Playmates Toys: the birthplace of the Ninja Turtles

Dive into the world of Playmates Toys, the manufacturer that brought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life and turned an underground comic into one of the biggest pop phenomena of all time. Since 1988, the brand has designed articulated action figures, vehicles and playsets that became icons, from the legendary Turtle Blimp to the Classic figures of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo. At MTHOR, we select official Playmates Toys products, each checked one by one by our team before shipping. Whether you are a seasoned collector hunting for a rare piece or a parent looking to gift a timeless classic, this collection brings together the best of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles license.

The story of a legend: from 1988 to the Turtle Blimp

In 1988, Playmates Toys — then a small California-based manufacturer — took a bet the toy giants had turned down: launching an action figure line based on a black-and-white comic created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The success was immediate and massive. Boosted by the animated series that aired the same year, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles range became one of the best-selling action figure lines in history, shifting hundreds of millions of units worldwide in the 1990s.

At the heart of this saga, the Turtle Blimp holds a special place. This green turtle-shaped airship, the team's airborne transport, became one of the most recognizable and sought-after items in the entire franchise. Alongside the Turtle Van (the Party Wagon) and the Technodrome, it symbolizes the golden age of TMNT toys. Today, Playmates Toys keeps re-releasing its Classic pieces and expanding its modern lines, bridging collector nostalgia with new generations of fans.

Why Playmates figures became cult classics

Playmates Toys' success was no accident. The brand set the standard for detailed, articulated action figures, with sculpts faithful to the characters, character-specific weapon accessories (katanas, sai, bo, nunchaku) and an attention to detail that appeals to kids and adult collectors alike. Every character wave, from the heroes to villains like Shredder, Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, fed a universe of rare depth.

For collectors, three things define the value of a Playmates piece: the condition of the figure and its original accessories, the integrity of the box or blister, and the rarity of the reference (Classic editions, limited re-releases, vintage waves). These are exactly the criteria we use to select the products in this collection.

The collection's iconic pieces

This collection showcases the most sought-after references of the license: the Classic Turtle Blimp, the team's cult green airship, the Classic Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo figures, along with the universe's must-have characters such as Shredder, Splinter, April O'Neil, Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady. You will also find iconic vehicles and playsets like the Party Wagon and the Technodrome, true centerpieces for any self-respecting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection.

Why buy your Playmates Toys figures at MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specializes in selling authentic products. Every Playmates Toys figure in our collection is an official licensed product, checked by our team before shipping: we verify the reference and packaging match, the condition of the figure and its original accessories, and the integrity of the box or blister. Every order ships with an MTHOR seal, tangible proof that the quality check was carried out. Learn more about our checking process.

We offer worldwide delivery in 2 to 8 days, to your door against signature, with real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, interest-free payment in 4 instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a France-based customer service reachable Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy protects you.

FAQ — Playmates Toys figures at MTHOR

Are the Playmates Toys figures you sell official?

Yes. All our figures are official Playmates Toys products under the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles license. Each piece is checked by our team before shipping and sent with an MTHOR seal. Discover our checking process.

Is the Turtle Blimp a re-release or an original piece?

Depending on the reference, it may be an official Playmates Classic re-release or a current-range piece. The exact detail (range, version, condition) is stated on each product page so you know precisely what you are buying.

What condition are the figures shipped in?

Our figures are sold brand new, in their original box or blister with their accessories, unless clearly stated otherwise on the product page.

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You get real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, wherever your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs duties and taxes, wherever your destination in the world. The price shown on the site is the final price you pay: no nasty surprises on delivery.

Can I return my figure if it doesn't suit me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your item, provided it is in its original condition (box or blister intact, seal not removed). The refund is processed within 24h of receiving the return.

Go further

Also discover our Art Toys and Hot Toys collections to complete your collection of figures and collectibles. To learn more about our checks, see our authentication process or the MTHOR seal page.