any time soon.
What is your ‘Holy Grail’ collectible?
thec0llect0r
My “Holy Grail” collectible currently in my collection would have to be my NECA “Spirit of Splinter” from the 1990 TMNT Movie Loot Crate. It has become a very rare item to add for collectors and the cost of acquiring it now has become astronomical compared to its original price. Aside from acquisition complexity the figure itself is truly a grail in itself because it is part of a very important scene in the movie that any true TMNT fan remembers well.
The TMNT Collector
I have a holy grail case with figures like Scratch, Hot Spot, chef boy r dee super Shredder, etc, but of all of my “holy grails” I’d have to say Shogun Shoate is my favorite of the bunch, probably because it is the ONLY figure of the Shoate character.
Turtles In Canada
The “Holy Grail” of my TMNT Collection has to be the oldest one in my collection but personally I love the Casey Jones and Raphael 2 Pack (1990s Movie Figures). The Fight scene with Casey Jones and Raphael is too Epic and I will always remember it! That is my Holy Grail!
What is something you’ve been searching for but have yet to find?
thec0llect0r
I have a few things I would love to have in my collection which I can’t justify third party pricing for (as they are all out of production). The main item I would love to have in my collection would be the NECA SDCC Mirage Ninja Turtle 4 pack (green or black/white). That set is a real grail to me and just an awesome set all around. I mean, you have to have the OG Turtles, right?
The TMNT Collector
One I’ve been after for awhile and haven’t got my hands on yet is Tyranno Shredder, and the cloth jacket undercover Turtles.
Turtles in Canada’s awesome NECA figurines
Turtles in Canada
The only TMNT action figure that I will always be searching for is “Scratch the Cat” it is one of the most sought-after figures! It is also one of the most expensive figures today. It was a figure that released close to when the Original Series of the TMNT was coming to an end and at the same time the figure was released in limited quantities. I will one day find one MOC and add it to my collection hopefully!
How do you store and protect your figures?
thec0llect0r
Currently the display figures reside on floating shelves while the original packaging is stacked below them. Most things have doubles but those that don’t remain packaged. Maintained regularly and used often for photos.
The TMNT Collector
I am a majority loose collector, I prefer to be able to play with them, and show articulation during interviews, my holy grail cabinet is a custom plexiglass case that locks though. Lol.
Turtles in Canada
I have pet cats and not a lot of space in my room. One of the ways I protect my figures is by having them hang directly on wall. Nothing is within the reach of my pets! I regularly dust/clean the figures to prevent them from getting dirty. I do have some of them in clear plastic bags as well; especially some of the older ones. The figures that I really want to keep safe I store away in Drawers or Bins.
What advice would you give to other collectors?
thec0llect0r
Have fun and keep it fun. That is the #1 goal for me as a collector. If it’s not fun and it doesn’t enrich your life, why do it?
Find a group or community (online or in person) to partner with in your quest for completing or building your collection. Having people to lean on, chat with and assist you that have common goals can make all the difference. This is especially true in these times where scalping is a very real animal.
Never grow up!
The TMNT Collector
The TMNT Collector
Collect what/how you like, don’t feel obligated or embarrassed if your collection is not as big or displayed as well as the next person. Each personal collection should be different and unique to that person’s preference and personality.
Turtles in Canada
One advice I can pass one to others who collect; is that don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you love! Not everyone understands what it means to be able to re-live your childhood. I never imagined that I would be having so much fun just buying and displaying my action figures! When I wake up and see the view of my room, it makes me so happy and its totally worth it! Rearranging my room has also become a hobby! Keep collection growing! Just keep Going!
What do you love most about the collecting community?
thec0llect0r
I love how diverse the community is yet we all strive for the same thing so it’s second nature to have each others backs. It brings us together and makes the community stronger even if we are collecting two completely different lines of figures. The goal is to have fun and collect what you love and the collecting community is the best at doing both of those things.
The TMNT Collector
The support, the interest, and the interaction with like minded individuals.
Turtles in Canada
Unlike the gaming communities, the collecting community is the BEST. I have noticed many collectors helping other collectors! The simple example I can give is; In Canada we don’t get as much of the figures that U.S.A does; many of our fellow collectors in the USA go out of their way to find and ship figures to the collectors in Canada! The world is so big but we connect it bit by bit! I love the collecting Community and am happy to be a small and growing part of it!
The TMNT collectors community is so positive and welcoming. Why do you think that is and what impact has it made for you personally?
thec0llect0r
I feel that the overall atmosphere of TMNT in general is a fun loving and versatile genre. The Turtles have always had this sense of brotherhood and camaraderie while being able to have a good laugh in the process. I feel this sentiment is reflective of the TMNT community because we share that same traits. Personally it has been the gift I never realized just how badly I needed. To share this passion with those who understand it and feel the same is indescribable in itself.
The TMNT Collector
I think the TMNT community is so positive and welcoming because that is the way the Turtles raised us to be, we can all be our own individuals, but when it’s time to help ( advice, finding something someone is looking for, answer questions, etc) we ban together like the 4 brothers to take care of each other.
Turtles in Canada
Indeed! The TMNT Collectors Community is in fact, VERY positive and welcoming! I believe the reason is because all the people within it understand. They understand the love we have to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
What is your favorite figure from the Series I crate and why?
thec0llect0r
thec0llect0r
My favorite figure from the Series I Loot Crate (aside from the standalone Spirit of Splinter crate) would be the Bebop and Rocksteady figure set in Bunny costumes. They are a very unique set and really kickstart that nostalgic feeling from the cartoon series.
The TMNT Collector
My personal favorite from Series 1 is the Blue Comic Shredder. It paired well with the NECA mirage turtles for display.
Turtles in Canada
I missed my chance to grab the Series I crates but if I did have the opportunity; I would love to have the Bebop and Rocksteady with the Bunny Suit! They are just so fun to look at especially when you know that Bebop and Rocksteady are street thugs!
What are you most looking forward to in the TMNT Series II Crate? Any figures you’d like to see in the future?
thec0llect0r
I have always been very partial to the original 1990 TMNT movie so it’s a no brainer to say I am most excited for the Danny figure. The sculpt looks absolutely stunning and I feel he will make for some great photos. There’s a long list of figures i would love to see made one day but if i had to pick one it would probably be a Tatsu figure. He’s such an iconic character and he’s essential to add to the lineup.
The TMNT Collector
I am looking forward to the Danny Pennington figure, as much as he is considered a “snitch” for showing the foot where the Turtle’s lair was, he was also a detrimental part of the story line in the movie. And as for a figure that I would like to see, i think I speak for ALL of us NECA collectors that WE WANT AN APRIL MOVIE FIGURE ..lol
Turtles in Canada
The Series II crates are my first crates from Lootcrate and I am looking forward to it ALL. When they announced Danny Pennington in the first crate, I was taken! Then, the exclusive Scrag figure that was announced really made the order feel much more worth the wait! The suspense is what really has me so reeled in. In the future, I want to see some more figures of Splinter and the baby Turtles!
