6 Exclusive and Rare TMNT Action Figures for Collectors

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) has been a pop culture phenomenon since its debut as a comic book in 1984. The franchise exploded in popularity when the animated series hit TV screens in 1987, sparking a tidal wave of licensed toys and collectibles.

For TMNT fans and collectors, some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces are the original action figures released from 1988-1993. These vintage toys capture the totally tubular essence of the radical reptiles in plastic form. Let's take a look at 10 of the most exclusive and rare TMNT action figures that any serious collector needs to get their hands on!

1. Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Batman & Leonardo Action Figure 2 Pack

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This Gamestop exclusive 2-pack brings together the Dark Knight and the TMNT's courageous leader for the first time. It's based on the epic Batman/TMNT comic book crossover where the Turtles journey to Gotham City and team up with Batman against their shared nemesis, The Shredder.

Having both Caped Crusader and samurai turtle in one set is a major score for crossover fans. Batman looks slick in his black armored suit with blue cape and comes with his signature weapons like Batarangs. Leo rocks his classic blue bandana mask and katana swords. Extra accessories include pizza slices, which is a fun nod to the Turtles' favorite food.

This is a true collector's item that combines two of the greatest crime-fighting teams in comics and cartoons. Only available at SDCC, it now commands top dollar on the secondary market.

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Battle Nexus Gen Figure

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This unique figure of Michelangelo was created specially for the 2004 Battlenexus Championship in Los Angeles. Based on the 2003 TMNT animated series, it shows Mikey competing in the Intergalactic Battle Nexus, an interdimensional fighting tournament.

With his sculpted muscles, determined expression, and crushing action feature, this figure captures Michelangelo in full warrior mode. When you press the button on his back, his body crumples as if he was defeated in combat.

The martial art rhino outfit and twin katana swords add to the Battle Nexus vibe. As a one-of-a-kind convention exclusive, the Battlenexus Mikey is highly desired by TMNT collectors.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shredder Original Action Figure

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No TMNT collection is complete without the Turtles' arch-enemy, Shredder! This 1990 figure features the sinister leader of the Foot Clan in his classic appearance from the late 80s cartoon. With his spiked helmet, bladed armor, and ragged cape, he's ready to wreak havoc on the Ninja Turtles.

The original Shredder toy is still hugely popular for its pure nostalgic value. He comes with his signature weapons including a sword, ninja stars, fist daggers, and a Kama blade.

The sculpted muscles and menacing grimace perfectly capture Shredder's intimidating presence. As one of the first figures made in the classic TMNT toy line, finding a Shredder in good condition is a challenge.

4. TMNT Toon Turtles Toon Dash 5" Figure

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In 1992, the TMNT line was relaunched with these wildly animated “Toon Turtles” figures. Dash, the squirrelly mutant, was only available in the 5-inch scale. His cartoonish features like gigantic buck teeth, crazy hair, and oversized wrench suit the manic character.

What makes Dash so sought-after is that he was the only ally character made in the short-lived Toon Turtles series.

The smaller 4-inch version was canceled before production. So the larger Dash ended up being supremely rare. For Ninja Turtle completists, this hyper goofy figure is the holy grail.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mystic Fury Series

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When Playmates released their “Mystic Fury” series in 2005, it unleashed beastly new versions of the Turtles with tribal tattoos and mystic weapons. Each TMNT sports a crazed facial expression and powered-up weapons like Leonardo’s sparking katanas and Donatello’s flaming bo staff.

These hyper-stylized mutant ninjas are fan-favorites for their radical designs. They represent the extreme 2000s aesthetic at its most intense. The Mystic Fury series was also the final incarnation of the classic TMNT figures before the toy line ended its initial run.

These amped-up Turtles are hard to find in mint condition and make exciting additions to any TMNT collection.

6. Complete Set of 4 TMNT Mutations Figures 2003

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The “Mutations” line of figures from 2003 depicts the Turtles in four stages of their transformation from ordinary turtles into mutant ninjas. Each turtle goes from regular turtle to humanoid mutant to ninja warrior.

Having all four Turtles complete in the Mutations series is extremely rare. The first turtle phase was under-produced, while the third phase showed up in limited quantities. The ooze canister accessory completes the mutation story.

For collectors who want a visual representation of the Turtles' origins, this is the holy grail set.

The Original TMNT Action Figures from the 1980s

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure line was first introduced by Playmates Toys in 1988, coinciding with the launch of the animated TMNT series. The original lineup consisted of the four main Turtles - Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

Each figure stood approximately 5 inches tall and came with their signature weapons - Leonardo with twin katana swords, Donatello with a bo staff, Raphael with twin sai, and Michelangelo with nunchucks.

The sculpts and designs were faithful to the cartoon, with the green skin and unique shell and body mold for each Turtle. Articulation was basic, but allowed for some dynamic posing. The first series was an instant hit and massive success, leading to dozens more figures and vehicles being added over the next few years.

Some of the rarest and most valuable TMNT figures today are the original 1988 releases, especially if the packaging and accessories are still intact. Mint condition examples can sell for hundreds of dollars each.

The Movie Tie-In Figures of the Early 1990s

As the TMNT franchise expanded into feature films, Playmates Toys produced corresponding toy lines to tie in with the live-action movies. The first film in 1990 saw updated sculpts for the Turtles with more detailing and articulation points.

These movie figures also came with detailed accessories and diorama display bases. Special figures were made for villains like The Shredder and Splinter, along with the mutant enemies Bebop and Rocksteady.

The sequel film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in 1991 continued the movie toy line. The Turtles were given new looks and designs. Some of the rarest figures include the evil mutant Tokka and Rahzar.

As popular as these movie figures were, the original 1988 Turtles remain more valuable to collectors today. Sealed examples of the movie figure two-packs and vehicles can still trade hands for over $500 in the secondary market.

Mail-Away Figures and Other Rarities

Beyond the main line releases, there were some figures and variations that were extremely limited in production. This includes mail-away figures only available through special offers. Most notable is the mysterious and mythical "Mutation" series - repaints of the original Turtles with translucent "ooze" colors, offered as a mail-in incentive in 1989.

Since the promotion lasted a short time, very few were produced. An unopened Mutation Michelangelo recently sold at auction for over $2,000.

Other rarities include pre-production prototypes, test shot figures, and early samples that made it out into public. Convention exclusives and promotional giveaways are also highly desirable to collectors, who will pay top dollar for rare Turtle items and ephemera.

Anything from this era of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys that survives in pristine condition is now a valuable collector's piece.

The Modern Era and Special Anniversary Releases

Even as Turtles merchandising slowed down post-1990s, there have still been sporadic releases of nostalgia or anniversary products. Playmates celebrated TMNT's 25th anniversary in 2009 with a box set of the classic 1988 figures reproduced.

In 2012, NECA put out a set of the original Turtles with the actors' autographs for San Diego Comic Con, now valued around $1,000.

For the 2014 Michael Bay TMNT movie reboot, Playmates returned with new figures, including throwbacks like a Comic-Con exclusive box set based on the original 80s Turtles. In 2020, NECA released a full collection of lovingly-crafted 7-inch scale figures directly based on the vintage 80s designs.

These limited runs and specialty releases speak to the lasting appeal of the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys and characters. The rarest of these items stand as holy grails for TMNT collectors around the world.

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