Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (action figures)

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line of action figures were first released in 1988 by Playmate Toys. The concept designs and packaging are both the work of Mirage Studios staff artists.

The first series of action figures included Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Splinter, April, Shredder, Bebop, Rocksteady, and a Foot soldier.

Detail
Though the series was launched due to the TV series' success, the action figures seemed to be inspired by their comic book counterparts, with pulsing veins and pupil-less eyes. They came with removable clothes, removable belts, and a variety of small ninja weapons along with their own signature weapons.

As the toys grew more popular, the line expanded to include more character, from heroes like Ace Duck, Casey Jones, and the Fugitoid to villains like Krang, General Traag, and Baxter Stockman. Fans enjoyed the resemblance to the cartoon characters and the humorous detail.

Accessories
To go with the action figures, PlayMate released various vehicles and play sets to go with them. Among the most popular were the Turtle Party Wagon, Turtle Blimp, and the Technodrome. Other accessories usually had the appearance of being cobbled together from whatever could be found in the sewer.

Along with playsets and vehicles, other toys were created. A series of costumes for children were released along with the Turtle Communicator and Retromutagen Rifle.

The most popular item, however, the Retromutagen Ooze. It was sold by the bottle and contained a small turtle in mid-mutation. Originally, it only came in "Turtle Green," but "Foot Purple" was later available. The Ooze was a necessary component for certain figures and play sets, including the Mutagen Trap and Muckman.