The PopCult Toybox: Toy Fair 2015 Report
Last week your PopCulteer made the trek to New York City to cover The 2015 International Toy Fair, and in the coming days and weeks you can expect many special editions of The PopCult Toybox to cover all the cool things he saw.
One of the hottest action figures in toy stores now is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures and playsets. The folks at Playmates Toys gave us a quick tour of the Turtles booth, and we have all the details in print below the video, along with a ton of photos, to share this part of the Toy Fair experience with you.
Fresh off a wildly successful 2014 in which the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures were ranked the #1 selling toy to the NPD Group, Playmates Toys, the company behind the popular toy line, is thrilled to its all-new 2015 offerings during North American International Toy Fair.by season 4 of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series, Playmates Toys will introduce its biggest extension to date in the line called Mutations, extensions to the successful Half Shell Heroes preschool line and a new die-cast segment called T-Machines; in addition to new action figures, vehicles, role play and playsets.
“As the Turtles continue to be one of the hottest brands, we’re excited to introduce toy segments that bring all-new levels of play to the Turtles world,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “For example, kids will now be able to recreate the Turtles’ mutation, transform an action figure into a playset, or roll through the sewers and streets with the new die-cast vehicle collection.”
“After five years of an incredible partnership, we are excited to be working with Playmates Toys on what is now the most sought-after toy property, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “The new toy segments we’re launching will elevate the Turtles’ popularity even more to fans around the world.”
Highlights of the 2015 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line from Playmates Toys include the following:
Mutations Segment
Kids can now recreate the Turtles mutation story over and over again with the Pet Turtle to Ninja Turtle action figures. Fun and easy, kids can transform the four Heroes from pet turtles to 5.5”, fully articulated Ninja Turtle action figures, each coming with their signature weapons and ready to fight evil everywhere.
You know the story, four baby Turtles fall down into a storm sewer, are doused with ooze and mutate into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Now, kids can recreate the mutation over and over again with the Pet Turtle to Ninja Turtle action figures. This line is fun and easy. Kids can transform the four Heroes from pet turtles to 5.5”, fully articulated Ninja Turtle action figures, each coming with their signature weapon. This collection includes: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael
With Mix & Match Mutations, kids can find out how it looks if the Turtles had Metalhead’s power, Shredder’s armor, Tiger Claw’s stripes and Splinter’s quick reaction hands. Kids can mix and match the heads, arms, legs and torsos of the fully articulated 4.5” tall action figures to create hundreds of different mutations.
Kids can mix and match the heads, arms, legs and torsos of the fully articulated 4.5” tall action figures to create hundreds of different mutations.Each figure includes one extra arm or leg to start off the different mutation possibilities. The Spring release includes: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, Splinter, Shredder, Slash, Metalhead, and Tiger Claw. In the fall you can expect Bebop, Rocksteady, Casey Jones, Leatherhead, Dog Pound Razhar, Baxter Fly and Robotic Foot Soldier.
A 24″ Leonardo ninja turtle transforms into a complete Sewer Lair Playset with the 24″ Leonardo Turtle to Playset. This set provides hours of Ninja fun with nine different rooms and over 30 features including spring activated surprises, false floors and so much more. The 24″ Leonardo Ninja Turtle transforms into a complete Sewer Lair Playset with over 30 features including spring activated surprises, false floors and so much more. The playset also features 9 different rooms – Turtles’ Living Room, Splinter’s Meditation Room, Skate Park Half-Pipe, Mikey’s Room, Turtles’ Dojo, Lookout Tower, Donnie’s Workshop, Computer Room and Entertainment Room. Includes Leo’s signature Katana sword
The Turtles can easily transform to different modes with the new assortment of Mutations vehicles. They can transform from fight to flight mode, tearing up the terrain or speeding through the skies with the Quad Rotor, which transforms from a motorcycle to a quad copter and includes exclusive Cloud Cruisin’ Leo figure and with the Tri-Flyer, which transforms from an AT-3 to a jet and includes exclusive Jet Jammin’ Raph. Additionally, the Turtle Turbo Charger allows kids to transform the Turtles from speed mode into battle mode. The vehicle features spring-fired mutant missiles and the hood can be lifted for battle mode.
The Quad Rotor vehicle transforms from a motorcycle to a quad copter and includes an exclusive Cloud Cruisin’ Leo figure. The Tri-Flyer vehicle transforms from an AT-3 to a jet and includes an exclusive Jet Jammin’ Raph figure. Vehicle features spring-fired mutant missiles and the hood can be lifted for battle mode.
T-Machines Segment
T-Machines is an all-new collection of die-cast vehicles and playsets, providing a unique play environment for kids. The fast-rolling vehicles feature a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and an action-posed, non-removable figure driving each vehicle. The 1/50 scale vehicles are available in an assortment of single-packs, as well as 2 and 4-pack vehicle sets. Also included in the world of T-Machines is the Shell Launcher, which gives a powerful boost to all of kids’ T-Machines vehicles.
Each 1/50 scale vehicle comes with an action-posed, non-removable figure who is driving the vehicle. Based on the hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show on Nickelodeon, the vehicles are designed to capture the personality of the characters driving them. Featuring a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and unique custom look, these fast-rolling vehicles bring a whole new level of play to the Turtles world. All the vehicles are compatible with leading competitors track systems.
Spring release includes: Raphael in Shellraiser, Fishface in Shellcrusher, Shredder in Shreddermobile, Leonardo in AT-3, Leonardo in Stealth Bike, Michelangelo in Hot Rod, Splinter in Rat Attack, Donatello in Service Truck, Raphael in Monster Truck, Tiger Claw in Safari Truck and Donatello in Patrol Buggy. Fall release includes: Michelangelo in Patrol Buggy, Casey in Ice Machine, Raphael in Armored Truck, Rat King in Hearse, Turflytle in Buggy, Donnie in Speed Demon, Karai Snake in Sports Car, Raph in Military Truck, Leo in Sports Car, Mikey in Party Wagon and Slash in Demolition Car.
Equipped with translucent wheels and highly decorated bodies, the ninja-charged decorated vehicles can only be found in the 2-packs. Spring release includes: Michelangelo in Hot Rod and Shredder in Shreddermobile, Raphael in Shellraiser and Splinter in Rat Attack, Leonardo in Stealth Cycle and Donatello in Service Truck, & Leonardo in AT-3 and Fishface in Shellcrusher. Fall release includes: Raphael in Monster Truck and Tiger Claw in Safari Truck, Rat King in Hearse and Michelangelo in Patrol Buggy, Casey in Ice Machines and Donatello in Patrol Buggy, & Donatello in Speed Demon and Turflytle in Buggy.
Featuring a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and unique custom look, these fast-rolling vehicles bring a whole new level of play to the Turtles world. The Night Ninja four-car collection includes: Raph in Midnight Monster Truck, Tiger Claw in Night Hunt Safari Truck, Donnie in Stealth-Tech Patrol Buggy, and Mikey in Moon Chaser Hot Rod.
Additional vehicles in the collection include the T-Machines Sound Vehicles, which allow kids to hear the engines roar, tires squeal and their favorite Ninja Turtles scream out battle cries. Each 1/50 scale vehicle plays 10-15 different sound effects. Featuring over 30 phrases and sound effects, kids can let the party begin with another vehicle, Leo’s Audio Tuner Party Van. Kids can push the 1/24 scale Party Van to hear Leo speak at different speeds and volumes, adjusting to how fast or slow the vehicle is pushed. For even more fun, kids can continually push Leo back and forth to listen as he audio tunes his words.
With the T-Machines sound vehicles, kids can hear the engines roar, tires squeal and their favorite Ninja Turtles scream out battle cries. Just press the button on the engine block and the vehicles come to life, playing 10-15 different Turtles phrases and vehicle sound effects. Collection includes: Extreme Speed Demon with Talking Raphael, Extreme Party Wagon with Talking Leonardo, Extreme Monster Truck with Talking Michelangelo and Extreme Service Truck with Talking Donnie.
Leo’s Party Van is ready to roar with over 30 phrases and sounds effects. Kids can push the party van to hear Leo speak at different speeds and volumes. The faster the van is pushed, the faster and higher Leo’s voice gets. Slow down the van and Leo’s voice will get lower and slower. Kids can even push Leo in reverse to hear him speak backwards, matching the speed of the vehicle. For even more fun, kids can continually push Leo back and forth to listen as he audio tunes his words. The 1/24 scale Party Van comes with a non-removable, action posed Leonardo figure driving the van.
Kids can give a powerful boost to their’ T-Machines vehicles with the Shell Launcher. Compatible with all the T-Machines vehicles, kids can simply load their favorite vehicle into the launcher, pull back on the shell and launch their vehicle into action to race around the city streets. The launcher comes with an exclusive Mikey in Party Van vehicle
Rounding out the line is a variety of playsets, including the Sewer Gas Station, Garage & Lair, Turtles’ Revenge and Race to the Sewer playsets. Compatible with all the T-Machines vehicles, the playsets include tunnels, lifts and other features for kids to roll and battle their vehicles. They can also be snapped together to create a bigger T-Machines play environment.
Kids can start building out cities with the T-Machines Garage & Lair playset and the Sewer Gas Station playset. Each playset includes tunnels, lifts and many other features for kids to roll and battle their T-Machines vehicles. The playsets can also be snapped together to create a bigger T-Machines play environment. Compatible with all T-Machines vehicles, each set come with an exclusive T-Rawket vehicle (Garage & Lair comes with exclusive Raphael in T-Rawket vehicle and Sewer Gas Station comes with exclusive Mikey in T-Rawket vehicle).
There will also be the Turtles’ Revenge Track Set. This dual lane track set features an oversized Giant Robotic Shredder and allows kids to battle Shredder in a whole new way. Kids can race vehicles down the track, but watch out because Shredder will try to pound them through the street or throw the cars off the track. Choose the correct lane and kids have a shot at defeating Shredder. This set is compatible with all T-Machines vehicles and comes with an exclusive Leonardo in T-Rawket vehicle.
With the Race to the Sewer Playset it all gets real. Standing over 24” tall, kids can battle and race head to head on 3 levels of play – rooftop, street and sewer levels. Kids will need to watch out for the Kraang brain rolling down the track looking to knock them out! They can activate the billboard sign lever and change lanes to drive their opponent off course and be the first to the Sewer Lair. Compatible with all T-Machines vehicles and comes with an exclusive Mikey in New Party Wagon vehicle.
Half Shell Heroes Preschool Segment
The Half Shell Heroes segment, which successfully launched last year, is sized just right for smaller preschool hands. The collection features brighter colors, softer expressions and safe play features, allowing kids as young as three to experience open-ended imaginative play with the whole family of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles heroes and mutants.
Extensions to the line include the introduction of new 2.5” action figure characters including Baxter Fly, Slash and Tiger Claw, as well as an assortment of new vehicles that each come with a 2.5” action figure. The line also features toys that bring fun to the tub, including Bath Tub Squirters and Bath Tub Vehicles. Young Turtle fans can even become their favorite Ninja Turtle with the new Soft Foam Electronic Talking Role Play sets and the Soft Training Shell.
Spring release includes: Baxter Fly and Slash, Snakeweed and Spider Bytes, Tiger Claw and Newtralizer, Bebop and Rocksteady, all four Turtles in dojo training gear, Policemen Leo, Road Rescue Donnie. Fall release includes: Fireman Raph, EMT Mikey, Rahzar and Cockroach, Monkey Rockwell and Pigeon Pete, Karai and Dragon Foot Soldier, Footbot and Biotroid, Rat King and Squirrelanoid, Kirby Bat and Mutagen Man.
Basic Vehicles with 2.5″ Figures go on sale in the spring and fall. With a variety of Half Shell Heroes vehicles to choose from, younger kids can now engage in a unique Ninja play experience with their favorite characters. Each vehicle includes a 2.5-inch action figure and separates into two vehicles.Spring release includes: Tread Cycle with Raph. Fall release includes: Dune Duster with Mikey.
There will also be Deluxe Vehicles with 2.5″ Figures. Young heroes will enjoy recreating Turtle adventures or inventing their own with the new Half Shell Heroes deluxe vehicles. Each vehicle in this assortment has unique action features and includes a 2.5-inch action figure. New to the collection is the Hovercraft Vehicle with Leonardo, which allows kids to press down on the Hovercraft vent to activate the Mutant Scoop. Hovercraft comes with a Sea Rescue Leo action figure and fits up to four Half Shell Heroes action figures. This collection includes: Hovercraft Vehicle with Leonardo (new), as well as Stealth Cycle with Raph and Shred Tread with Shredder.
This fall, younger kids can enjoy Mutation Vehicles with 2.5″ Figures, Now kids can enjoy two vehicles in one! With an easy flip transformation, young Turtle fans can change the vehicle their Turtle is driving into an all new vehicle to sneak up on the Shredder. Each vehicle includes a 2.5-inch action figure. Collection includes: Shellraiser to Recycling Truck with Donnie, Fire Truck to Tank with Raph, Pizza Delivery Truck to Ambulance with Mikey and Police Car to Race Car with Leo.
Bath Tub Squirters are due out this spring. Now young Turtle fans can bring the fun to the tub with the all new Half Shell Heroes Bath Tub Squirters. Just squeeze the squirters to fill them with water and then squeeze them again to spray the water. Single-pack collection includes: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael. Two 3-pack collections includes: Leonardo/Donatello/Splinter and Michelangelo/Leatherhead/Raphael.
Continuing with water play are two Bath Tub Vehicles due out in the fall. These vehicles float in the tub and include different water features. The Dive Boat features a mechanical claw and diving line, while the Fire Boat features a squirting fire cannon. Each vehicle comes with an exclusive figure and also works with all Half Shell Heroes Figures. Collection includes: Dive Boat with Diver Donnie, Fire Boat with Captain Raph.
Jumping from one extreme to the other, we go from Pre-school Turtles to premium stature adult collectible statues. We wrap up our TMNT coverage with a quick look at what the Good Smile Company has in store later this year. These statues of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are sold separately and based on the artwork of Eisner Award-winning “Fables” cover artist James Jean. Fans who buy all four will also get an aluminum print of Jean’s concept piece.
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