Sculpting : The original Turtles, while good figures, lacked any real definition to their body structure. Such is not the case here with these new Turtles. Each one still has a somewhat unique pose, but the muscle definition and attention to detail on their straps to hold their weapons stand out. What is lacking is the first initial of each one on their belts - good! I like them better this way. Splinter stands out for being a rat, but he is sculpted finely all the way through, even underneath his cloth suit. I only wish the Turtle bandanas were cloth and not sculpted only one way. That is the only detractor here, bringing the sculpting down a to a solid 9.

Sculpting - 9


Articulation : Unfortunately, this is where the Turtles still somewhat lack. They have now wrist articulation and a little more movement out of their arms, they still are not super articulated like some would wish, including me. Still, even with the somewhat pre-posed nature, they can be put into some pretty cool poses. As for Splinter, he has some standard articulation, and does fine on his own. Overall, I rate the articulation a 7, with room for improvement.

Articulation - 7


Accessories : Each turtle comes with their own unique items : Leonardo comes with his signature Katana Blades, and also a pair of suction cups to climb buildings; Raphael comes with a pair of deadly Sais, as well as a Pulley Line and rope that he can swing down on to get the bad guys; Michelangelo comes with a pair of Nunchakus, and a Climbing box that when one end of rope is pulled, it goes straight up to carry Mikey with it; Donatello comes with his Bo Staffs, as well as a pair of Ninja weapon blade caps that fit on the ends of the staffs; finally Splinter, with a walking stick/hidden sword, as well as a TCRI ooze container and arrow backpack and bow. Whew...that's a lot, and earns and easy 10 for accessories as each weapon has at least two colors giving them a more real look.

Accessories - 10


Painting and Design : The simple design of the Turtles is easy enough to do, but with added detail to their structure they are even better now. As mentioned before, I love the fact Playmates got rid of the letter on their belts, sometimes less is more. Their elbow and knee pads are also the same color. The only color they all have is a signature color mask, which works well for their updated look. Then there is Splinter, where again less is more works, and this time he has less sculpted fur detail but better body definition. This makes him, to me, the best of any Splinter ever put out. I have to say that these Turtles and rat get a solid 10 for look and design, this update really works!

Painting and Design - 10


Overall

Well, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back, and I am willing to bet in a big way. Along with Splinter, I think we are looking at the next dominant wave of toys that will give Power Rangers a run for their money. Being initially a precursor to Power Rangers, I think the old school Turtles will come back and kick the Red Ranger and the gang out of the # 1 retail toy slot. If these figures are an indication of the level of quality we will be getting this time around, I can't wait for more. Start checking your stores now, these guys are beginning to show up in Target, and soon everywhere.

TMNT : Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Splinter

Overall Rating : 9