The “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” was first released by Mirage Comics in 1984 as a sarcastic comic book created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman. The publisher initially planned it as a one-time release, but it lasted for years because of its popularity. However, most people are more aware of the 1987-released TV series got little influence from the comics.
The published comic strips were intended for the older audience due to their graphic violence, while the animated show was more comedic and kid-friendly since it is the more famous version, production outfits based all the superhero turtle warriors’ adaptations on the cartoon show.
Companies released plenty of toys and merchandise based on the TMNT franchise. These products easily became collector’s items. Some of them were very rare and currently has a high value.
Here are some of the rarest and most expensive TMNT collector’s items and their current value at the moment.
#5: Undercover Donatello Action Figure – worth $707
Some toys are inspired by the individual episodes of the cartoon series and movies. One of the most well-loved but extremely rare ones is the Undercover Donatello, based on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie released in 1990.
While the scene showed Raphael walking on the streets wearing a fedora and trench coat, the toy manufacturer made a mistake and placed the costume on Donatello instead. It is the reason why the toy is extremely rare and expensive nowadays.
#4: Don’s Camo Hydro Skimmer From “The Next Mutation” – worth $999
Saban Entertainment produced a live-action TV series titled “Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation.” But in this series, the creators introduced a fifth Ninja Turtle. This time, the new superhero turtle is a female mutant named Venus de Milo.
The series released a separate toy line, including this camouflage boat. While this animated show only lasted for a while, some people would still spend almost a thousand dollars on this rare toy.
#3: Leonardo’s Katana – worth $1,499
Among all the Turtles, Leonardo has the coolest weapon – a katana. But the item is a child-friendly version of the traditional Japanese sword that is based on “The Next Mutation” toy collection.
At the moment, the extremely rare collector’s item will cost you a whopping $1,499. It is very expensive, especially since the item is only made of plastic.
#2: Sewer Playlet – worth $1,599
Toy collectors need to spend as much as $1,500 on this Sewer Playset from the original TMNT animated cartoon. This miniature representation of the mutant turtle’s hideout comes with a “working elevator” and realistic-looking sewer pipe passageways.
Because it is almost impossible to find this toy in mint condition, you must break the bank to get your hands on this toy.
#1: Original TMNT Konagi Arcade – worth $3,300
If you are a big fan of the TMNT franchise and have more than enough money to spare, then you need to get hold of this original arcade game released by Konami in 1989. The NES version of the game is considered the best in the franchise.
Because of its rarity, it is also very difficult to find one to add to your collection.
