TNI's Guide To Collecting Classic TMNT-1989(Part 3)

As we leave 1988, with the first 10 figures, another 10 figures have been created! More mutants, a vigilante ally, a psychotic delusional self proclaimed "Rat King", a robot turtle, and an alien warlord with his rock-headed general. It is time for new figures!

It is time for 1989! A time when hip-hop and R&B was rising! A time when Desert Shield was heating up! A time for Soviets to leave Afghanistan! A time when the 80s were coming to a close, and the 90s were about to begin. A time when I was in middle school, and still wondering why I was still playing with Ninja Turtles?!

anyhoo-

We will observe 3 figures in part 2. Ace Duck, Genghis Frog and Baxter Stockman. Each of these figures have their variations, some rare, some not so rare.

Ace Duck-

There is 2 things that is a variation of Ace Duck. His head and hat. It is known as, "Hat On", "Hat Off". Now the first version was "Hat Off". This particular Ace Duck came with a hat that you just placed on his head with no assistance. However, when you fly him around in the air with his detachable wings strapped on, the hat seems to just- fall off...This is when Playmates decided to switch to the "Hat On" version. Many, many "Hat On" versions of Ace Duck were produced. The "Hat On" version has a convenient hole in the top of his head, with a peg under his hat so that when you fly Ace Duck in the air, his hat stays on....why Playmates toys did not do this in the first place is beyond me...but needless to say, despite the hats "dis-position", the "Hat Off" version of Ace Duck is your rarity of the two.

Ace Duck Fact- "Ace Duck was never an actual TMNT cartoon/comic/movie character per say. He was actually a TV character favorite of Michaelangelo. In the episode "Attack of Big MACC", Ace Duck is seen for a brief amount of time as Michaleangelo whines about having to leave behind watching the Ace Duck film festival to go on another "Lets go check it out" turtle adventure outing.

Genghis Frog-

Only one thing can be said about the rarity of Genghis Frog- his Beach Bandolier with Cola Can Grenades belt. They made two versions- one black, the most common, and the very very very rare yellow belt. I have come across only 2 of these in my time. One sits in my collection of coarse, and the other now sits with some fanatical TMNT collector such as myself. HOWEVER, there is something you need to know about this belt! It is not actually yellow. This is where it gets tricky. The belt is the same color as Ace Ducks belt, and the same design! How do you tell? By the holes for the grenades/bombs. With Ace Ducks belt, the holes are larger. If you have an extra Ace Duck belt, and the holes are smaller, you have $15-$20 part in your hand. Yet, confirm it with a black Genghis belt first to be sure.

Baxter Stockman

I don't know why Playmates made the design for Baxter "Turtle Swatter" with switching colored parts. Uhhh different factories? 2 parts to the swatter- handle, and swatter. Two colors- light blue, and tan. Sometimes back and forth the colors go- blue handle, tan swatter. Tan handle, blue swatter. I have found about an equal share of both. No extreme rarity to either- just pick one.

Are you ready for part 4 as we enter the 90s? Still eating your pizza and watching the Ace Duck film fest? The 80s is over kiddies! So sit back and be prepared to be shell shocked as we enter- the 90s!!!!