Ralph X Rodan [TMNT X Godzilla]

So, if anything, the slightly random nature of the TMNT X Godzilla toys is part of the magic. Clearly there was going to be a Rodan, and since Raphael wears red, they’re a match. However, as a fan, I can’t just let it be that simple. See, Raphael (cool, but rude) has that infamous fiery temper. The Rodans not only died in a volcano in their debut movie, but Fire Rodan was introduced in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, complete with the Uranium Heat Beam ability. The MonsterVerse Rodan was discovered in a volcano as well. See? Spiciness is implied… it works.

The merging of Rodan and Raphael also looks absolutely awesome. Admittedly, combining monsters and mutants is already a winning combination, but all of these designs have been great so far. I didn’t mention it in Mikey X King Ghidorah, but these figures have an excellent amount of articulation in addition to the detailed sculpting and strong coloring. Playmates makes awesome toys, and that’s on full display here.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Rodan thanks to that Shogun Warriors version I played with until it literally fell apart. And even though Michelangelo is my favorite turtle, there have been times when Raphael has taken that spot. Sometimes, when life gets hard and you’re mad at the world, you can relate.

I love how the wings are incorporated, and I really enjoy his trademark sai being enhanced with that fiery Uranium Heat Beam energy. This one really nails the concept and is sitting somewhere special in my heart.

Raphael [Turtles of Grayskull]

After tracking Shredder to Krang's Technodrome, Raph charged in headfirst, then a flash sent the Turtles to Eternia. Wearing Ram Man's spare armor, he's tracking Shred Head and seeking a way back home.

Cool but rude, Raphael is wearing Ram Man's outfit to fight the Evil Warriors and Foot Clans team-up. It's easy to say this line goes hard, but in this instance, it goes really hard. Raphael looks amazing as a Ram Man analog, and considering his stubbornness... it's a fitting match. Outside of that it just looks great. Raphael comes with a cool twist on his trademark Sai, one is a large Eternia variation that can be stored on his shell. The other is attached to a gnarly gauntlet that allows for a real Punch of Kill Everything. Like the other Turtles, his shell can be detached and held as a shield. Everything just works so well and looks so cool, Ralph should really be the poster boy for the line. He just sells the line theme and gimmick so well. Of course he has the standard MOTU Origins amount of articulation and like the other Turtles his bandanna even has articulation. This is such a cool figure.

Raphael (Mutant Mayhem)

My newest TMNT figure from the Mutant Mayhem line is Raphael. I've always loved his always angry character. Normally the group is recognized for being goofballs when the focal point is often between Raphael and Leonardo bumping heads. Like the two before him, Raphael is well articulated and full of character. His trademark grimace is topped of with his mask worn more like a bandanna as it often is. 

As you'd expect, he comes with his trademark pair of sai. Also included is his the weapon rack like the others and a baby turtle. This rack comes cast in silver plastic for some nice variety. There's a can of ooze, throwing stars, and a slice of pizza as in the other racks. There's also a pair of hook swords and a dirk to give Raphael something extra in a fight. I like the contrast between the sillier turtles and the more serious ones that starts here with Raphael. I didn't have time to get a regular picture of him either, but I doubt you mind the stock imagery. We just have Leonardo to go and I'm looking forward to completing the set.