A little bit of context
Cowabunga! A Look at the TMNT Legacy and Playmates Toys’ Shredder and Splinter Action Figures
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have captivated audiences since their debut in 1984. Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, these four anthropomorphic turtles – Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo – quickly rose to fame, becoming a global phenomenon with a presence in comics, television, movies, and video games. This blog post delves into the rich history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, focusing on two iconic characters, Shredder and Splinter, and their respective action figures by Playmates Toys. To ensure the accuracy and depth of this post, extensive research was conducted, involving the exploration of various sources, including official websites, wikis, and online articles.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: A History
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were born from a humorous drawing by Kevin Eastman of a masked turtle wielding nunchucks. Peter Laird, Eastman’s friend and fellow artist, added “Teenage Mutant” to the sketch, and the iconic heroes were born 1. Inspired by popular comics of the time, such as Daredevil and New Teen Titans, the Turtles were a parody of the superhero genre, combining elements of teenage angst, mutant powers, and ninja skills 2.
Eastman and Laird self-published the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book in 1984, and it quickly gained a cult following 2. The Turtles’ popularity skyrocketed in the late 1980s with the release of the first animated TV series (1987-1996), which introduced elements like their color-coded masks and distinct personalities 1. A key factor in their appeal was the introduction of their love for pizza, which added a relatable and humorous element to their characters, making them even more popular with children and contributing to the franchise’s marketability 1. The franchise expanded into live-action movies in 1990, further solidifying their place in pop culture 2.
Over the years, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have appeared in numerous TV shows, including the 2003 series, which stayed true to the darker tone of the original comics, and the 2012 Nickelodeon series, which blended anime-inspired visuals with the classic Turtles humor 3. The franchise has also seen a resurgence in recent years with the release of the CGI-animated film, TMNT (2007), and the latest installment, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) 2.
Shredder: The Turtles’ Arch-Nemesis
Shredder, also known as Oroku Saki, is the main antagonist of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. He is the leader of the Foot Clan, a criminal ninja organization that terrorizes New York City. Shredder’s menacing appearance is characterized by his bladed armor, inspired by a cheese grater, and his ruthless demeanor 6.
Shredder’s origins and motivations vary across different iterations of the franchise. In the original comics, he seeks revenge against Hamato Yoshi, Splinter’s former master, for killing his brother 6. In the 1987 animated series, Shredder and Splinter were both members of the Foot Clan, with Shredder framing Splinter for attempted murder and taking control of the organization 7.
Shredder has been a constant presence in the TMNT movies, with memorable portrayals by James Saito in the 1990 film and Tohoru Masamune in the 2014 reboot 6. Interestingly, the casting of Shredder in the 2014 film was met with controversy, with some fans raising concerns about “white-washing” the character. The role ultimately went to Masamune, a Japanese actor, addressing these concerns 8. He has also been a formidable opponent in video games, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge (2022), where players can battle him and his Foot Clan across iconic TMNT locations 9.
Over the years, Shredder has been voiced by a variety of talented actors, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the character. Some of the notable voice actors include James Avery in the 1987 series and Kevin Michael Richardson in the 2012 series 6.
Splinter: Father Figure and Sensei
Splinter, the Turtles’ adoptive father and sensei, is a mutant rat who guides and trains them in the art of ninjutsu. His wisdom and martial arts expertise are essential to the Turtles’ success in their fight against evil.
Splinter’s origins differ across various adaptations. In the original comics and the live-action movies, he is Hamato Yoshi’s pet rat who learns ninjutsu by mimicking his master’s movements 10. In the 1987 animated series, Splinter is Hamato Yoshi himself, mutated into a rat by the same mutagen that transformed the Turtles 10. In the IDW comics and the 2014 film, Splinter’s origins take a different turn. He is depicted as a reincarnated ninja master from feudal Japan, adding a layer of mysticism and ancient wisdom to his character 11.
Splinter has been voiced by several talented actors, including Kevin Clash in the first two live-action movies and Mako Iwamatsu in the 2007 CGI film 10. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Jackie Chan lends his voice to Splinter, portraying him as a less traditional sensei and more of a typical father figure 10.
Playmates Toys: The Home of TMNT Action Figures
Playmates Toys, a Hong Kong-based toy company founded in 1966, has been the primary producer of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures since 1987. The company’s history with the franchise dates back to the early days of Turtlemania, when they took a chance on the then-unknown property and helped launch it into mainstream popularity 12. Playmates Toys has produced a vast array of TMNT action figures over the years, capturing the essence of the characters from various iterations of the franchise 13. Their figures are known for their detail, articulation, and accessories, allowing fans to recreate their favorite scenes from the comics, TV shows, and movies.
In addition to their extensive work with the TMNT franchise, Playmates Toys has a diverse portfolio of popular brands. They are known for their innovative and high-quality toys, including lines like Waterbabies, Amazing Amy, and more recently, Godzilla vs. Kong and Miraculous Ladybug 14.
Playmates Toys TMNT 2007 Shredder Action Figure
This action figure is based on Shredder’s appearance in the 2007 CGI-animated film, TMNT. It stands approximately 5-7 inches tall and features multiple points of articulation, allowing for dynamic posing and action sequences. The figure comes with Shredder’s signature sword and other accessories, capturing the menacing look of the character from the movie 15.
Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Splinter Action Figures
Playmates Toys has released two Splinter action figures based on his appearance in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
Splinter: Master Sensei
This 4-inch basic figure captures Splinter’s unique design from the movie. It features 12 points of articulation, allowing for a wide range of poses, and comes with his iconic walking stick and a weapons rack with various accessories 16.
Mix ‘N Match Splinter
This 4.5-inch figure is part of the Mutations Mix ‘N Match line. This figure allows fans to swap out Splinter’s limbs with those of other figures in the line, creating unique mutant combinations. This Splinter figure comes with Leonardo’s head, Raphael’s right arm, and Splinter’s signature weapons 17.
Where to Buy
The Playmates Toys TMNT 2007 Shredder Action Figure can be found on online retailers such as Amazon and eBay 18. The Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Splinter Action Figures are available at online retailers like Amazon and in physical stores such as Target 16.
The Future of the TMNT Franchise
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise shows no signs of slowing down. With a sequel to Mutant Mayhem scheduled for release on October 9, 2026, a new 2D animated series, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, premiering on Paramount+ in 2024, and an R-rated live-action adaptation of The Last Ronin in development, fans can expect more exciting adventures from their favorite heroes in a half shell 19. In the video game realm, fans can look forward to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed, set to release in October 2024, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, based on the comic series 22. Adding to the excitement is the upcoming turn-based game, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown, where Splinter and Shredder are both dead 24.
The comic book world will also see new additions to the TMNT universe, with titles like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: Saturday Morning Adventures, TMNT: Nightwatcher, TMNT: Mutant Nation, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: BLACK, WHITE AND GREEN, and TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: ALPHA 25.
The Future of Playmates Toys
Playmates Toys continues to be a major player in the toy industry, with a strong relationship with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. They are committed to releasing new and innovative TMNT action figures and playsets, keeping the legacy of the Turtles alive for generations to come 26. In addition to their ongoing TMNT lines, Playmates Toys has expanded into other popular franchises. They recently acquired the Power Rangers toy license from Hasbro, set to begin in 2025, marking a significant shift in the toy industry and promising exciting new developments for fans of both franchises 27.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movies
| Movie Title | Release Date | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | March 30, 1990 | Steve Barron |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze | March 22, 1991 | Michael Pressman |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III | March 19, 1993 | Stuart Gillard |
| TMNT | March 23, 2007 | Kevin Munroe |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | August 8, 2014 | Jonathan Liebesman |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows | June 3, 2016 | Dave Green |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem | August 2, 2023 | Jeff Rowe |
Conclusion
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have left an undeniable mark on popular culture. From their humble beginnings as a comic book parody to their current status as a global phenomenon, the Turtles have consistently entertained and engaged audiences of all ages. Their enduring appeal stems from a combination of relatable characters, engaging storylines, and the ability to adapt to different generations and media platforms. Shredder and Splinter, two iconic characters from the franchise, have also undergone various interpretations throughout the years, adding depth and complexity to the TMNT universe. Playmates Toys, the long-time producer of TMNT action figures, has played a crucial role in bringing these characters to life, capturing their essence and allowing fans to interact with the franchise in a tangible way. With a bright future ahead, including new movies, TV shows, video games, and comics, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are poised to continue their legacy for many years to come. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of TMNT, grab your favorite action figure, dive into the action, and say “Cowabunga!”
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Works cited
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Song and Lyrics
(Intro – Español)
Yo soy Splinter, tú eras mi hermano,
en el dojo juntos, siempre mano a mano.
Pero el destino jugó su partida,
ahora en la batalla se mide nuestra vida.
(Coro – Inglés)
We were brothers in the fight,
now we’re clashing every night.
From the shadows to the throne,
now we’re enemies, alone.
(Verso 1 – Español)
Crecimos en el arte del ninjutsu,
tú y yo, Shredder, éramos un dúo, un truco.
El mismo maestro, la misma lección,
pero tu ambición rompió la conexión.
Tu camino oscuro te llevó a traicionar,
mi honor intacto, yo no voy a cambiar.
Por mi clan, mi familia, yo voy a luchar,
aunque el pasado nos quiera atar.
(Coro – Inglés)
We were brothers in the fight,
now we’re clashing every night.
From the shadows to the throne,
now we’re enemies, alone.
(Verso 2 – Inglés)
Shredder, you chose the greed,
left behind our sacred creed.
I stayed true to what we learned,
but your soul, it crashed and burned.
You wanted power, I chose peace,
now our battles never cease.
The Foot Clan and my turtles collide,
this is where our bond has died.
(Puente – Español)
Hermano, ¿recuerdas ese juramento?
Proteger el dojo, era nuestro intento.
Pero ahora veo, tus ojos no mienten,
eres mi rival, aunque me duela siempre.
(Verso 3 – Inglés & Español)
Splinter: “Brother, why’d you cross this line?”
Shredder: “Power is the only shrine.”
Splinter: “El honor es lo que guía mi ser.”
Shredder: “Tu debilidad no te deja crecer.”
Splinter: “Tus cadenas te llevan a caer.”
Shredder: “Tu compasión será tu perecer.”
(Coro – Mixto)
We were brothers in the fight,
nos chocamos sin final.
From the shadows to the light,
enemigos, no hay vuelta atrás.
(Outro – Español)
Aunque el pasado aún me duele,
y tus recuerdos mi mente encarcela,
te enfrento en esta arena oscura,
por mi familia, mi lucha es pura.
(Outro – Inglés)
From friends to foes, our tale unfolds,
in this battle, our fate is told.
Splinter and Shredder, names that bind,
once united, now divided in time.