Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) is still profitable after almost 40 years. The pizza-loving turtles have been the subjects of comic books, cartoons and several films. In addition, there is a large market for collectible action figures and other toys in the TMNT universe. While some toys were one-off flukes and others special limited editions, all of the figurines on this list are rare. They range dramatically in price, with some only costing tens of dollars and others thousands.
- 25th Anniversary Figures
- Soft Head Action Figures
- Genghis Frog Tan Belt Variant
- Toon Burne
- Hot Spot Action Figure
- DreamEX Set
- Super Shredder – Black Armor
- Super Shredder – Purple Armor
- 30th Anniversary Collection
- Scratch the Cat
First Appearance in Franchise: 1984 comic book series
Cost Today: $50 – $150
photo source: Figurealm.com
To celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary, TMNT released several limited edition action figures. These included all of the turtles, their mentor Splinter the rat, and several of their enemies, including Bebop the mutant punk rock pig. Each figure also came with a corresponding weapon. They had special features that made them more realistic, such as moving heads and hands. The toys are still relatively easy to find online, but an individual toy can cost hundreds of dollars.
Did you know
The turtles are named after Renaissance artists simply because the creators were art history buffs.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1984 comic book series
Cost Today: $40
photo source: Dallasvintagetoys.com
The first iteration of TMNT toys had heads made from a soft, pliable material that was much cheaper to produce. This was done to mitigate risks in case the toys didn’t sell well. Since they ended up turning a profit, all of the subsequent toys and action figures used more durable material. As a result, the soft head action figures are quite rare nowadays.
Did you know
Until 2001, the turtle Michelangelo’s name was misspelled as “Michaelangelo.” There was an opportunity to change it in 2001 and the creators jumped on the chance.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1987 television series
Cost Today: $50
photo source: Collectors.com
The Genghis Frog action figures were supposed to have black belts, but a few were sold with tan belts instead. The difference in worth between these two versions is significant: the black belted version only costs about $10 today while the tan belted version is around $50. The character is part of the Punk Frogs, a group of mutant frogs created and brainwashed by the turtles’ archnemesis Shredder. In the series, the frogs believe the turtles are evil, but switch sides when they discover the truth.
Did you know
The turtles’ mentor named them after famous artists because he admired them. Similarly, Shredder named the frogs after people he admired— notorious war heroes and dictators.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1987 television series
Cost Today: $150 – $200
photo source: Fernando Pandha via Turtlepedia
The Toon Burne figurine was part of the Toon Turtles release. Not surprisingly, there aren’t any other figurines for this character. This one didn’t sell well, probably because the character Burne Thompson is just a normal human journalist without any special powers. His action figure came with a television, cell phone, megaphone, press pass and sword sandwich— not exactly the exciting fare expected from TMNT fans.
Did you know
The 2014 live action TMNT movie replaced Burne Thompson with Bernadette Thompson, played by Whoopi Goldberg.
First Appearance in Franchise: None
Cost Today: $300
photo source: Zakor1138 via Turtlepedia
Hot Spot, a mutant firefighting dalmatian, is a non canonical character in the TMNT franchise. He was only released as a toy in 1992, making him a rare personality and action figure. Although not officially part of the TMNT universe, Hot Spot’s Turtlepedia page states that he’s an ally to the turtles. His figure came with a battle axe, fire hydrant and a gas mask.
Did you know
Creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird put together press kits themselves to help with their comic. These press kits ended up getting them a tv deal.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1984 comic book series
Cost Today: $649.95
photo source: Onesixthoutfitters.com
The TMNT DreamEX set was a China market exclusive, meaning that it wasn’t available anywhere else. The set featured all four turtles as well as side characters from the franchise on a ⅙ scale. The action figures, considered collectibles, are highly detailed with defined muscles, veins and skin textures. The figures also come with a series of props, including weaponry and pizza slices. Their hands can be switched out to create different poses. Notably, Raphael’s name is misspelled as “Rapheal” in this series.
Did you know
TMNT was gritty and dark as a comic book series. It was reworked to be more appropriate for children when it went to television.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1984 comic book series
Cost Today: $1,000 – $5,000
photo source: The S via Turtlepedia
While there are several editions of the Super Shredder action figure, the black armored and purple armored ones are the most rare. The black suited Super Shredder was only available through an unlikely partnership with canned food brand Chef Boyardee. Kids sent in a mail in request to receive the toys.
Did you know
Super Shredder has three versions. First, he is Shredder, a human. Then, Super Shredder, a mutant. He was later resurrected and appeared as a corpse.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1984 comic book series
Cost Today: Unlisted
photo source: The S via Turtlepedia
The purple armored Super Shredder toy was only available in the European market. This version of the toy used lower quality supplies, making the purple Super Shredders more susceptible to damage. Super Shredder’s character is one of the main antagonists in the TMNT universe. His main power is shredding things with his bladed armor.
Did you know
The TMNT comic series debuted in 1984. Cartoonists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird printed in black and white with the help of a family loan.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1984 comic books
Cost Today: $600 – $1,000
photo source: Nikiuk84 via Ebay
Unlike the twenty-fifth anniversary, the thirtieth anniversary collection was not sold to the public. Instead, only attendees of the 2017 San Diego Comic Con could purchase one. The sets came in one of two special collectors’ cases with detailed retro style art of either the turtles or Shredder and his minions. The turtle set came with all four turtles, along with nunchucks, swords, and pizza. The other included Shredder and his minions along with their guns and swords.
Did you know
There were three TMNT films released consecutively from 1990 to 1993. A fourth movie was released in 2007 and then two more in 2014 and 2016.
First Appearance in Franchise: 1987 Video Game
Cost Today: $3,450
photo source: Krang07 via Turtlepedia
Collectors and fans regard the Scratch the Cat action as the rarest toy in the TMNT line. Like Hot Spot, Scratch the Cat doesn’t appear in the TMNT television series or film franchise. There aren’t a lot of details about the character, except that he is a mutant cat who robs banks and uses his claws to attack. The action figure had a limited release in 1993 and no other versions of Scratch exist.
Did you know
Nickelodeon bought the TMNT franchise for $60 million in 2009.
