Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Half-Shell Heroes

OK, way too cute!  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started life as down and dirty, gritty, violent and world-weary heroes fighting some of the nastiest and most despicable villains and threats ever known.

They morphed into somewhat humorous amphibian fighters with sometimes goofy, but dangerous, villains and expanded their supporting cast.

Over the years the TMNT have flip-flopped from gritty, to humorous to relevant and still retained their identifies.

The only problem was that, while primarily fashioned for a kid's audience, the TMNT tended to leave the smallest of children out of the loops: toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Never fear!  Playmates Toys has heard the collective cry of the toddlers and pre-schoolers and their parents and has introduced Half-Shell Heroes, part of its Mutations line of toys and playsets.

With Half-Shell Heroes the Turtles figures are downsized, cutified and made easy to hold for young kids love to play with.  They're tough, have no small parts that youngsters can choke on and are non-toxic.

But, come on!  They're Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  There's still plenty of action, adventure and tough play to go around.  Just because they're small doesn't mean they aren't tough!

Take the Mutations Fire Truck To Tank Playset.  This oversize four-wheel vehicle looks bright and shiny with its red chassis and heavy duty frame and powerful golden fire spout.

But with a few twists, turns and flips and presto!  It's a tank and its loaded for some serious action!  And who better to drive a tank than Raph himself, who comes with the vehicle?

The Splinter & April twin-figure pack features Master Splinter in a typical martial arts pose while April brandishes a fan.  Or is that a pizza slice?  Both figures are articulate, beautifully sculpted and painted with nary a smudge or flashing.


Leo comes with his favorite weapons, one in each hand and a special set of glider wings that actually move with the turn of a dial.  Strap them on and Leo is a high-flying ninja with blades to match.  Leo is articulated and just as cute as button. Don't tell him I said that.  The last thing I need is Leo with wings flapping around my house!