While Playmates created hundreds of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures throughout the 1990s, the highlight was their Universal Monsters crossover that imagined the turtles as Universal’s iconic horror characters.
In 1993, Playmates released Leonardo as The Wolfman, Raphael as The Mummy, Michaelangelo as Frankenstein’s Monster, and Donatello as Dracula, documents Universal Monsters Universe, further adding that a second wave hit toy shelves in 1994 and consisted of April as the Bride of Frankenstein, Leonardo as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Michaelangelo as The Invisible Man, and Raphael as the Metaluna Mutant. They were awesome and have become incredibly collectible.
NECA is reviving this gem of a concept and has just revealed their own Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure line!
The first announcement is Raphael as Frankenstein’s Monster, which comes with a metal chain, interchangeable hands, & a pair of lightning bolt sai. It will come in collector-friendly window box packaging featuring a custom illustration and won’t be exclusive, meaning it’ll be available wide. Fuck yeah.
Look at this badass action figure. I can’t wait to see the other four turtles and hope it does well enough to warrant a future playset and additional accessories.
Also check out this ridiculously awesome retro commercial:
31 Nights of Fright Reveal
This spooky season, NECA is thrilled and chilled to announce a Turtle-tacular new line of action figures: Universal Monsters x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! The figures will pay tribute to the world’s most famous turtles and Universal’s icons of horror! pic.twitter.com/xXWQ905Wi2— NECA (@NECA_TOYS) October 20, 2021
