NECA 2012 Turtles

RicksNerdLife said:
two hours of Veebs is just...too much Veebs.
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Veebs is what Uatu sees when he ponders the question: “What If… JD Vance picked toy collecting over white nationalism?!” and even he kinda tunes out after the first eight minutes, sees if someone posted a summary online, and then tries to power through at 2x speed…

Same level of charisma sink, same unpleasantly moist couch cushions, only notable because an actual charismatic figure let them tag along (they’d both be equally fucked if their guy died, but people would actually be sad to lose Robo!)
Misfit said:
Mmm, I did get to the part on the Universal Monsters and those figures we saw (Metaluna Krang and two-headed turtle) are “on pause” due to costs.
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Called it! Goddammit, can’t I have nice things?!?! Can’t have Macbeth, can’t have Metaluna Krang…
 
Mint In Boks said:
Veebs is what Uatu sees when he ponders the question: “What If… JD Vance picked toy collecting over white nationalism?!” and even he kinda tunes out after the first eight minutes, sees if someone posted a summary online, and then tries to power through at 2x speed…

Same level of charisma sink, same unpleasantly moist couch cushions, only notable because an actual charismatic figure let them tag along (they’d both be equally fucked if their guy died, but people would actually be sad to lose Robo!)


Called it! Goddammit, can’t I have nice things?!?! Can’t have Macbeth, can’t have Metaluna Krang…
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DUDE!

Do NOT compare Veebs to couch f*cker JD Vance.

I get it that he's not everyone's cup of tea (I can relate, there plenty of "popular" YouTubers I can't stand), but he and Robo have been working together for YEARS.

The couch f*cker only attached himself to Cheeto Hitler (AFTER criticizing him for a few years), BECAUSE he knew he could gain power and influence with him. If the Cheeto crumbles, couch f*cker fades away like the setting sun.
 
He just goes on these sycophantic tangents that ramble and have no destination. He also talks so much to the point where he doesn't seem to understand that we are there for the person he is interviewing, not listening to his mundane, boring thoughts on shit. This interview could have been a half hour, 45 minutes max. Two hours of this fuckwad sniffing his own farts is exhausting.
 
I like Veebs as a person. I've chatted with him and he's pretty genuine and kind and loves toys. That's what I care about most. I don't really enjoy his interviews. Not because of any problem I have with him (I was actually surprised to learn how many people seem to have strong anti-Veebs feelings) but because I just think he's too concerned with maintaining this level of access and he's not honest in his interactions with these guys.

I mean, I'm specifically talking about Super7. He basically lets Brian skate by on lies and bullshit and never asks him a serious question that anyone wants to know beyond 'what next?' or 'where is this item in the queue?' That bugs me a lot. To see someone with direct access like that during periods where customers are freaking out about terrible quality control and terrible design decisions, to have that person not even be willing to ask about it really bothers me.
I guess it bothers me in the sense that it made me realize Veebs isn't there for the community. He's there for himself. And if we happen to get something out of those conversations that's great, but he's not using that platform for the betterment of the hobby or his community. Which, to be fair, he's not required to. If he sees it as just filming a conversation he's having with a buddy.... what can ya' do. You either want to watch that or you don't. I just don't, and it bothers me that his access to guys like Flynn matters more to him than the community we have built. Or seems to, I should say.

I still don't dislike him, though. Not at all. I'm just disappointed that's the direction he chose.
 
Okay, I listened and collected tidbits so you fuckers don't have to. Veebs says "and to your point" and does that fake giggle far too much and it literally began driving me insane, so you all owe me a root beer.

-More coming from the 1987 Toon line. Both giant Krang and the Kitchen Lair are seemingly on hold due to "cost issues". Aka, Trump's tariffs.

-8 more 2012 figures are near completion. But we know of Slash, Splinter, and Casey, so...5 more, really.

-Tiger Claw will be deluxe and come with a normal head and an eye patch head, as well as swappable right arm for normal and cybernetic.

-As mentioned, Universal Monsters x TMNT is on hold. Hoping to revisit.

-Lots of exciting and "unpredictable" things next year for Mirage.

-Last Ronin seemingly is healthy.

-Hinting at finishing the core Mutanimals team in the Archie line.

-As well as using the April the 5th Turtle sculpt to make standard versions of the brothers.

-Garfello is shipping soon.

-Sakai Turtles are soon, too. Individual releases.

-There is "some really cool stuff planned for next year".

SESAME STREET.

--2026 will be the bigger year for this line.

--Big Bird is out early next year, he's the next release.

--Acknowledged the gap in releases, saying it was longer than they wanted. So quite a few figures early next year to make up for it.

--Oscar might be later in the year due to fine tuning.

--Grover and Mr. Johnson are a two pack. Grover will have bendy arms.

--Accessory set next year.
 
AI from NoteGPT, but look here beneath my robe. I want to see how it compared to the real watches.

---

### Summary of TMNT and Sesame Street NECA Toys Annual Wrap-Up Discussion

This detailed conversation features Trevor Zamut, Brand Manager of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) at NECA Toys, discussing the extensive 2025 product lines, upcoming releases, and ongoing projects across multiple TMNT properties and the newly launched Sesame Street action figure line. The discussion covers various TMNT collections (cartoon, movie, comic, and modern adaptations) and the Sesame Street figures, highlighting key developments, challenges, and fan reception.

---

### Key Highlights and Insights

#### 1. **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) Lines Overview**

- **Cartoon Line (1987 & 2012 series)**
- NECA organizes TMNT lines into three distinct checklists: original 1987 cartoon, 2012 cartoon, and movie/comic-adjacent figures.
- 2025 saw the addition of new characters and variants, including **Ninja Splinter** (a likely 2026 release), **Panda**, and **bodacious beach bros** variants.
- Playsets like the **Sewer Lair** and **Donatello's Lab** are established; the **kitchen playset** is still in development but delayed due to production costs.
- Villains such as **Robo Toka**, **Robo Razar**, and **Vacation Slash** are slated for early 2026 releases.
- The **Molecular Amplification Android Crang** figure has been repeatedly delayed due to complexity and cost but remains a priority.
- The cartoon line continues to evolve with fan-driven character selections, including unique "what-if" versions like **Space Adventure Donatello**, **Samurai Michelangelo**, and **potato suit** B'Bop and Rocksteady.
- The 2012 series is highly praised for more mature storytelling and expressive character designs, with ongoing plans for about 8-10 figures in production.
- Notable new characters include **Tigerclaw**, a deluxe figure with multiple heads and weapons, and the **four-armed footbot** combining movie and robot influences.

- **Movie Line and Universal Monsters Crossover**
- The **Universal Monsters crossover** added several Shredder variants and characters like Dracula and Van Helsing, successfully blending TMNT movie and classic monster themes.
- Production delays and high costs have temporarily paused new releases, but plans remain open for future expansions.
- The **Shredder Throne** from *Secret of the Ooze* was an unexpected collectible, despite minimal screen time.
- Anniversary re-releases of classic turtles help onboard new collectors and refresh the market.

- **Comics Line (Mirage and Archie)**
- 2025 was a strong year for comic-inspired figures, including variants like **Cyborg Donatello**, **Nobody**, **Karai as Shredder**, and **Triceraton Shock Commando**.
- The **Gangster Turtles** were a fan favorite for their unique style.
- Emphasis on capturing distinct artist styles (Jim Lawson, Michael Dooney, Eric Talbot) to preserve authenticity.
- The line features multiple versions of turtles reflecting different comic eras and artists, maintaining variety and freshness.
- The **Last Ronin** sub-line expanded beyond a one-off with new characters, including baby versions of core characters and variants with unique textures and translucency effects.
- NECA continues to balance fan favorites with new, unexpected characters and variants to avoid repetition.

- **TMNT Adventure Line**
- A modern incarnation praised for gritty and unique designs.
- Released figures like **Ace Duck (Stump Wrestling appearance)**, noted for its humor and iconic status.
- The Shredder figure from this line is considered by the host as potentially the best Shredder figure ever, with unique sculpting and paint techniques that set it apart from previous versions.
- The line includes detailed accessories and interchangeable parts to enhance play and display options.

- **Special Crossovers and Unique Figures**
- **Garfield and OD** figures from a rare 1990s crossover comic were announced and received unexpectedly strong positive fan response.
- These figures feature multiple heads, interchangeable eyes, and detailed accessories like a stack of pizzas.
- NECA worked closely with original creators and artists, including Ciro Nieli (2012 cartoon) and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), to ensure authenticity and bring unique artistic styles to figures.

- **Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo Turtles**
- Scheduled for early 2026 release, highly anticipated for their unique style and articulation.
- They feature distinctive sculpting and geometric shell designs faithful to Sakai’s art.
- NECA plans to create a naturalistic diorama setting for these figures, contrasting with urban sewer or cityscape themes typical for TMNT.

---

#### 2. **Sesame Street Action Figure Line**

- Launched in 2025 with **Bert** and **Count von Count**.
- **Big Bird** is next, planned for early 2026 as a deluxe large figure with unique packaging and robust articulation.
- **Oscar the Grouch** will follow, featuring a hinged mouth, adjustable eyelids, and a detailed trash can with realistic wear and tear.
- Accessories and character-specific sets are planned, including a **Sesame Street accessory set** with iconic street elements like brick walls and lamp posts, plus character-themed items.
- Figures planned include **Harry Monster**, **Grover and Mr. Johnson (two-pack)** with bendy arms for Muppet-like articulation, and **Sherlock Hemlock with Watson**.
- **Frazzle**, a monster character initially feared by the brand manager, has been created and may debut somewhat earlier than originally scheduled.
- NECA strives to capture authentic puppet textures and character expressions to maintain the nostalgic and iconic feel of Sesame Street.

---

### Timeline Table: Key Upcoming Releases (Estimated)

| Timeframe | TMNT Releases | Sesame Street Releases |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Early 2026 | Ninja Splinter (Cartoon line) | Big Bird (Deluxe figure) |
| Early 2026 | Robo Toka & Robo Razar | |
| Early 2026 | Garfield & OD (TMNT Adventure crossover) | |
| Early 2026 | Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo Turtles | |
| Mid to Late 2026 | Vacation Slash (Cartoon villains) | Oscar the Grouch |
| Mid to Late 2026 | New Mirage comic figures (Nobody, Karai as Shredder, Triceraton Shock Commando) | Grover & Mr. Johnson 2-pack |
| TBD (2026) | Molecular Amplification Android Crang (delayed) | Harry Monster, Sherlock Hemlock & Watson |
| TBD (2026) | TMNT Universal Monsters line (paused, possible return) | Frazzle (possibly early release) |

---

### Core Concepts & Themes

- **Line Expansion & Variation**: NECA continuously expands TMNT lines across distinct universes (cartoon, movie, comic, modern) with a focus on variety, fan favorites, and unexpected characters.
- **Authentic Artistic Collaboration**: Close work with original creators and artists ensures faithful adaptations and unique packaging/artwork.
- **Balancing Cost & Quality**: Production challenges, especially for large or complex figures and playsets, affect release timing and pricing.
- **Nostalgia & Innovation**: NECA balances honoring classic designs with innovative “what-if” or crossover concepts.
- **Sesame Street as a Growing Line**: Launching with iconic characters and plans for large deluxe figures and accessory sets, capturing the nostalgic essence of the show.
- **Collector Engagement**: Packaging, accessories, and character-specific details cater to collector preferences and display aesthetics.

---

### Quantitative Data Table: Example of Figure Features

| Figure / Line | Accessories Included | Unique Features | Status / Release Window |
|-------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Ninja Splinter (Cartoon line) | Sword (flaming/magic), outfit | Easter egg figure, expected 2026 | Early 2026 (planned) |
| Tigerclaw (2012 cartoon) | Two heads, extra forearm with weapons | Deluxe figure, robotic hand | Available soon |
| Garfield & OD (TMNT Adventure) | 3 heads (OD), interchangeable eyes, pizza stack | Multiple expressions, articulated | Early 2026 |
| Big Bird (Sesame Street) | Letter “B” accessory | Large deluxe figure, hinged mouth | Early 2026 |
| Oscar the Grouch | Trash can with dents, letter “T” | Hinged mouth, adjustable eyelids | Mid to late 2026 |
| Grover & Mr. Johnson 2-pack | Towel, hamburger, soup bowl | Bendy arms for Muppet articulation | Mid to late 2026 |
| Sherlock Hemlock & Watson | Plaid coat, letter “X” | Two heads, detailed sculpt | TBD 2026 |

---

### Key Takeaways

- **NECA’s TMNT lines are robust and multifaceted, covering decades of TMNT history with numerous character variations and fan-inspired releases.**
- **The 2012 TMNT cartoon line is gaining strong traction with fans due to its mature storytelling and unique character designs.**
- **The Sesame Street line is growing rapidly, with major characters like Big Bird and Oscar coming soon, aiming to capture the essence of the original puppetry and show atmosphere.**
- **Fan engagement is high, with NECA responding thoughtfully to collector desires and staying true to original artistic sources.**
- **Production costs and technical challenges influence release timing, especially for large or complex figures and playsets, but NECA remains committed to delivering quality products.**
- **Upcoming 2026 releases promise continued variety, storytelling depth, and creative expansions across both TMNT and Sesame Street properties.**
 
RicksNerdLife said:
Okay, I listened and collected tidbits so you fuckers don't have to. Veebs says "and to your point" and does that fake giggle far too much and it literally began driving me insane, so you all owe me a root beer.
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Goddammit I watched it too. You need to tell me these things. I suffered unneedlessly.

But anyway, to your point.....
 
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