REVIEW: The Shredder, (Ninja Turtles, 2014 Movie basic)

From: Playmates
Retail: $8.99
Accessories: Detachable Cape.

Over the years, Shredder action figures have been hit or miss depending on what someone is looking for in a toy based on the TMNT primary antagonist. Bubblecard branded 'The Shredder' is based on the character depicted in the upcoming Ninja Turtles (2014) movie. Complete with kabuto, butch body plating and blades, this is easily recognisable as Master Splinter’s arch nemesis.

The design is executed as stocky exo-armor for an otherwise less stocky suitor (Eric Sachs). Head to foot, the character looks metallic and mechanical with pivots and robotic panels. The suit has an incredible amount of depth and detail with even the detachable cape looking like it's made from chainmail with razorblade edges. The faceplate up close has a fearsome touch of skeleton teeth engraved in. Apart from his inner (slightly puny) arms, The Shredder is almost entirely covered in metal. Almost untouchable!

There is a fair amount of articulation with arms and legs sporting three points each (including bendable knees, elbows, shoulders and ankles) and a swivel waist. As with most figures, the head typically can be turned from side to side. The iconic helmet is not removable and is part of the sculpting.

Whilst this is a great looking, detailed Shredder figure, it is difficult to stand up which is a grave flaw. The chainmail cape (made from rubber) helps prop up the figure. In pictures this drawback is hardly noticeable, but it does mean the toy is reliant on its only detachable accessory in order to function as a model.

Aside from the razor-cape, this version of The Shredder does not come with any additional weapons as past toys have. Perhaps the idea behind this over metallic version is that he is The Weapon!

The colour palette on The Shredder is a basic grey shade medley, some chrome and a skin tone where flesh is rarely exposed. It does the job well. No purple, blue or magenta as on past incarnations but a real world tone instead. Up close, the eyes are a couple of beady black dots seen past the faceplate that are kind of creepy, but add to the meanness radiated by this character.

All in all, The Shredder is a good wave one effort that may end up surpassed by possible later variants. The standing problems are an issue for display purposes, but not so much for play value. At the time of writing the movie has not yet been released , so judgement on how well the movie character adapts to plastic awaits further scrutiny. At this point, the toy acts as a preview to what movie-goers should experience with The Shredder’s appearance in the fresh silver screen reboot. A lot of mean metal awaits!

REVIEW: Shredder, (TMNT 2012, Basic)

From: Playmates
Retail: Variable
Accessories: Katana blade, 8 pronged Shurikens

I was really pleased to come into possession of a Nickelodeon Shredder in the early draft of the 2012 TMNT toys release. These toys were hard to come by to say the least!

Being the most notorious antagonist of Splinter and the TMNT, Shredder is an important character to be done right in the plastic. Whatever the interpretation, Shredder has to look the business! Nick Shredder delivers on most aspects!

This Shredder based on the Nickelodeon show succeeds in being a subtle blend of being sharp and pointy, but looks like he can move about freely. Scale-wise, he stands taller than the 4 Turtles as he should do and is not physically over exaggerated. Oroku Saki stands tall, strong and unrestricted - unlike the static battle poses some past Shredder toys have suffered from.

Arsenal-wise: Shredder is equipped with a nifty looking Katana which the figure can hold with authority. The other 2 items are a pair of small 8-pronged throwing stars that could easily end up inside a vaccum bag if not careful! The main 'arsenal' of course is Shredders moulded on armour, featuring his usual arm/shoulder/leg blades and scary helmet. The dragon scale motif chest plate is what defines this Shredder different from past incarnations.

Sadly, this Shredder is let down by a couple of design flaws and choices. Firstly the figure has no articulation in the knees like the Turtle brothers do, but he does have a swivel-waist!. Secondly the colours lack in places such as strapping on the back and in particular – the eyes! Shredder's illustration on the packaging shows he has a major case of 'pink eye' or otherwise lost an eye from a previous battle. The toy does not replicate this for whatever reason, and he is instead represented with clear white eyes with faint pupils which otherwise could have been coloured in. The white eyes do let the figure down when viewed from particular angles, because they just don't stand out very well.

The colour-scheme overall for Nick Shredder has strong points, in that he bears more of a real world palette. The very dark brown/purple work well and help show up depth in the design. This is less lazy than going down the clichéd black route. The grim-penny coloured armour is also an excellent choice and puts across a great dirty metal look. Certainly a milestone achievement since the original skinny, 'bare-chested', blue armoured Shredder release from Playmates.

This is also one of two Shredder toys in the first wave of Nick TMNT. It should be noted that a second 'Sound-FX' version of the Foot Clan leader depicts him a little stockier, bears longer arm blades and has a cape. Aside from these differences, both Shredders look pretty much the same as the TV show design.

I've come across many a Shredder toy in my 20+ year experience of TMNT figures. Some are reasonably good, and some are pretty bad as a basis of comparison. Despite certain setbacks, this one is a keeper. It is not 100% perfect, but it has succeeded in pushing the envelope a little further in how Shredder as a figure should be made.

A further step up the ladder has definitely been taken.