How To Build the Ultimate TMNT Action Figure Collection

For over 30 years, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been iconic pop culture figures, inspiring multiple animated series, comic books, films, video games, and of course, action figures.

As a longtime TMNT fan, I've spent years building my own ultimate collection of Ninja Turtles action figures and memorabilia. In this guide, I'll share my tips for fellow collectors looking to amass their own impressive assortment of TMNT toys.

The key to building the ultimate TMNT action figure collection is being selective, focusing on rare and unique items, displaying your collection proudly, and having fun in the process.

Start with the Classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Figures

The backbone of any great TMNT collection are the classic action figures from the late 1980s and early 1990s. These were the original Ninja Turtle toys that started it all, based on the wildly popular comic book series created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

Key figures to look for from this era include:

• The very first series of TMNT action figures released in 1988 by Playmates Toys. This collection included the four Turtles (Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo), along with Splinter, April O'Neil, Rocksteady, Bebop, and the Shredder. These are relatively easy to find loose, but complete sets in the original packaging can sell for hundreds of dollars.
• The "Secret of the Ooze" movie toy line from 1991, featuring the Turtles in their live-action movie looks. Complete sets packaged on the original cardbacks are especially desirable.
• Later additions like Ace Duck, Leatherhead, Slash, and Mutagen Man. These offbeat characters are trickier to find than the core Turtles lineup.
• Any vehicles or playsets like the Sewer Lair, Turtle Blimp, Pizza Thrower, or Party Wagon. These larger plastic toys tend to break over time so intact examples can be valuable.

I recommend searching local toy shops, flea markets, eBay, and collectors groups to track down these old school Ninja Turtle toys still in great condition. They make an ideal starting point before diving into more obscure collectors items.

Seek Out Rare and Exclusive Figures

Once you've got those classic Turtles figures rounding out your display, the real fun begins - tracking down all the rare, limited edition, and downright odd TMNT action figures produced over the decades. Some key items to seek out:

• Convention exclusives: Toy companies frequently released special TMNT figures exclusively at Comic-Con and other collector events. These limited edition pieces can be very hard to acquire, making them centerpieces in any top notch TMNT collection.
• International exclusives: TMNT toys were produced by different companies all around the world. Figures only released in Europe, Japan, Australia etc can look great next to standard American releases.
• Weird offshoot characters: As the TMNT franchise grew exponentially, some downright strange mutant figures joined the ranks like Ace Duck, Mona Lisa, Wyrm, Scumbug, and more. These oddities are irresistible to serious TMNT collectors.
• Unproduced prototypes: Some proposed Ninja Turtles figures never made it to full production, making the prototypes insanely rare.

Tracking down these kinds of rare and exclusive figures takes time, patience, and a little luck combing through collector communities online and offline. But landing a hard-to-find item you've been searching for is an amazing feeling for any toy collector.

Display Your Collection with Pride

A key part of the fun with toy collecting is proudly showing off your haul. When it comes to displaying Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, you have a lot of great options:

• For loose figures, display cases with adjustable shelves let you show off individual characters or full diorama scenes. Good lighting and creative backgrounds will really make your figures pop.
• If you have figures still sealed in their original packaging, hanging wall racks display cardbacks safely while protecting from dust and damage.
• For playset displays, use sturdy shelving to provide enough space for the bigger items. Consider adding mood lighting or decorative elements like sewer lids and manhole covers to enhance the display.
• Use IKEA bookshelves, Detolf display cabinets or utility storage solutions to neatly organize and exhibit your loose TMNT figures or accessories. Labeling helps keep everything identified.
• Rotate pieces in and out of display to keep your collection fresh and prevent damage from light exposure. Shelve away light-sensitive items.

Proudly displaying your TMNT collection allows you to fully appreciate all the great figures and toys you've managed to acquire. And it lets fellow fans check out your impressive assemblage of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles awesomeness!

Hunt for Errors and Variants

A fun niche within TMNT toy collecting is tracking down error and variant figures that diverge from the norm. Production mistakes that slipped through quality control or special variant designs can make for cool oddball additions. Let’s discuss some of the examples to search for.

The original 1988 Raphael figure is famous for many paint variants. Some have a bright green skin tone rather than the usual darker olive color. Others feature a strangely painted or even missing red eye mask. Minor factory flaws like this make for subtle but fascinating variants.

Decal errors also occurred, like the rare “Cowabunga” Leonardo where his chest decal is misprinted upside down. Funnily enough, a later release corrected this with an intentionally upside down “Wooobsinac” decal as an in-joke.

Weapons variants are also common, like Raphael figures packaged with Leonardo’s twin katana swords rather than his own sai daggers due to manufacturing mix-ups.

And “No-Dot” variant Turtles missing the pupil dots from their eye masks exist for all four heroes, generally selling for significantly more than regular versions.

Even major sculpting changes occasionally occurred between releases, like the infamous “Derpy” Michelangelo from 1988 with a bizarrely sculpted droopy eyed head later corrected for the 1989 re-release.

Finding these production quirks adds real novelty. While not always hugely valuable, they make quirky talking points among keen-eyed Turtle collectors.

Expand Beyond Just Figures

To take your TMNT collection to the next level, expand your sights beyond just action figures. Some other great Turtle memorabilia to grab:

• Vintage TMNT comics, especially early issues and first printings. These are expensive but an absolute cornerstone for diehard Turtle fans.
• Animation cels, the actual hand-painted acetate sheets used to produce the original TMNT animated series. Extremely rare and coveted.
• Movie posters, home video releases, lunchboxes, board games, micro machines, and more. All the weird ephemera tied to the Turtles franchise over the years.
• Statues and busts, including high-end resin collectibles made for adult collectors rather than kids. Companies like First 4 Figures produce phenomenal TMNT statues.
• Autographed memorabilia signed by TMNT creators like Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, or voice actors from the various shows and films. Adding legit signatures increases value.

Adding some of these non-action figure pieces helps tell the entire TMNT story visually and taps into the Turtle phenomenon beyond just the toys. They make amazing supplemental pieces in a well-rounded Ninja Turtles collection.

Have Fun and Make Friends

Most importantly, remember to have fun while amassing your ultimate TMNT action figure collection. This hobby should be about recapturing childhood nostalgia and geeking out over your favorite heroes in a half shell, not stressful hunting for expensive rare items or treating it like an investment.

And get to know fellow TMNT collectors in the process! Connect with the vibrant Turtle toy fan community through groups online and conventions in your area. Share collecting tips, make trades, show off recent scores, and make some new friends who share your passion.

Building up an impressive TMNT toy collection takes time, effort, and a little money. But follow this guide and those Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be fighting their way onto your display shelves in no time! Cowabunga!

Final Thoughts

Building the ultimate Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure collection takes passion, perseverance, and a creative spirit.

By starting with those nostalgic classics from your childhood, then diving deep into the obscure, the rare, and the weirdly wonderful Turtle memorabilia produced over the past 30+ years, you can amass an amazing assemblage of heroes in a half-shell.

Display your collection proudly for all fellow fans to admire. Hunt down minor production quirks, foreign variants, promotional relics, and make some customs of your own along the way. Most importantly, reconnect with the Turtle magic that first made you fall in love with Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey. Cowabunga - now get out there and build that ultimate collection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the rarest TMNT action figures?

Some of the rarest and most valuable TMNT action figures can be found through auction sites like eBay, specialist vintage toy stores and collectors conventions, and by joining online communities of toy collectors.

Limited edition convention exclusives, unproduced prototypes, and mint condition packaged classics from the 1990s are especially hard to come by. Patience and persistence is key!

How much does an original TMNT action figure sell for?

Prices can vary wildly depending on the condition and rarity of the figure. Well loved loose examples from the 1980s and 90s can sell for as little as $10-$20. But mint packaged figures still sealed on their original cardbacks can demand hundreds, even thousands of dollars from serious collectors. Key factors like production numbers, play wear, completeness, and demand determine value.

Should I keep TMNT figures packaged or open them?

This is a point of debate amongst collectors! Many prefer to open figures to enjoy full access, poseability, and display. But unopened mint examples, especially vintage ones, are usually worth much more as collectors prize original packaging. Ultimately it's a personal choice based on your collecting style. Just be careful opening older fragile packages!

How should I display my loose TMNT action figure collection?

Loose figures look great arranged inside glass display cabinets or shelving units, where they can be organized or arranged into diorama scenes. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight which can damage the figures. Proper lighting, risers, and backgrounds will really make your collection pop when exhibited. Rotate pieces periodically to prevent overexposure.

What are some rare TMNT collector items beyond action figures?

Some notably rare and valuable TMNT collector pieces include original Kevin Eastman/Peter Laird comic issues, animation cels from the 1980s cartoon, unproduced prototypes and concept art, movie posters/memorabilia, statues and busts aimed at adult collectors, autographed items, and niche pieces like vintage board games and lunchboxes.

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