History of TMNT! Varner Studios at SDCC 2023
San Diego Comic-Con, often referred to as Comic-Con International: San Diego, is a world-renowned annual pop culture convention held in San Diego, California, USA. It is one of the largest and most influential fan conventions globally, attracting enthusiasts and professionals from various entertainment industries, including comic books, movies, television, video games, anime, and more.
The event was first held in 1970 and has grown exponentially over the years, evolving from its origins as a gathering of comic book enthusiasts to a multi-genre entertainment extravaganza. Today, it is a massive celebration of all things related to pop culture, drawing in fans, celebrities, artists, writers, and industry insiders alike.
Varner Studios were the amazing team behind the sculpts of the original TMNT action figures from Playmates Toys. Every year, they have an amazing booth set up at SDCC showcasing the history of the brand. Pixel Dan walks you through this case and chats with Steve Varner about the creation of the FIRST TURTLE, the figure that started the entire original Teenage Mutant MNinja Turtles toy line!
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) toy line has a rich and fascinating history that mirrors the success and popularity of the franchise itself. Here's a brief overview of the TMNT toy line's history:
1980s: Origins and Rise to Popularity
The TMNT toy line was launched in 1988 by Playmates Toys after the success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated TV series, which premiered in 1987. The show became a massive hit and captured the hearts of children and fans worldwide.
Playmates Toys secured the license to produce action figures based on the four main characters: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. The action figures featured vibrant colors, articulation, and a unique design that set them apart from other toys at the time.
The toy line quickly became a commercial success, riding the wave of the show's popularity. Playmates Toys introduced additional characters, vehicles, and playsets, expanding the TMNT universe and keeping fans engaged.
1990s: Continued Success and Evolution
Throughout the 1990s, the TMNT toy line remained highly popular, and Playmates Toys continued to release new waves of action figures and accessories. The toy line complemented the numerous TMNT movies, TV shows, and comic books released during this decade.
In 1990, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action film was released, further boosting the franchise's popularity and driving toy sales.
The toy line evolved to include different variations of the turtles, such as the "Movie Star Turtles" with softer heads and "Turtle Force" figures with light-up features.
2000s: A Resurgence and Expansion
In the early 2000s, Playmates Toys launched a new line of TMNT action figures tied to the animated TV series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2003-2009). This series rebooted the TMNT universe and introduced a new generation of fans to the beloved characters.
The toy line saw further expansion with new villains, vehicles, and playsets inspired by the updated TV show.
2010s and Beyond: Modern Reboots and Nostalgia
In 2012, a new animated TV series called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" premiered, and Playmates Toys released a corresponding line of action figures. This series, too, gained significant popularity among both children and fans of the original franchise.
Playmates Toys continued to release new iterations of TMNT action figures, adapting to changing trends and maintaining the appeal of the franchise.
The TMNT toy line has proven to be one of the most successful and enduring franchises in the toy industry, showcasing the enduring popularity and timeless appeal of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It has undoubtedly become a cherished part of pop culture history, delighting generations of fans with its action-packed adventures and memorable characters.
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