NECA: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Shadow Warriors Review

“Yes – Oroku Saki, I know who you are! We met many years ago in the home of my master, Hamato Yoshi!”

A long time ago, I made sure that I had prepared myself to never be surprised by what NECA might bring us in terms of their TMNT lines. Like, anything that they can do should be considered fair game for release because no matter how off the wall or obscure it might be, they will likely find a place to put it. That is a such an amazing place to be because I want it all, ALL OF IT. Every bit. Still, there are releases from time to time where I have to remind myself that because holy moly – I did NOT expect that.

Thus is the case with this new Shadow Warriors set based on a flashback in Splinter’s origin story recantation to April. The fateful fight between Oroku Saki (Shredder) and Hamato Yoshi is commonly known to the TMNT community, but it was such a quick point in the movie, I never really thought serious consideration would be put to giving us figural representation of the scene. Yet, here we are. I mean, I have been wanting Saki and Yoshi in the cartoon line for a bit now, but the fact that the movie counterparts are here now is just wonderful, and it shows that we are definitely not finished with the movie characters yet.

Splinter’s background story is heartbreaking, and the movie takes the origin from comics (as with most things), in that little Splinter was a martial artist in training even back in his pre-mutation days. That little ninja rat figure might be the best accessory in this set matched only by, well, the sad rat and cage accessories. Don’t get me wrong, I love the actual Saki and Yoshi figures, but even if I didn’t I would still get this set for those pack-ins alone. Still, those three pieces don’t even scratch the surface because this set is absolutely beyond loaded with accessories. It is almost overwhelming to be honest, but that just means if you cannot find a configuration to your liking for these figures, I don’t know what to tell you.

Most of them are carryovers from the Foot Soldier figure, but that is appropriate, and you get two axes, two swords, a couple of bo staffs, some nunchucks, and the nightstick looking things. Both figures also get swappable arms so and Yoshi has a gi packed in there as well, so you can play shirts or skins with either. Oh, and hands aplenty, so don’t worry about being able to arm your Foot Clanners appropriately, NECA has you covered. 

Saki’s alternate head with “rat scratch” is definitely my favorite, and I am probably going to display him in the ear-slicing pose just to highlight it. The flash back scene is darkly lit with quick cuts it is hard to make heads or tails of some of the action, but that part it most certainly vivid. I can see the case being made for Hamato Yoshi being in his construction work clothes, but I don’t have any issue with how he has been handled. It actually gives you better display options as you can have them sparring or otherwise and not be confined to the actual death scene.

If you actually saw this set coming before it was announced, kudos to you and your clairvoyance. That said, I am really glad we have this, and it makes a great addition to the line. Honestly, it makes it feel like no one is off the table (if the likeness rights can be secured) for this line, and that is such a cool thing. Remember, this set is exclusive to Wal-Mart in the US, so be hunting those grounds as it is hitting now.