Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rise To New Heights At American International Toy Fair In New York City

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Playmates Toys, the company behind the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninjas Turtles toy line over the last three decades, is set to introduce its all-new 2014 line, inspired by Nickelodeon's hit CG-animated show. The lineup provides non-stop Ninja adventures, including playsets that allow the Turtles to zip line, new action figures with unique interactive features and a new segment designed especially for preschoolers. The complete line will be on display at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, February 16-19, 2014, Booth #2227.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, considered one of the most popular kids' entertainment brands of the 1980s, made a triumphant return in September 2012 with the launch of Nickelodeon's CG-animated show and an all-new toy line inspired by the show from Playmates Toys. Now in its second season, the series continues to be a hit with audiences. The toy line is also a proven success, with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles once again becoming the number one action figure line in the toy industry, while also receiving numerous industry awards.

"The enormous success of the toy line since its epic return in 2012 demonstrates the timeless appeal of the heroes in a half shell," said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys.  "Playmates Toys is proud to continue the evolution of the toy line, which offers unique new features and scenarios that provide kids as young as three with open-ended and imaginative Ninja play."

"Playmates Toys have outdone themselves with a robust 2014 product assortment that truly captures the heart and soul of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing. "The introduction of Half-Shell Heroes and Z-Line Ninjas, coupled with the amazing refresh of our core line will have our fans oozing with excitement! We're looking forward to another monumental year for Turtles."

Highlights of the 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line from Playmates Toys include the following:

Action Figures
The Basic Action Figure assortment continues to grow with the addition of more than 25 new figures in 2014, including some of the most beloved characters from the original 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series such as Casey Jones, Mutagen Man and Slash. The highly detailed action figures are fully articulated and uniquely sculpted, with heights ranging from 4" to 5.5". Each figure is equipped with unique accessories and is compatible with most of the vehicles and playsets in the line. Figures launching in the spring include Casey Jones, Kirby Bat, Rahzar, Mutagen Man and Slash. Figures launching in the fall include the Robotic Foot Soldier, Dojo Splinter, Newtralizer and Squirrelanoid.

Playmates Toys is truly putting the action back into action figures with the introduction of the Ninja Action Deluxe Figures. Kids can wind the figures up and watch as they perform Ninja moves, including awesome front flips, non-stop Ninja cartwheels and extreme knee spins! The collection includes Ninja Cartwheelin' Leonardo, Ninja Front Flipping Raphael and Ninja Strikin' Michelangelo.

Kids' favorite heroes in a half shell come to life with the new 11" Interactive Talking Turtles. These Turtles have a lot to say and can even talk to one another. Each Turtle knows when one of their brothers is talking and can even provide their own unique responses. When all four of the Turtles are together, kids can listen as their personalities come to life! The collection includes Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo.

With the Stretch N Shout Action Figures, kids can hear the "battle shouts" of their favorite Turtles, allowing the individual personalities of the Turtles to shine through.  Each figure stands over 8" tall, comes with their core accessories and features stretchable arms. Kids can stretch the Turtles' arms, listening to the pitch get higher as the arms are stretched further. The collection includes Leonardo and Raphael.    

Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are always ready for a battle against Shredder and the evil Foot Clan, and now the Turtles can be thrown into the battle with the Throw N' Battle Deluxe Figures . Decked out in their night ninja outfits, the Throw N' Battle Turtles start out in stealth mode with their legs and arms folded behind their head.  Give them a toss into the battle and they spring to their feet, unleash their weapons and are ready to take out Shredder and the Foot! 

Z-Line Ninja Playsets
The all-new collection of Z-line Ninja playsets allows kids to zip their Turtles action figures around the room and from wall to wall. The playsets attach safely to walls and the zip-lines are easily connected, allowing kids to trigger a chain reaction, launching even more Turtle figures! The line includes two basic playsets, Freefall Fire Escape and Window Wipeout, as well as two deluxe playsets, Water Tower Washout and Billboard Breakout.  For the ultimate zip-lining fans, the Construction Crane Cascade is an action-packed playset featuring a high flying pully system that allows kids to zip their Turtles from greater heights to gain attack speed. Each playset includes a gargoyle launcher, zip-lines, angle gauge and more. For extended Ninja play, all Z-line Ninja sets connect to create a world of zip-line action! Action figures are sold separately.

Half Shell Heroes Preschool Segment
For the first time, kids as young as three can join in non-stop Ninja fun. The all-new Half Shell Heroes segment includes action figures, vehicles and playsets, sized just right for preschool hands. It allows little ones to enjoy open-ended imaginative play adventures with the whole family of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles heroes and mutants.

The line includes an assortment of 2.5" action figures, including Leo with Luge, Mikey with Skateboard and Raph with Mini Cycle. The Shellraiser, the renowned Turtles group vehicle, is also featured in the line, allowing preschoolers to drive the Turtles into their next battle.  Additionally, the Secret Sewer HQ Playset with Mikey and Splinter is packed with exciting Ninja action features, allowing little ones to engage in endless Ninja play.   Rounding out the line is the Mega Mutant Leonardo, which allows little ones to practice ninja training with Leonardo as they control his ninja kicks and chops.

Vehicles
An iconic group vehicle from the original TV series is back! The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Blimp inflates to about 30 inches long, features Turtle gliding wings, authentic Turtle graphics, holds up to five of the Turtles basic action figures and includes a rappelling system to quickly drop the Turtles into battle! The blimp's easy grip handle helps kids to maneuver the battle between the Turtles and Shredder and the Foot.

About Playmates Toys
With a history of over 40 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HEARTS FOR HEARTS GIRLS and WATERBABIES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com or http://facebook.com/playmatestoys

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB)

SOURCE Playmates Toys